Tourism up over winter months

GROWTH: Figures from Statistics NZ show there has been an increase in visitors to Rotorua attractions and activities this winter, compared to last year. PHOTO/SUPPLIED.

It's been a good start to winter for Rotorua tourism operators, with an increase in visitors to the city.

Statistics New Zealand figures released yesterday reveal June was a record-breaking month for Rotorua for both domestic and international visitor activity.

Data on visitor nights showed local hotels, motels, hostels and holiday parks collectively hosted 134,000 people for the month.

That was a 23 per cent increase on the same month last year, far exceeding the 12 per cent national increase.

The month is usually a low point in the year, but the change in numbers is being attributed to Queen's Birthday weekend falling in June, rather than straddling May and June and unexpected good weather, encouraging domestic visitors to get outdoors.

Domestic visits reported by the activities sector were up 35 per cent and the attractions sector reported a 22 per cent increase during the month.

Destination Rotorua general manager Oscar Nathan said the latest statistics were evidence the Famously Rotorua campaign was continuing to resonate with its audience, broadening New Zealanders' perception of Rotorua and driving them to visit.

"The campaign is a joint venture with the Rotorua visitor industry, profiling Rotorua as a series of comprehensive visitor experiences with each experience targeted to appeal to a specific domestic market segment."

Polynesian Spa chief executive Gert Taljaard said they most certainly had seen steady growth, in both international and domestic markets.

He put part of the international increase down to a flow-on effect from the increase of airlines flying to New Zealand.

"The domestic market continues to benefit from the fruits of the Destination Rotorua marketing, letting the country know what a fantastic destination Rotorua is," Mr Taljaard said.

Mr Taljaard believed the growth at the Polynesian Spa was a trend happening all over Rotorua.

"The whole town has seen an increase, so it's not surprising."

Michael Sharp, general manager of Rydges Rotorua said there had been more demand from both international and domestic visitors for the hotel this winter compared to last year.

The increase also by noticed by some in the hospitality industry.

Dee Mcroy, manager of the Pig & Whistle, said it has been a good winter.

"The weather helps - travellers stop and stay on."

However, not everyone that talked to the Rotorua Daily Post felt this winter had been busier than usual.

Brew Bar general manager Mel Rolfe said she felt this year had generally been on par with last year.

She said potentially there had been more international tourists, but nothing major.

The New Zealand Trade and Enterprise initiated Project Palace report published earlier this year identified Rotorua as a key New Zealand tourism destination, which needed new hotel development to meet projected tourism increases during the next 10 years.