Record numbers of international and domestic visitors to Auckland has resulted in a record-breaking contribution of $6.5 billion to the local economy.

The Regional Tourism Estimate (RTE) figures released today by Statistics New Zealand revealed total tourism expenditure in Auckland increased by 15 per cent in the year ended March 2015, with international visitors contributing $3.227 billion (up 18%) and domestic visitors $3.268 billion (up 8%).

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says Auckland welcomed more than two million international arrivals as well as four million domestic guest nights in commercial accommodation between March 2014 and March 2015. 

“More people are visiting Auckland than ever before and they’re generally spending and doing more evident in the 13 per cent increase in attraction and activity spend, all contributing in this significant boost to the local economy,” he says.

“These record-breaking results are fantastic for Auckland and are hitting ATEED’s own aspirational targets, and delivery of the goals outlined in the Auckland Visitor Plan. It’s particularly good to see that Auckland is attracting more domestic visitors than any other region in the country helping smooth out seasonal peaks.

Auckland’s massive 2014/15 line-up of events – which included two world cups – pumped more than $85 million into the regional economy based off an investment by ATEED, on behalf of Auckland council, of $14 million. These events generated more than 426,500 visitor nights, and saw more than two million people attend the different major events around the city.

Mayor Len Brown says, “This unprecedented year of events, along with regular proactive tourism marketing campaigns, a growing business events sector, record numbers of international students studying in Auckland, and increases in air capacity have all played a significant role in achieving these results.

“It’s truly been an industry wide effort and the flow-on effects from the visitor economy can already been seen throughout the city with new developments to support better infrastructure, more investment and most importantly more jobs for the Auckland economy.”

SKYCITY Auckland Hotels and Sky Tower General Manager, Bradley Burnett, says SKYCITY has delivered exceptional results for the last financial year with strong growth across the entire site.

“And now as we head into FY15 Sky Tower visitation is up seven per cent compared to the same period last year, which is a positive indication as we head into the busy summer season. Our SKYCITY hotels also continue to perform strongly with both enjoying a lift in rates, which is consistent with what we’re seeing across Auckland, while also running at capacity.”

EcoZip Adventures Managing Director Gavin Oliver says his Waiheke-based business has seen fantastic growth since it started operating in 2012.

“The Auckland tourism industry has every right to be proud of these excellent results. The 2015 season for EcoZip marked an upturn in both revenues and yield and this season we’re already experiencing consistent, double-digit growth.”

The Auckland Visitor Plan – created on behalf of Auckland Council – aims to grow the region’s visitor economy from a $4.8 billion industry in 2012 to a $7.2 billion sector in 2021.  

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