Packed accommodation hits five-year high

No Vacancy sign

New figures stack up well for motels and hotels

Good weather and a recovering international economy could be behind a "boomer summer" experienced by Rotorua providers, one industry expert says.

Rotorua's hotels were packed over the December break, part of a five-year high for Rotorua, according to figures released recently by the Tourism Industry Association.

The association's Rotorua hotel members' December occupancy was 78 per cent, which is up 11.3 per cent from December last year.

Rotorua's 2014 occupancy rate was 71 per cent, in line with national rates.

Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel and Spa owner Arthur Gray said he had been busy over the summer break.

He has been running the resort since September.

"We are only new here but we notice from figures from other years that there is an increase.

"It actually wasn't any busier than last year, we are pretty much the same, but there are more people travelling at our end of the market.

"We have good forward bookings, it's all looking very positive at the moment," he said.

The "boomer summer" was not limited to hotels.

Rotorua Association of Motels president and Pohutu Lodge owner Barry Mabey said many motels experienced a great summer.

"I think everyone has had a boomer summer and it's gratifying to see a lot of international tourists, the numbers have been very good.

"The weather has possibly helped to up-sell for another day but I think all in all that we had great numbers over the Christmas and New Year period.

"We were having 50 calls a night and there wasn't a room available. I think the nearest accommodation was in Hamilton.

"It's always a busy 10 days of the year but I think this year has been a little bit exceptional. People have been staying a little longer and it's been great seeing the number of international visitors, from Australia, Europe, a lot of English people, obviously things are getting better for them over there."

Mr Mabey said they were expecting another influx in a couple of weeks.

"Auckland Anniversary Weekend will be booked out by mid-January."

Arista of Rotorua owner Mike Gallagher said it was an exciting time. "We've always been busy, so in terms of increase it's just the same as normal really.

"We have been busy all year, our bookings are very good, and our forward booking are very good.

"I can see Rotorua doing really for the next few years so it's good for everyone.

"It's an opportunity for the ones who haven't done so well to lift their game.

"It's quite exciting for accommodation providers to take advantage of the opportunities."