Official International Visitor Arrivals figures released show New Zealand tourism remains healthy with holiday visitor arrivals up 2.2 percent in January 2019. This growth is driven by holiday visitors from China, New Zealand's most valuable visitor group which contributed around $1.7 billion of spend in New Zealand last year.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive, Stephen England-Hall says the moderation in visitor arrival growth is not unexpected given the cyclical nature of global travel trends, which sees significant arrivals growth followed by growth moderation every few years.

“New Zealand isn’t immune to global trends which is why Tourism New Zealand’s portfolio strategy is designed to provide balance across markets when macro factors impact a certain market or markets,” says Mr England-Hall.

See also: New Zealand visitor spend outpacing arrival numbers

“As we head into a period of moderate arrival growth it is incredibly important for New Zealand to continue to remain a desirable destination and top of mind as an option for international travelers.

“Competition for visitors is increasing through ever-expanding air connectivity and campaign activity by countries with much larger marketing budgets than New Zealand.”

See also: InterContinental Hotel Auckland to anchor $1bn One Queen Street development in Commercial Bay

“Tourism New Zealand’s focus is on building New Zealand’s international destination brand to maximise the long-term benefits – like employment, community investment and business opportunities – for the betterment of New Zealand and New Zealanders.”

Tourism New Zealand is the crown entity responsible for attracting high-value visitors to New Zealand and providing advice to the government and the tourism industry.

Click here to view the Tourism New Zealand website with further information.

See New Zealand's latest hotel developments:

Queenstown Waterfall Park Hotel approved by council

Queenstown’s highest altitude boutique hotel opens, Kāmana Lakehouse

$29 million luxury hotel to open in Christchurch’s Arts Centre

'The Langlands' New name for $40m Invercargill Licensing Trust hotel

The Lindis luxury lodge adds to New Zealand's luxury travel trend

New 'Smart' hotel opens in Queenstown

See sold hotels in the New Zealand:

Auckland Waldorf Stadium Hotel sold, the largest Auckland hotel transaction in 12 years

Auckland CBD Holiday Inn and EVEN Hotel site sold to Pro-Invest for $31m

Auckland CBD Best Western Hotel sold Dean Humphries Colliers International

Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove Resort sold to Marlborough Tour Company