More tourists visiting Auckland

Kiwis are visiting Auckland in increasing numbers with domestic guest nights up 9.9 per cent in October 2012 compared to October 2011, according to the latest results from Statistics New Zealand's Commercial Accommodation Monitor.

This result builds on the strong September month, where guest nights increased 11.8 per cent compared to September 2011.

Spend on accommodation by the domestic market also grew by 18 per cent in September and 16 per cent in October 2012 compared to the same months the previous year.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Manager Tourism Jason Hill says it is great to see Auckland's boost in domestic visitation during the tourism shoulder season. 

"This result is especially heartening given that last spring was when Auckland hosted Rugby World Cup, which was a considerable driver of visitation," says Mr Hill.

The surge in domestic guest nights was timed with multiple Auckland events - including Mary Poppins and the ITU Triathlon World Championships Grand Final - as well as ATEED's  inaugural Auckland domestic tourism campaign. 

"We are working to open people's eyes to the diversity of Auckland and attract people with our spectacular events, inspiring cuisine, world-class shopping and stunning natural playground - and people are responding to this," says Mr Hill.

Tourism is big business in Auckland, generating in excess of $3 billion of GDP per annum and supporting more than 50,000 full time jobs.