Rugby World Cup: Tickets still $1m short of mark

Rugby World Cup 2011 match tickets. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A week out from the Rugby World Cup final, ticket sales are still $1 million shy of the Government's revenue target.

Prime Minister John Key said today that organisers were about $1m off the $268.5m target they were hoping to reach with the remaining tickets for the bronze match between Wales and Australia.

The New Zealand and France final was all but a sell-out, with most of the remaining tickets having been put aside for the use of the competing teams.

But even if the revenue target is reached, the New Zealand Rugby Union and taxpayers face a loss of about $39m.

Mr Key said he was not hopeful the loss would be reduced, even if the target was surpassed, but he still thought hosting the tournament had been worth the cost.

"For the marketing of New Zealand, the promotion of New Zealand, it's been well and truly worth it, and I think New Zealanders have thoroughly enjoyed it, at the end of the day I'd say it's $39 million well spent."

Responding to reports some businesses had suffered through the tournament, Mr Key said he had seen a mix of economic reports.

"What is absolutely true is there has been some displacement, so some normal business activity that would have taken place hasn't taken place because local travellers have said 'I'm not going to go because the cost of accommodation, for instance, will be too high'," Mr Key said.

"But ... overall it will still be predominantly positive for most businesses."