Don’t cancel trips to Christchurch: officials

Tourism officials in Christchurch have urged travellers to not let last week’s earthquake deter visits to the area.

In a statement Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter reassured travellers that the damage from the quake last week did not affect buildings or operations in the city’s eastern suburbs.

“Canterbury still has much to offer visitors and all the main tourism attractions outside of Christchurch City are operating as usual,’’ Mr Hunter said.

“Tragically Christchurch’s central business district has taken a hammering and it is going to be some time before we can welcome visitors back there, but the vast majority of our region has come through the quake undamaged and is still open for business.”

The city’s recovery is dependent on the income produced through tourism and Mr Hunter said he is hoping for people to continue showing their support Christchurch “by pushing ahead with their holiday plans”.