New Zealand authorities have lifted the state of emergency in Christchurch following the earthquake that shook the city.
The quake, which reached 7.1 on the Richter scale, caused damage to 100,000 houses and destroyed 500 buildings.
Mayor Bob Parker lifted the state of emergency on Thursday and is now encouraging visitors to the area whose tourism needs a lift after the natural disaster, which it is estimated will cost the country £1.8 billion.
One of the city largest hotel operators, meanwhile, has made its own request to the world to support the city.
Accor vice president New Zealand Paul Richardson said: “With the lifting of the state of emergency in the city, Christchurch is effectively back in full swing and we need to tell visitors that it is not only safe for them to return, but that this is the best way to help the city get back on its feet.”
Accor has a Novotel and an Ibis in the city’s Cathedral Square and an All Seasons hotel nearby.
Richardson added: “Most services, including transport, water and electricity in the centre of the city have returned to full operational capacity, and now businesses, schools and other enterprises are running normally.
“Some areas of Christchurch were more affected than others, but there is little evidence of damage in the city centre, and particularly in Cathedral Square.
“Now, with Cathedral Square fully open along with most of the city’s other major tourist attractions it really is important that New Zealand and the rest of the world knows that we are open for business and looking forward to welcoming people to the Canterbury region.
“Christchurch is such an important international gateway that it is essential we give reassurance to potential visitors who might be concerned as to the city’s readiness to host them. We also need to highlight that the earthquake’s affect was centred on the Canterbury region and did not affect other areas of the country.”
by Dinah Hatch
