N.Z. House tourist counters criticised

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32637, 19 June 1971, Page 1

N.Z. House tourist counters criticised

(From Our Own Reporter)

WANGANUI, June 18.

The standard of management and staffing of the tourist inquiry section of New Zealand House in London was strongly criticised at the National Travel Association’s convention in Wanganui today.

A Dunedin branch remit, which was passed, urged that strong recommendations be made to the Government that overseas tourist information counters should be staffed by New Zealanders fully briefed on all aspects of New Zealand tourism.

In notes to the remit, the branch said that it had been told of many cases of incorrect and ignorant answers to queries at New Zealand House, and had been “shocked to find the extremely adverse effect” this was having on New Zealand’s image and tourist traffic. “We understand that English staff are employed on the ground of expense, but we would point out that university graduates and other well-educated New Zealanders are going to England on working holidays and would be available if some effort was made to inform possible sources of the opportunity.” WINDOW DISPLAYS The “front counter” was the place where the country could least afford to*have non-New Zealand staff in attendance, the note said. Mr B. Barker, in bringing the remit forward, said that New Zealand House had no

significant window displays; and the appearance and entrance to the building were such that most people walked past without seeing it. The brochures issued by the staff were up to five years out of date, the staff were uninterested, and the restaurant had been compared to the Oamaru railway station.

By contrast, Australia House was bright and cheerful with courteous staff who made an effort to “sell” theii country, Mr Barker said.

Several other speakers criticised the “unfriendly” and “discourteous" reception they had encountered when they went to New Zealand House during visits to Bri-

tain. One said it.needed "a shake-up from top to bottom,” a remark which brought applause from delegates.