The recently released final part of The Hobbit film trilogy is expected to boost New Zealand tourism as fans prepare to walk in the footsteps of Gandalf, Legolas and Bilbo Baggins.
Following the success of the Lords of the Rings films, The Hobbit movies have proved a boon to tourism in New Zealand where all the films were made.
For the period July 2013 to June 2014, a total of 13 per cent of all international holiday visitors to New Zealand said The Hobbit films were a factor in their choice of destination.
Tourism Industry Association Chief Executive Chris Roberts claimed that his members are experiencing "an outstanding" season." He said the forward bookings are very strong and a record summer is in sight.
According to the latest figures from the government, an overall increase of 5 percent in international arrivals, against the 2.83 million of 2014, would raise the "no vacancy" sign in many tourism hotspots, in the next two months.
