27th March 2024 ANZ / Recovery
Tourism has been a bright spot for the economy with Otago among the biggest beneficiaries although domestic demand remains subdued.
There has been a strong start to the summer tourist season but capacity constraints are dragging the industry, according to ANZ.
Forward bookings are looking strong for the recovery of tourism but labour shortages continue to plague operators, says the bank.
Operators normally dependent on international visitors are cutting staff and “treading water”, just managing to be kept afloat by domestic tourism, according to a report from ANZ.
The strengthening global economy, lower NZ dollar and increasing international mobility and connectivity will sustain the current tourism boom, according to bank ASB.
Short-term visitor arrivals were flat in March compared to the same month last year marking the first period since 2014 when a new monthly record was not set.
Tourism is on a tear with no sign of slowing, driven by ever-higher numbers of Chinese tourists, right? Actually, no.