Tourism New Zealand is feeling positive about tourist spending this summer following the release of the latest travel figures from Stats NZ.  

The September 2023 quarter saw an increase in travel exports to $2.48 billion up from $1.65 billion this time last year. 

Chief Executive René de Monchy says this is the first summer, post COVID, where travel from significant markets like China is possible. 

He says last summer, which is our peak season, was not yet a fully open summer. 

De Monchy says we're already seeing a strong return out of places like Australia and North America. 

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