This new survey complements and enhances the existing suite of monthly hotel performance reports already published for Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, with in-depth country reports for Australia, Germany, South Africa, the UK and London.  

Initially the survey will track occupancy and average room rate information for five cities – Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington and Rotorua.  In addition to the city analysis the report will include an analysis of performance for the North Island and South Island, then all hotels, sub-divided by size of hotel and average rate banding. 

Commenting on the launch of the New Zealand survey Rutger Smits, Director of Hospitality Services Australasia said, “Having reported on the Auckland market as a part of the Asia-Pacific Benchmark Survey, we recognised an opportunity to broaden the scope of our reporting.  The Hotel Industry Benchmark Survey New Zealand is a reflection of Arthur Andersen’s continued commitment in providing timely and accurate hotel performance data to the industry with a proven methodology that is trusted by hoteliers throughout the world.  We would like to thank the industry for continuing to support all our surveys and for making the launch of an in-depth survey of hotel performance in New Zealand possible.”

A summary of the performance for the key markets is set out below.
 

January 2001 statistics show improved performance for surveyed hotels relative to January 2000, with escalating demand driving room yields 8.5 percent higher.  Occupancy rates showed strong growth, up 15.9 percent to 74 percent country-wide, supported by growing inbound visitor arrivals, up 17 percent in January. 

Growth in room yield was strong for Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown and Rotorua, driven by higher occupancies, with Christchurch, Wellington and Rotorua also enjoying growth in average room rates.  Auckland results exerted a strong influence on average room rate performance. The 14.5 percent room rate decline in Auckland compares to the relatively strong January 2000 performance, when the America’s Cup was staged.  Despite additions to supply in the Auckland market, demand continued to rise, up 8.9 percent, perhaps influenced by some discounting in the market.  

“The coming year is one of challenge and opportunity for New Zealand’s accommodation industry.  A more turbulent economic climate will influence visitation patterns – particularly from Australia, the UK and the US, the three largest source markets for international visitors to New Zealand. Low exchange rates against the US dollar and the allure of “GST-free” travel to New Zealand may stimulate continued demand from Australia, which accounted for almost one third of all inbound visitors during 2000, with domestic travel also standing to benefit from lower exchange rates.  Monthly statistical reports on hotel performance will help us gauge the real impacts of the economy on accommodation demand.  We look forward to delivering our insights to the market” said Mr Smits.  

Launched in 1996 as the definitive source of hotel performance data outside North America, the Arthur Andersen Hotel Industry Benchmark Survey comprises information gathered from more than 4,500 hotels in 200 markets across 140 countries.  

© 2000 Arthur Andersen.