TOURIST TRAFFIC

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 213, 23 August 1927, Page 7

TOURIST TRAFFIC

AT A STANDSTILL NO PROGRESS SINCE 1907. In an article in the "Waikato limes," Mr C. P. Wallnut, for many years connected with the Government Tourist Department, expresses the opinion that the Dominion does not derive the advantage it should from tourist traffic. "For many years, he says, much has been done to make known to the world the incomparable attractions, climate, and mineral waters, of New Zealand, with the object of attracting to our shores an ever-increasing .lumber of tourists and health-seekers rom other lands.

"Splendid work has been done by he Government Tourist Departnent, steamer and motor companies ind other private enterprises, the arious tourist and progress leagues, the publication and distribution of high-class literature, illustrated by beautiful photographs, of our scenic glories; the use of the film, advertising, and last, though not least, by the Press. To carry on this work agencies have been established and maintained at great expense in the principal cities and towns of New Zealand, Australia, in various other parts of the world, and more particularly at the High Commissioner’s Office in London.

THE RESULTS. "The question naturally arises, what has been the result of these great efforts? Have we attained our object? The answer is quickly and effectively given by the fact that the number of overseas visitors in 1907 was 9684, and in 1926 it was 9195, "The figures are taken from the reports of the Tourist and Health Department, dated respectively, 28th June, 1907, and 21st April, 1926. This year it is expected that 10,000 visitors will arrive. We have here the astonishing fact that the number of ovearsea tourists who arrived in New Zealand for the year ended 31st March, 1926, is nearly 500 less than arrived 19 years before. Moreover, this appears to have been the highwater mark of the traffic during the whole period.

"This traffic is at a standstill. Think of it, New Zealanders! After 19 years of sustained effort! I would ask what would be the state of the Dominion to-day had our other great industries been at a standstill for 19 years? “On the figures, estimating each tourist at £lOO, the revenue approximates £1,000,000 per annum. Had this industry been taken in hand a few years ago and adequately, skilfully and progressively developed in, all its branches as a national institution, and on sound business lines, can there be any reasonable doubt that the number of visitors would now be 40,000 or 50,000, and the revenue £4,000,000 or £5,000,000? This would have meant a high state of prosperity for New Zealand, instead of commercial depression, unemployment, and gloom. No, the Government is not to blame, if there is any blame let us be quite fair, and place it on the right shoulders—our own. THE CAUSE OF THE TROUBLE. "The great majority of New Zea landers are apathetic and indifferent towards, in fact, do not realise, their magnificent heritage. Until they wake up from their lethargy and give , their Government a mandate as to how they desire their own business to be managed, they must bear the consequences. And what Government would not welcome the command. Every man, woman, and child is part owner of this truly glorious possession.

"However, I can already see the silver lining, for I believe that when New Zealanders as a nation realise the position as revealed by the above figures, they will arouse themselves from their apathy, and very soon have the matter on a sound and adequate basis. "It is a huge subject in all its branches and ramifications, and we must think accordingly. "Writing as a lover of New Zealand, and with many years of practical experience of the tourist businsse as an officer of the Government Tourist Department, and moreover, having come into personal contact with thousands of overseas visitors whose opinions were worth while, I believe the subject to be one of the most important and fascinating that can engage the serious attention of the people of the Dominion."