The Hobbit trilogy of movies has had a big impact on tourist spending in one North Island region, new figures suggest.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) estimates international spending in the Matamata-Piako district, the home of Hobbiton, more than tripled from $11 million in 2009 to $37m for the year to March 2014.
Peter Ellis, MBIE’s sector performance manager said: “This strong growth illustrates the importance of Hobbit-related attractions for tourism in that area.”
