ACCOR reopened the Ibis Christchurch yesterday, which became the first city centre hotel to restart operations since the February 2011 earthquake.
The 155-key property has undergone major remedial works, including structural strengthening and a revamp of all its rooms and public areas.
Said the hotel’s general manager, Tim Dearsley: “Christchurch tourism has suffered enormously because of the perception that the city was closed following the earthquake. This was never true, but the reopening of the Ibis will highlight that the city centre is now accessible to travellers.”
While some parts of the CBD still remain cordoned off, the ‘red zone’ has reduced from 387 hectares to 49 hectares and the city is expected to be fully open by mid-2013, he added.
Ibis Christchurch’s relaunch comes a month after the authorities announced a masterplan for the re-imagining of the city. Located in Hereford Street, just off Cathedral Square, the hotel is near the proposed convention centre as well as other key tourism, shopping and entertainment facilities.
The Novotel Christchurch – another Accor property – is scheduled to reopen in mid-2013, while the future of the group’s two All Seasons hotels is yet to be determined due to restricted access to the properties following the earthquake.
