Rooms in short supply for RWC

The no-vacancy sign for the Rugby World Cup is about to be hung up by Dunedin accommodation providers.

With just 43 days remaining to the start of the tournament, those looking to stay in the city had to settle for rooms as far afield as Palmerston, Moeraki and Middlemarch.

Dunedin Visitor Centre manager Louise van de Vlierd said commercial accommodation providers were likely to be full in the next fortnight following a "real influx" of bookings this week.

"They have come from all around. We are getting a lot of English right at the moment and some of them are apologising for leaving their accommodation so late."

While English fans have been tardy, Argentinian fans appeared to have booked early to secure their accommodation, prior to their opening game at Otago Stadium.

Cancellations had helped accommodate some of those inquiries, she said.

Ms van de Vlierd said when commercial accommodation was fully booked, private residences would be used.

Some visitors had baulked at the prospect of paying for three nights to secure accommodation, "but the reality is that is what it is".

A Tourism Dunedin accommodation audit showed Dunedin had about 2100 rooms, including hotel, motel, dormitories, farmstays, homestays, and private rooms, such as B&Bs, available.

The rooms could accommodate up to 5488 people, or 6325 when more beds were added.

Earlier this month, Sue Robinson, of the Nelson-based company 80 Minute Game Ltd, which worked to match private residences with visitors, said there were opportunities for Dunedin home owners during the tournament.

To cater for demand, the company planned to use contractors to find suitable homes in the city, with some homes attracting up to $600 a night.

hamish.mcneilly@odt.co.nz

 

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