GROUP TRAVEL PLANS

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22656, 10 March 1939, Page 16

GROUP TRAVEL PLANS

CHEAPER HOLIDAYS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN

“Group travel is a comparatively new idea to New Zealand, but it will be a welcome one to thousands of people, old and young, who want to see the best of their country at a low cost,” said Mr F. G. Dunn, of the National Council of Physical Welfare and Recreation, in an- interview yesterday. “Much money and energy has been expended in the cultivation of an overseas tourist traffic,” he said, “but the time has come for us to put just as much effort into making it possible for our own people to share the pleasures and benefits of a holiday in our scenic and health resorts. “The basis of group travel is that a party of not less than 20 people is formed to leave on a holiday tour which will range in time from three days to two weeks. For instance, in the South Island they can spend a holiday at Mount Cook, Queenstown, Franz Josef, and Fox glaciers, Marlborough Sounds, Hanmer Springs—m fact, anywhere for which the group forms. This method of travel reduces costs in a remarkable degree. “Such a holiday is quite within the reach of the average man. and to make it still easier for him I intend at the next meeting of the national council suggesting the creation throughout New Zealand of Travel Fund Clubs, to which anybody may put aside regularly a certain sum towards his or her holiday. * . , .. “The scheme does not overlook the school children, and an extensive programme is being drawn up so that they may also profit from the educational and health-giving benefits of our scenic resorts. I believe that this scheme, with its low cost, educational and recreational value, and the opportunity it affords everyone to enjoy the advantage hitherto reserved for the ‘privileged few’ will make a strong appeal, and I have no doubt that the council will, at its next meeting, give the fullest support to the Minister for Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry) in his initiative in developing this scheme, and will put it into practice at the earliest possible moment.”