The Ministry of Tourism says the long-term outlook for tourism is positive with the amount overseas tourists spend in New Zealand forecast to reach $8.2 billion by 2015.
Figures issued on Friday forecast international tourism spending, excluding airfares, to grow by an average of 4.7% each year.
Spending is down 2% this year, but is expected to increase next year.
While short-term spending forecasts are low due to the recession, The ministry says the longer term outlook remains very positive.
Spending for 2011 is forecast to increase by 9.1% because of the recovering global economy and the Rugby World Cup that year, which will be in New Zealand.
