Encouraging Australian Tourists to Visit New Zealand – Auckland Airport reveals plan

Auckland Airport has revealed a strategic plan to attract Australian tourists back to New Zealand, focusing on promoting travel to two key cities. Nearly two years after New Zealand reopened its borders to international tourists, recent data shows that international visitor arrivals have reached 80% of their 2019 levels.

Visitor numbers from the United States, United Kingdom, and India have not only recovered but have surpassed 2019 figures. However, Australian visitor numbers, one of New Zealand’s most crucial inbound tourism markets, have only recovered to 83% of their pre-COVID levels. This translates to 265,000 fewer Australian tourists visiting Aotearoa between February 2023 and 2024 compared to pre-pandemic figures.

Auckland Airport’s chief executive, Carrie Hurihanganui, highlighted this at the Auckland Airport Tourism Forum in Wellington, noting that while Australia now ranks above average, it still represents the largest visitor volume shortfall for New Zealand. Given that Australians accounted for 40% of all international visitors pre-COVID, their full return is vital for the country’s tourism recovery. With some of the best hotels in Aukland which include properties like Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences, which is a well-known brand to Australians promise great stays which are sure to bring in tourists gradually.