An economist says the focus should be on high value tourism, not just numbers.

Results out today from Air New Zealand and Auckland Airport are expected to take the pulse of the tourism industry.

NZIER principal economist, Christina Leung told Andrew Dickens it seems tourism has already peaked, with fewer business and holiday visitors, especially from China.

However, she says spending is holding up, particularly in the central North Island and Otago.

“The results highlight the need to move towards high value tourism, rather than just clipping the ticket.

“The number of tourists from China is reducing and there's a bit of easing across other countries. There is a serious risk of a downturn the tourism sector.”

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