5 statistics that will make you want to study travel and tourism!

Our Airport Training Centre is just one of the many perks of studying at ITC!
Every year, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, & Employment releases their annual Tourism Sentiment Survey. This survey offers an insight into how Kiwis are feeling about all things tourism, and if the recent release is anything to go by, it’s an exciting time to be in the industry!
Here are just 5 of the coolest facts from the latest survey results!
1. 6% of Kiwis worked in tourism in the last year
In just one year, an entire tenth of the country has worked in the travel and tourism industry. That makes it one of the biggest single industries by employment in the country, contributing hundreds of thousands of jobs to our economy – and meaning there’s plenty of opportunity out there for those who want to work in a fun industry!
2. 91% of Kiwis say tourism benefits New Zealand
While there’s always room for improvement, tourism brings in a huge amount of economic activity for Aotearoa. That means jobs, income, and income from tax throughout the country.
In fact, international tourism expenditure hit just over $18 billion in the year ended March 2025. That’s a huge boon for the country, and the vast majority of us know it.
3. 71% of Kiwis say domestic tourism has a positive impact on NZ values & culture
Keep in mind, not all tourists around New Zealand are international – there are plenty of Kiwis exploring their own backyards as well.
In fact, the majority of people here think that our domestic tourists have a positive impact on New Zealand values and culture (a further 24% said the impact was neutral). This means we see it as a good thing for us to explore the country and learn more about different parts of our identity.
4. 27% of Kiwis would like to be more involved in tourism decisions
Not everybody wants to be involved in decision making, but more than one in four Kiwis would like to have more of a say in what’s going on in their region.
Tourism is such a fun sector that Kiwis are engaged with it, and want to be involved!
5. 74% of Kiwis visited a nature attraction over summer
From beaches and swimming spots to gardens, walks, glaciers, and national parks, the majority of us enjoyed the great outdoors during the recent summer season.
We also enjoyed cultural and historical experiences (40%), and adventure and wildlife outings (36%).
There’s always going to be plenty of Kiwis making the most of the attractions and sights across the country.
Study travel and tourism to get amongst the action!
ITC is your gateway to the travel and tourism industry in New Zealand. We provide industry-recognised qualifications to give students the foundational skills and knowledge they need to land a job in this incredibly exciting industry.
All our tutors and advisors come with years of their own industry experience, so we’re not just teaching from a book – we’re teaching from a place of genuine knowledge and passion for the job.
Browse our course options here, and contact us here to learn more!
Posted in News, Study inspiration | Tagged Statistics, Study travel and tourism, Travel survey | Leave a reply




