How Much Did New Zealand Tourism Increase After Lord of the Rings?

By Robert Palmer

New Zealand’s tourism industry has undergone a significant transformation since the release of the Lord of the Rings movies. The stunning landscapes showcased in the movies have undoubtedly played a key role in attracting visitors to New Zealand. In this article, we will take a closer look at how much New Zealand tourism increased after Lord of the Rings.

The Impact of Lord of the Rings on New Zealand Tourism

The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed entirely in New Zealand, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty. The movies were a massive success worldwide, grossing over $3 billion at the box office.

The impact that these movies had on New Zealand’s tourism industry was enormous. The country saw an unprecedented increase in visitor numbers from all around the world. According to statistics from Tourism New Zealand, international visitor arrivals increased by 40% between 2000 and 2006, coinciding with the release of The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001, The Two Towers in 2002, and The Return of the King in 2003.

The Hobbit Effect

The impact that Lord of the Rings had on New Zealand’s tourism industry did not stop there. In 2012, Peter Jackson released another movie based on J.R.R Tolkien’s work: The Hobbit trilogy.

Like its predecessor, The Hobbit trilogy was also filmed entirely in New Zealand and showcased its stunning landscapes once again. As a result, there was another surge in visitor numbers to New Zealand.

According to Tourism New Zealand, international visitor arrivals increased by 10% between October 2012 and March 2013 compared to the same period one year earlier. This period coincided with the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in December 2012.

The Lasting Impact

The impact that Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit had on New Zealand’s tourism industry was not just limited to the immediate increase in visitor numbers. It also had a lasting impact that is still felt today.

The movies helped to put New Zealand on the map as a tourist destination, showcasing its stunning landscapes and natural beauty to the world. Today, New Zealand is known worldwide for its natural beauty, adventure activities, and friendly people.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies had a significant impact on New Zealand’s tourism industry. They helped to showcase the country’s stunning landscapes and natural beauty to the world, resulting in a surge in visitor numbers that has lasted till today. The impact of these movies on New Zealand’s tourism industry is an excellent example of how pop culture can have a lasting effect on a country’s economy and image.