More Chinese tourists came to New Zealand last month than in any other August on record.
Figures released today by Statistics New Zealand show visitor numbers went from 4600 in August last year to 9700 this year.
The 110% increase surpasses the previous high of 9000 visitors in August 2007.
Statistics New Zealand links the rise to a recovery from the global economic downturn and the swine flu pandemic.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler says he expects Chinese tourist numbers to grow strongly for the rest of the year and into 2011.
Mr Bowler says the Shanghai World Expo and a prime ministerial visit to China are yet to be fully reflected in the tourism numbers.
