Media release

10 May 2012

Auckland bucks national trend with increase in guest nights

Auckland has recorded an 8.8 per cent increase in guest nights for the year end March 2012 bucking the national trend of a continual decline in guest nights.

According to the latest results from Statistics New Zealand’s commercial accommodation survey, Auckland’s guest nights were up 6.5 per cent for the month of March contributing to the year end increase of 8.8 per cent.

International guest nights increased 10.9 per cent to 2.8 million and domestic guest nights grew by 7.2 per cent to 3.5 million.

During the same period seven out of 12 of New Zealand’s regions saw a decline in guest nights, and of those that did enjoy growth Auckland’s increase was the largest.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd (ATEED) Manager Tourism Jason Hill says it’s great to see Auckland’s sustained visitor growth.

“Numbers have been up for 22 out of the last 24 months which is fantastic, and it’s good to see Auckland’s position holding strong especially as we move into the shoulder season,” says Mr Hill.

These positive results come on the same day that Auckland won the rights to host next year’s TRENZ event, which is New Zealand’s biggest annual international tourism showcase.

Tourism is big business in Auckland, generating in excess of $3 billion of GDP per annum and supporting more than 50,000 full time jobs.

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