Get the facts on Holiday Parks
Which accommodation sector can boast New Zealand’s longest staying visitors?
Which accommodation sector is continuing to expand during challenging economic times?
Which accommodation sector hosts some of New Zealand’s biggest spending travellers?
The answer in each case is Holiday Parks.
The Holiday Parks Association (HAPNZ) has updated its ‘Quick Facts on Holiday Parks’ and it contains some fascinating
insights, Chief Executive Fergus Brown says.
Holiday Parks are New Zealand’s third largest accommodation sector behind hotels and motels, catering for 6.2 million
visitor nights in 2012 (20% of all commercial visitor nights).
The average length of stay at a Holiday Park in 2012 was 2.1 nights, 8% longer than the average length of stay for all
commercial accommodation sectors. International visitors who stay in Holiday Parks stay about 28 nights in New Zealand,
47% longer than the average 19 night length of stay across all commercial accommodation sectors.
In part due to their longer stay, the average total expenditure in New Zealand for international visitors who stayed at
least one night in a Holiday Park was $3500 in 2012, compared to the average visitor spend of $2300.
“Average daily expenditure by visitors at holiday parks over this summer was $87.85 per domestic visitor and $180.24 per
international visitor – up 18% and 12% respectively compared with summer 2009-10,” Mr Brown says.
“We estimate that only 26% of this is spent at holiday parks, with the majority of spending happening at local cafes,
restaurants, activities, shops and entertainment. This indicates that Holiday Parks drive an economic benefit which is
felt widely in their local communities.”
There are just over 400 Holiday Parks around the country, slightly more than 10 years ago. Recent years have seen a
noticeable increase in the amount of built accommodation offered by Holiday Parks, particularly in ensuite units and
park motels.
“All the indications are that holiday parks are doing well to retain and grow the value of tourism in their regions,” Mr
Brown says.
The Quick Facts on Holiday Parks are available on the HAPNZ website www.holidayparks.co.nz/picshotel/hapnz2011/brochure/holiday%20parks%20-%20quick%20facts%202013.pdf
Key facts:
• The holiday park sector provides 38% of New Zealand’s commercial accommodation capacity and 20% of actual guest nights
• In the past year holiday parks provided 6,325,431 guest nights
• Guest nights to holiday parks are made up of approximately 32% international visitors and 68% domestic visitors
• While staying at holiday parks guests contribute $733 million in direct expenditure to the local communities
• Approximately $372 million (51%) of the expenditure is contributed by domestic travellers, with the balance of $362
million (49%) by international travellers
ENDS