Tourism drops off in September

The tourism sector weakened in September, with hotel, motel, backpacker and other short-term accommodation occupancy rates falling 3 per cent on the same month last year, Statistics New Zealand said today.

Guest nights in short-term accommodation totalled 2.1 million in the month.

Eight of the 12 regions surveyed recorded fewer guest nights, with Canterbury and Bay of Plenty recording the biggest decreases, down 9 per cent or 31,000 and 19,000 respectively.

The timing of the school holidays may have played a part, the government agency said.

Last year the majority of the school holidays were in September, while this year there was a week in September and a week in October.

All five accommodation types recorded declining occupancy rates. Motels and caravan parks recorded the biggest fall, down 4 per cent for the month.

Accommodation capacity rose 8 per cent over the year.

- NZPA