Guest Nights Trend Remains Steady
The total guest nights trend level for short-term commercial accommodation was 1 percent higher in September 2003,
compared with September 2002, according to Statistics New Zealand. Actual total guest nights were 2.0 million in
September 2003, a 5 percent increase compared with September 2002 and an 8 percent increase compared with September
2001.
Trend estimates reveal the underlying direction of movement in a series. In contrast, comparisons between one month and
the same month in the previous year(s) do not take account of data recorded in between these periods and can be subject
to one-off fluctuations.
Reasons for fluctuations include a change in the timing of holidays, international crises, or large sporting and
cultural events.
Ten of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in September 2003 than in September 2002.
The Otago region (up 23,000 or 9 percent) recorded the largest absolute increase in guest nights between the two
September months, followed by Wellington (up 18,000 or 12 percent) and Bay of Plenty (up 18,000 or 10 percent).
All accommodation types, with the exception of hosted accommodation, recorded increases in guest nights in September
2003 compared with September 2002. Motels (up 48,000 or 7 percent) recorded the largest absolute increase in guest
nights, followed by hotels (up 23,000 or 3 percent). This is the first month since April 2003 that hotels have recorded
an increase in guest nights when compared with the same month of the previous year.
Brian Pink
Government Statistician