Mixed Results for May Accommodation Statistics
Seven of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights for short-term commercial accommodation in May 2003 than in May 2002,
according to figures released today by Statistics New Zealand. Regions that recorded the largest absolute increases in
guest nights between these periods were Wellington (up 19,000 or 14 percent), Nelson/Marlborough/Tasman (up 10,000 or 12
percent) and Taranaki/Manawatu/Wanganui (up 10,000 or 11 percent). Regions that recorded the largest absolute decreases
in guest nights in May 2003 compared with May 2002 were Auckland (down 10,000 or 3 percent), Bay of Plenty (down 6,000
or 3 percent) and Otago (down 5,000 or 2 percent).
Three of the five accommodation types recorded increases in guest nights in May 2003, when compared with May 2002.
Caravan parks/camping grounds recorded the largest percentage increase in guest nights, up 9 percent in May 2003 when
compared with May 2002. Hotels recorded the largest decrease in guest nights, down 6 percent in May 2003 when compared
with May 2002.
The total guest nights trend was 3 percent higher in May 2003, compared with May 2002. Actual total guest nights
increased 2 percent to 1.7 million in May 2003, compared with May 2002. Excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, the
occupancy rate for short-term commercial accommodation in May 2003 was 43 percent, which was the same rate recorded in
May 2002. Hotels and motels had the highest occupancy rate of all the accommodation types in May 2003, both with 45
percent, followed by backpackers/hostels with 41 percent.
Brian Pink
Government Statistician