September Guest Nights Fall

Accommodation Survey: September 2005

September Guest Nights Fall

Guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation were 3 percent lower in September 2005 than in September 2004, Statistics New Zealand said today. In September 2005, guest nights were 1 percent lower in the North Island and 5 percent lower in the South Island, compared with September 2004. Eight of the 12 regions recorded fewer guest nights, with Canterbury and Bay of Plenty recording the largest decreases.

All five accommodation types recorded fewer guest nights in September 2005 than in September 2004, with motels and caravan parks/camping grounds showing the largest decreases.

The timing of the school holidays may have contributed to some of the decrease in guest nights. In 2004, the majority of the school holidays were in September, while in 2005 there was one week in September and one week in October.

Guest nights for the September 2005 quarter were at a similar level to the September 2004 quarter. North Island guest nights were up 1 percent while South Island guest nights were down 1 percent. Eight of the 12 regions recorded fewer guest nights for the same period, with Canterbury recording the largest decrease and Otago and Wellington recording the largest increases.

Backpackers/hostels and hotels were the only two accommodation types to show more guest nights in the September 2005 quarter than in the September 2004 quarter.

Geoff Bascand Acting Government Statistician

ENDS

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