Tourists Like N.Z. ‘Unspoilt’

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31513, 30 October 1967, Page 2

Tourists Like N.Z. ‘Unspoilt’

New Zealand and Australia were among the most favoured lands for American tourists, particularly those for whom Europe was no longer a novelty, said Mrs Mary Capps in Christchurch on Saturday.

In her work in the reservations section of Air New Zealand’s Los Angeles office Mrs Capps talks with many travellers planning to make a trip to the Pacific. All seek out New Zealand because it is not “another America.” "They want to see the countryside—a natural unspoilt land. They say they don’t want it to be another America,” she said.

Scenery Mount Cook eomes first on most lists—fresh air, fishing, and other sports are the main attractions.

Most prospective travellers also express a desire to meet New Zealanders. Asked whether she thought they had opportunities to do so Mrs Capps replied: “Oh yes, New Zealand is still an intimate little country and there is plenty of personal contact with those round you.”

In the six months Mrs Capps, a former air hostess, has been with Air New Zealand, she has been kept “very busy’ with bookings and inquiries. Some of her clients have “read up” on New Zea-

land and are surprisingly knowledgeable. Others are planning a trip in the future and come in to find out more about the country. The office has an abundance of brochures on the North Island and South Island. Until now she has had only second-hand knowledge of the country she is selling. But after a quick trip through Christchurch to Mount Cook, Wellington, Rotorua, and Auckland, she will be able to speak from personal exexperience.