Strong Demand for Accommodation - 1999 Survey

Released at 10.45am on day of release

Accommodation Survey: November 1999
Strong Demand for Accommodation

The number of nights spent by guests in commercial accommodation was 11 per cent higher in November 1999 than in November 1998 according to Statistics New Zealand's latest Accommodation Survey results. A 13 per cent increase in international visitor arrivals in November 1999 compared with November 1998 contributed to this growth.

Demand for accommodation has now been strong for the last nine months. Hotels and backpackers/hostels have had several months of substantial increases in guest nights when compared with the same period a year earlier. In November 1999, hotels recorded the highest monthly total for guest nights since the survey began in July 1996.

Comparing November 1999 with November 1998, the Auckland and Canterbury regions recorded the largest increases in guest nights. In November 1999, Auckland also recorded its highest monthly total for guest nights since the survey began.

Excluding seasonal closures, New Zealand's commercial accommodation capacity has been steadily increasing since the Accommodation Survey began in July 1996. All accommodation types have had rises in capacity.

The Accommodation Survey is funded by regional tourism organisations throughout New Zealand.

Ian Ewing
DEPUTY GOVERNMENT STATISTICIAN

ENDS

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