Opinion: More accommodation needed in Tauranga to house visitors

The Bay was buzzing over Anniversary Weekend - thanks a host of major events that lured visitors from all over to our city and run of fine weather.

The ENZED Stadium Jet Sprints Cup attracted a crowd of 14,000 people, and the soldout One Love Festival drew 18,000 people. The city hosted the T20 match between the Black Caps and Pakistan at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui and the Eastern Regional Surf Lifesaving Championships at Main Beach.

The events are a major boost to our local economy, especially the region's accommodation sector.

As reported yesterday, accommodation in the city was booked out, and those seeking late bookings had to look elsewhere.

Accommodation New Zealand Bay of Plenty chairman Tony Bullot says accommodation providers were happy with the boost, but he questioned why the events could not be spread out more.

He has a point.

However, from a marketing perspective, it makes sense, in my view, to offer a range of events on Anniversary Weekend, and other weekends during the year, to make the city a destination for the broadest group of people.

I think the situation highlights the fact there is an opportunity for more commercial accommodation in the city. Of course, there needs to be consistent demand across the year, but it appears that this exists.

The point has already been raised by Tourism Bay of Plenty which last year said it was investigating the accommodation supply, availability and the demand.

"Intuitively we all know there is a need to increase commercial bed numbers in Tauranga, and there is some evidence to support the business case for extra hotel accommodation," the organisation said at the time.

It appears the city has the potential to become an outstanding event destination if it can supply enough accommodation to keep up with demand.