New Zealand experienced a 37 per cent increase in Australians who holidayed here compared with the same period last year. Many commentated have proffered very plausible reasons for the sharp increase in Australian arrivals.

Common analysis has the combination of high capacity on the trans Tasman air route resulting in lower airfares, combined with the favourable exchange rate as the likely stimulus for the sharp increase in arrivals.

Many Australian visitors that I have talked to have confirmed that these factors were a major influence in their destination choice but it was the Australian Government’s stimulus package earlier this year that was the real prompt for their holiday. Most state that without the AUD $950 per tax payer payout, they would not have travelled overseas this year.

Prime Minister Rudd’s fiscal stimulant payment designed to buoy the Australian economy has resulted in a large stimulus for the New Zealand economy.

The flip side to this Aussie invasion is the dramatic decrease in higher spending Asian, Japanese and North American visitors.

By contrast, Australian visitors are lower per day spenders. When you further consider that the stimulus package cash payment was means tested and capped at $100,000 taxable income. The sharp increase in arrivals has only cushioned the industries downturn.

The positive 1% increase in May 2009 visitor arrival figure gave many in the tourism industry hope that the down turn may be coming to a end. Today’s Statistic New Zealand’s figures dashed many hopes of a short term down turn. Anecdotal evidence suggests that those servicing the Ski traveller are reporting positive numbers for July but the industry is clearly fragmented.

The large gateway cities of Auckland and Christchurch appear to be bearing the brunt of the current down turn while the Ski resort towns who’s primary market is the Australian visitor are riding the sharp upturn in arrivals from that country.