Wellington, March 26 NZPA - The humble holiday park plays a key role in stimulating economic activity at local, regional and national levels, and is actually worth more than New Zealand's export mussel industry, says the industry.

Travellers contributed at least $623 million in direct expenditure and supported a wide range of businesses in the community while staying at some of the country's 420-odd holiday parks, according to research commissioned by the Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of New Zealand (HAPNZ), which represents holiday parks around the country.

That was worth about 3 percent of New Zealand's $20 billion tourism industry.

There was a perception that travellers who stay at holiday parks might not be worth as much to the economy as those who stay in more expensive accommodation, said HAPNZ chief executive Fergus Brown.

"But this research shows they actually make a large contribution through the amount they spend in the community while they are on holiday."

About $340m, or 55 percent, of the expenditure by holiday park visitors was contributed by domestic travellers, with the balance of $283m by international travellers.

"This means the export earnings of holiday parks are worth more than exports by New Zealand's mussel industry, the book publishing industry, or the fresh vegetable sector," Mr Brown said.

Holiday park visitors spend about 18 percent of their daily expenditure on accommodation costs.

The bulk of their spending was outside holiday parks in areas such as cafes, restaurants, bars, activities and attractions, shopping and entertainment.

New Zealand holiday parks employed more than 2000 people as well as supporting many local businesses, Mr Brown said.

"The holiday park sector has enjoyed a relatively good summer season, with both New Zealanders and international travellers choosing to stay in our facilities. People are still travelling but they are often choosing cheaper accommodation."

Tourism Industry Association New Zealand chief executive Tim Cossar said the research proves the value of the tourism industry to New Zealand's economy.

"Generally owned and operated by New Zealanders, holiday parks are real heartland businesses that offer visitors a genuine Kiwi experience," he said.

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