Enlarged Hermitage by end of 1973

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32667, 24 July 1971, Page 18

Enlarged Hermitage by end of 1973

(From Our Own Reporter > WELLINGTON, July 23. The provision of more accommodation at the Mount Cook Hermitage is one of the top priorities of the Tourist Hotel Corporation, the Minister of Tourism (Mr Walker) said today.

“The Mount Cook de-| velopment plan has not been approved by all those involved,” Mr! Walker said. “Some of those involved; expressed reservations—but, it is not being delayed unreasonably. It was considered bv Cabinet earlier this: month, but was referred back to the Lands and Survey Department because further information is required before, action can or should be! taken. “Occupancy rates of exist-L ing accommodation provide evidence that there is no h need for panic action at! Mount Cook, and in spite ofj; pressure from semi-informed,, critics, the Government will., not be stampeded into doing : anything rash.” '< “THE TOP PRIORITY" “Additional accommoda- i tion at Mount Cook is the i corporation’s top priority,” i said the chairman of direc- <

(tors of the Tourist Hote [[Corporation (Mr D. Cox). 11 “A careful study has been ‘ made of trends of visitor arrivals at Mount Cook up tc 1978, from which it is apparent that present accommoda--1 tion at the Hermitage and Glencoe Lodge will fall short of requirements for the four months of the summer season from the end of 1973 onwards.” Although this would not normally justify from a financial point of view the building of extra accommodation, the corporation had to bear in mind the benefits to New Zealand not only from the earnings from overseas visitors, (but also for business gener:ated to the accommodation and transport industries by additional accommodation at a focal point such as Mount Cook, Mr Cox said. “Therefore, subject to finance being available, the corporation is planning to have additional rooms at Mount Cook by the end of 1973.

el | “The report of the planning team on Mount Cook developn ment was accepted with sigr. nificant. reservations by the 0 corporation as several aspects, particularly on roading and accommodation, appeared impracticable. Fortu--t nately, the corporation’s proir posals for a new block of! rooms is being planned on! land under the corporation’s control and does not conflict! )t with the planning team’s rei. commendations.” I