Lions tour still affecting accommodation figures

The hangover from last year's British and Irish Lions rugby tour is still affecting accommodation statistics.

Guest nights spent by international visitors in short-term commercial accommodation fell by 14 per cent in July compared with July. Visitors from the United Kingdom and Ireland were down 120,000, or 48 per cent.

Domestic guest nights rose 3 per cent in July 2006 compared with the previous July.

Total guest nights fell by 4 per cent in July 2006 compared with the previous July. Guest nights were down 6 per cent in the North Island and 1 per cent in the South Island. All three Lions tour matches held in July 2005 were in the North Island.

Nine of the 12 regions recorded fewer guest nights, with Auckland and Bay of Plenty recording the largest decreases. Auckland hosted two Lions tour matches.

Four of the five accommodation types recorded fewer guest nights in July 2006 than the previous July, with hotels and motels recording the largest decreases. Hosted home accommodation was the only type to record an increase in guest nights.

- NZPA