NZ accommodation extends run of gains in December
By Paul McBeth
Feb. 11 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand's accommodation providers extended their run of rising guest nights in December as
both domestic and international travellers boosted tourism.
Total guest nights rose 6.2 percent to 3.85 million in December from the same month a year earlier, its 21st monthly
increase, Statistics New Zealand said. Domestic guest nights gained 6.3 percent to 1.65 million and international nights
were up 6 percent to 1.69 million. On a seasonally adjusted basis, total guest nights rose 1.6 percent in December.
"Guest nights in December were higher in both main islands, compared with December 2014," business indicators manager
Neil Kelly said in a statement. "Rises were also recorded for domestic guest nights, international guest nights, and
guest nights for all four accommodation types."
New Zealand's booming tourism sector made up for subdued household consumption and a moribund primary sector through the
latter part of of last year, as a falling kiwi dollar made international visitors' spending go further.
Today's data show nights spent in the North Island rose 5.1 percent to 2.2 million and South Island nights were up 7.6
percent to 1.65 million. All regions except Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman reported a gain from December 2014, with
Wellington posting the biggest increase of 9.9 percent to 272,000, followed by Canterbury's 9.7 percent rise to 546,000
and Otago's 9.3 percent gain to 588,000.
All four types of accommodation posted increased guest nights from a year earlier, with hotels up 6.2 percent, motels
gaining 5 percent, backpackers rising 2.7 percent and holiday parks increasing 9.2 percent.
Occupancy rates improved from a year earlier, rising to 47.3 percent from 45 percent in December 2014, and capacity
edged up 0.1 percent to 4.37 million unit-nights available.
(BusinessDesk)