United pushing N.Z.

Press, 15 April 1986, Page 24

United pushing N.Z.

Tourists coming to New Zealand from the United States could increase by three to five per cent annually simply because there is now an “aggressive” airline bringing them here, according to a visiting international hotel chain executive.

He is the chief operating officer of Quality Inns International, Mr G. W. (Gerry) Petitt, of Washington. Here to assist Dominion Breweries, Ltd, to launch its new wholly owned and operated accommodation subsidiary, Quality Inns (New Zealand), Ltd, Mr Petitt said that there was ample evidence in the United States of the aggressive marketing approach taken by United Airlines in attracting passengers.

United has recently taken over the South Pacific routes previously flown by Pan Am. Mr Petitt said United had a presence in 150

cities in the United States. As the biggest airline in the Western world, it used its international marketing network to heavily promote services and destinations.

At a trade function at Quality Inn Palmerston North, formerly the Fitzherbert Motor Inn, he said the whole accommodation industry in New Zealand would benefit from the efforts of the airline, which is currently bringing four Boeing 747 passenger flights a week into Auckland. Continental Airlines’ link with Eastern Airlines should also strengthen the service to New Zealand, he added. “On the basis of what we’ve seen United do in introducing new services, it’s clear they will be spending big money on selling New Zealand to Americans, and that can only be good for this country. “It’s quite reasonable to

expect they could increase the number of American tourists to New Zealand by three to five per cent a year as they further develop the market,” he said. Mr Petitt said that for the first time recently the nationally circulated newspaper, “USA Today," listed New Zealand as one of the top five destinations for Americans. He said a number of reasons were given for this, including value for money and security.

The new D.B. subsidiary company has taken up a franchise arrangement with Quality Inns International, under which the nine high-standard hotels it operates nationwide will bear the Quality Inn name and will benefit from the extensive marketing undertaken by Quality Inns International in 14 countries around the world, including the United States.