Christchurch tourists should not be shaken by earthquake

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism have reported tourists have no reason to cancel travel plans to the city having recovered well from recent major earthquake.

Experiencing a 7.1 magnitude earthquake followed by a 5.0 magnitude aftershock has not deterred Christchurch tourism officials from promoting tourism to the area claiming "New Zealand's preparedness and strong infrastructure" helped the city recover well.

With the airport running efficiently, bus and rail services back on track and businesses open, Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism Chief Executive Ian Hay said the damage was localised, in the process of repair and should not deter tourists from visiting the city.

"The media is focusing on all the very worst aspects of the damage, and while that is understandable it does not reflect the whole picture," Mr Hay said.

"I would ask people to talk to their travel agents, local tourism operators, email their contacts and check our website to get a fuller picture of how things are going." "All tourism operators in the area are very conscious of the need for visitor safety and we would not be open to take guests and visitors unless we were sure they will be safe and enjoy their time in the region."

Sourced=etravelblackboard