Kia ora THE As we come to the end of 2023, I have been reflecting on the year that's been. At the start of the year, we shared Tourism New Zealand's focus to support the long-term recovery of our sector and helping the transition to a regenerative tourism system. While this remains Tourism New Zealand's focus for 2024, together our industry has already made some extremely positive gains. Overall holiday visitor recovery is at 85% of pre covid and tourism is once again contributing strongly to New Zealand's economy. We're also seeing our strategy to attract high-quality visitors take shape with international visitors spending on average 18% more than pre covid, length of stay largely on par with 2019, and strong off-peak arrivals– particularly out of Australia, China and the USA. In the face of an incredibly challenging year, I think our industry should be extremely proud and I look forward to working with you all next year to continue this mahi. In mid-November we held our first face-to-face event in China since 2019. Over three days the Kiwi Link China event saw 44 New Zealand travel operators reconnect with 90 Chinese travel agencies who specialise in New Zealand tours. I'd like to thank the sellers, buyers, airline representatives and other industry representatives who participated and made the event such a success. This event comes as the China market continues to recover with China becoming our second largest visitor market in September and direct airline connectivity is back to pre-covid levels this month. We're thrilled our global 100% Pure New Zealand Business Events If You Seek campaign was recognised at ICCA 2023 last month, taking home the Best Marketing Award. Our campaign highlights New Zealand's new world-class convention centres, unique conference venues, wine, and food experiences. With the new Government now being formed we have a new Tourism and Hospitality Minister, the Hon Minister Matt Doocey. We look forward to working with the Minister on his priorities for the sector and how we can deliver on these. With only a few weeks until Christmas, I hope you all have a safe and successful summer and I look forward to connecting with you all again in the New Year. As always - if you have any questions, feedback, or want to get in touch with myself or one of the Tourism New Zealand team, please contact us. | 
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