Little Change in May Guest Nights

Little Change in May Guest Nights

Total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation were at a similar level in May 2005, compared with May 2004, Statistics New Zealand said today. Guest nights in both the North and South Islands were also at a similar level to May 2004.

Six of the twelve regions recorded more guest nights in May 2005 than in May 2004, with the Otago and Wellington regions showing the largest increases. The Canterbury and Auckland regions recorded the largest decreases when comparing the two May months.

Backpackers/hostels and hotels were the only two accommodation types to record more guest nights in May 2005 than in May 2004. This is the second consecutive month in which these two were the only accommodation types to record increases in guest nights, compared with the same month of the previous year.

The May 2005 occupancy rate, excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, was 42 percent, compared with 44 percent in May 2004. This occupancy rate will have been affected by an increase in capacity, excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, of 8 percent in May 2005 compared with May 2004.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

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