South Island told to stop griping

Press, 27 September 1978, Page 2

South Island told to stop griping

The South Island was doing itself a disservice by continually drawing attention to its problems, the chief executive of the Otago council (Mr J. Manning) told a meeting of the Executive council of South Island Promotion Society in Christchurch yesterday. ‘The South Island has a lot going for it In the long run you have to work on your' strengths if you want to promote your region,” said Mr Manning. Strong points included housing development, reading construction, forestry, land development, and tourism. he said. “In the public mind the South Island is at a low ebb, but it is important we do not get our tails down. 1 freely acknowledge that

manufacturers are having! their problems, but we must; not get things out of bal-L ance,” he said. In a report on overseas ; visitors to New Zealand, Mr,; Manning said there had been; a decline in the numbers of! .Australian visitors in the; 'last two years, reflecting ah loss of local spending by| them of about SUM a year. The downturn was of great concern, especially to [the South Island, which with i its scenery was of special i I attraction to the Australians. Mr Manning urged an ag- ; gressive marketing approach ! in Australia and an emphaI sis on expanding cheaper , holiday accommodation. He 'said that the caravan-cabin concept could be greatly enhanced. After hearing from Mr I Manning, who backed up his

'conclusions with research statistics, the association decided to approach the Tour- ; ist and Publicity Department! with a view to promoting a; tourism mission in Melbourne rather than in North ’America as recommended by; ; the association’s promotions; I committee. I The association also’ agreed to launch a study of factors that had led to increases in “unnecessary”! costs in tourist accommodation. Mr M. Rodwell (Nelson)’ said that a proposed youth hostel at Mount Cook, containing 60 beds, would cost about $250,000 to build. Some of the fire and health regulations were too strict, he said. ; Mr J. Marshall (Nelson) I said it was “crazy” that the hostel was so expensive.