Tourist industry seeks support

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33869, 14 June 1975, Page 8

Tourist industry seeks support

There was a singular lack of acknowledgment by the Government of the private sector of the tourist industry, said the president of the New Zealand National Travel Association (Mr I. Thomas) in Christchurch on Thursday night. Addressing an informal I gathering of representatives from within and outside the industry. Mr Thomas made a plea for greater Government support for the private sector. He said the private. sector was not getting the Government support it should. In earlier days the Government provided subsidies' but these had decreased to next tb nothing. Because of: this the activity of the private sector had declined significantly. Over the last 21 years the association had plaved an important role in the growth' of the tourist industry but now reorganisaion wasj necessary to prepare for future growth. Accommodation for the' tourist was being provided; now. bui unless greater efforts were made involving!

the private sector there would be a severe shortage in about five years. There was no real incentive for the private sector and without funds its contribution to the tourist industry was hampered. Mr Thomas said the association sought to represent an industry with “some clout” but without widespread active support it could not make its presence felt bv. the Government and he appealed for more members.