The latest figures from Statistics New Zealand show the tourism sector is growing in the Bay of Plenty with an increase in domestic and international guest nights.

Sebel Trinity Wharf Hotel general manager Gary Dickman says more guests stayed at the hotel this January than in the same month last year.

In the year to November 2010, there was a 20 per cent increase in the number of international guest nights spent in the region.

Of New Zealand's 12 regions, the Bay of Plenty had the fourth biggest increase in domestic guest nights during November with an increase of eight per cent.

The region experienced the biggest gains of any New Zealand region for the number of international guest nights during November last year.

According to Statistics New Zealand, the Bay of Plenty and Auckland were the two regions that contributed the most to the country's overall 2.5 per cent increase in guest nights.

November was the fourth consecutive month the Bay of Plenty and Auckland had the largest guest night rises.

Tourism Bay of Plenty communications manager Catherine Connell says the figures are an exciting sign for the region.

'It's been a steady increase and it's been a continuing trend,” says Catherine.

'We do a lot of work in trade and getting our name known overseas so I think that's starting to pay off.”

Catherine says the increase in international guest nights shows overseas visitors are becoming familiar with what is on offer across the whole region.

'People want to get off the beaten track. There's more of an awareness of our region. People know about us, where we are and what we've got to offer.”

Sebel Trinity Wharf Hotel general manager Gary Dickman says business has been good over the summer.

The number of people staying at the hotel in January increased 20 per cent compared with January 2010.

'We have done lots of different marketing initiatives, but at the same time it's about promoting Tauranga and the Mount in a combined effort across the industry,” says Gary.

'We are very symbiotic. I can't live without the next person, especially in the conference sector.”

Harbourside Backpackers owner Sarah Meadows says November last year was her best November in years.

She says the increase in guest nights is due to the weather and events on in the city.

'There's been something on every weekend since the beginning of the year,” says Sarah.

'When council and Tourism Bay of Plenty work together to create events, the whole of Tauranga benefits.”

But not all members of Tauranga's accommodation sector are celebrating the latest figures.

Tauranga Motel Association president Lloyd Stone says many motel owners in the city are struggling.

Occupancy during the last week at Lloyd's motel in Bethlehem has been one of the lowest for that period since he bought the business five years ago.

'I think it's all the doom and gloom about the economy and the Visa payments and Christmas bills coming in.

'All I see is the end use, and it's not rosy,” says Lloyd.