The organisers of next year's Rugby World Cup are defending the hotel sector, which is being accused of being greedy.

Australian Sports Tours claims some fans are shying away from New Zealand accommodation, because rates during the cup will be about three times what they are for the Bledisloe Cup. However, Rugby World Cup 2011 chief Martin Snedden says hotels already have more than 100,000 confirmed room bookings in 230 hotels across the country, worth $55 million. He says the figures suggest people regard the pricing as being realistic, especially during a peak period.

Mr Snedden believes the level of hotel bookings so far is a great start to the event and underscores the tremendous benefits the cup is bringing to New Zealand.