Tourist influx may double by 2000

Press, 14 June 1983, Page 6

Tourist influx may double by 2000

The proper development of tourism in New Zealand was as important as the energy projects in Taranaki, said the Minister of Tourism,Mr Talbot, in Christchurch yesterday. Opening the Pacific Area Travel Association’s tourism plinningworkshop conference, Mr Talbot said that it was hoped that the number of visitors attracted annually to New Zealand would dogpto to one million during thenext 17 years. . “we are going to have to do: considerably more plannlngto be able to handle such an influx,” he said. Mr Talbot said that national :characteristics must be preserved to at-

modation and transport Two aspects which Mr Talbot believed could enhance the New Zealand tourist industry would be the building of a Club Med in Queenstown and a new hotel in Christchurch. “Club Med would be a major step in the development of tourism in New Zealand,'but I would hope any moves to establish a complex would not be held up by bureaucratic encumbrances and opposition from minority groups. “We have got to get on as quickly as possible but in air orderly way,” he said. The Mayor of Christchurch, Sir Hamish Hay, said that if resources were promoted more effectively i Christchurch and New Zealand could attract more

overseas organisations for conferences.

“Every country and city is keen to attract conferences and the spending associated with them, and it is a highly competitive and specialised business getting them. Many overseas cities are investing large amounts in making their bids. “Perhaps we have for too long made our bids on the cheap and thus not done as well as we should have. I hope that in future adequate Government and private sector funds will be specifically allocated to help New Zealand get its fair share of future international conferences and I’m sure Christchurch will be prominent among the venuefechosen,” Sir . Hamish said, “ ■ •. ’