Hotel guest nights increase in May

Total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation increased 5 percent in May 2008 comparedwith May 2007, Statistics New Zealand said today.

Hotels contributed most of the increase, up 67,000 or 10percent.

Backpackers/hostels were also up 10 percent, with an increase of 30,000 guest nights.In May 2008, eight of the 12 regions had more guest nights.
 
Auckland had the largest increase, up 40,000guest nights, followed by Wellington and Canterbury, both up 22,000.
The other regional increases ordecreases were relatively small.

Domestic guest nights were 1.3 million in May 2008, which was 63 percent of total guest nights.

International guest nights were 0.8 million.

Auckland and Canterbury were the top two regions forboth domestic and international guest nights