Growth In Guest Nights Continues

Accommodation Survey: February 2002

12 April 2002

Growth in Guest Nights Continues Guests spent 2.9 million nights in short-term commercial accommodation in February 2002, according to Statistics New Zealand. This figure is 7 percent above the February 2001 level. The increase follows rises of 3 percent in January 2002 and 5 percent in December 2001, when compared with the corresponding months in the previous year.

North Island guest nights increased 9 percent in February 2002 when compared with February 2001, while South Island guest nights were up 5 percent. Apart from the West Coast, all regions contributed to the increase in guest nights. February 2002 saw the Wellington region recording their highest monthly total for guest nights since the survey began in July 1996.

All accommodation types recorded higher levels of guest nights in February 2002 than in February 2001. Backpackers/hostels recorded the highest growth rate, with an 11 percent rise in guest nights from February 2001. Hotels reported their highest monthly guest night total since the survey began.

Hotels had the highest occupancy rate of all accommodation types in February 2002, at 71 percent, followed by motels with 70 percent. February 2002 saw hotels, motels and backpackers/hostels all recording their highest occupancy rates since the survey began in July 1996.

Brian Pink Government Statistician
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