N.Z. MINISTER ON TOUR SEES BRIGHT TOURIST PROSPECTS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27408, 22 July 1954, Page 14

N.Z. MINISTER ON TOUR SEES BRIGHT TOURIST PROSPECTS

(From the London Correspondent of “The Press”) LONDON, July 1. decided to send the Himalaya on a

New Zealand can expect increasing numbers of American and British tourists to visit the country within the next few years. That is the opinion formed by Sir William Bodkin, minister in charge of Tourist and Health Resorts, after his discussions with tourist representatives and travel agents in the United States and Britain. “In America there is a tremendous interest in. New Zealand as a developing tourist area,” said Sir William Bodkin today. “The Pan American Tourist Association with members in 13 different countries wants to promote the South Pacific as a tourist area and they have planned many attractive trips which include New Zealand. “All the travel representatives I met in San Francisco, New York and Washington were most optimistic about really putting New Zealand on the 'tourist map,’ But many emphasised that additional accommodation was required, particularly in Auckland, Rotorua and Queenstown.” Sir William Bodkin said that British travel agencies, shipping and airline companies were also anxious to cooperate in building up New Zealand’s tourist industry. The Orient Line’s new service from Auckland to Vancouver had proved so successful that the company were establishing a new office in San Francisco and they would be placing their new 29,000 ton liner, Orsova, on the Pacific run next January. The P. and O. Line had also

r cruise to New Zealand next summer. ' “Although it might seem a long way to go, British travel agents I have met : say that New Zealand has a great i future as a tourist area,” continued Sir William Bodkin. “Interest in our [ country has never been greater and 1 many travellers in Britain want to > escape the winter and travel to the L southern hemisphere on tours to see L the Commonwealth.” As an example of the renewed in--5 terest in the Dominion by British - travel agencies, Sir William Bodkin i said that the department’s representai tive in London, Mr N. Reid, had rei cently organised a New Zealand tour ■ for a small party of 15. “This party i was booked up by agents within the > short time of a month,” said Sir William Bodkin. “If more ship and t hotel accommodation had been avail- ■ able we could easily have trebled this t number. I realise that it is only a J small number but it shows that we I can expand our services. We plan to ■ run extra series of tours next year.” , While he is in London, Sir William Bodkin has met directors and pasi senger managers of shipping and airi line companies that operate to New • Zealand and explained to them, the 5 Government’s plans for developing the 5 tourist tfade. As Minister in charge of ■ Social Security, he has also had cont ferences with British Ministry of r Pensions officials over a reciprocal I agreement covering social security , benefits. He will submit proposals for t an agreement to the Government when > he returns to Wellington next month.