The $339 million refit for Adelaide's casino by the river aims to make it a glamorous venue that will attract gamblers from neighbouring states.

The Christchurch earthquake has generated new cooperation between Australian and New Zealand tourism authorities, with New Zealand offered a free platform to pitch for business at Australia’s major annual tourism trade show.

The ski industry is gearing up for another good year as tourism leaders push the message that NZ is open for business.

The shadow of earthquake and recession may still be hanging darkly over the land but that seems only to have spurred Kiwis to fly further and to more exotic locations when they go on holiday.

Prime Minister John Key has hit back at a British rugby writer who has declared there's no way Rugby World Cup matches can be held in Christchurch.

Guilt will be one factor facing the Christchurch tourism industry as it tries to rebuild itself, a tourism operator says.

A big global hotel chain has pulled out of Wellington's $100 million Holiday Inn after a long-running dispute between management and investors.

Christchurch is "utterly" committed to holding its Rugby World Cup matches, and its citizens "will be far from pleased if they miss out on an event that has taken on a different meaning", Mayor Bob Parker said this morning.

John Key says his "strong preference" is to hold Rugby World Cup games in Christchurch, and says it's still possible if AMI Stadium is fit for matches.

A Rugby World Cup agent for package trips says nobody has cancelled following the earthquake but overseas fans will need reassurance about Christchurch's infrastructure.

Christchurch hoteliers are waiting to assess the damage to tourist accommodation with about 3000 rooms behind the CBD cordon.

A friendly club, but don't visit when it blows from the west, writes Jim Eagles.

Andrew Stone enjoys the experience of being marooned on a desert island in Fiji.