Embargoed until 10:45am – 11 September 2008
International guest nights fall in July
Total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation decreased 2 percent in July 2008 compared with July 2007,
Statistics New Zealand said today. This decrease was largely due to an 8 percent fall in international guest nights,
which was partly offset by a 2 percent increase in domestic guest nights. Among the regions, Auckland and Otago recorded
both the largest decreases in international guest nights and the largest increases in domestic guest nights.
In July 2008, total guest nights in the North Island fell 4 percent compared with July 2007, while South Island guest
nights remained steady. Eight of the twelve regions had fewer guest nights with Waikato and Auckland showing the largest
decreases. Canterbury and Wellington showed the largest increases.
Guest nights decreased in four of the five accommodation types in July 2008 compared with July 2007.
Motels had the largest decrease followed by caravan parks/camping grounds.
Geoff Bascand
Government Statistician
11 September 2008
ENDS