Occupancy figures show the Taupō region remains a popular spot for domestic visitors, says Destination Great Lake Taupō, the area’s regional tourism organisation.

The region showed a strong bounce-back following the Covid-19 lockdown, said DGLT general manager Jane Wilson, jumping to the top of the overall occupancy rankings in July.

According to the new Accommodation Data Programme the Taupō district had an overall occupancy rate of 68 per cent across all accommodation sectors compared to 42 per cent nationally, said Wilson.

The region’s larger motels and holiday parks both ranked number one in the country with occupancies of 85 per cent and 42 per cent respectively.

The healthy visitor figures were supported by MBIE’s monthly regional tourism estimates which showed July’s total monthly spend up 32 per cent, with domestic spend up 62 per cent to $58 million.

This follows 23 per cent growth in domestic spend in June.

While the initial recovery was significantly impacted by the second Auckland change in alert levels, occupancy rates at the region’s holiday parks for August ranked third across New Zealand.

“Compared to a national increase in visitor spend of six per cent for July, the Taupō region has performed strongly,” said Wilson.

Spring and summer events, including the 10th anniversary of the Graffiato Taupō Street Art Festival and the annual Kinloch Market over Labour Weekend, would add to the region’s tourism offering, she said.

Source: Stuff.co.nz

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