Easter affects April guest nights

Total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation in April 2009 were 4 percent higher thanin April 2008, Statistics New Zealand said today.

The timing of the Easter holidays, which occurred in Marchin 2008, and this year in April, contributed to this increase. Guest nights for the combined months of Marchand April 2009 were 4 percent lower than for the same two months in 2008.

In April 2009 compared with April 2008, international guest nights were down 2 percent while domesticguest nights were up 9 percent. In the two months ended April 2009, international guest nights were 8percent lower and domestic guest nights were 1 percent lower than in the two months ended April 2008.

Nine of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in April 2009 than in the previous April. When thecombined March and April periods are compared, 10 of the 12 regions had fewer guest nights. In bothcases, Waikato recorded the largest increase, and Auckland the largest decrease.

Guest nights increased for caravan parks/camping grounds and backpackers/hostels in April 2009compared with April 2008, but all five accommodation types had fewer guest nights in the two monthsended April 2009 compared with the same period in 2008.

Dallas Welch (Mrs)
Acting Government Statistician
11 June 2009
END
See also the Hot Off The Press information release Accommodation Survey: April 2009.