International Guest Nights Increase

Thursday, 9 December 2004, 11:54 am
Press Release: Statistics New Zealand

Guest nights spent by international visitors in short-term commercial accommodation were 6 percent higher in October 2004 than in October 2003, according to Statistics New Zealand. Visitors from Australia (up 23,000 or 8 percent) and UK/Ireland (up 17,000 or 10 percent) recorded the largest absolute increases in guest nights. In October 2004, guest nights spent by domestic guests were at a similar level to October 2003.

Total guest nights were 2.3 million in October 2004, a 3 percent increase compared with October 2003. In October 2004, guest nights were up 3 percent in the North Island and up 2 percent in the South Island, compared with October 2003.

The trend in total guest nights has been increasing since June 1998. The trend in North Island guest nights has been increasing since September 1998 and the trend in South Island guest nights has been increasing since August 1997.

Seven of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in October 2004 than in October 2003. The Auckland region (up 26,000 or 6 percent) recorded the largest absolute increase in guest nights followed by Otago (up 14,000 or 5 percent) and Waikato (up 10,000 or 5 percent).

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

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