Western Bay of Plenty tourism statistics from August suggest the accommodation industry in the region has managed under the strain of the global economic downturn.
Commercial accommodation guest nights in Tauranga and the Western Bay in August 2009 increased 1.2 per cent compared to August 2008, according to Tourism Bay of Plenty.

The same figures also reveal the average length of stay in the region has increased from 2.1 nights in August 2008 to 2.2 nights in August 2009.
Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Tim Burgess says the average length of stay is a more important statistic.
'We don't just want to attract more visitors to the region, we want them to stay longer and spend more,” says Tim.
But Derek Hesford, former president of the B&B Association for Mount Maunganui and Tauranga, says bookings at his Papamoa based B&B Hesford House, has dropped by eight per cent over the past year.
'It's been quieter than last year but summer is looking pretty good and bookings are starting to flood in,” says Derek.
He is already 50 per cent booked-out for the summer season and is noticing more visitors from New Zealand and Australia making reservations.
Less tourists from the US, UK and Canada are making reservations, says Derek.
'When we get more Kiwis coming, they book at the last minute because they wait to see what the weather is like,” says Derek.