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As the warm sun sets on another bustling summer season, New Zealand’s tourism sector breathes a sigh of relief and satisfaction. With the end of March marking the culmination of peak season for international visitors and domestic holidaymakers, this summer has proven a period of recovery and remarkable triumph.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram reflects on the season with a sense of accomplishment, noting the favourable weather that contributed to a hectic period for many operators. “The general sentiment is buoyant,” Ingram states. “This summer has not only been vibrant but continues to play a crucial role in our economy and the lives of New Zealanders.”

TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram

In the heart of Auckland and Waikato, Bush and Beach, a premier guided tour operator led by Ben Thornton, experienced what Thornton describes as “the best summer ever.” The surge in demand saw most tours fully booked since the outset of October, a testament to the industry’s resilience and the unwavering allure of New Zealand’s landscapes.

Not to be outdone, Waiheke Island’s EcoZip, under the stewardship of Gavin Oliver, enjoyed what Oliver terms an “incredible” season. With an extended summer drawing visitors in droves, the North American market, in particular, showed robust patronage. Oliver also highlights adding new attractions, like the Hobbit Hole at Hobbiton and EcoZip’s new zipline in Kaikoura, as signs of an industry recovering and innovating.

The significance of this summer extends beyond the immediate financial uplift; it sets a tone of optimism as the industry navigates towards the winter months and beyond. With New Zealand’s favourable exchange rate continuing to attract international visitors, the stage is set for TRENZ, the tourism industry’s flagship trade event, to solidify New Zealand’s position on the global tourism map. More than 300 international buyers are expected to converge in Wellington, laying the groundwork for years to come.

As New Zealand’s tourism sector looks ahead, the numbers speak volumes of its recovery and potential. Despite not yet reaching pre-pandemic levels, the indicators are promising. The total international visitor spending edged close to $10 billion in the year to December 2023, with tourism reaffirming its position as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy. Holiday parks and other accommodations have seen record-breaking occupancy, and the sector’s contribution to employment is more significant than ever.

This summer has been more than a season; it’s been a statement. New Zealand’s tourism is not just back; it’s moving forward with renewed vigour and vision, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.