Media release from Destination Queenstown
12 September 2012
Queenstown leads national guest nights for July
Queenstown has recorded the largest guest nights increase in the country for the month of July, boosted by strong
international and domestic visitor numbers.
Released today, Statistics New Zealand’s Commercial Accommodation Monitor (CAM) figures for July 2012 show overall guest
nights were up 7.1 percent (or 18,000) to 263,648 compared with July 2011.
International guest nights were up 7.4 percent to 176,078, accounting for 66.8 percent of all guest nights in the
Queenstown RTO area, and domestic guest nights increased 6.5 percent to 87,571 for the same period.
Hotels and backpackers were the key sectors to benefit, with 10.4 and 8.5 percent respective increases in visitor
nights.
Destination Queenstown CEO Graham Budd said it was great to see the recovery continuing.
“Excellent snow conditions coupled with increased air capacity, marketing and favourable exchange rates directly
contributed to Queenstown's surge in guest nights for July. Conference and incentive business was strong throughout the
month and Winter Festival was a great drawcard, bringing extra visitors into Queenstown during the first week of July.”
ENDS