Easier Entry For U.S. Tourists

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32114, 9 October 1969, Page 1

Easier Entry For U.S. Tourists

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, October 8.

To help encourage the growth of tourist traffic from North America, the Government has eased New Zealand entry formalities for American citizens resident in the United States.

Announcing this today, the Minister of Tourism (Mr Thomson) said Americans would no longer require visas to enter New Zealand for visits of up to 30 days, provided they had tickets for onward travel. The great majority of

American visitors Remained in New Zealand for less than one month, the length of stay of the “genuine tourist” being 16 or 17 days, he said. “There is no doubt that the practical and psychological effects of this decision will be welcomed by American tour wholesalers, travel agents, airlines and shipping companies.” said the Minister. '

“Previously, although no difficulty was put in the way of Americans seeking visas for entry to New Zealand, the very fact that this requirement existed was sufficient to deter some from coming here.

“In most cases, we have now eliminated the need for individuals—or for travel agents on behalf of their clients—to spend time and effort on this extra paperwork.

“The decision to ease visa requirements for citizens resident in the United States is in line with a recommendation from the Tourist and National Development Conferences,” said Mr Thomson.

“The easing of this formality should help New Zealand to achieve conference targets forecasting traffic growth, which envisage 58,000 long-stay visitors a year from North America by 1972-73, rising to 157,000 by 1978-79,” he said.