Boost for Chinese tourism

A tourism group has welcomed a package of measures that promise to boost the already buoyant Chinese market.

A range of announcements coinciding with the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang includes a 20 per cent increase in flights from China, new visa rules, easier movement through New Zealand airports and 2019 named an official year of China-New Zealand tourism.

Chinese airlines will also be able to touch down at more than one airport here with international passengers on board.

The Government wants to encourage more Chinese tourists to visit in off-peak times and attract more independent travellers, who tend to spend more while on holiday here.

The air services agreement will immediately lift the weekly flight cap to 59 from 49, with a further 11 flights pending talks later in the year, while Chinese multiple---

entry visas into New Zealand have been extended to five years from three and Chinese passport holders will be allowed to use SmartGate entry.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa says the measures recognise the importance of this market for New Zealand’s tourism industry, and the need to continue evolving to obtain the best value from it.

Visitor numbers from China have grown quickly to the point where they are now New Zealand’s secondbiggest market after Australia, with 409,000 arrivals a year, spending $1.7 billion.

The amount spent by Chinese visitors is forecast to grow to $5.3b in 2022.

Tourism Minister Paula Bennett said officials would work with the China National Tourism Administration to establish a focus for 2019 that reflected the priorities and interests of both countries.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said there was now potential for 20 per cent more flights between the two countries.

Officials also have the opportunity to further expand the agreement later this year if certain conditions are met.

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse and Customs Minister Nicky Wagner said three new initiatives would make easier for Chinese to visit New Zealand:

Extending the multiple-entry visa for Chinese from three years to five years from May 8.

Extending the use of SmartGate facilities to Chinese passport holders.

Enabling visa applicants to pay for online applications using UnionPay debit and credit cards.