Hotel, motel stays still on decrease

The number of people in overnight stays in hotels and motels continued to fall during January.

Statistics New Zealand said today the 3 per cent drop was mainly due to a 7 per cent decrease in international guest nights, while domestic guest nights were down 1 per cent over the same period.

Total guest nights has been decreasing since October 2007, after increasing since January 2006.

Statistics New Zealand said nine of the 12 regions had fewer guest nights, with Northland, Auckland and Canterbury showing the largest decreases. Eight regions had fewer international guest nights, and six regions had fewer domestic guest nights.

Guest nights decreased in four of the five accommodation types in January 2009 compared with January 2008. Motels had the largest decrease, while backpackers/hostels recorded the only increase.

- NZPA