The news from Christchurch, New Zealand, has been devastating, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the people affected by the earthquake. The U.S. State Department has issued an alert advising against travel to Christchurch and it goes without saying that agents with clients already in or bound for New Zealand should reach out to their clients immediately.
Luxury Christchurch hotel The George, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, has issued the following statement on its website:
*** QUAKE NEWS *** 8.30am 23 February. Still cleaning up after yesterdays major earthquake and continuing aftershocks. We have no water at the hotel however we do have power and all our rooms are intact. At this stage we are advising all guests with reservations over the next week to please stay away from Christchurch. With no water, gas and limited supplies we are not in a position to look after guests and Christchurch's infrastructure has been seriously damaged. For the latest official updates from Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism, please go to Earthquake Update.