International guest nights up in the South

Overnight stays by international visitors in commercial accommodation in the South Island were up 5 percent in the November 2009 month compared with the previous November, Statistics New Zealand said today. Comparing the same two months, domestic guest nights were up 2 percent, resulting in total South Island guest nights increasing 4 percent.

"This is the fifth consecutive month of increase for the South Island," said Kathy Connolly, business statistics manager, "with the increase being driven mainly by international visitors."

The North Island had 1 percent fewer international guest nights and 2 percent fewer domestic guest nights in November 2009 compared with the same month last year. Total guest nights in the North Island were down 2 percent over the same period.

Overall, international guest nights were up 2 percent, while domestic guest nights were down 1 percent in November 2009 compared with November 2008. Total guest nights in November 2009 were up 0.5 percent for the month.

On a regional basis:

Eight of the 12 regions experienced an increase in guest nights 

All five South Island regions recorded increases

Otago recorded the largest increase in numbers and Southland recorded the largest percentage increase

The Auckland region recorded the largest decrease in guest nights.

Increases in guest nights were recorded for backpackers and holiday parks, while hotels and motels had fewer guest nights in November 2009 compared with November 2008. 

The Accommodation Survey records guests staying in hotels, motels, backpackers, and holiday parks in New Zealand each month.

Geoff Bascand 19 January 2010

Government Statistician