More New Zealand tourists coming to Phl

MANILA, Philippines - More tourists from New Zealand are visiting the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

A report provided to the DFA by the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed that 15,783 tourists from New Zealand visited the country in 2013, or an increase of 11.94 percent from the previous year.

DOT data showed that 1,425 New Zealanders came to the Philippines in January 2014, representing a growth rate of 11.07 percent on a monthly basis, which is higher than the overall average of 5.80 percent.

Tourists from New Zealand demonstrated high spending capacity of $92.48 average daily expenditure with an average length of stay of 14.35 nights, the DFA said.

It is estimated that they spend an average of $1,300 per visit, which is higher than the overall average of about $1,000.

Visitor arrivals from New Zealand continue to be on the upward trend due to the Philippine embassy’s tourism promotion campaign, the DFA said.

“According to some tour operators and travel agents, New Zealanders enjoy the beaches, outdoor adventures, diving, snorkeling, mountain climbing and biking, historical places, cultural sites, health and wellness, culinary attractions and other tourism destinations in the Philippines,” said Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia Benavidez.

She said the hospitality of the Filipino people contributes to making the Philippines an attractive tourist destination for New Zealanders.