TOURIST OFFICE BUSY

Evening Star, Issue 25958, 25 November 1946, Page 6

TOURIST OFFICE BUSY

CATERING FOR HOLIDAY MAKERS - CHRISTMAS RUSH STARTS (Booking for the Christmas period have been heavy with the Government Tourist Office since November. 18, that date marking the first day on which such bookings could be made. They reached their peak on Thursday, and remained about the same level until Saturday, that period covering the days on which bookings for December 21-24 could be made. There was a slight easing in the pressure this morning, though some , people were waiting outside the door shortly after 7 o’clock. The position has been slightly easier this year as far as the early January rush is concerned, due to the fact that people booking for their outward journey and returning within one month of the date of departure, and by January 12, may make their return reservations at the same time.

Accommodation has been almost unobtainable for several months in all the popular resorts, and those who cannot obtain board and who are able to take their holidays about the end of January are advised to do so, as a certain amount becomes available at that time.

In order to cope with those people who desire to book for railway trips only, a special counter is being set aside at the Tourist Office within the next fortnight. It had been hoped to have this new arrangement ready for the Christmas rush, but the necessary alterations were held up through shortage of labour. When the work is completed it will be unnecessary for those wishing to make rail reservations to wait in a queue behind other people at the main counter. With the exception of one particular train, all passengers so far have been able to obtain accommodation on the days on which they wish to travel.