July tourism data shows mixed results for Tairāwhiti
Despite a generally positive outlook for tourism in Tairāwhiti during July, data revealed some fluctuations in accommodation preferences and spending patterns.
Domestic Spending Trends
Domestic visitor spending on 'Food & Beverage Serving' products fell by -13% YoY, indicating that tighter budgets may be influencing consumer choices. However, spending on 'Retail Food & Beverage' remained relatively stable.
Regional Variations
The Opotiki District experienced a significant surge in domestic guest nights (+83% YoY), but also a sharp decline in international guest nights (-40%). This contributed to the overall growth in commercial accommodation occupancy rates.
International Visitor Spending
Hawke’s Bay visitors continued to lead the way in domestic visitor spending, while the US market surpassed Australia as the top international spender. Both markets have experienced fluctuations in spending since March 2024.
Commercial Accommodation
Commercial accommodation saw a significant increase in guest nights (+22% YoY), driven by a combination of more domestic visitors and a shift away from short-term rentals. Occupancy rates for commercial accommodation rose by +6%pt to 34%, while short-term rental occupancy plummeted by -18%pt to 42%.
The decline in short-term rental occupancy can be attributed to a decrease in demand and an increase in supply. This trend was further highlighted by the strong growth in campground occupancy, which jumped from 14% to 23%.
Short-Term Rental Trends
Short-term rental occupancy remained relatively flat throughout July, with a slight increase during the school holidays, particularly in the first week.