China's decision to allow its currency to appreciate could boost the New Zealand tourism market, an economist says.
According to latest Statistics New Zealand figures, about 141,000 visitors arrived here May - on a par with the same month last year.
While overall numbers remained flat, the number of visitors from China, Japan and South Korea increased, offsetting fewer arrivals from Australia.
ANZ senior economist Khoon Goh says China's move to allow its currency to appreciate is likely to spill over into stronger Asian currencies in general, giving Asian visitors increased purchasing power when they come to New Zealand.
