Solid Asian traveller growth lifts Auckland Airport passenger numbers

Tuesday 26th October 2010

International and domestic passenger numbers rose at Auckland International Airport in September, with Asian travellers driving the increase.

International passenger volumes increased 5.8% to 617,616, according to the national gateway’s monthly traffic figures. Total domestic passengers lifted 4.3% to 525,301 from a year earlier.

In late August, the airport predicted a 2011 profit between $112 million - $118 million, and an overall 850,000 increase in passenger numbers by the end of 2011. The airport said that each international visitor generates about $2,500 for New Zealand tourism. Chief executive Simon Moutter said in August that increased air-service linkages are now recognised as a key government priority to grow New Zealand tourism and to help stimulate economic growth.

Admittedly from a low base, among the big movers in number growth were Chinese visitors, up almost 25% to 7,497, while South Korean travellers rose more than 36% to 3,532, and Indian tourists jumped 52% to 2,586. The airport puts the increase down to a recovery in demand for travel as fears subside about a pandemic and as economic growth improves.

Moutter said in August that Auckland Airport and New Zealand need to capture a stronger share of growth economy tourism, especially out of Asia, or risk falling behind the nation’s competitor destinations.

UK visitors fell 14% to 8,083, and Germans weren’t as keen on the country, falling almost 12% to 2,815. American visitors lifted by 1% to 8,288, and trans-Tasman visitors increased by 2.4% to 52,617.

Those people who were visiting for business and conference reasons lifted by 11.7% to 42,184, which continues to reflect an upward trend for the entire year.

(BusinessDesk)

Businesswire.co.nz

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