Japanese predict tourism increase

Press, 30 December 1982, Page 10

Japanese predict tourism increase

By

BRUCE ROSCOE,

in Tokyo

Nineteen leading Japanese travel company' executives are almost unanimous in the view that New Zealand is certain to attract a bigger volume of Japanese tourists. The executives, who serve as directors of the Japan Association of Travel Agents, visited New Zealand in October to assess tourism potential.

A survey of their impres- . sions was printed in a December issue of the “Japan Travel Journal,” a respected, in-depth industry publication with a circulation of about 9000.

Comments on the future of Japanese tourism in New Zealand ranged from ‘brilliant” to “quite hopeful” Almost all directors agreed

New Zealand could expect steady if not spectacular growth in the number of Japanese visitors. Mr Ryoichi Gunji, president of Asahi Travel International, said it was “easy to expect a 120 per cent increase (in the volume of Japanese tourists) in the near future.”

The combination of English tradition and Maori culture was described as fascinating by Mr Yoshitsune Higashi, president of Okinawa Tourist, who typified favourable comments by saying he was impressed most by beautiful scenery, warm hospitality, a secure social order, and fairly priced sports facilities. The executives also identified a number of weak points in New Zealand’s tourism services. Five agreed that

internal transport was not up to scratch, citing in particular a lack of seats on domestic flights and high air fares." The shortage of good Japanese-speaking guides was called serious by one executive, while others saw a need for better shopping opportunities, pubs and discos for young travellers, and tastier meals. It was also noted that New Zealand should keep Nature intact. Mr Koichiro Kondo, managing director of Kondo Express, said he had heard of plans to build gambling casinos aimed at attracting Japanese tourists but thought this was “mistaking the means for the. ends.”

“Capitalising on the quality of New Zealand nature itself is. the way to draw more Japanese .tourists,” he said.