Easter Boosts Guest Nights for March

Easter Boosts Guest Nights for March

Total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation showed an 11 percent increase in March 2005 compared with March 2004, Statistics New Zealand said today. The change in timing of the Easter holidays, from April in 2004 to March in 2005, contributed to this increase.

In March 2005, total guest nights were up 10 percent in the North Island and up 12 percent in the South Island, compared with March 2004. All 12 regions recorded more guest nights, with Otago and Canterbury recording the largest increases.

All five accommodation types showed more guest nights in March 2005 than in the previous March, with caravan parks/camping grounds showing the largest increase. For the third consecutive month, hotels recorded their highest monthly guest nights total since the survey began in July 1996.

Guest nights for the March 2005 quarter were up 5 percent compared with the March 2004 quarter. North Island guest nights were up 5 percent, while South Island guest nights were up 7 percent. All 12 regions recorded more guest nights for the same period, with Canterbury recording the largest increase.

All five accommodation types showed more guest nights in the March 2005 quarter than in the March 2004 quarter, with backpackers/hostels showing the largest increase.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

END

© Scoop Media