Guest Nights Down in the North, Up in the South

Guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation were 2 percent lower in January 2006 than in January 2005, Statistics New Zealand said today. North Island guest nights fell by 4 percent, while South Island guest nights rose by 2 percent.

The trend level in total guest nights has declined by 1 percent since April 2005, following a period of increases that began in July 1998.

Seven of the 12 regions recorded fewer guest nights in January 2006 than in January 2005. The Bay of Plenty and Auckland regions recorded the largest decreases, while Otago and Nelson/Marlborough/Tasman recorded the largest increases.

Guest nights spent by international visitors were 2 percent lower in January 2006 than in January 2005, while domestic guest nights were also 2 percent lower.

In January 2006, international guest nights in the North Island were 5 percent lower than in January 2005, while domestic guest nights were 4 percent lower. International guest nights in the South Island were 1 percent higher and domestic guest nights were 3 percent higher.

Caravan parks/camping grounds and hotels were the only two accommodation types to show fewer guest nights in January 2006 than in January 2005.

Brian Pink
Government Statistician

For technical information contact: Tehseen Islam or Louise Holmes-Oliver Christchurch 03 964 8700 Email: info@stats.govt.nz

10 March 2006 Cat 01.500 Set 05/06 – 151