Tourism Plays Critical Role in Economy
Last updated:
April 2008
Media Statement
22nd June 2005
Tourism plays a vital role in the New Zealand economy and this has been re-confirmed by the release of the Tourism Satellite Account 2004 covering the year to March 2004.
“The level of contribution of tourism and the dynamics of it within the national economy are confirmed by these figures. This is particularly important for building understandings about tourism’s position as a key driver of the economy,“ says Bruce Bassett, Research Manager, Ministry of Tourism.
Mr Bassett was commented on the release today of the Tourism Satellite Account 2004 prepared for the Ministry by Statistics New Zealand.
Tourism activity by both international and domestic travellers generated $17.2 billion in expenditure within New Zealand. International expenditure was $7.4 billion and domestic expenditure $9.8 billion.
This level of expenditure equates to a direct and indirect contribution of 9.4% to New Zealand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Also, in addition to the 103,000 jobs directly supported by tourism, an estimated 69,000 jobs are indirectly attributable to tourism demand making a total of 172,000, or 9.9% of New Zealand’s workforce (one job in ten).
The other key measure from the Tourism Satellite Account relates to export earnings from tourism. Tourism’s contribution to exports by international tourists was $7.4 billion or 18.5% of exports.
These earnings place tourism ahead of other export sectors such as Dairy at $5.7 billion (14.3% of exports), Meat $4.3 billion, Forestry $3 billion and Seafood at $1.1 billion.
In terms of growth performance, the data shows a modest increase in total expenditure levels compared to the previous year.
However, the increase over the period since 1999 is marked, with an increase in spending of $5 billion – a substantial amount of extra economic activity. $2.5 billion of this growth was of export earnings through international tourism.
“What is clear is that these high levels of tourism expenditure have positive impacts nationally and in all communities throughout New Zealand”, says Bassett.
For further information please contact:
Bruce Bassett, Research Manager, Ministry of Tourism, ph: 04 498 7448.
ˆ Back to top