Accommodation Growth Continues

Accommodation Survey: March 2000

Accommodation Growth Continues

Nights spent by guests in commercial accommodation were 7 per cent higher in March 2000 than in March 1999. A 5 per cent increase in international visitors over the same period contributed to the rise.

Guest nights in 11 of the 12 regions were higher in March 2000 than in March 1999. Guest nights in both the Wellington and the West Coast regions were up 15 per cent, followed by Bay of Plenty with 13 per cent. A number of events are likely contributors to the increase in the Wellington region especially the International Festival of the Arts which included the Edinburgh Tattoo. In March 2000 the Wellington region recorded its highest monthly total for guest nights since the survey began in July 1996. Wellington hotels had by far their highest monthly total for guest nights.

Nationally, hotels recorded their second highest monthly total for guest nights since the survey began.

Demand for accommodation for the year ended March 2000 was 7 per cent higher than the year ended March 1999. Guest nights were higher in all regions. The Auckland region recorded the largest percentage rise in guest nights, with backpackers/hostels up 29 per cent and hotels up 20 per cent. Nationally guest nights also increased for all accommodation types, with backpackers/hostels and hotels having the strongest growth.

Excluding seasonal closures, New Zealand's commercial accommodation capacity has been steadily increasing since the Accommodation Survey began. All accommodation types have had increases in capacity.

The Accommodation Survey is funded by regional tourism organisations throughout New Zealand.

Ian Ewing DEPUTY GOVERNMENT STATISTICIAN END

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