NEW ZEALAND: Tourism Industry Set For Bumper Year

The tourism industry looks set for a bumper year, prompting calls for people to book ahead.

Migration figures released last week showed nearly 3 million visitors had arrived in New Zealand last year, up 9 percent from the previous year.

And this summer looks to be busy again, with The Tourist Industry Association reporting occupancy rates of 90 percent in several major centres from Auckland to Queenstown.

ANZ senior economist Phil Belkin told Radio New Zealand said the tourism industry was now facing issues with limited space.

"We are anecdotally hearing from the tourism sector, the biggest issue they're facing isn't a shortage of demand, it's actually not enough supply - around accommodation etc," he said.

Holiday Accommodation Parks Association chief Fergus Brown said its members were possibly facing their busiest-ever season.

"Petrol is relatively affordable and we have the bonus of an extra long weekend as a result of the Mondayisation of Waitangi Day," he said.

"There is still space available through January in many holiday parks. But it will definitely pay to check park websites and book ahead," he said.