NZ guest nights fall 6pc in May

Photo / Wairarapa Times Age

A 10 per cent fall in the number of nights New Zealanders spent in short term commercial accommodation in May, led to an overall 6 per cent fall in total guest nights.

Publishing the data today, Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) said the 700,000 guest nights by international visitors in May was little changed from a year earlier, but the 1.1 million domestic guest nights were down 122,000.

The Canterbury region was hardest hit, with a fall of 27,000 or 8 per cent in total guest nights as domestic guest nights in the region fell 17,000 and international guest nights dropped 9000.

Wellington had 22,000 or 11 per cent fewer guest nights, with 17,000 of those due to a drop in domestic nights.

In contrast, Auckland recorded a rise of 22,000 or 6 per cent in guest nights, nearly all due to higher international nights.

The 9000 fewer international guest nights recorded on the West Coast in May was 24 per cent down on the figure for a year earlier.

Motels had 74,000 or 11 per cent fewer guest nights in May from a year earlier, while holiday parks were down 38,000 or 14 per cent, and backpacker accommodation fell 34,000 or 10 per cent.

The occupancy rate, excluding holiday parks, was 39 per cent, compared to 42 per cent in May 2009.

- NZPA