Visitors urged to book early for Crankworx

FLYING SUCCESS: The crowds will be coming to see action like that at Crankworx Whistler. PHOTO/CLINT TRAHAN/CRANKWORX

Rotorua accommodation providers are urging Crankworx visitors to book their lodgings well in advance, due to a surge in bookings and inquiries since the announcement of the event.

The world's largest international mountain biking festival will be held in Rotorua for the next three years, with the first event between March 25-29 next year.

Rotorua Association of Motels chairman Barry Mabey said it was early days but Crankworx would benefit all accommodation providers in the city.

"I think people still have a little time to book accommodation ahead of the event but I certainly wouldn't be leaving it to the last minute."

Mr Mabey said March was already a busy month for hotels and motels and with the addition of Crankworx many places would get booked out.

"If I were looking to stay during that week, I would be booking accommodation now or in the near future."

Sport of Kings Motel manager Tristen Williams said they would be "easily booked up by the end of the year".

"We had people ring us on [that] afternoon wanting to be booked in, after seeing the Crankworx announcement on television."

Ms Williams said March was usually a busy month but there had been an influx of bookings specifically for the event.

"We still have rooms available for that week but the bookings we have had are people making sure they get in first to get the best accommodation."

Ms Williams said the town was going to be "absolutely packed" that week.

"The event will be fantastic for Rotorua and I don't think there will be many places who aren't fully booked out."

RotoVegas Motel front desk manager Sabrina Gogg said they were already getting inquiries for March.

"We have had rooms already booked for that week and I think we will be full by the end of the year, if not sooner." Ms Gogg said sporting events sold themselves and she was expecting an influx once promotion for Crankworx started.

Regent of Rotorua co-owner Brent Webster said they had not yet had any inquiries related to Crankworx.

"December through to mid-April is the peak season, so we had already secured quite a few bookings for March, prior to the event being announced.

"Even with so many accommodation options in Rotorua, having a peak event coincide with the peak season could pose a challenge for people who leave it later to book their stay for Crankworx."