(RTTNews) - Monday, Statistics New Zealand announced that the number of guest nights in short-term commercial accommodations totaled around 2 million in August, almost unchanged from a year ago. Domestic guest nights amounted to 1.3 million and international guest nights totaled 0.8 million.

In August, North Island guest nights were down 3% year-on-year, while South Island guest nights were up 4%. Four of the five accommodation types recorded an increase in overnight stays, with motels recording the largest rise, up 1% in August from the previous year.

Further, seven of the 12 regions registered an increase in overnight stays, with Otago and Canterbury recording the largest rises.