Destination Queenstown's Monthly Data Snapshot is available in the middle of each month, to provide our members with access to topline information about the prior month's performance from the datasets available. These insights have been gathered from the Visitor Insights Dashboard on the Member Hub. The Data and Insights section of the hub provides members with one convenient location for publicly available tourism data, purchased data, DQ-commissioned research, and the Forward Outlook.

The destination metrics for May 2024 indicate a typical off-season pattern, consistent with trends observed before the COVID-19 pandemic. Queenstown's total visitor expenditure saw a slight decline of 2% compared to May 2023. This was primarily driven by a 10% decrease in domestic spending, however was balanced by a 9% increase in international expenditure. The decrease in expenditure suggests that the domestic market is still adjusting to increased living costs and reduced discretionary spending. Commercial accommodation guest nights remained consistent with May 2023 figures, maintaining an occupancy rate of 54%.

Visitor expenditure refers to money spent on tourism-related activities while in Queenstown. DQ uses Marketview visitor spend figures as our expenditure measure. Marketview visitor expenditure is based on visitor in-person card transactions and does not include estimates for cash, online transactions and pre-bookings.

Note: this source is not adjusted to account for inflation.

Source: Worldline/Marketview Tourism Data. 1 - 31 May 2024.
vs prior year - percentage change vs same month 2023, vs 2019 - percentage change vs same month 2019.

Source: Worldline/Marketview Tourism Data. 1 January 2019 - 31 May 2024.

Source: Worldline/Marketview Tourism Data. 1 - 31 May 2024.

Source: Worldline/Marketview Tourism Data. 1 - 31 May 2024.

The total guest nights and occupancy rates for commercial accommodation in the Queenstown region gathered from properties participating in the Accommodation Data Programme.

Source:  Accommodation Data Programme. 1 - 31 May 2024.
vs prior year: percentage change vs same month 2023.

Source: Commercial Accommodation Montior CAM (January 2019 - September 2019), Accommodation Data Programme (Jun 2020 onwards). 1 January 2019 - 31 May 2024. 
Note: There is a gap between October 2019 - June 2020 when data wasn't being collected. 

JUNE 2022 - MAY 2024 (LAST 24 MONTHS)

Source: Accommodation Data Programme (Jun 2020 onwards). 1 June  2022 - 31 May 2024. 

The number of passengers that arrived through Queenstown Airport.

Source: Queenstown Airport Passenger History. 1 - 31 May 2024.
vs prior year: percentage change vs same month 2023.

Source: Queenstown Airport Passenger History. 1 January 2019 - 31 May 2024.