Popular Aussie the way to go for Kiwis

New Zealanders continue to be Australia's most easily-wooed customers, with nearly 730,000 choosing to holiday or do business across the Tasman last year.

And the figures for the first few months of this year are on the up from a year ago.

The regional director for the Australian Tourist Commission in New Zealand, Michael Yates, says promotions such as Sydney Now and very competitive airfares have been a big lure for Kiwis.

Statistics New Zealand had noted that 1.2 million New Zealanders went overseas last year, about 60 per cent only going as far as Australia.

About 23 per cent of Australia-bound Kiwis were on business, while 50 per cent were holidaying. The other 27 per cent were vfr travellers - which in travel speak, means they went to visit friends and relatives.

During 2000, Australian states plan even more festivals and events to mark the millennium year and entice tourists to buy their wine, food and other products or go to cultural and sporting events.

Many New Zealanders will be heading for the Sydney 2000 Olympics and the Paralympic Games beginning in September.