Little change in May guest nights

Total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation were at a similar level in May 2005 compared with May 2004, Statistics New Zealand said today.

Six of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in May 2005 than in May last year, with the Otago and Wellington regions showing the largest increases.

Canterbury and Auckland recorded the largest decreases.

Backpackers/hostels and hotels were the only two accommodation types to record more guest nights in May 2005 than in May 2004.

The May 2005 occupancy rate, excluding caravan parks/camping grounds, was 42 per cent, compared with 44 per cent in May 2004.

This rate would have been affected by an increase in capacity of 8 per cent in May 2005 compared with May last year, Statistics New Zealand said.

- NZPA