Small Increase in August Guest Nights

12 October 2005

Accommodation Survey: August 2005

Small Increase in August Guest Nights

Total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation were 0.4 percent higher in August 2005 compared with August 2004, Statistics New Zealand said today. Guest nights in both the North and South Islands were similar to August 2004.

While the trend in total guest nights has been increasing since June 1998, it has flattened since October 2004. In August 2005, the trend level was similar to the level in August 2004 and 5 percent higher than in August 2003.

Six of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in August 2005 than in August 2004. Taranaki/Manawatu-Wanganui and Wellington recorded the largest increases in guest nights, followed by Otago. The Canterbury, Bay of Plenty and Auckland regions recorded the largest decreases in guest nights.

Three of the five accommodation types showed more guest nights in August 2005 than in August 2004. Backpackers/hostels showed the largest increase, while hotels showed the largest decrease.

The August 2005 occupancy rate, excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, was 42 percent, compared with 45 percent in August 2004. This occupancy rate will have been affected by an increase in capacity, excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, of 8 percent in August 2005 compared with August 2004.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

ENDS

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