The continuing economic climate and difficult trading times
for Queenstown District Council-owned camping grounds could
continue into the next financial year, holiday park manager
Greg Hartshorne says.
In a report to be discussed at the council's finance and
corporate committee meeting tomorrow, Mr Hartshorne said he
believes the Christchurch earthquake is still affecting
Queenstown.
''The domestic market, especially Canterbury, Otago and
Southland, that we have come to rely on at this time of the
year really failed to materialise ... I believe the fallout
after the Christchurch earthquake still plays a major part."
Revenue for the first quarter of 2012-13 is down about 7.2%
across all park's incomes.
He attributed the ''average'' ski season in part to the
''huge discounting'' across the market, with people taking
advantage of accommodation such as self-catering apartments.
''The outlook for the coming months is still quite confusing
with bookings strong some weeks and lacking in others."
The Statistics New Zealand 2012 Accommodation Survey found
the number of guest nights nationally has been declining
since December 2009.
For August 2012, hotel guest nights have increased at the
expense of other accommodation types.
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