Latest Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) data shows more than 1.5 million domestic commercial guest nights were spent in the capital over the period from the campaign launch last October to August 2015.
This equates to a 5.6% growth on the same period a year before, or an additional 82,973 commercial guest nights.
Positively Wellington Tourism Chief Executive David Perks says the campaign – ‘It’s never just a weekend when it’s in Wellington’ – has been a great success.
“We’re very happy with the response to the campaign, which captured the energy and personality of Wellington, while showcasing just how much fun you can pack into a short visit or a long weekend.
“More than half of the months since the campaign launched have hit all-time highs for domestic guest nights, helping Wellington set new 12-month total guest night records every month since November.”
Wellington hotels have seen the benefits of the strong domestic performance, David says.
“Our partner hotels have reported an average occupancy rate of 76% in the year since the campaign launched, up from 72% in the 12 months before. In this environment, we’re seeing growing interest in investment in hotel development and refurbishment across Wellington.”
TIA recently announced it was spearheading a Domestic Tourism Working Group to maximise the potential of domestic travel.
The Working Group includes representatives from Tourism New Zealand, Regional Tourism Organisations NZ, the Automobile Association, Air New Zealand, the accommodation and transport sectors, Department of Conservation and the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment. .
about PWT’s domestic campaign success.