Lions Tour Behind Guest Nights Decrease

11 August 2006

Lions Tour Behind Guest Nights Decrease

Guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation were 7 percent lower in June 2006 than in June 2005, Statistics New Zealand said today. Guest nights in June 2005 were boosted by the British and Irish Lions rugby tour.

The trend in total guest nights has flattened since October 2004, following a period of increases that began in July 1998.

In June 2006, guest nights were 3 percent lower in the North Island and 13 percent lower in the South Island, compared with the previous June. All 12 regions recorded fewer guest nights, with Canterbury, Otago, Taranaki/Manawatu-Wanganui and Bay of Plenty recording the largest decreases. These regions all hosted Lions rugby matches during June last year.

All five accommodation types recorded fewer guest nights in June 2006 than the previous June, with hotels and caravan parks/camping grounds recording the largest decreases.

Guest nights for the June 2006 year were 1 percent lower than for the previous June year. Eight of the 12 regions recorded fewer guest nights, with Canterbury, Auckland and Bay of Plenty recording the largest decreases, and Otago and Wellington the largest increases.

Backpackers/hostels was the only accommodation type to record more guest nights in the June 2006 year than in the previous June year. The largest decrease was recorded by caravan parks/camping grounds.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

ENDS

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