Tairāwhiti tourism increases, but job growth lags.
Tourism data for June paints a positive picture for Tairāwhiti. While domestic visitor spending remained stable, international spending surged, and hotel occupancy increased significantly. However, this growth hasn't translated into more tourism jobs, which declined slightly.
Tairāwhiti has become more attractive to international visitors. Spending and guest nights both increased substantially, with visitors from the US and UK leading the charge.
Domestic visitors stayed longer, but their spending on retail and other tourism activities dropped, suggesting they may be tightening their belts.
The growth in commercial accommodation usage was primarily driven by Ōpōtiki district, which nearly doubled its total guest nights. This growth is fueled by longer stays, indicating Tairāwhiti's appeal as a destination for extended visits.
Regarding the popularity of districts among different visitor markets, the Gisborne district continues to attract more international visitors, while Ōpōtiki remains a popular choice for domestic travellers.
The slight decline in tourism-related employment was mainly due to a moderate decrease in jobs within the 'Accommodation and Food and Beverage Services' industry, likely influenced by reduced discretionary spending among locals. In contrast, filled jobs in 'Activity & Tour Services' grew significantly.