N.Z. TRAVEL INDUSTRY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30156, 13 June 1963, Page 6

N.Z. TRAVEL INDUSTRY

More Tourists Spending Less

A total of £7.677,000, the highest amount to date, was earned by the tourist industry during the year ending March 31, 1963, according to the annual report of the New Zealand Travel and Holiday’s Association which will be presented at Rotorua on Saturday. A record 97,617 visitors spent this sum. The Tourist and Publicity Department's report for the year ending March 31, 1962, show that a total of £4,143,911 was earned. This year’s figures show an increase of £3,533,089. According to the association’s report, records kept over the last 10 years show that in 1953, 24,310 visitors spent £2,345,000. This means that the increase in tourists is 302 per cent, over the last 10 years, while the amount of money earned by the tourist industry has increased by 227 per cent. The report warns however that it is important not to be carried away with long-term successes. “Tourism is one of the most highly competitive industries in the world,” it says. As well as using other methods of publicising New Zealand overseas, the association distributes folders containing relevant information to New Zealanders travelling abroad. This is part of the association's plan to encourage New Zealanders to become better ambassadors for the country, says the report. Membership increased by 338 during the year and now stands at 1074. Four new branches were established. Among the plans of the association is a survey into the travel habits of New Zealanders. A questionnaire is being prepared and the assistance of branches will be enlisted soon, the report says.