Dispute a ‘blow’ to promotion campaign

Press, 16 October 1989, Page 6

Dispute a ‘blow’ to promotion campaign

By

MICHAEL RENTOUL

The perceived unreliability of the Cook Strait ferry service is a “psychological barrier" to many North Islanders, which could deter them from travelling south, says a South Island Promotion Association spokesman. Mr Denis Gilmour, the association’s chief executive, said the recent strike by seamen was a blow to a $1.5 million South Island promotion campaign, jointly funded by the association and the New Zealand Tourist and Publicity Department. He downplayed suggestions by the association’s vice-president, Mr Ralph Skjellerup, that its plans for a South Island promotion centre in Auckland were placed in jeopardy by perceived unreliability of the link. Mr Skjellerup made his comments at a public meeting last Thursday, called to discuss the future of the inter-island ferries. The association had so far received funding pledges for the centre of up to $150,000. It had set itself a target of $220,000 by the end of this month, Mr Gilmour said. Annual running costs for the information and travel bookings centre would be $430,000, with up to $40,000 required to set it up. The Christchurch City Council had approved an interim grant of $30,000 towards the centre, and Waimairi District Council pledged $lO,OOO.

A lease was available and it was hoped to have the centre open by early next year, Mr Gilmour said.