Accommodation Slump Has Advantages For Travellers

Accommodation Slump Has Advantages For Travellers

New Zealand’s number one selling RV magazine, NZ Motorhomes, Caravans and Destinations (MCD) suggests the recent Statistics New Zealand announcement of a slump in overnight accommodation offers great opportunities for local travellers. Statistics New Zealand has announced overnight stays by domestic travellers were down 10 percent on average in May 2010 compared with the same period in 2009.

“There is a silver lining to the downturn for us travellers however, says NZ Motorhomes, Caravans and Destinations’ senior writer, Steve Vermeulen.

“Anecdotally MCD has heard selection of prime sites within holiday parks has been much better than usual. We recently booked a spectacular harbour-view site in the ordinarily packed South Island destination of Akaroa with only four days’ notice. We had the best views in town and shared it with only three other motorhomes. This is usually unheard of on such short notice.”

Typically, it is the off-peak season for most parks at the moment, so rates and vacancies are better than ever. Obviously beach swimming is not on the cards just yet, but MCD advises smart travellers should not be put off.

“Many New Zealand destinations like the Southern Alps are at their scenic best during winter or spring,” says Vermeulen, “so now is a good time to grab a great spot at somewhere you may previously not considered and a price you won’t replicate at any other time of year.”

ENDS