The Government plans to launch an advertising campaign to encourage Australians to visit Canterbury.
Prime Minister John Key, who is also the Tourism Minister, says some travel companies have told him tour groups from Australia have cancelled following this month's earthquake.
Mr Key says the majority of New Zealand's tourists come from Australia, so it's vital to send them the message that Canterbury is open for business.
He says the campaign will be short and sharp, and has the backing of Tourism New Zealand which has updated its website with the current situation in an effort to prevent international visitors from cancelling unnecessarily.
He hopes the campaign will help revitalise the Canterbury economy.
The Tourism New Zealand website is telling tourists that Christchurch and Canterbury are largely open for business, but travellers should check with accommodation providers and travel agents before travel.
