School Year Timing Boosts Guest Nights

Accommodation Survey: February 2006 - 12 April 2006

School Year Timing Boosts Guest Nights

Guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation were 2 percent higher in February 2006 than in February 2005, Statistics New Zealand said today. The later start to the school year contributed to this increase. In 2006 most schools started after Waitangi Day, while in 2005 most schools started at the end of January.

The trend in total guest nights has flattened since August 2004, following a period of increases that began in July 1998. In February 2006, guest nights were 2 percent higher in the North Island and 3 percent higher in the South Island compared with February 2005. Nine of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights, with Otago and Nelson/Marlborough/Tasman recording the largest increases.

All five accommodation types showed more guest nights in February 2006 than in February 2005, with backpackers/hostels showing the largest increase.

The February 2006 occupancy rate, excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, was 67 percent, compared with 69 percent in February 2005. This occupancy rate was affected by an increase in capacity of 6 percent, excluding caravan parks/camping grounds.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

ENDS

© Scoop Media