Guest Nights Trend Continues Increase

Guest Nights Trend Continues Increase

The trend in total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation has been increasing since June 1998, according to Statistics New Zealand. In July 2004, the trend level in total guest nights was 7 percent higher than in July 2003 and 8 percent higher than in July 2002. Actual total guest nights were 2.1 million in July 2004, a 6 percent increase compared with July 2003.

In July 2004, the trend level in North Island guest nights was 4 percent higher, and the trend level in South Island guest nights was 9 percent higher, than in July 2003. In July 2004, actual total guest nights were up 6 percent in the North Island and 4 percent in the South Island, compared with July 2003.

International guests spent 0.8 million guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation in July 2004, 13 percent higher than in July 2003. Guests from Australia (up 57,000 or 25 percent) recorded the largest absolute increase in international guest nights. Domestic guests accounted for 1.3 million guest nights in July 2004, a 1 percent increase compared with July 2003.

Nine of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in July 2004 than in July 2003. The Canterbury region (up 33,000 or 11 percent) recorded the largest absolute increase in guest nights between the two July months, followed by Taranaki/Manawatu/Wanganui (up 27,000 or 20 percent), Wellington (up 17,000 or 11 percent) and Auckland (up 15,000 or 4 percent).

Four of the five accommodation types recorded increases in guest nights in July 2004 compared with July 2003. Hotels (up 50,000 or 7 percent) recorded the largest absolute increase in guest nights.

Seven of the 12 regions recorded higher occupancy rates, excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, in July 2004 than in July 2003. The Taranaki/Manawatu/Wanganui region recorded the largest percentage increase in occupancy rate, up 17 percent when comparing the two July months.

Brian Pink
Government Statistician
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