Chinese visitors forecast to top spending in NZ by 2021

China is forecast to lead a 48 percent surge in tourist spending in New Zealand by 2021, according to a report released on Monday.

International visitor spending is projected to reach NZ$11.1 billion ($8.25 billion) by that year, up from NZ$7.44 billion last year, according to a report from New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Visitor arrivals are also expected to increase from 2.85 million last year, growing by 4 percent a year to 3.75 million in 2021.