The Taupo region has shown a strong bounce-back following the Covid-19 lockdown jumping to the top of the overall occupancy rankings in July. According to the new Accommodation Data Programme the Taupo district delivered an overall occupancy rate of 68% across all accommodation sectors compared to just 42% across New Zealand. The region’s larger motels and holiday parks both ranked number one in the country with occupancies of 85% and 42% respectively.
This was supported by MBIE’s Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates which showed July’s total monthly spend up 32%, with domestic spend up a whopping 62% to $58m. This follows 23% growth in domestic spend in June.
This positive initial recovery was significantly impacted by the second Auckland change in alert levels. However, the Taupo region remained a top 10 performer for August with occupancy rates at the regions holiday parks ranking 3rd across New Zealand as Kiwi’s newly found love of campervan travel continues to deliver strong results.
“Compared to a national increase in visitor spend of 6% for July, the Taupo region has performed strongly, says Destination Great Lake Taupo’s General Manager Jane Wilson.
“These figures reinforce the regions continuing appeal as an iconic Kiwi holiday destination, our central location as the perfect place to meet in the middle and our ability to deliver an exceptional holiday offering for a broad range of visitors”
“Our recent marketing campaigns across TV, outdoor, print and digital have also generated great engagement – with our latest Cheeky Midweeky deals delivering over 8,000 referrals to our tourism operators over the last month”.
“The region is again buzzing with visitors over the current school holidays with many families out enjoying the lake, hot pools, walking and hiking trails, our vibrant town centre and lakeside villages”, says Jane.
As we head into spring and summer an exciting calendar of events including the 10th anniversary of the Graffiato Taupo Street Art Festival and the annual Kinloch Market this Labour Weekend add another dimension to the region’s tourism offering, and will look to provide an opportunity to maintain this domestic momentum moving forward.