TOURIST TRAFFIC

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 193, 29 May 1934, Page 3

TOURIST TRAFFIC

SOUTH ISLAND TRIPS.

THE MINISTER'S ATTITUDE.

(Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, May 28.

Cabinet has authorised' the Minister in Charge of the Tourist and Publicity Department (the Hon. Adam Hamilton) to call a conference of those interested in the development of New Zealand's tourist traffic, and it is probable that he will do so shortly. ' A deputation from the New Zealand Tourist League torday suggested that a permanent co-ordinated organisation should be established to develop the tourist trade. It was said that in the past the Tourist Department, instead of taking a long range view, had been too keen about collecting commissions. It was suggested that State and private resources should be mobilised to act to-, gether in the Dominion's interests. With tourist arrival figures down ,to 7000 yearly, it was clear that the best had not been done. It was estimated that every £IOO spent would yield i t least £IOOO. Deputationists urged that the requirement of £lO deposit from every foreign tourist entering New Zealand should be abolished as it was a source of annoyance, that steamer fares across the Tas'man be generally reduced and that the Railways and Tourist Departments, shipping and transportation services, public and private hotels be represented in conference. The Minister said he was deeply interested in the suggestions made. Proposals made by Canterbury interests included the reviewing of the licensing question, and while that was interesting it was undoubtedly thorny, and it might be advisable to stick to the tourist traffic itself. He often wondered whether it was not the department that was pushing the business and someone else receiving the commissions. He did not altogether support southern criticism If tourists wanted to visit the South Island they would be taken there, but the department did not want to take tourists where they would not be satisfied. He appreciated the difficulties that existed over shipping fares, and would see what could be done by consultation. Regarding tourist traffic generally, ah officer would leave this week for the High Commissioner's office, whore he would be engaged exclusively in travel publicity on behalf of New'Zealand. The indications were that tourist traffic this year would be good. •