New Zealand Sees 40% Surge in Chinese Tourists Under Australia Travel Trial

New Zealand is experiencing a significant influx of Chinese tourists following the launch of a 12-month visa-waiver trial, which has reportedly boosted arrivals by 40%. The trial, initiated in November, allows Chinese nationals traveling from Australia to enter New Zealand without a visa, simplifying the travel process.

Tourism Minister Louise Upston announced the encouraging figures on June 25 in Wellington, highlighting the trial's success in its initial six months. Tourism is a critical sector for New Zealand's economy, ranking as its second-largest export earner after dairy. The government views its growth as vital, especially amid suppressed domestic spending and investment due to economic uncertainties and high fuel costs.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, China was New Zealand's second-largest source of international visitors. While numbers have not yet fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, the current trial is making a substantial economic impact. Upston estimates that the initiative has already injected approximately NZ$215 million (S$157 million) into the economy. As of May 31, over 90,000 electronic travel authorities had been issued to Chinese nationals under the trial, with a significant portion already used for travel.

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That’s tourism dollars flowing into the New Zealand economy. It’s people filling hotel rooms, cafes, restaurants and shops. It’s jobs and incomes for Kiwis, and it’s growth for New Zealand businesses across the country.

"That's tourism dollars flowing into the New Zealand economy," Upston stated. "It's people filling hotel rooms, cafes, restaurants and shops. It's jobs and incomes for Kiwis, and it's growth for New Zealand businesses across the country."

Auckland Airport is also anticipating the positive effects, forecasting an 8% increase in seat capacity on routes to mainland China over the next year. China Eastern Airlines is set to enhance its Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires service frequency. Airport officials emphasize that increased capacity is crucial for attracting both general tourists and those visiting friends and family, both of whom are essential for the tourism economy. Chinese visitors typically spend an average of nine days in New Zealand, contributing around NZ$5,500 each.

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Increased seat capacity on the Auckland-China routes is a key driver for visitor and visiting friends and family markets, both of which are vital to growing our tourism economy.