The tourism industry is celebrating a continued rise in the number of guest nights.

Statistics New Zealand reports that guest nights have generally been on the increase for more than two years.

In July guest nights throughout the country rose 1.3%.

That followed a fall the previous month.

The largest recent increases have been in the South Island, which has had 3.2% growth, compared to the North Island's 0.3%.

More people are staying at holiday parks, motels and hotels.

But business is down for backpackers.