The Rugby World Cup Ltd and Rugby Travel and Hospitality Ltd have announced the official travel partners for the 2011 event in New Zealand.

Operators from Argentina, Australia, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and USA, plus two cruise ship companies will sell travel packages from January 1st, 2010 - 18 months before the first game.

Each of the 20 appointments were made following a tender evaluation and selection process.

"Rugby World Cup is now one of the top five sporting events in the world and the strength of the RWC 2007 commercial ticketing programme was one of the major success stories of a record-breaking tournament with ticket package and corporate sales exceeding 100,000 - more than the 1999 and 2003 Tournaments combined," said RWCL managing director Mike Miller.

"We are delighted that we now have on board the Official Travel Agents for RWC 2011 and that we are continuing our excellent partnership with RTH. This is a key step in the ticketing programme and the announcement so far in advance of the tournament is another indication that we are on track to deliver a great Rugby World Cup."

RTH chief executive officer Andrew Burton said: "RWCL, RTH and the appointed agents are all committed to providing the best possible service and tournament experience for rugby supporters throughout the world who will travel to Rugby World Cup 2011."

"Fans will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of match ticket inclusive travel packages, offering a wide range of ways to live the RWC 2011 experience. By booking through an Official Travel Agen, the global rugby fan can be sure that their tickets are guaranteed. Supporters obtaining tickets from unofficial sources should be aware that they run the risk of having those tickets cancelled, being refused entry or being rejected from the stadium."

Official corporate hospitality packages go on sale on February 1st, 2010 with match tickets available from www.rugbyworldcup.com in April 2010.