WELLINGTON – New Zealand’s accommodation occupancy rates for February were at their lowest since 1999, according to Statistics New Zealand.
New data shows occupancy rates in February 2009 were down eight percent to 3.3 million from the same period in 2008.
Occupancy rates in February were at 62 percent, the lowest for a February since 1999.
“International guest nights were down 13 percent and domestic guest nights were down two percent,” said Statistics New Zealand’s Geoff Bascand.
International visitors contributed 1.6 million guest nights in February 2009, down 236,000 from February 2008.
The New Zealand government is looking at way to drive new international visitor arrivals.
One suggestion under review is for subsidised airline tickets for travellers from long-haul destinations. The cut-price tickets would be available for visitors staying at least one week in New Zealand
