New Zealand Visitor Arrivals down 2.1% in June 2008

New Zealand visitor arrivals were down 2.1% to just over 140,000 visitors in June 2008 compared to the same month in 2007.

"It appears global economic uncertainty as well as local factors like the US election have had an impact on some of New Zealand’s major markets," Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton said.

The presidential race in the U.S. and concerns over the economy appear to have hit the US, with arrivals for June down 12.4%. The UK however picked up slightly with arrivals up by 2.2%.

"Feedback from operators was for a slower June, so the downturn is much as anticipated," Mr Hickton said.

Tourism New Zealand is working on campaign activity in major markets to be launched over the next few months, with the aim of driving visitors to New Zealand in the spring and summer months.

The "What’s On" campaign targeting New Zealand’s largest market, Australia, will soon launch the third year of a targeted Spring campaign in partnership with Regional Tourism Organisations.

Highlights of New Zealand's International Visitor arrivals June 2008:

Australia - 64,904, up 1.9% 
UK - 9,785, up 2.2% 
USA - 12,616, down -12.4% 
Canada - 1,577, down -3.5% 
China - 5,054, down -24.0% 
Korea - 6,042, down -17.6% 
Japan - 7,030, down -4.4%

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