While there are a few cut and paste optimistic remarks in the media about strength of forward accommodation bookings, we know that the success of trade over this period will depend on the last minute plans of Kiwi holiday makers. Mr and Mrs Kiwi will be basing their holiday decisions on all sorts of stimuli that may include anything from pending weather patterns to their own perceived economic well-being.
Accommodation providers will be competing for the attention of consumers alongside a throng of retailers that will be extremely motivated to clear surplus stock. So a motel in Rotorua could very well be competing with a 42" LCD television at a chain store at a never to be repeated knocked down price.
What ever happens, there will be times when accommodation is at a premium and moteliers can enjoy a rare bargaining position of strength. One of the frustrations for accommodation providers is that after enduring months of struggling to fill rooms there will be times over the next six weeks where they will be able to sell their rooms many times over.
To minimise this frustration the Motella Think Tank has found a solution!
Why not convert all of those inefficient large motel units into multiple rooms to maximise the time period when 4-million Kiwis go on holiday together!
For inspiration, look no further than The Jane Hotel that is situated in New York. Here's an accommodation property that knows how to maximise space. It offers 50-square-foot guest rooms that are styled on a sleeper car on a luxury European train. These tiny, cleverly designed rooms feature under-bed cubbies for storage, a wall-mounted flat-screen TV with a DVD player, and an iPod dock. We reckon the average large Kiwi motel unit could be converted to fit at least four of these rooms!
For a shower, guests can head down the skinny hallway to one of the two shared bathrooms (the hotel even provides the flip-flops).
There is still some time left for moteliers to start erecting a few interior walls in time for Boxing Day...
