New official estimates show tourists to New Zealand are spending about $1.7 billion more a year than previously thought.
Changes to the International Visitor Survey by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, New Zealand's primary measure of tourists' spending and behaviour show about $1.7 billion more than thought is being spent a year.
Historical data has been revised to allow a comparison and still analyse trends.
Ministry sector performance manager Peter Ellis, of Wellington, said spending by visitors to New Zealand had remained fairly constant during the past year at $6.6 billion, with some notable changes.
''There has been a large decrease in the total spend by visitors from the United Kingdom - 23% to the year ended September 30, 2013.
''In addition, their average spend has decreased 16%.''
However, Mr Ellisa said there was strong growth in the United States market. Total spending by American visitors increased by 19% in the year ended September 30.
Australia continues to be New Zealand's largest tourism market, with Australian residents spending $2.3 billion while visiting New Zealand in the same period.
