Visitor number rise good news for Bay

Around 145,000 people stayed in Hawke's Bay accommodations in December 2015 - a 5.6 per cent increase - on the same month in 2014.

Visitors flocked to Hawke's Bay this summer, according to the latest figures by Statistics New Zealand.

The monthly Accommodation Survey assesses the number of people staying in local motels, hotels, camping parks and backpackers around the country.

Around 145,000 people stayed in Hawke's Bay accommodations in December 2015 - a 5.6 per cent increase - on the same month in 2014.

Hastings motel owner Greg Lomas said warmer weather this summer was a big lure.

"I've been working in this business for three years and the turnover has improved each year, so that must mean we're getting more people."

Winter, he said, is a slow period for business but numbers certainly picked up during summer.

Guest nights in December were higher in both main islands, compared with December 2014, business indicators manager Neil Kelly said.

"Rises were also recorded for domestic guest nights, international guest nights, and guest nights for all four accommodation types."

For December 2015, compared with December 2014, North Island guest nights were up 5.1 per cent, and South Island guest nights were up 7.6 per cent.

Domestic guest nights were up 6.3 per cent, and international guest nights were up 6 per cent.

Tukituki MP Craig Foss said tourism gave Hawke's Bay's local economy a real boost over summer.

"Tourism in Hawke's Bay is in great shape and there is a real flow-on effect to the rest of the local economy," Mr Foss said.

"As well as accommodation providers, extra guest nights benefit many local businesses including food outlets and retail. Guest nights in Hawke's Bay/Gisborne region for December 2015 were up 8000 on December the year before.

"That is a lot of extra people spending a lot in Hawke's Bay."

"In our local area, I have seen the positive impact of tourism growth.

"What with our great wine, awesome cycling trails, terrific weather and fantastic scenery, no wonder our tourism is growing. Since 2008, the National-led Government has invested over $700 million in tourism and tourism promotion.

"These impressive results show it is paying off."