The government has announced a new data provider to gather tourist accommodation data less than a year after the initial survey was scrapped.
Data on where tourists stay and for how long helps accommodation providers with decisions and planning. Photo: 123RF
Last June, Statistics NZ confirmed it couldn't afford to produce its accommodation survey.
The move caused an outcry in the tourism industry that uses the data to help with decision-making and planning.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said Fresh Info would take over as the data provider.
MBIE's tourism acting general manager Richard Davies said the new accommodation data programme (ADP) would be reported monthly.
"Data is a priority for the tourism industry, and we are making sure the industry receives data that is fit-for-purpose," Davies said.
"The ADP will rely on support from the major tourism associations and accommodation groups, with a focus on meeting the specific needs of each accommodation type, so I encourage operators to participate as this data will directly benefit their businesses."
The new monthly data will provide guests nights, occupancy rates and establishments that will be broken down by geography - at a minimum.
Hotels, motels, backpackers and holiday parks will all be included in the data collection.
Adding bed and breakfasts, and self-contained accommodation to the data collection is being explored.
Fresh Info is expected to develop new online reporting tools so accommodation businesses and industry representatives can monitor and benchmark performances.
The first data is expected to be released in the second half of the year.
MBIE is encouraging operators to participate in the collection of data on guest nights. Photo: konart/123RF