Christchurch moteliers say the decision to move seven Rugby World Cup matches out of the city is a great loss, but also lifts a major worry from their shoulders.
Auckland will host the two quarterfinal matches, while the new venues for the five pool matches are still being decided.
Christchurch Motel Association president Mike Brown says the immediate impact of the decision is financially devastating.
Many administration hours have been lost, along with deposits which motel owners are now in the process of refunding.
However, Mr Brown says he believes businesses will be able to recover due to high demand from tradespeople and emergency services for accommodation.
He says now that a decision has been made, the focus can shift to rebuilding the city.
The Hospitality Association says it is open to the possibility of reducing some accommodation costs for Cantabrians who will now need to travel to the new venues.
Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully has said the Government is in talks with Air New Zealand to try to arrange affordable airfares to Auckland for Christchurch ticket holders.
Hospitality Association Auckland regional manager Astrid Fisher says bed space will not be a problem and the industry will consider possible accommodation deals.
