This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Figures released by Stats NZ show tourism continues to be a major driver of the New Zealand economy, supporting 327,888 jobs directly and indirectly — up nearly 9,000 roles on the previous year.
Total tourism expenditure reached $46.6 billion for the year to March 2025, including spending by both international and domestic visitors.
International visitor expenditure rose 7 per cent to $18.1 billion, up from $16.9 billion the previous year.
The figures come from the annual Tourism Satellite Account, which measures tourism’s economic contribution within New Zealand.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram says the TSA provides the most reliable snapshot of the sector’s value.
“Tourism businesses love what they do, and the information released today shows that this passion translates to more jobs, valuable export earnings and continued growth,” Rebecca says.
“The TSA provides solid, comparable data on how tourism fits within the economy — and what’s driving some of the year-on-year trends that we’re seeing.”
Rebecca also highlighted growth in tourism proprietors.
“I was very pleased to see an increase from 22,548 to 23,919 tourism proprietors, which signals more Kiwis are creating and running their own businesses.”
Key highlights
- Tourism contributed 7.7 per cent of New Zealand’s GDP (directly and indirectly), steady on the previous year.
- International visitor spending increased 7 per cent to $18.1 billion.
- Domestic tourism expenditure rose 1 per cent to $28.5 billion.
- Total GST paid on purchases by visitors reached almost $4.39 billion, up from $4.24 billion.
- International tourism remained New Zealand’s second largest export industry, accounting for 17 per cent of total exports.
- Tourism and dairy combined generated 38.6 per cent of total exports of goods and services.
- Tourism supported 11.4 per cent of all jobs in New Zealand.
Tourism is currently contributing $46.6 billion annually and remains on track toward a target of $55 billion a year by 2030.
Looking ahead, Rebecca says future data is expected to show further gains.
“The information released today covers the period including summer 2024/2025. Since then, significant effort has gone into stimulating demand and strengthening New Zealand tourism’s global position.
“We are confident next year’s TSA data will reflect that continued momentum.”
