Rugby World Cup home host plan

The Government will link foreign rugby fans with Kiwis willing to open their homes for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

About 35,000 casual visitors are expected for the cup, with other fans using official packages.

"We will be working with the Government and the IRB [International Rugby Board] to ensure that there is a mechanism ... so that free, independent travellers can find out where they can secure their accommodation," Rugby NZ 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden said yesterday.

"The idea of home hosting is something that has huge appeal," he said.

Organisers had surveyed accommodation and generated a "bank" of bed nights.

New Zealand hotels with a rating above three stars had been asked to add nights to the "bank".

About 300 hotels had signed up, guaranteeing about 60 per cent of their beds at set rates.

However, "bank" nights were allocated to corporate and official package holders.

That meant about 35,000 casual visitors would have to find accommodation.

It was up to the Government to make the best possible arrangements for casual visitors, Snedden said.

"This is a major focus for Government," he said.

"This is one of the major reasons they are investing in the Rugby World Cup, to drive the free, independent travel market."

Plans were under way for a "linking mechanism" that would bring accommodation options under one banner.

Homestays would appeal to some visitors.

"The whole rationale for private homes is not an accommodation shortage, it's event experience," Snedden said.

- © Fairfax NZ News