IHG has closed out all reservation channels for its three Christchurch hotels for the remainder of 2011, as assessment of the earthquake-affected portfolio continues.
All three of IHG’s hotels were impacted by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that hit the city on February 13.
Crowne Plaza Christchurch: Access is still restricted to the CBD hotel due to uncertain stability of neighbouring structures. It will likely be six to eight weeks before a full structural assessment of the hotel can be made.
Holiday Inn City Centre Christchurch: Engineers are yet to be granted access to the CBD hotel for a preliminary structural assessment. This is primarily due to safety concerns regarding the Grand Chancellor building, which is adjacent to the Holiday Inn hotel.
Holiday Inn on Avon Christchurch: Damage assessments have determined that substantial rectification works are required before the building can be returned to operational standard.
IHG is working with the hotel’s owner to determine the extent of works required to set a reopening date.
IHG is redeploying disaster zone employees across other parts of its Australasian network of hotels and resorts.
To this end, a recruitment freeze has been put in place across IHG’s operations in Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, with preference being given to Christchurch employees who are able to temporarily or permanently relocate.
