New Zealand tourism too dear?

Press, 18 February 1989, Page 10

New Zealand tourism too dear?

A lot has been said of late about the high cost of New Zealand tourism services. Or perhaps it would be more correct to say, the final cost to the visitor after overseas’ operators’ commissions. Recently it was reported that the New Zealand costs amounted to only $554 for three nights accommodation. This is still too dear. No matter whether you are a domestic or overseas tourist, the message is you don’t have to go to the tourist towns to enjoy top tourist attractions. Ashburton operators can escort you to see or participate in as enjoyable or exciting experiences as are available in any other area of New Zealand, or even the world in some cases. The cost will be nowhere near what you pay elsewhere.'lt doesn’t stop there either. Top hotel accommodation is awaiting you at the Hotel Ashburton from $6O per twin or double room, GST included. Meals are also very keenly priced in Ashburton, especially at Ashburton Licensing Trust licensed family restaurants — at the Hotel Ashburton there is Chloes Restaurant; at the Somerset Tavern, Coach Wheels; Tinwald Tavern, The Stables; and the Hinds Tavern has the Wayside Bistro. Steak meals for less than $10! Yes, and that’s only one example of a range of meals that would be hard to match anywhere. If you agree tourism costs are too high in New Zealand, you haven’t stayed in Ashburton recently. The shopping’s great too! CONFERENCES But if it’s a conference venue you are requiring we hope its for at least 1990 if you require around 100 beds for several days. It pays to book early, we are a popular conference venue. There is an increasing demand at the Hotel Ashburton for firm’s training seminars which the hotel can do, along with conferences, for as little as $9O per person per complete day. Of course, with their expertise, they like to do something a little more up-market but their $9O (including GST) all up would be hard to beat anywhere, especially when you consider all the free leisure amenities at your disposal. Don’t forget, book your venue well in advance. We had to turn down a recent booking for a threeday conference involving 90 people just because sufficient beds weren’t available on one of the days and this proved very disappointing for all concerned.