Guest Nights Reach Record High

Guest Nights Reach Record High

Total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation showed a 4 percent increase in January 2005 compared with January 2004, Statistics New Zealand said today. The guest nights total of 4.3 million in January 2005 is the highest recorded for any month since the survey began in July 1996. January is traditionally the peak month for guest nights.

Guest nights spent by international visitors were 10 percent higher in January 2005 than in January 2004. Visitors from Australia (up 61,000 or 18 percent) and UK/Ireland (up 45,000 or 13 percent) recorded the largest absolute increases in guest nights. In January 2005, guest nights spent by domestic guests were 1 percent higher than in January 2004.

In January 2005, guest nights were up 3 percent in the North Island and up 6 percent in the South Island compared with January 2004.

All 12 regions recorded more guest nights in January 2005 than in January 2004. Canterbury (up 57,000 or 10 percent) recorded the largest increase, followed by Bay of Plenty (up 33,000 or 6 percent) and Nelson/Marlborough/Tasman (up 28,000 or 8 percent).

All five accommodation types recorded more guest nights in January 2005 than in January 2004 with backpackers/hostels (up 67,000 or 16 percent) recording the largest increase.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

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