Sustained Accommodation Promotion Paying Off

Venture Southland is over the moon with the latest release of Southland RTO accommodation figures.

Figures show that sustained promotion and marketing over a number of years is paying off with a 45% increase in international guest nights in the region for March 2016 compared to March 2015.

Venture Southland Group Manager Tourism, Events and Community Bobbi Brown said the figures speak for themselves and they have been achieved with slightly less establishments but better daily capacity, 1643 more unit nights were available and the occupancy rate increased by 47.32% from 41.93%

“This is an outstanding result and is a tribute to a collaborative approach which Southland has regards to promotion and marketing of the region. Not many regions experience growth of 45% and these statistics certainly back up the anecdotal feedback I have been hearing- its been hard finding a place to stay in Southland lately”

“This growth can be attributed to a range of reasons including successful and targeted marketing and promotion; an approach to develop product including events and new activities and the local tourism industry working hard to extend the tourist season into the shoulder months.”

“Continued robust growth in domestic visitation is being complimented by a substantial increase in the number of international travellers taking in the Southland experience. This was extremely pleasing to see as it is a key goal for Southland with approximately two thirds of all visitors currently being domestic.”

Venture Southland is currently encouraging locals to get out and explore their own backyard with the “On Your Doorstep” campaign.