NZ caravan parks register drop in visitors

Caravan parks in the popular backpacker destination of New Zealand saw a drop in numbers in October.

Government figures showed that the number of guest nights in caravan accommodation fell year-on-year by 8,000 – or two per cent.

This was the biggest fall in percentage terms across the different accommodation types for more than two years and the first time since June 2006 that all sectors had seen a drop.

Statistics New Zealand revealed that overall guest nights fell by one per cent, with the north island down two per cent.

The news will come as a blow to New Zealand's economy, as tourism is a major contributor.

The country has become a regular stop on round-the-world tours, with many gap year students and older travellers including it in their itinerary.

12/12/2007 09:42:41