Business confidence is on the rise in Rotorua, as nationwide tourism trends paint an opposite picture

Infometrics data shows total guest nights in the district rose by 1.4 percent in the year to March, compared to a year earlier -- compared with a 2.7 percent decrease nationwide.

RotoruaNZ chief executive Andrew Wilson says part of this is down to growing international visitor numbers.

He says all in all, there are positive signs around employment and the local economy.