Accommodation Survey: October 2000

Accommodation Survey: October 2000

Guest nights rise

Guests spent 2.0 million nights in short-term commercial accommodation during October 2000, according to Statistics New Zealand's Accommodation Survey. This was 6 per cent higher than in October 1999. Over the same period short-term international visitor arrivals, excluding those visiting friends and relations, were up 11 per cent.

International visitors accounted for 40 per cent of total guest nights in October 2000. Between the two October months international visitor guest nights increased 6 per cent. Guest nights increased for visitors from all country groupings with the exception of North America.

There was a 8 per cent rise in South Island guest nights between the two October months. Over the same period North Island guest nights increased 4 per cent.

In October 2000, backpackers/hostels had a 9 per cent rise in guest nights compared to October 1999, the largest growth rate of all accommodation types. Caravan parks/camping grounds was the only accommodation type to record fewer guest nights in October 2000 compared with October 1999.

Total capacity for October 2000 increased by 0.6 per cent over October 1999 levels. This is the smallest increase recorded since the survey began in July 1996. Changes in seasonal operating times for some camping grounds is the main contributor to this result.

Ian Ewing DEPUTY GOVERNMENT STATISTICIAN END

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