Guest Nights Trend Up 3 Percent

Guest Nights Trend Up 3 Percent

The total guest nights trend for short-term commercial accommodation was 3 percent higher in March 2003, compared with March 2002, according to Statistics New Zealand.

The change in timing of the Easter holidays, which occurred at the end of March in 2002, but fell in the middle of April in 2003, makes it more appropriate to compare the actual guest nights in March 2003 with March 2001. Actual guest nights were 11 percent higher in March 2003 than in March 2001.

In March 2003, the Auckland, Wellington and Southland regions all recorded their third highest monthly guest night totals since the survey began in July 1996. Eleven of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in March 2003 compared with March 2001. The regions that recorded the highest percentage increases in guest nights in March 2003 compared with March 2001 were Taranaki/Manawatu/Wanganui (up 29 percent), Auckland (up 18 percent), the West Coast (up 14 percent) and Southland (up 13 percent). Regions that recorded the largest absolute increases in guest nights in March 2003 compared with March 2001 were Auckland (up 79,000), Canterbury (up 51,000), and Taranaki/Manawatu/Wanganui (up 34,000).

Backpackers/hostels recorded their second highest monthly guest nights total in March 2003 since the survey began, while hotels recorded their third highest monthly guest nights total. Motels had the largest share of total guest nights in March 2003 with 34 percent, followed by hotels with 32 percent and caravan parks/camping grounds with 20 percent.

The Auckland region recorded the highest occupancy rate, excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, in March 2003 with 73 percent, followed by the Wellington region with 71 percent. The Taranaki/Manawatu/Wanganui region recorded its highest occupancy rate, excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, since the survey began.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

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