These results, which exclude hotels designated as MIQ facilities, are the worst March results since the outbreak of the pandemic in all but one of the regions.

At 36%, Wellington recorded its lowest occupancy since the lockdown in September 2021, despite the end of the three-week protests at Parliament on2 March.

A strong hesitancy to travel in the business, government and leisure markets exacerbated the continuing lack of international visitors.

Self-imposed restrictions by businesses and government departments, combined with the red alert level and capacity restrictions impacting meetings and events, continue to cause a reluctance to travel amongst many New Zealanders, especially those who are most likely to use hotels.