Northland hospitality boom set to rise

BOOM: Northland's hospitality sector is tipped to benefit for a number of high-profile events in the coming months, reckons Whangarei hotel owner Rick Codlin.PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Northland's hospitality sector is poised to make hay big time until about mid next year as a number of high-profile events and a forecast dry summer help boost tourism numbers.

Hotels, particularly budget accommodation providers, are already accepting bookings for January onwards and the pre-season NRL fixture between the Warriors and Titans in Whangarei on February 13, 2016, is attracting strong interest.

Statistics New Zealand latest accommodation survey results revealed national guest nights for September this year were 5.2 percent higher than the same month in 2014 - the 18th consecutive month of rises. Northland registered an impressive 11.6 percent increase over the same period.

The region had 363 extra guest nights in January, 200 in February, 164 in March, 148 in April, 91 in May, 66 in June, 75 in July, and 66 in August.

Rick Codlin, owner of Pembrooke Motor Lodge in Whangarei, has already received bookings from Titans' supporters who'd travel north for the pre-season match after watching the Auckland 9s.

"They will piggyback into Whangarei and after the pre-season match can explore the Bay of Islands and other areas of Northland so it's worked out really well for them. I've had to take some rooms offline due to the number of inquiries," Mr Codlin said.

"Those figures (from Statistics NZ) don't surprise me. They are a true reflection of the economy and I am highly confident the hospitality sector in Northland will do well right through to Easter."

Mr Codlin said events such as Christmas in the Park, the Fritter Festival, and the pre-season NRL match would drive more people into Whangarei .

"These events combined with a very dry summer look like we're in a good position. Whangarei is also a good hub for corporate business and even things like hockey tournaments are also big."