NZ tourism defies global gloom

The tourist industry weathered global ructions caused by disease, terrorists and the stronger dollar with more than 2.11 million visitors arriving last year - 3 per cent up on 2002.

One-third, or just over 702,000, came from Australia, with Britain (264,800) and the United States (211,600) next. They were followed by Japan (150,900), South Korea (112,700), China (66,000) and Germany (52,500).

More than half of all short-term visitors were on holiday, with 572,500 visiting friends and relatives and 217,600 on business.

Six per cent more New Zealanders, or 1.37 million, took overseas trips in the year to December compared with 2002. More than half went to Australia, with the next most popular destinations being Fiji, the United States and Britain.

Permanent and long-term migration was down. There was a net inflow of 34,900 compared with 38,200 in 2002.