The British and Irish Lions rugby tour of New Zealand will not make it to Wanganui, but the financial spin-offs will make it here in full force.
With games being played in New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Wellington respectively, the need for extra accommodation outside those regions is huge, and Wanganui
will fill the gap.
Quality Inn Collegiate manager Barry Pickett said there was a huge interest for the Wellington game and accommodation in his establishment.
"We are full for the Wellington game, and I understand that every big accommodation provider from Blenheim to Wanganui is booked out.
"We also have a group of 30 in for the Palmerston North game," Mr Pickett said. The Grand Hotel manager Neville Gorrie said the hotel was fully booked up for the New Plymouth game, but it was the reverse for the Palmerston North game.
"All our 56 rooms are booked on June 7, but it is the opposite for the other game," he said.
The majority of the British and Irish rugby fans will be travelling by campervan or in large tour groups around New Zealand.
Wanganui River Top 10 Holiday Park co-owner Martie van Schalkwyk said they had had quite a lot of interest for caravan parks.
"We have quite a few bookings over all the days of the tour, but the 28th has the most bookings for the moment. "We are looking forward to it," she said.
For the motels that have no immediate bookings, the prospect of arriving fans was welcomed.
Four Seasons Motel manager David Wales said they would be able to provide lodgings for anyone looking for a place to sleep.
"We accommodate sports teams, and it wouldn't be a push to look after them," he said.
The Midtown Motor Inn was also prepared for the up-coming tour and had beds ready and waiting.
The New Plymouth game will be played on June 8, Palmerston North on June 28 and the Wellington game on July 2.
