Lions Tour Behind Fall in Internat'l Guest Nights

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Embargoed until 10:45am – 12 September 2006

Lions Tour Behind Fall in International Guest Nights

Guest nights spent by international visitors in short-term commercial accommodation fell by 14 percent in July 2006 compared with July 2005, Statistics New Zealand said today. Visitors from the United Kingdom and Ireland (down 120,000 or 48 percent) recorded the largest decrease in international guest nights. Guest nights for United Kingdom and Ireland visitors were boosted in July 2005 by the British and Irish Lions rugby tour.

Domestic guest nights rose 3 percent in July 2006 compared with the previous July.

Total guest nights fell by 4 percent in July 2006 compared with the previous July. Guest nights were down 6 percent in the North Island and 1 percent in the South Island. All three Lions tour matches held in July 2005 were in the North Island.

Nine of the 12 regions recorded fewer guest nights in July 2006 than the previous July, with Auckland and Bay of Plenty recording the largest decreases. Auckland hosted two Lions tour matches during July 2005.

Four of the five accommodation types recorded fewer guest nights in July 2006 than the previous July, with hotels and motels recording the largest decreases. Hosted was the only accommodation type to record an increase in guest nights.

Brian Pink
Government Statistician

ENDS

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