Australian tourists have boosted spending by visitors to New Zealand, which has increased despite higher airfares and a slowing global economy.
Tourism Ministry figures show spending by overseas visitors stood at $6.2 billion in the year to March, up 2.7% on the previous year.
Australians led the growth, lifting their spending 17% to $1.7 billion, while spending from most Asian nations decreased, as they preferred to travel closer to home.
Tourism Ministry research manager, Bruce Bassett says Australians make up about two-thirds of visitor numbers, and are expected to provide the backbone to an industry hit by rising travel costs and an international economic downturn.
Spending from visitors of New Zealand's traditional markets - Australia, Britain and the United States - has grown over the past five years.
However Mr Bassett says attracting visitors from Asia has become more difficult, as travel within the region has become very affordable.
Domestic travel spending down
The Tourism Ministry figures reveal New Zealanders are spending less on domestic travel.
Data released by the Ministry of Tourism shows New Zealand travellers spent $7.4 billion on travel within the country in the year to March 2008, almost 3% less than the previous year.
The ministry says the reduction in domestic travel is a direct consequence of increased costs, particularly for fuel.
