Trend in Guest Nights Remains Flat

Trend in Guest Nights Remains Flat

The underlying trend in total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation has been flat since August 2002, according to Statistics New Zealand. The total guest nights trend level was 1 percent higher in October 2003 than in October 2002. Actual total guest nights were 2.3 million in October 2003, a 1 percent increase compared with October 2002 and a 7 percent increase compared with October 2001.

Trend estimates reveal the underlying direction of the movement in a series. In contrast, comparisons between one month and the same month in the previous year(s) do not take account of data recorded in between these periods and can be subject to one-off fluctuations. Reasons for fluctuations include a change in the timing of holidays, international crises, or large sporting and cultural events.

Nine of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in October 2003 than in October 2002. The Bay of Plenty region (up 14,000 or 7 percent) recorded the largest absolute increase in guest nights between the two October months, followed by Otago (up 9,000 or 4 percent) and Hawke's Bay/Gisborne (up 8,000 or 9 percent).

Domestic visitors spent 1.3 million guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation in October 2003, up 1 percent compared with October 2002. International guests accounted for 1.0 million guest nights in October 2003, 1 percent more than in October 2002. Guests from Australia (up 20,000 or 8 percent) and the other Asian grouping (up 9,000 or 9 percent) recorded the largest absolute increases in international guest nights. Guests from Japan (down 14,000 or 17 percent) and the other country grouping (down 11,000 or 19 percent) recorded the largest absolute decreases in international guest nights.

Three of the five accommodation types recorded increases in guest nights in October 2003, compared with October 2002. Backpackers/hostels (up 22,000 or 9 percent) recorded the largest absolute increase in guest nights, while hotels (down 26,000 or 3 percent) recorded the largest absolute decrease in guest nights.

Brian Pink
Government Statistician
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