Ibis Christchurch reopening brings much needed capacity
The Ibis Christchurch reopened yesterday, becoming the first city centre hotel to open since the shattering earthquake in February 2011.
The hotel has undergone major remedial work, including the renovation of all 155 rooms and public areas, as well as structural strengthening to meet the city’s new building code. The Ibis received only minor damage and re-opens as a virtually new hotel featuring the latest Ibis branding and facilities.
Prime Minister John Key officially re-opened the Ibis Christchurch hotel yesterday which will provide much needed hotel capacity in the city.
“For any city like the size of Christchurch to function we need hotel rooms, because off the base of those hotel rooms comes all the tourism activity which underpin a vibrant city like Christchurch,” said Key.
“The city has been operating with around about half of the hotel rooms that we need, so the opening of a hotel like Ibis Christchurch is not only lifting room capacity but it’s also sending a big message that by having somewhere to stay, Christchurch is open for business.”
Accor Vice President New Zealand & Fiji, Garth Simons, said the re-opening of the Ibis Christchurch has come exactly two years after the first major quake hit Christchurch.
“As a company we are committed to the success and revitalisation of Christchurch and will focus all our resources on the city moving forward, including the opening of our second hotel the Novotel Cathedral Square in about 12 months’ time.”