RWC 2011 Accommodation

Wellington hoteliers are experienced at hosting sell-out major events and will make the most of RWC 2011 without ripping off clients, Positively Wellington Tourism Chief Executive David Perks says.

Comments from some Australian sports travel agents that visitors from across the ditch will not stay in New Zealand during RWC 2011 due to hotel prices are inflammatory, using extreme examples and being taken out of context with how accommodation distribution works, he says.

“Tourism distribution is a complex system. Basically what’s likely happening at this stage is around 70% of hotel rooms around the country for the full period of the Tournament have been set aside into a ‘accommodation bank’ to attribute to teams, visiting media, entourages, tour groups through the official travel agents etc. Effectively those rooms are pencil booked, so the few remaining rooms are on the market for a premium – as they would be at any time when a property has only a few rooms left.

“Now that we know where teams are training, staying and playing, booked rooms will be released where they’re not required and prices will adjust based on the availability of each property, along with demand.”

PWT and the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Hotel Council have been working closely together to ensure both businesses and customers are satisfied.

“We’ll make sure visitors to Wellington get a fantastic, value-for-money experience that ensures they’ll go away raving about our city; but that will be naturally be balanced with local businesses maximising the opportunity and meeting the market demand.

“This is a huge global event. When there’s demand, you pay more. When there’s not, you pay less. That’s how tourism works worldwide, as do many other industries. Consumers will only pay what a room is worth and we’re working with our hotel partners to ensure that’s what’s on offer.”

ENDS

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