Demand from England fans for official Rugby World Cup 2011, New Zealand travel packages has reached new levels with England Rugby Travel’s ticket sales for the Tournament in New Zealand passing the 1,200 mark in the first six weeks.

 England Rugby Travel, an Official Travel Agent of Rugby World Cup 2011, New Zealand, and the official travel company for England Rugby and fans looking to follow Martin Johnson’s team next year, has reported outstanding sales after six weeks of being on sale with its official supporter travel packages.

The most popular travel package being sold is the quarter-finals to Final option, which is 19 nights and includes some of New Zealand’s greatest scenery as well as two back-to-back quarter-finals in Christchurch, a semi-finals weekend and the Final in Auckland.

Martin Johnson, England team manager, is delighted with the response from the fans, with the Tournament just under 17 months away.

The former England captain said: “The Rugby World Cup is now the world’s third largest sporting event and because it only happens once every four years it is special. New Zealand is a nation steeped in rugby history and it will be buzzing so it’s great to learn that so many England fans are planning on heading out for what promises to be a great Tournament. They want to be able to say ‘I was there’ and we are delighted that they are going to be.”

Paul Vaughan, managing director of England Rugby Travel, added: “The response from England fans has been superb. To sell more than 1,200 tickets in packages in the first six weeks is a great achievement and demonstrates the interest and demand from the supporters.”

Francis Lobo from the West Midlands is one of the England fans who has already booked a full travel package for the last pool fixture between England Vs Scotland through to the Final.

Commenting on his booking, he said: “Ever since I went to New Zealand on a very short business trip some years ago, it has been a dream to return to that beautiful country and what better way to do it than to combine it with a Rugby World Cup in the home of the famous All Blacks, where rugby is almost a religion.

“Watching England play South Africa in Perth in the 2003 World Cup and the atmosphere that game generated, only helped to whet the appetite. I decided to forgo France in 2007 and started saving-up for the Rugby World Cup 2011.

“As a passionate rugby supporter of the Leicester Tigers and England, it was a simple decision, once I saw the packages from England Rugby Travel. The full package gives me the choice of very good hotels, great locations which will enable me to not only see the wonderful and contrasting scenery around New Zealand but also to absorb its very diverse culture, visit a few wineries, time to relax between matches and finally, tickets for all the important matches of the Rugby World Cup.”

Martin Snedden, chief executive for Tournament organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011, said New Zealanders would be opening their arms to England fans.

"Our promise to all visitors is that you won't just get to see thrilling Rugby in a nation passionate about the Game, you will be able to enjoy the very best of our culture and natural heritage and our great Kiwi hospitality.

"We will be celebrating more than just Rugby over six weeks as every part of the country will hold a festival to showcase their wonderful food, wine, landscapes and other attractions so I have no doubt England fans will leave with very special memories of their time here."

As an Official Travel Agent of Rugby World Cup 2011, New Zealand, England Rugby Travel has secured a host of centrally located hotels that means the England fans have a choice of four star-plus rated hotels for the high profile weekends.

England Rugby Travel is offering two types of package for fans. The ‘full travel’ packages include officially allocated match tickets, international return flights, internal travel within New Zealand, return airport/hotel transfers, a designated coach captain for the duration of the tour and much more.

The ‘explorer’ package includes a return international flight, a choice of officially allocated match tickets and the opportunity to include a motorhome.

Supporters can book their place now on-line at the official England Rugby Travel website. For further information on England Rugby Travel please visit http://www.englandrugbytravel.com or call 0844 788 5000.