KEY POINTS:
WELLINGTON - Total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation were above 2.7 million in November, 4.6 per cent ahead of the same month in 2005.
But, seasonally adjusted, numbers were 0.9 per cent down on October, data published today by Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) shows.
The trend in total guest nights had been increasing in recent months after a flat period since October 2004, SNZ said.
In November, the trend level was 4 per cent higher than in November 2005 and 3 per cent ahead of November 2004, but more data was needed for trend estimates to be confirmed.
The North Island recorded 1.6 million guest nights in November, 6.1 per cent up on November 2005, but 0.4 per cent down on October on a seasonally adjusted basis.
In the South Island, 1.2 million guest nights were recorded, 2.7 per cent up on November 2005, but 1.5 per cent down, seasonally adjusted, on October.
The trend in North Island guest nights had been increasing in recent months after a flat period, while the trend in the South Island had been flat recently following a period of increases that started in September 1997, SNZ said.
The Waikato region had the largest absolute increase -- 27,000 or 12 per cent -- in guest nights in November from the same month a year earlier.
It was followed by Auckland, up 26,000 of 6 per cent, then Wellington, up 23,000 or 11 per cent, and Canterbury, up 16,000 or 4 per cent.
Taranaki/Manawatu-Wanganui was the only region to record a decline, down 6000 or 5 per cent.
Of accommodation types, motels had the largest absolute increase -- up 41,000 or 5 per cent -- between November least year and November 2005.
Hotels were up 40,000 or 4 per cent, and backpackers/hostels up 27,000 or 7 per cent.
The trend in hotel guest nights had been increasing since January last year after a period of decreases that started in June 2005, SNZ said.
For backpacker/hostels the trend had been increasing since June 2006.
Seasonally adjusted data suggested guest nights for both would continue to increase in the short-term.
The November 2006 occupancy rate, excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, was 57 per cent, compared with 55 per cent a year earlier.
Excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, nine of 12 regions had higher occupancy rates in November last year from November 2005.
Auckland had the highest occupancy rate with 67 per cent, followed by Wellington on 66 per cent and Bay of Plenty with 60 per cent.
- NZPA
