Weekend rooms sold in Positively Wellington Tourism’s (PWT) partner hotels increased by almost 13% in November 2012, again proving the importance of events to the city’s economy.
PWT Chief Executive David Perks said the regional tourism organisation’s monthly Hotel Monitor showed overall occupancy across November increased 2% to an average of 84.9%, with weekend rooms sold increasing 12.8%. The average dollar rate for November rose by NZD$4.95.
“November saw back-to-back sell out concerts from Ben Harper and Mumford and Sons, followed by three consecutive weekends of major performance events at St James Theatre,” Perks said.
“This line-up will certainly have played a big role in November’s strong growth in weekend room sales.”
Positively Wellington Venues Chief Executive Glenys Coughlan said tickets to the Wellington exclusive of the diamond anniversary tour of The Mousetrap sold “exceptionally well”, with an estimated 28% of the audience coming from outside of the Wellington region.
Weekday growth – up 2.3% – was more modest for the month, but had finished on a high.
Average occupancy was at 99.7% on the night of the world premiere of ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ and 95% from Monday 26 – Thursday 29 November, Perks said.
He said the events calendar for 2013 was already starting to look strong, with a series of big name concerts throughout the summer, Game Masters running through until April, the AFL premiership match on ANZAC Day, an Andy Warhol exhibition at Te Papa in June, an All Blacks vs Wallabies test and the fifth course of Visa Wellington On a Plate in August, as well as the 25th year of the World of WearableArt Awards Show.