Late school start boosts guest nights

WELLINGTON - The later start to the school year contributed to a slightly stronger guest accommodation sector in February, Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) said today.

Guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation were 2 per cent higher in February than the same time last year.

SNZ said most schools did not start back this year until February 7, after Waitangi Day, compared to an end of January return last year.

Guest nights were 2 per cent higher in the North Island at 1.8 million, and 3 per cent higher in the South Island at 1.5 million. Nine of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights.

Otago showed the largest increase, up 20,000 or 5 per cent; followed by Nelson/Marlborough/Tasman, up 18,000 or 8 per cent; and Wellington, up 14,000 or 6 per cent.

The three regions to show a decrease were Auckland, down 7000 or 2 per cent; Taranaki/Manawatu-Wanganui down 6000 or 4 per cent; and Southland down 2000 or 2 per cent.

All five accommodation types showed an increase.

Backpackers/hostels recorded the largest rise, up 23,000 or 5 per cent; followed by hotels up 20,000 or 2 per cent; and caravan parks/camping grounds up 19,000 or 3 per cent.

The occupancy rate for the month, excluding caravan parks and camping grounds, was 67 per cent, compared with 69 per cent last February. Capacity was up 6 per cent, excluding caravan parks and camping grounds.

- NZPA