Asian traveller growth lifts Auckland Airport passenger numbers

Photo / Paul Estcourt

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

International passenger volumes increased 5.8 per cent to 617,616, according to the national gateway's monthly traffic figures. Total domestic passengers lifted 4.3 per cent 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 per cent to 7,497, while South Korean travellers rose more than 36 per cent to 3,532, and Indian tourists jumped 52 per cent to 2,586. The airport puts the increase down to an 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 per cent to 8,083, and Germans weren't as keen on the country, falling almost 12 per cent to 2,815. American visitors lifted by 1 per cent to 8,288, and trans-Tasman visitors increased by 2.4 per cent to 52,617.

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