While we in the tourism industry might like to believe that the downturn in the global economy is to blame for our falling tourist numbers, this view was shattered by figures released by
Tourism New Zealand recently (1/3/10). Visits to New Zealand during the peak summer month of January 2010 were up 5.2% compared to January 2009. Among the highlights -
- Australia up 15.7%
- Japan up 15.5%
- Germany up 10.6%
- Canada up 4.4%
- US up 0.6%
- UK down just 0.6%
For broad comparison, total overseas visitor numbers to Ireland last year were as follows -
- Australia down 18%
- Japan down 7.9%
- Germany down 10.5%
- Canada down 9.3%
- US down 2%
- UK down 16%
The sense that we, as an industry, are at the mercy of global factors outside our control, serves only to promote a feeling of helplessness. But this need not be the case, as certain hoteliers outlined at the IHF Conference this week (see below). Naturally, it helps that the
New Zealand Prime Minister is also the '
Minister of Tourism'! Imagine what the impact for Ireland would be if Brian Cowen followed his lead and took responsibility for the tourism ministry in the upcoming cabinet re-shuffle!
While we in the tourism industry might like to believe that the downturn in the global economy is to blame for our falling tourist numbers, this view was shattered by figures released by Tourism New Zealand recently (1/3/10). Visits to New Zealand during the peak summer month of January 2010 were up 5.2% compared to January 2009. Among the highlights -
2 comments:
One thing to consider when looking at the New Zealand statistics is that our tourism industry was mostly affected by the recession in our high season of 2008/09 so recent stats are a comparison with that period, however it is great to see that we have recovered this season with increases from key markets.
Tourism NZ have deliberately been focusing their campaigns toward more stable and key markets like Australia. It's also apparent that the recession has been felt a lot harder in the UK and Europe therefore NZ has been able to maintain good tourism revenues from our domestic market and close neighbours.
Hi Michelle, thank you for getting in touch and for sharing your thoughts.Yes, Europe is having a tough time (mainly because of the fall in the UK outbound market). However,your numbers from Germany are particularly impressive! What's the secret? As our 2010 season gets underway, your figures have given us all a boost!
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