Total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation were 3.2 million in February 2004, a 3 percent increase compared with February 2003, according to Statistics New Zealand.

The underlying trend in total guest nights has been increasing since June 1998. In February 2004, the trend level in total guest nights was 4 percent higher than the level in February 2003 and 7 percent higher than the level in February 2002.

In February 2004, the trend level in North Island guest nights was 2 percent higher and the trend level in South Island guest nights was 5 percent higher than in February 2003.

Nine of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in February 2004 than in the previous February. The Canterbury region (up 32,000 or 6 percent) recorded the largest absolute increase in guest nights between the two February months, followed by the Hawke’s Bay/Gisborne region (up 21,000 or 17 percent) and the West Coast region (up 18,000 or 13 percent).

All accommodation types except caravan parks/camping grounds recorded increases in guest nights in February 2004 compared with February 2003. Motels (up 53,000 or 5 percent) and backpackers/hostels (up 41,000 or 11 percent) recorded the largest absolute increases in guest nights.

The extreme weather conditions experienced in February 2004 may have affected figures in some regions.

The 2004 calendar year is a leap year, with the extra day in February 2004 falling on a Sunday.