Our take on the latest Tourism data (Wed 13 Nov 2024)
Tourism arrivals rose just 0.9%pa in September 2024
Total arrivals at 87% of pre-pandemic levels
Queenstown Airport arrivals at 130% of pre-pandemic levels
The key numbers...
- Tourism arrivals totalled 226,889 in September 2024, up just 0.9%pa from September 2023, the slowest annual growth since February 2022. Arrivals in September 2024 equated to 87% of pre-pandemic levels, up narrowly from 86% in September 2023.
- Tourism arrivals from China totalled 20,603, up 8.1% from September 2023. Arrivals from China have been volatile this year on a percentage of pre-pandemic levels basis, peaking at 92% in July, falling to 64% in August and rising again to 75% in September. Arrivals from China made up 9.1% of tourism arrivals in August 2024, compared to 10.5% in September 2019 (pre-pandemic).
- Tourism arrivals from Australia totalled a solid 120,743 in September, the highest monthly total in six months, up 3.5% from September 2023. Arrivals from Australia were at 92% of pre-pandemic levels and continue to hover around the 90% mark. Arrivals from Australia made up 53% of tourism arrivals in September.
- Queenstown Airport arrivals continue to strengthen, now totalling 130% of pre-pandemic levels in September 2024, with Auckland following well behind at 83%. Wellington and Christchurch arrivals are at 81% and 75% respectively.
- Tourism arrivals by purpose of visit remained steady in September, with 49% of visitors arriving for a holiday, followed by 29% visiting friends and family, and 7% for business with the remainder for other reasons.
Chinese tourism numbers remain volatile
Monthly tourism arrivals, % of pre-pandemic (2019) levels
...and our reaction
- Uncertainty remains over future arrivals from China as the Chinese economy continues to tackle pressures from the idling property market. The Chinese government have introduced multiple stimulus packages to improve confidence and investment in recent months, which may help keep arrival numbers buoyant. Arrivals from China reached 92% of pre-pandemic levels just a few months ago in July, but we do not expect visitor numbers to breach the 100% threshold anytime soon.
- The average length of stay in the year to September 2024 was 21 days, up from 18 days in the year to September 2019 (pre-pandemic). The annual average has ticked down after hitting 24 days in the year to January 2024.
- Departures of NZ tourists ticked back up to 97% of pre-pandemic levels in September and has remained above 90% since November 2023. Despite cost-of-living pressures, there seems to be enough Kiwis with sufficient discretionary funds and confidence to venture overseas.
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