Milestones

Press, 6 March 1984, Page 31

Milestones

A new awareness of New Zealand exists to an unprecedented degree in the United States. Air New Zealand’s regional manager based in Los Angeles, Mr Ross Keenan, reports that the toll-free line runs hot with inquiries about New Zealand and Australia. Mr Keerian attributes this phenomenon to New Zealand’s remarkable achievements in international sporting and beauty contests, as well as Australia’s high profile in movies and the television mini-series “The Thorn Birds.” He is philosophical about an American tendency to lump New Zealand and Australia together as a single destination. “They think Australia has all the animals and New Zealand has the friendly people and beautiful scenery — and I’m quite happy to let them go on thinking that,” he said.

Sheraton Hotels’ public relations director in Hawaii, Tanya Bova, is conscious of a growing enthusiasm for New Zealand. “Two years ago I just couldn’t get journalists interested in going down to New Zealand,” she said. “Now I get enquiries from them all the time.”

Gideon’s Bible now has a companion in Hawaii hotel rooms — “The Teaching of Buddha,” donated by Japan’s Buddhist Promoting Foundation.

Spare a thought for the good-humoured United Airlines cabin staff who must cope with an increasing amount of hand-luggage taken on board by passengers. On a flight from Los Angeles to Seattle, the flight attendant announced that passengers had brought along 100 garment bags, but there was storage space for only 40. Presumably they

were all stacked away somewhere. “You can get off here,” she announced wryly on arrival at Seattle. “But we have to go through this whole hassle again.” Passenger determination to carry everything on board — even suitcases — seems to be in reaction to the long delays in claiming baggage from large airports such as L.A International. ♦ • ♦ Hopefully, the delays that have plagued LAX will soon be history. L.A.’s new international terminal is nearing completion and is expected to be opened in June, allowing several weeks’ trial before the start of the Olympic Games.

Tourists in Honolulu still have to run the gauntlet along the main street of Waikiki. Not only does one have to sidestep “gift-bear-ing” Hare Krishna believers but also an increasing number of touts giving away coupons and “invitations” to dinners and cruises. • • ♦ Los Angeles Airport’s familiar landmark, the circular restaurant on top of the four-legged theme tower, has been completely refurbished and is again open for business. Although the restaurant does not revolve it is well worth a visit and offers excellent value for meals and drinks.