Minister says 14 million Indians likely to visit New Zealand
New Zealand’s Tourism Minister Louise Upston announced that 14 million Indians are considering visiting the country, with 65% ranking it as their top destination choice. The government aims to double tourism export value to $19.8 billion by 2036 by leveraging India’s growing travel demand and strengthening bilateral ties through trade agreements and direct flight partnerships." "article": "New Zealand’s Tourism Minister Louise Upston revealed that 14 million people in India are actively considering a visit, with 65% naming New Zealand as their top destination. The data, released in May 2026, highlights strong potential for growth in Indian tourism, which aligns with the government’s goal to double tourism export value from $9.9 billion to $19.8 billion over the next decade. Upston emphasized India’s role in New Zealand’s economic strategy, noting the country’s rapidly expanding middle class and increasing appetite for international travel. Indian visitors spend nearly $3,700 per trip, often traveling during off-peak seasons, which boosts year-round economic activity. Many also visit friends and family already settled in New Zealand, strengthening cultural and social ties. Recent efforts to enhance tourism include agreements signed during Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s trade mission to India in March 2025. These included nine Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Tourism New Zealand and Indian travel partners to target arrivals for Winter and Spring 2025. Additionally, an MoU between Auckland and Delhi Airports, along with a codeshare partnership between Air New Zealand and Air India, aims to introduce direct flights to New Zealand by the end of 2028. New Zealand’s appeal to Indian travelers lies in its world-class natural landscapes, authentic experiences, and reputation for safety and hospitality. The government is committed to facilitating visits while supporting infrastructure like hotels, cafes, and shops to accommodate the influx. Indian New Zealanders also play a key role in promoting tourism by connecting visitors with local attractions and communities.
New Zealand’s Tourism Minister Louise Upston revealed that 14 million people in India are actively considering a visit, with 65% naming New Zealand as their top destination. The data, released in May 2026, highlights strong potential for growth in Indian tourism, which aligns with the government’s goal to double tourism export value from $9.9 billion to $19.8 billion over the next decade. Upston emphasized India’s role in New Zealand’s economic strategy, noting the country’s rapidly expanding middle class and increasing appetite for international travel. Indian visitors spend nearly $3,700 per trip, often traveling during off-peak seasons, which boosts year-round economic activity. Many also visit friends and family already settled in New Zealand, strengthening cultural and social ties. Recent efforts to enhance tourism include agreements signed during Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s trade mission to India in March 2025. These included nine Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Tourism New Zealand and Indian travel partners to target arrivals for Winter and Spring 2025. Additionally, an MoU between Auckland and Delhi Airports, along with a codeshare partnership between Air New Zealand and Air India, aims to introduce direct flights to New Zealand by the end of 2028. New Zealand’s appeal to Indian travelers lies in its world-class natural landscapes, authentic experiences, and reputation for safety and hospitality. The government is committed to facilitating visits while supporting infrastructure like hotels, cafes, and shops to accommodate the influx. Indian New Zealanders also play a key role in promoting tourism by connecting visitors with local attractions and communities.
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