Guest Nights Continue Upward Trend

Guest Nights Continue Upward Trend

The trend level in total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation was 6 percent higher in August 2004 than in August 2003, according to Statistics New Zealand. The trend in total guest nights has been increasing since June 1998.

Actual total guest nights were 1.9 million in August 2004, a 4 percent increase compared with August 2003. In August 2004, the trend level in guest nights was 4 percent higher for the North Island and 8 percent higher for the South Island than in August 2003. In August 2004, actual total guest nights were up 3 percent in the North Island and up 6 percent in the South Island, compared with August 2003.

Eleven of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in August 2004 than in August 2003. Canterbury and Otago (both up 24,000) recorded the largest absolute increases in guest nights, comparing the two August months, followed by Bay of Plenty (up 15,000).

Four of the five accommodation types recorded increases in guest nights in August 2004, compared with August 2003. Hotels (up 32,000) recorded the largest absolute increase. Six of the 12 regions recorded higher occupancy rates, excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, in August 2004 than in August 2003. The Bay of Plenty region (up 13 percent) recorded the largest increase.

The Otago region (61 percent) recorded the highest occupancy rate, excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, in August 2004, followed by Auckland (55 percent) and Wellington (51 percent).

Brian Pink
Government Statistician
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