Motel guest nights decrease in June

Total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation decreased 5 percent in June 2008 compared with June 2007, Statistics New Zealand said today. Motels contributed most of the decrease, down 91,000 or 14 percent. Caravan parks/camping grounds were also down 14 percent, with a decrease of 29,000 guest nights.

In June 2008, eleven of the 12 regions had fewer guest nights with Waikato and Otago showing the largest decreases. Wellington was the only region to show an increase.

Domestic guest nights were 1.1 million in June 2008, which was 63 percent of total guest nights. International guest nights were 0.6 million. Auckland and Canterbury were the top two regions for both domestic and international guest nights.

For the year ended June 2008, total guest nights increased 2 percent compared with the year ended June 2007. Seven of the 12 regions recorded higher guest nights, led by Auckland and Canterbury. Three of the five accommodation types had higher guest nights, led by hotels.