新西兰7月海外游客到访量创历史同期新高、首超疫前，澳大利亚游客占比过半

New Zealand tourist arrivals hit a record high for July, with overseas visitor numbers for the month finally exceeding pre-pandemic levels, aided by a surge in Australians cashing in on a favorable exchange rate.

Visitors from Australia totaled 134,900 in July, making up more than half of the 256,600 arrivals, according to Statistics New Zealand data released Monday in Wellington. July was the first month that overseas visitor arrivals have exceeded their pre-Covid level, compared with the same month in 2019.

Queenstown Airport, the air-travel hub for South Island ski destinations, reported international passenger numbers in July increased by 22% from a year earlier, according to data from Auckland Airport, which has a strategic alliance with its Queenstown counterpart. The southern airport can be used as a proxy for trans-Tasman travel as its only scheduled international commercial flights originate from Australia.

The influx of tourists came as Australia’s dollar surged in May to its strongest level against the kiwi in more than 13 years. The Aussie’s strength has extended into the third quarter, with A$1 buying about NZ$1.24 on Monday to give Australian tourists greater purchasing power.

New Zealand’s tourism industry, the nation’s largest export earner after dairy, has struggled to recover from strict Covid measures that shut the nation’s borders and hammered operators. The sector has become an important component of the government’s economic growth strategy and a rare bright spot ahead of November’s election.

By contrast, local consumer spending and investment have been subdued due to high fuel costs and uncertainty. Second quarter gross domestic product data on Thursday are forecast to show the economy all-but stagnated in the period.

Read more: Aussie Newlyweds, Rugby Fans Cash In on New Zealand Bargains

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said Monday’s data show that international tourism is continuing to build momentum.

“We’ve welcomed 3.69 million arrivals in the year to July – up 9% on the year prior,” she said in a statement. “These results are another positive step towards our goal of doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034, supporting businesses, jobs, and our local communities.”

Still, Infometrics economist Nick Brunsdon warned a sharp rebound in oil prices since July threatened the tourism recovery, with the effect most profound for long-haul flights from North America and Europe.

“The weak New Zealand dollar seems to keep attracting Australian tourists, which provides a helpful buffer,” he said.