Growth in arrivals continues from rugby and non-rugby nations

International visitor arrivals into New Zealand in September jumped 26 per cent on the same month last year, resulting in a bumper start to spring for the tourism sector.

Statistics New Zealand figures revealed last week, show that 74,355 of September arrivals were visiting New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup 2011, more than a third of all arrivals for the month.

In the year ended September 2011, 2,548,094 international visitors arrived in New Zealand, 1.2 per cent up on the same period last year.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said that while the September figures are clearly a result of the rugby, the continued strong growth seen out of Singapore (up 66.0 per cent), Malaysia (up 36.7 per cent) and China (up 7.6 per cent) demonstrates the importance of Asia over the long-term.

"Now that the tournament is successfully over, it is important that we refocus our attention on areas that show the greatest potential and opportunity.

"We know there are a number of factors contributing to this growth from key Asian markets: new air connections from Jetstar Asia and Air Asia X, and strengthening Asian economies.

"We continue to see more visitors from China and expect this to continue over the coming months with China Southern Airlines increasing flight frequency to New Zealand from three times per week to daily in November.

"Tourism New Zealand is also running some significant spring and summer campaigns in Asian, Germany, the US, the UK and Australian markets targeting active considerers and it is these efforts that we expect to support continued growth.

• Click here to see TNZ's September IVA media statement