The latest statistics on tourism show Otago has fared relatively well through winter.

The number of commercial guest nights in the region are up slightly on the same time last year.

In July, August and September there were about 1.2 million commercial guest nights in Otago.

In the year to September more than 5 million commercial guest nights were recorded in the region.

The slight growth in winter tourism nationwide is being celebrated by the Tourism Industry Association.

Summer remains the most popular time for visitors to Dunedin and the wider Otago area, even without counting cruise ship passengers and crew.