Bed & Breakfast Operator Says Keep Prices Real

Hamilton bed and breakfast operators Nicky and Paul van Praagh will be keeping their accommodation prices at realistic levels during the upcoming Rugby World Cup tournament in New Zealand.

The van Praaghs, who operate Riverlea House in Hamilton, are shocked to hear that some New Zealand accommodation providers are marking up their prices by 1000 per cent over the World Cup period.

“That is crazy stuff and is turning overseas visitors off coming to New Zealand,” said Nicky van Praagh. “It is short sighted thinking. The bigger picture is to look at the opportunity the World Cup is bringing to New Zealand for tourism and to showcase our accommodation,” she said.

“New Zealand has a reputation for providing realistic pricing for accommodation even during major international events and we can’t afford to tarnish that,” van Praagh said.

One bed and breakfast provider in Auckland is alleged to be charging $1600 for a room.

“We don’t think providers can charge anything more than the usual high season prices,” said van Praagh. “There is no point in having rooms empty.”

An influx of 85,000 people is expected into New Zealand during September and October for the Rugby World Cup.

Hamilton will host three Rugby World Cup 2011 games – New Zealand v Japan on September 16, Wales v Samoa on September 18 and Wales v Fiji on October 2.

Riverlea House provides high quality accommodation with spectacular views of the Waikato River and is only five minutes drive from the Waikato Stadium.

For further information contact:
Nicky or Paul van Praagh (07) 858 2942
http://www.riverleahouse.co.nz/