Tourists From the East

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 306, 22 September 1934, Page 9

Tourists From the East

Sir, —Attention nas recently been drawn to the Far East as a possible source of tourists to New Zealand, and it has been claimed that the number of potential visitors, both among residents and those who have chosen-that region for a holiday trip, would justify a greatly increased expenditure on New Zealand publicity there. These statements, however. are open to considerable qualification.

Residents in India and the East prefer, generally, to go Home when on leave, while those visiting that part of the world are usually strictly bound down by time and/or financial considerations. A point made much of in recent criticism is the poor shipping service between the East dnd New Zealand. There are no keener business seekers than the shipping companies, and the fact that they are not prepared to increase that service is a strong argument against the claims made as to the number of tourists offering. The last annual report of the Tourist and Publicity Department discloses that there are honorary agents in most of the important centres of the East. Inquiry at the department brought to light quite a large quantity of r correspondence in reply to inquiries arising from publicity. With an increased vote, more could be, and doubtless will be, done, but it is doubtful if; even with more publicity and better transport, tier? would be such an influx of visitors as has been suggested.—l am. etc.,

CHANTICLEER Wellington, September 20.