The New Zealand government has released figures showing that the country welcomed a record number of visitors last year. More than 2.52m international tourists travelled to New Zealand throughout 2010, which marks an increase of 2.7%, or 67,000, from the previous year, according to the latest International Visitor Survey from the ministry of economic development. Despite the growth, overall spending by visitors was NZ$619m (£286.7m) lower at NZ$5.6bn. Roger Wigglesworth, director of tourism at the ministry, said ongoing global financial issues had an effect on expenditure in 2010. 'The lower spend in 2010 appears to be the result of the high New Zealand dollar and tourists having less in their pocket because of the global recession,' Dr Wigglesworth said. 'Despite the financial situation, New Zealand saw a record number of tourists visiting its shores in 2010.' UK travellers visiting the country last year spent NZ$143m less than in 2009. Tourism New Zealand recently revealed that excitement is building ahead of the Rugby World Cup later this year, with more than 864,000 tickets sold and fan zones being readied in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!

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