As you certainly know, the city of Christchurch, New Zealand was devastated by a 6.3 earthquake on February 22 this year.
On March 15th, the IRB reluctantly decided to move the seven Rugby World Cup 2011 matches scheduled for Stadium Christchurch later this year to other venues in New Zealand.
Although the decision was understandable due to safety concerns and the need for extensive repairs to the stadium, the decision is still heart-breaking for a city that displayed tremendous enthusiasm for hosting the event and, more importantly, was relying on tourism to provide a substantial economic impact on the area.
However, despite matches no longer scheduled for the city, we're calling on Rugby fans around the world to support Christchurch and visit the city anyway this Rugby World Cup.
According to NewZealand.com,
"New Zealand is a country where tourism is the number one contributor to GDP, where the Minister of Tourism is the PM - that is how important tourism is. "This is the travel community saying hey go to NZ - if there is one place that should be on your travel list this year it is NZ," says Dan Roberts of Travel Generation.
"This is something that as the travel community we can do to support not only all the businesses in Christchurch but everyone in New Zealand."
Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism says the earthquake affected just 1% of the South Island and while part of the city's central district remains cordoned off, the wider region continues to welcome visitors.
Popular tourist destinations like Akaroa, Kaikoura, the Mackenzie Country and Hanmer Springs are operating normally. Within Christchurch city, 18 hotels and lodges, 105 motels, 14 holiday parks, six backpackers hostels and 12 B&Bs are open.
Many tourism activities are also operating including the Tranz-Alpine train, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, the Air Force Museum, Black Cat Cruises as well as hiking, horse trekking, jet boating and other adventure and sightseeing tours.
The Christchurch airport is open and fully operational. Experience the genuine, laid back kiwi spirit in a land is a microcosm of the world.
As we say in Rugby, there is a brotherhood that connects players around the world. How about extending a hand to our brothers in Christchurch this Rugby World Cup and pay a visit to a wonderful city that needs our support in this desperate time?
No comments:
Post a Comment