Likes And Dislikes Of Tourists In N.Z.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29469, 22 March 1961, Page 11

Likes And Dislikes Of Tourists In N.Z.

What makes a tourist in Bp New Zealand happy? W A trip to the zoo and more f towel rails in hotels would help. according to the answers collected by the New Zealand Tourist and Publicity Department; but generally the favourable comments gathered from visitors from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States praise the services of the Government Tourist Bureau, bus drivers and tour conductors and the friendliness of the people. Some do not like the licensing laws, others the food; but most would like to return to see more of the Dominion’s scenic attractions. In the year up to March, 1960, about 35,000 ’’long-stay” tourists and another 35,600 ”short-stay” tourists visited the country, according to the department. Some of them had this to say: "I think a lot of expense could be overcome it tourists were not accommodated in such expensive hotels."—An Australian teacher. “Tour manageress and drivers most courteous, helpful, knowledgable and. above all, good sports.”—Australian accountant. “More towel rails are needed in bedrooms. Two luggage benches in twin rooms are wanted." —Australian music teacher. “A few more direction signs would be welcome, especially in Auckland and Christchurch.”—An Australian housewife. “Bus in South Island would have been a lot better with glass panels in side of roof.” —Australian railway employee. "The treatment I received in Christchurch was phenomenal. I shall long remember Christchurch as a special jewel.”—American teacher. “Very clean country; good food: clean hotel: air service excellent; friendly people; good economy; honest sincere reception.” United States travel agent. N.Z. Recordings “Play New Zealand records at meal times and sell at cashier desk. Lease space to merchants in hotels for other novelties.”—United States engineer. “Closure of shops and other services at week-ends annoying. Licensing laws most uncivilised. Milford Sound and the hotel place I shall always remember. The road from Pukaki to the Hermitage—surely one of New Zealand's greatest attractions—is an absolute disgrace."—British dietitian. “When planning tours for people who do not know New Zealand you should not send

i them all to Rotorua as a matter of course. Give them • the choice of seeing the South I Island instead.”—British civil > servant. r The Tourist Bureau is often ■ criticised publicly, but it has • on its files: “Your organisa- - tion about the best travel s bureau I have ever dealt i with," from a United States 1 visitor; “The bureau is most f efficiently organised and Jias t a high standard,” from a Brir tish tourist; “Your staff work - was faultless,” from an Australian surveyor. "Food Stereotyped” ’ Food was ample, but a little stereotyped, a physician from the United Kingdom said. He had crayfish and butterfish ; only when he dined outside - hotels, and had not seen a , trout in New Zealand except : in natural conditions. Hotels should stock New Zealand cigars, he added. » "The people of New Zea- ■ land are wonderful,” one American echoed the views J of other tourists. He added: “This makes up to some ex- , tent for the lack of helpfulness of the personnel of ’ the Tourist Bureau and the poor communication between 1 your office.” a view not shared by most. The final re- - mark might provide the reae son, for it was: ’The back s seat of a bus makes it imc possible to see the country.” i i AQUARIUM POND SOCIETIES 1

1 . Conference To Be J Held In City r 1 Delegates from bodies affiliated to the Federation i of Aquarium and PondSociee ties will discuss all aspects of ; fish-keeping at the annual e conference to be held in s Christchurch at Queen’s Birthday week-end. Messrs W. Gallie and W. Brandenburg were elected * delegates to the conference t by the Canterbury Aquarium 3 and Pond Society at its anr nual meeting. • Other officers elected were: —Patron, Mr R. Fail; presir dent. Mr F. Riding; vice- - presidents, Messrs F. R. Scott, tA. A. Austin; secretaryd treasurer, Mrs P. H. Camp--1 bell; executive, Mrs H. E A Gillard. Messrs R. Mills, H. - E. Gillard: librarian. Mr R. - Bushby; trustees. Messrs W. s Fail, T. Shaw. T. Swanston; - literary committee. Messrs S. Riding. H. Graham, H. E. Gilr lard; publicity officer, Mr W. v Gallie: hostesses. Mesdames 1 F. R. Scott. S. L. Thian; jour-

s nal wrapper, Mrs A. Nuttall; fr - auditor. Mr R. R. Bushby. B