Nelson’s spending growth was the highest in the country last month and a lot of that is down to tourists, say eftpos provider Paymark
Paymark released its November figures yesterday and it showed Nelson leading the way with 8.1 per cent growth. This year, $91.6 million was spent through the network, compared to last year’s $84.7 million.
Paymark’s Mark Spicer says Nelson and Otago were the regions with the highest growth rates in the country.
“This may be attributed to the strong growth in spending on accommodation that we have seen this year, as well as the consistent increases in the food and beverage sectors. For example, Nelson and Otago are popular destinations for kiwis and tourists.”
Nationally, the growth rate was 5.2 per cent.
Uniquely Nelson manager Cathy Madigan says the Paymark figures have been really good for Nelson two months in a row and, with the Christmas season upon us, it will only get better.
“Traditionally it’s the second week of December when Christmas spending really kicks in and retailers are saying it’s definitely started.”
Cathy says people seem to have more discretionary money to spend which is helping bars and restaurants. “Our hospitality sector has really been strengthening and we you get places like Panama and Urban opening. It benefits everybody because the city becomes a destination for dining and going out.”
