Visitor numbers are up in Hawke's Bay and the biggest summer events season yet is expected to attract even more to the region.
Statistics New Zealand data shows Hawke's Bay and Gisborne guest nights were up 19.1 per cent this September on last to 86,000.
The region also experienced guest night increases throughout the winter months. Guest nights were up 16.7 per cent this June on last to 74,000. In July they increased 22 per cent to 86,000. In August they rose 22.3 per cent to 73,000.
Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas said Hawke's Bay had a huge boost in commercial accommodation results for August and September.
"So we're pretty delighted about that, and I think it's the sign of a trend that's probably going to continue through the summer months."