5 Feb 2009

Rugby Sevens fans stream into Wellington

5:15 am on 5 February 2009

The hospitality sector says hotels and bars in Wellington are filling up fast, as thousands of rugby fans stream into the capital for the International Sevens weekend that starts on Friday.

Hospitality Association Wellington Branch president Adam Cunningham says despite the tough economic situation, people seem to arriving in town even earlier this year.

Mr Cunningham says sales in local cafes, bars and restaurants sales have spiked already this week.

He expects most hotels will have 100% occupance rates this weekend.

Superhero costumes tricky

Costume shops say they are flat out with all sorts of last-minute requests.

Costume Company owner Angela Brown says traditional favourites such as pilots and the Flintstones are still very much in demand.

Also proving popular is Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, which has been requested by male and female customers.

But she says superhero costumes are not, with many finding the jumpsuits difficult to negotiate in the crowded bathrooms.

Ms Brown says despite the late flurry, customers are in good spirits with some even hiring costumes just to join in the fun, even though they do not have a ticket to the Sevens.