This Content Is Only For Subscribers
The Government has welcomed new data showing continued growth in international visitor arrivals and rising confidence across the tourism sector.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says international tourism remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy and a key part of its ongoing recovery.
“International tourism, as New Zealand’s second highest export earner, is a key part of our economic recovery,” Upston says. “It is great to see that international visitor arrivals in August were up 7.5 per cent from the same time last year.
“With summer around the corner, we are making steady progress against our goal to return to pre-COVID visitor levels, sitting at 88 per cent of December 2019 numbers.
“More visitors means more full tables in our restaurants, more bookings in our hotels, more people visiting our regions and attractions, and more jobs being created across the country.”
Statistics New Zealand’s latest International Travel and Migration data shows that of the 230,300 international visitor arrivals in August 2025, 52 per cent were from Australia, 9 per cent from China, and 5 per cent from the United States.
“These positive statistics reflect what the tourism industry is seeing themselves first-hand,” Upston says. “A Tourism Industry Aotearoa survey also released today shows 86 per cent of tourism organisations feeling confident about the year ahead — up 11 per cent on last year’s results.
“We know the benefits a thriving tourism and hospitality sector brings to our economy, supporting local regions and communities. That’s why our Government has made a series of investments this year to boost demand and position New Zealand as a go-to destination for travellers planning their next holiday.”
