Productivity in SME commercial accommodation in regional New Zealand

Abstract

The New Zealand tourism industry is reportedly less productive than other industries, and while this is somewhat understandable given the service-intensive nature of the industry, this should not be used as an excuse to not lift productivity where possible. This research reports owners and managers views on productivity in the SME commercial accommodation sector (hotels, motels and motor-camps) within a region in New Zealand. Participants report they are so busy they do not have time to consider what increased productivity might look like or how to improve productivity. The research further reports that generally owners/managers within the SME accommodation sector have no formal accommodation management experience, and that given what can be considered the relatively un-complex nature of these businesses, it is possible that businesses may presently be very productive and minimal further productivity can be extracted.