Trend in Guest Nights Remains Steady

Trend in Guest Nights Remains Steady

The total guest nights trend for short-term commercial accommodation was 1 percent higher in July 2003, compared with July 2002, according to Statistics New Zealand. Actual total guest nights reached 2.0 million in July 2003.

Nine of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in July 2003 than in July 2002. Regions that recorded the largest absolute increases in guest nights between these periods were Otago (up 17,000 or 6 percent), Taranaki/Manawatu/Wanganui (up 12,000 or 10 percent) and Bay of Plenty (up 11,000 or 6 percent). Regions that recorded decreases in guest nights in July 2003 compared with July 2002 were Canterbury (down 12,000 or 4 percent) and Wellington (down 4,000 or 2 percent). The Auckland region recorded a similar level of guest nights in July 2003 compared with July 2002.

Domestic visitors spent 1.3 million guest nights in July 2003, up 4 percent compared with July 2002. International guests accounted for 0.7 million guest nights in July 2003, 1 percent more than in July 2002. Guests from Korea (up 10,000 or 24 percent) and UK/Ireland (up 10,000 or 9 percent) recorded the largest increases in international guest nights. Guests from Japan (down 24,000 or 35 percent) and the Other Asian grouping (down 17,000 or 19 percent) recorded the largest decreases in international guest nights.

All accommodation types, with the exception of hotels, recorded increases in guest nights in July 2003, when compared with July 2002. Backpackers/hostels recorded the largest percentage increase in guest nights, up 9 percent. Hotels were down 2 percent when comparing the two July months.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

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