Tourist areas feel the pinch

Press, 29 June 1982, Page 23

Tourist areas feel the pinch

PA Wanganui Some tourist areas of NewZealand are feeling a financial pinch. The National Travel Association's president. Mr Jim Thompson, said in his annual report that 1981-82 had been a difficult year for the tourist industry.

He expected that final figures would show a 2 per cent increase in visitor numbers. compared with the Tourist Advisory Council's 8 per cent target. "Though the value of the tourist industry cannot be measured simply by the number of visitors entering New Zealand, the downturn is having adverse effects on some tourist-orientated areas." Mr Thompson said. Australian vacation and holiday visitors declined from 155.837 in 1975 to 111.707 in 1981. “This 28 per cent decline

over a six-year period has affected the viability of the South Island tourist industry." Mr Thompson said. ’“To help reverse this trend the association mounted a vigorous public campaign to have the Tourist and Publicity Department's promotional funds increased. “An additional $2 million a year is required to ensure that destinations! promotion of New Zealand can compete effectively in our primary markets."

Mr Thompson said that with continuing escalation of promotion costs there was a need to define target markets accurately.

He welcomed the appointment of Mr Talbot — "a long-time friend of the tourist industry” — as Minister of Tourism and said the association was developing links with all political parties.