International guest nights up again in October

International guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation were up 5 percent in October 2009 compared with October 2008, Statistics New Zealand said today. However, domestic guest nights were down 2 percent. Total guest nights in October 2009 were 2.5 million, up 0.5 percent.

In the South Island, international guest nights were up 7 percent compared with October 2008, and domestic guest nights were up slightly, resulting in total South Island guest nights increasing 3 percent.

The North Island had 3 percent more international guest nights in October 2009 compared with October 2008, but domestic guest nights were down 3 percent over the same period. Overall, guest nights in the North Island were down 1 percent on the same month last year. 

Seven of the 12 regions experienced an increase in guest nights, with all five South Island regions recording increases. Otago and Canterbury recorded the largest increases, both driven by international guest nights. The Taranaki/Manawatu-Wanganui region recorded the largest decrease.

Increases in guest nights were recorded for hotels, which had the largest share of guest nights, and for backpackers, while motels and holiday parks had fewer guest nights in October 2009 compared with October 2008. Hotels also recorded the highest occupancy rates (54 percent) in October 2009.

Geoff Bascand 11 December 2009

Government Statistician