Figures from Canterbury's tourism body show the impact of the ongoing earthquakes has had a dramatic impact on the accommodation market.
Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism says the region had 1 million fewer guest nights over the past year, compared to the previous year - a drop of 36%.
The organisation says a key factor has been the drop in the number of commercial accommodation beds available.
The number of hotel rooms has dropped from about 3750 to 1250 and the number of backpacker beds from about 1600 to 750.
CCT estimates 6500 commercial beds remain in the city.
