Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates
The Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates (MRTEs) measure total visitor spending across New Zealand on a monthly basis. The estimates are produced across multiple dimensions to support regional and industry level analysis of tourism expenditure.
Methodology and publication updates for the July 2026 data release
The July 2026 data release incorporates targeted improvements to the Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates (MRTEs) informed by stakeholder feedback on the methodological changes introduced in June 2026. These changes are intended to improve usability, transparency, and confidence in the data.
Why the changes
Following the June 2026 release, stakeholders raised concerns regarding the volatility of some estimates, differences between MRTEs and other tourism datasets, limited methodology documentation, and the temporary suspension of Territorial Authority (TA) level reporting. Stakeholders also requested greater transparency around how the estimates are produced and interpreted.
What’s improved
MBIE and Marketview have implemented a range of improvements designed to enhance the stability and interpretability of the estimates. These include:
- The industry groupings Other Tourism, Education Services, and Air Passenger Transport Services have been removed from MRTE totals.
- Territorial Authority (TA) level estimates have resumed publication.
- Improved, detailed user guidance with ANZSIC mappings, expanded methodology, comparisons to the IVS, and more.
Looking ahead
MBIE will continue to work with Marketview, Stats NZ, and tourism stakeholders to identify further improvements to the MRTEs. A tourism industry working group is being established to support ongoing development, testing, and stakeholder input into the series.
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Data release materials
Data visualisations and MBIE commentary on the topline results are available on the Tourism Evidence and Insights Centre (TEIC).
Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates(external link) — Tourism Evidence and Insights Centre
User guidance
This user guidance explains the methodology, data sources, and limitations of the MRTEs to support stakeholders' use and decision-making related to tourism expenditure.
Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates - User guide [PDF 4.5MB]
Discontinued TECTs and MRTEs
This version of the MRTEs replaces previous series which use different methodology. The TECTs were an interim measure in the post-pandemic era designed to support the sector while the MRTEs were redeveloped and did not estimate non-card spend. They are not directly comparable to the current series.
Data release calendar
Check upcoming scheduled tourism survey releases on our data release calendar