The tourism industry yesterday made moves to reassure Rugby World Cup fans the country could accommodate them.

Many hotel rooms are being held in a central accommodation bank and will not be released until later this year.

As Rugby New Zealand announced details of the ticket sale structure yesterday, the Tourism Industry Association (TIA), New Zealand Hotel Council (NZHC) and Inbound Tour Operators Council (ITOC) made a joint statement.

Auckland had the highest hotel occupancy rate last year, followed by Wellington and Christchurch, according to the New Zealand Hotel Council’s (NZHC) annual operating survey.

NZHC said Auckland hotels came through a difficult year and were well placed to improve performance.

Auckland had a 69.7% occupancy rate, followed by Wellington (69.4%) and Christchurch (68.3%).

Proposes ACC levy increases will put a significant strain on an already challenged industry, the Tourism Industry Association says.

Chief executive Tim Cossar said under the proposed changes, operators would face increases of up to 100% or more – compounding the challenges many tourism businesses still faced as a result of the global economic downturn.

A ski company employing more than 100 staff would face a $300,000 annual increase, he said.