Christchurch guarantees a warm welcome for England, Australia and Argentina

Christchurch is set to welcome the world's rugby best when it hosts three top international teams for a total of 58 days during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

 

Tourism leaders say this is an excellent result for the region and will potentially boost visitor numbers, not just in September and October 2011, but for years to come.

 

"We are excited about hosting the two teams guaranteed to attract some of the highest visitor numbers - England, for 19 days and Australia for 16 days. And then we have the quarter finals on top of this," says Christine Prince, chief executive of Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism.

 

"Argentina will be based in Christchurch for 23 days and their presence will be a huge boost to our tourism marketing efforts in South America.

 

"It will be great to welcome the Pumas. They are an excellent team and their Argentinian rugby followers are very much in our target market for travel here.

 

"With rival teams in town there will be some good healthy competition that will add to the whole experience for visiting fans and local Cantabrians," she says.

 

The Canterbury region, in the heart of the South Island, has much to offer, with exceptional accommodation options and a wide range of activities for fans during their stay.

 

"Mountains, lakes, coast and the plains are all easily accessible, within just an hour or two of Christchurch. Visiting fans are going to have a blast on their days off from watching the games. Our revitalised city centre will be a magnet for fans to enjoy riverside and laneway bars, cafes and shopping, within an easy stroll of accommodation and the games at AMI Stadium."

 

The Mid-Canterbury town of Ashburton, one hour south of Christchurch has also been added to the list of host centres.

 

The England team will train at QEII where the Lions trained during their 2005 tour, while Australia will train at Rugby Park and Argentina at Christ's College, which has a proud school rugby tradition.

 

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