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Auckland hospitality operators are reporting strong trade following a busy weekend that combined SailGP racing on the Waitematā Harbour with Valentine’s Day celebrations.
The SailGP regatta returned to Auckland on Friday and Saturday, drawing spectators to the waterfront for the second consecutive year. The event coincided with Valentine’s Day, creating what industry representatives describe as a high-demand weekend for accommodation, restaurants and bars across the city.
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Kristy Phillips says members have reported strong room bookings and elevated foot traffic over the weekend, with momentum expected to continue through the month.
QT Auckland general manager Michael Stamboulidis says February is shaping up as one of the strongest periods for city accommodation in recent years, supported by a packed events calendar.
Attention now turns to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which will be staged at Eden Park from February 19 to 21. Organisers forecast the event will generate approximately 35,000 visitor nights and contribute around $2.3 million in GDP to the region.
Hospitality leaders say the concentration of major events in February is providing a welcome lift for the sector following what some operators describe as a busier-than-usual summer period.
