World Cup lift for HB tourism

The kick start to Hawke's Bay's accommodation industry from the Rugby World Cup (RWC) has continued into October, thanks to international visitors. RWC games were played in Hawke's Bay on September 18 and 27.

Statistics New Zealand figures show that in September there were an extra 10,451 guest nights and in October 3032, compared with 2010.

In September, 32 per cent of visitors to Hawke's Bay were from overseas, compared to 17 per cent in 2010. In October this year 29 per cent were from overseas, compared to 19 per cent in 2010.

The 10 per cent October rise in international guests offset a 6.7 per cent fall in domestic guest nights in Hawke's Bay, despite one week of the school holidays being shifted to October from September, to align with the final stages of the RWC.

All Hawke's Bay accommodation sectors recorded rises in October guest nights: hotels 10.4 per cent, motels 1.4 per cent, backpackers 6.6 per cent and holiday parks 4.1 per cent.

Annie Dundas, general manager of Hawke's Bay Tourism, says the organisation is very pleased with the region's performance.

"This is the third consecutive month Hawke's Bay visitor numbers have been on the increase," she says.

"We have worked incredibly hard to leverage our partnerships and maximise the Rugby World Cup opportunities and are delighted to see a positive result. Our goal is to extend the travel period to Hawke's Bay into early May and, with our domestic marketing campaign underway, we hope these excellent results continue."

Nationally, guest night numbers for international visitors rose 7.1 per cent in October 2011.

The rise offset a 6.7 per cent fall in domestic guest nights, resulting in an overall fall of 1.5 per cent in total guest nights compared with October 2010.

- patrick.osullivan@hbtoday.co.nz