Rugby World Cup 2011 - Bedbanks and Boxed Thinking

Preliminary indications from our sources in the market are that the Rugby World Cup will be expensive, and there will not be enough accommodation.  We have heard anecdotes of 3-star accommodation going for more than NZ$700 per night.  Meanwhile tickets are going to be "comparable" with the last World Cup.  The only logic we can see around this is that the organisers are trying to keep people away so that there is not an accommodation shortfall, and the only people who can afford to stay here will be ones who can afford the price of a ticket.

Certain operators are also using their muscle and scare tactics to get people to commit to having their hands tied, and all sorts of back room deals are being agreed.  Oh dear.  It looks like the "stadium of 4 million" will be a world-first - a virtual stadium of homeless people all watching the games from outside stadiums.  Meanwhile, stadiums will be filled to 20% of their capacity with spectators who don't mind being taken advantage of by the people who are meant to be nurturing the sport.  Apocryphal vision?  Certainly.  My sincere hope is that it doesn't happen.  A kernel of truth?  Judge for yourselves - a significant moment will come in March 2010 when unwanted room-nights are returned to the market.  

But there is hope on the horizon - the luxury sector has largely escaped imprisonment in the official bedbank and it seems for once will be rather competitively priced.  Our luxury lodges (and at the other end school accommodation, campgrounds etc) could be the real winners in 2011.  If they are clever, they will resist having their hands tied and remain open for business as usual.

If you are a luxury traveller who wants to come to RWC2011, now is the time to get in touch with us - we can find luxury accommodation, tickets, rugby personalities (if required), and our phenomenal activities - all ethically priced.

14 Dec 09

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