NZ haven booms as tourists avoid US

New Zealand is having an unseasonal tourism boom as travellers shun the United States over security concerns and make up for trips postponed after September 11.

Most major airlines are booked solidly for two months on key routes to New Zealand.

Singapore Airlines marketing executive Bridget Vercoe said July and August bookings were at record levels.

Limited airline advertising indicated near-capacity flights, she said.

Now was traditionally a peak period for travel to Europe, but it was unusual for flights to New Zealand to be full.

"We are having trouble selling tickets because people can't get a seat back into the country."

Ms Vercoe said all this year had been busy, but seat availability was freeing up a little in September.

The heavy demand might be explained by people making up for travel put off after September 11.

She said Singapore Airlines added a second temporary weekly flight out of Christchurch last week.

Travel agency BTI New Zealand estimates that snow chasers have lifted Australian bookings for some South Island ski-fields by 50 per cent on last year. Inbound tourism from Europe had remained steady all year, said its marketing general manager, Greg Bridgman.

"It's students, independent travellers and package tours."

Cathay Pacific country manager David Figgins said that since October the airline had carried record passenger loads, and travellers were flying via Asia to avoid the US.

An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said bookings were strong, particularly from north and south Asia.

Asian travel agents reported customers favouring New Zealand and Australia as havens.

Qantas marketing manager David Libeau said while some key routes could be close to full there were less direct options.

- NZPA