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Date: 19/8/04
www.newzealand.com
International tourism to New Zealand has achieved another milestone hitting two-and-a quarter million visitor arrivals for the first time.
With 200,000 more international visitor arrivals for the year end June 2004, international tourism contributed an extra US$390 million to the New Zealand economy, confirming its position as New Zealand's top export industry with strong scope for further growth.
George Hickton, Chief Executive Tourism New Zealand said "It's taken only 18 months for us to increase from 2 million visitor arrivals which we hit for the first time in December 2002 to this new milestone."
The Gulf region has reported an overwhelming level of growth, growing 52.1% in the month of June compared to June 2003. Arrivals from this growing region can be attributed to the introduction of Emirates’ thrice-daily Australia – Auckland services in August 2003. This has made New Zealand an easily accessible holiday destination for residents of the Gulf region.
In total there were 134,813 visitor arrivals globally for the month of June 2004, an increase of 20.4% from 2003. For the year end June 2004 there were 2,250,191 visitor arrivals in total, an increase of 9.7% compared to the year end June 2003.
New Zealand’s magnificent scenery, pleasant climate and visa free status for GCC nationals is fast making it the new hot destination for visitors from this region. Furthermore, the recent introduction of the new Melbourne – Christchurch Emirates operation which began on 01 July 2004 will further contribute to this positive growth trend.
For those thinking about visiting New Zealand with family, they can be confident that New Zealand has a wide range of activities to keep children happy. New Zealand’s parks and large areas of unspoilt wilderness are ideal places to expand your children’s appreciation of wildlife and the outdoors. Horse riding, snow activities, whale watching and wildlife centres and zoos are just some of the choices available.
You can visit New Zealand at any time of the year! Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10°C over most of the country, making New Zealand an ideal holiday destination all year round. During the hot summer in Gulf region, you’ll find snow on New Zealand’s panoramic mountains and excellent skiing, suitable for all levels of experience. Away from the mountains, New Zealand winters are mild and day-time temperatures range between 8°C - 15°C. | 
