Hotel ibis Christchurch, located in Hereford Street, off Cathedral Square, was recently reopened after a major remedial work, including the renovation of all 155 rooms and public areas, following the earthquake that hit the Christchurch city, New Zealand in February 2011.
The reopening of the hotel plays a crucial role in the revitalisation of the city’s tourism sector, according to a report by travmedia.com. The relaunch comes a month after the announcement of a master plan for the 're-imagining' of the city. The ibis will be very close to the proposed convention centre as well as other key tourism, shopping and entertainment facilities. The ibis is adjacent to the new shopping heart of Christchurch, the Re:START Mall in Cashel Street.
Tim Dearsley, General Manager, Hotel ibis Christchurch, said that September 4, 2012 was chose as the date for the relaunch because it represents the second anniversary of the first major quake to hit Christchurch, though the quake did not have even close to the same impact as the subsequent February 2011 quake did. "The reopening will help accelerate the city's regeneration process. It will not only ease the critical shortage of accommodation and provide employment for local residents in Christchurch, but will also allow significant progress in reviving the city's central business district and tourism industry,” Dearsley said.