Hawke's Bay Inc. Chairman Ross Bramwell says that the local tourism industry can take heart from recently released tourism numbers for the region.

Figures published through Statistics New Zealand's Commercial Accommodation Monitor show guest numbers for the month of August were up 6.3% over August last year. On an annual basis to the year ended August, the number of guests had grown by 2.2%, or an extra 10,000 people staying in commercial accommodation.

"The results are very encouraging," says Mr. Bramwell. "The tourist market is a vital contributor to the region's economy, and the fact that more and more people are seeing Hawke's Bay as a place to visit indicates the growing prominence of the region as a destination".

In terms of guest nights (length of stay per person), commercial accommodation slipped marginally in August 2005 compared to August last year. For the year to the end of August however, guest nights have grown by 2.3%. This meant an additional 21,000 guest nights were spent in the region over the previous year.

"The continuing increase in visitors means vast potential benefits for Hawke's Bay" says Aaron Hing, Hawke's Bay Incorporated's Head of Marketing. "Our wide range of products, quality events and consistent climate continue to be drawcards for attracting people to the area, and it is our aim to encourage them to stay longer and to eventually live, work and invest in the region."

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