Lions Tour Boosts International Guest Nights

Accommodation Survey: July 2005

Lions Tour Boosts International Guest Nights

Guest nights spent by international visitors in short-term commercial accommodation were 8 percent higher in July 2005 compared with July 2004, Statistics New Zealand said today. Visitors from the United Kingdom and Ireland (up 118,000 or 88 percent) recorded the largest increase in international guest nights. The British and Irish Lions rugby tour will have been a major contributor to this increase in guest nights. The Accommodation Survey does not include figures for guests who stayed in private or temporary accommodation, such as cruise ships and campervan sites that were specifically set up for the Lions tour.

In July 2005, domestic guest nights were 1 percent lower than in July 2004. Total guest nights increased 3 percent in July 2005 compared with July 2004. Guest nights were up 4 percent in the North Island and 1 percent in the South Island. Six of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in July 2005 than in July 2004. Auckland recorded the largest increase, followed by Wellington and Otago. Auckland and Wellington were the only two regions to host Lions matches during July.

Cathryn Ashley-Jones

Acting Government Statistician

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There is a companion Hot Off The Press information release published – Accommodation Survey: July 2005.

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