Increasing numbers of foreign tourists are behind a huge boost in tourism income, according to figures released by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.

New monthly regional tourism estimates show the tourism spend for the Bay of Plenty region is estimated to be $1.5 billion for the year to April 2016, up seven per cent compared to the year to April 2015.

New figures show foreign tourists spent $497 million in the year ended April 2016.

International visitors spent $496 million, also up seven per cent compared with the year to April 2015, and domestic tourists spent $1.1 billion which is also a seven per cent increase.

MBIE manager of sector trends Peter Ellis says the new data series provides quality and detailed information on regional spending.

'Better tourism expenditure information for the regions will help inform investment and planning in the tourism industry by providing further insights into where both domestic and international tourists are spending their money, and what their expenditure is on,” says Peter.

MBIE developed the monthly regional tourism estimates in consultation with tourism industry representatives to create a better measurement of the value of tourism in the regions. This new data set will replace the regional tourism indicators developed in 2012.

The monthly regional estimates measure the expenditure of international and domestic visitors in regions in New Zealand.

Data users will be able to filter the information, including breaking down into key areas within regions, country of origin, tourism product grouping such as accommodation, passenger transport and retail sales, and by year. The data is based on administrative transaction data.

The full statistics from the monthly regional tourism estimates, are available on the MBIE website.