China Southern Airlines’ Dreamliner to boost NZ tourist numbers

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – The New Zealand government on Monday welcomed the first commercial Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to the country, saying the aircraft would boost Chinese tourist numbers.

Associate Tourism Minister Chris Tremain said the introduction of China Southern Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner that replaces the A330 on the Guangzhou-Auckland daily service was a testament to the airline’s commitment to New Zealand.

“China is now New Zealand’s second largest tourism market and forecasts show that arrivals from China are expected to more than double over the next five years to 450,000,” Xinhua news agency reports Tremain as saying in a statement.

“Along with the extra flights recently announced during the peak summer season, these changes will enable an extra 18,000 Chinese visitors to travel to New Zealand,” said Tremain.

In the 12 months to September, more than 236,000 Chinese tourists visited New Zealand, contributing NZ$645 million (US$535.58 million) to the economy.

“Recent Chinese visa changes championed by China Southern now allow New Zealanders to stay in Guangzhou up to 72 hours without an entry visa to China,” said Tremain.