Thursday 13 June 2013

Capital’s Total Guest Nights up 10% for April

The value of major events and conferences is evident in the latest Commercial Accommodation Monitor statistics, says Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT).

Wellington’s total guest nights for April increased 10% – compared to a national decline of 1.3%. PWT Chief Executive David Perks says the figures reflect both strong international visitors and a buoyant domestic market.

“Wellington’s international arrivals increased 11% in April, with a soaring 12.5% increase in Australian arrivals capping off a three-month growth of 7.4%.”

While ANZAC Day’s AFL match contributed to the month’s success, a number of other smaller events also helped deliver a strong autumn period.

“Wellington Fashion Week consumed the capital from 3-7 April, while Te Papa held a number of large business events throughout the month. Furthermore, the tail end of the museum’s blockbuster Game Masters exhibition coincided nicely with the first week of school holidays.”

In addition to a successful April, PWT’s Hotel Monitor figures show May as the strongest ever recorded.

TIA Hotels Regional Chair Steve Martin says total occupancy for the month of May increased 8% year-on-year, while weekend rooms sold were up 25%.

“It was great to see so many of the city’s hotels experience a surge in occupancy throughout May. With both high profile events and demand from conventions, bookings came through thick and fast.”

As well as the Vodafone Warriors v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs NRL Capital Clash, Wellington hosted a sold out season of NZ Opera’s Madame Butterfly and Harcourts’ 125th anniversary conference - which included 1000 delegates over three days, Mr Perks says.

“We anticipate seeing further positive results in June from hosting HANDMADE, the Wellington Jazz Festival, Warhol: Immortal and Phantom of the Opera – it’s been an eventful year for the capital to date, and we see no signs of it slowing down.”

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