As New Zealand?s economy continues to strengthen, so too does the hospitality industry.
The third annual Hospitality Report, the definitive guide to the performance of New Zealand?s hospitality industry was released today. Jointly researched by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand and AUT University?s School of Hospitality and Tourism, the report is an annual update on an industry that plays a significant role in New Zealand?s economy.
Highlights of the 2013 Hospitality Report include:
– Nationwide sales for 2013 are projected to increase by 3 per cent to $7.19 billion (2012: $6.98 billion)
– Number of outlets in 2013 is projected to increase by 87 to 14,636 (2012: 14,549)
– Number of employees in 2013 is projected to increase by 1 per cent to 104,525 (2012: 103,490)
Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand says that the past few years have been challenging for hospitality businesses.
“We are feeling more confident about the outlook for hospitality. We saw strong growth in overall revenue in 2012 of 6.7 per cent and expect a more modest increase in 2013. Our industry continues to grow, and with recent reports of consumer confidence improving, that too will have a positive flow-on effect in the year to come.”
Amongst all hospitality outlet types, the strongest performer was takeaways, which have seen growth in sales and number of outlets every year since 2008.
By region, Auckland and Bay of Plenty experienced double digit sales growth up 11.9 per cent and 15.3 per cent respectively. Sales in the Manawatu-Wanganui, Canterbury and Otago regions all contracted by between 3.3 per cent and 4.1 per cent. For a detailed regional analysis, refer to the regional breakout included as an attachment to this media release.
“The hospitality industry is a fantastic barometer of any economy. It is the first to feel any economic downturn and one of the first to recover when the economy improves,” says Lindsay Neill, one of the report?s authors and Senior Lecturer, AUT University School of Hospitality and Tourism.
Discovering New Zealand?s Hospitality Personality
For the first time, this year?s report includes research on the hospitality personality, as a way to begin to combat the skills shortage facing the industry.
Click here to read more.