Visitor numbers are rapidly increasing in the Bay of Plenty and the tourism sector is preparing for its busiest summer yet. Statistics New Zealand data shows Bay of Plenty guest nights were up 10.5 per cent this September from last year to 264,000. Tourism Bay of Plenty also put the successful period down to the overall growth of the region. For September, compared with September 2015, international guest nights were up 12.4 per cent and domestic guest nights were up 3 per cent. North Island guest nights were up 6.6 per cent, and South Island guest nights were up 6 per cent.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 16, 2016 22:39 UTC