Accommodation for all during RWC 2011
New Zealand has plenty of accommodation options for rugby fans coming to Rugby World Cup 2011, tourism industry leaders
say.
With tickets going on sale to the general public next month, they are advising fans that accommodation to suit all
budgets and travel styles will be available during the tournament.
“Around major match venues, there will obviously be high demand for accommodation. In some of our fantastic regional
centres which have only a limited supply, visitors may have to sleep further away. But we are confident everyone will
find suitable accommodation within a reasonable travelling distance,” Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA)
Chief Executive Tim Cossar says.
TIA, the Inbound Tour Operators Council (ITOC) and the New Zealand Hotel Council (NZHC) say the industry is working
together to ensure the all visitors to New Zealand in September-October 2011 will have a great time.
NZHC chair Jennie Langley says more accommodation options are likely to become available a year out from RWC 2011, in
September-October this year.
“Rooms in many hotels are still being held in the RWC Official Accommodation Bank, to ensure that all players, officials
and guests travelling with the tournament’s official travel agencies have rooms. But as it becomes clear where there is
excess capacity, rooms are being released from the Official Accommodation Bank which means they will be available to the
general public,” Ms Langley says.
“In addition, many hotels only post their rates to the public 12 months ahead, so we expect that more rooms will become
available around that time.”
ITOC Chief Executive Paul Yeo says that even travellers who are not interested in rugby will find plenty to enjoy in New
Zealand during RWC 2011.
“New Zealand normally welcomes more than 180,000 visitors through September-October and we want non-RWC visitors to keep
coming through that time. New Zealand will be in party mode, with a national festival of cultural, artistic and sporting
events being held alongside RWC 2011. Even if you don’t follow rugby, there will be plenty to see and do,” Mr Yeo says.
Visitors seeking accommodation should check the official RWC 2011 website www.rugbyworldcup.com which lists links to a range of accommodation providers around the country.
ENDS