Rotorua's tourism and hospitality industries are joining Rotary clubs to roll out the red carpet for Christchurch people needing a break away.
The Rotorua District Council's Tourism Rotorua i-SITE is working with local Rotary clubs to organise free accommodation and activities for Christchurch people who need to take a break in
the aftermath of last week's devastating earthquake.
They previously worked together to offer similar packages for Cantabrians following last year's earthquake in September.
Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing general manager Don Gunn said the two organisations decided to repeat the initiative because there were so many people needing to get out of Christchurch for a bit of rest and relaxation away from the turmoil of the earthquake-ravaged city.
"A lot of our local accommodation providers have generously put their hands up to offer free accommodation, while attraction providers are also joining forces to offer a range of free activities. It's times like this that wonderful Rotorua spirit of co-operation comes to the fore."
Mr Gunn said he had just returned from Christchurch after helping his sister and his brother clean up the mess left at their homes by the earthquake. He was struck by the goodwill of people who helped out. He said some women from a local church stopped at his brother's home and offered them sandwiches while another group were in the area from Temuka to help clear up the liquefaction.
Having been in Christchurch and seen some of the devastation he said he recognised the importance of people getting away for a break.
"We want to roll out the red carpet and share Rotorua's famous spirit of manaakitanga and hospitality with those who have lost so much, and who will undoubtedly continue to struggle in the weeks and months to come."
The Rotorua Association of Motels has already made an offer of 200 free accommodation nights to quake victims.
Association secretary-treasurer Bruce Beesley, from Union Victoria Motel, said Rotorua motels did the same thing after the September earthquake.
