TOURIST TRADE

Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1935, Page 2

TOURIST TRADE

11. S. AND NEW ZEALAND

AUCKLAND, January 21. “ New Zealand is very highly respected in the United States,” -said Mr. R. Back, representative in San Francisco for the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand, Ltd., who arrived by the Aoran'gi on a combined holiday and business visit to the Dominion. He is accompanied by Mrs. Back.

“The most intellectual American people,”’ said Mr. Back, “regard this country as a very interesting study. For many years they have been watchng legislation in New Zealand regarding it as a country where some of "the most helpful social reforms are being put on trial. I am frequently being asked for access to tbe Nov Zealand Year Book. Much of the egislation that has been in force here for 20 or 30 years is beginning to find its way, in perhaps a modified form, into the statutes of the United States. An example of this is the worker’s compensation, which was was only recently troduced into the United States.

FACTORS ANALYSED Three main factors were hindering the progress ol the tourist trade between the United States and New Zealand, stated Mr. Back. First and foremost was the effect of the depress, ion. Then came the developement of the spirit of notional ism, with its theme of keeping money at home by seeing America first. Finally ii people did wish to travel outside their own country, they were being persuaded to travel by American ships, thus ensuring that their money returned to their own people.

“The general trend of tourist traffic was changed in recent years.” said Air. Hack. “The popular holiday is now one spent only -a few day’s journey away from home where a man can keep in touch by telephone and watch the stock market, being able to return home hurriedly if necessary. Europe and the United Kingdom tend to retain their popularity, there being the irresistable ittraction of seeing either the old home or that of their ancestors. The short sea cruise is still popular; but support for world cruises is declining. Trips tr Honolulu are also well patronised there being no passport or monetary difficulties, coupled with the shorter distance.

WELL ADVERTISED. “New Zealand is we” advertised in America. The Government is sending very good literature, produced in most ittractive form. There is.enormous competition for the tourist trade generally. Thousands of agents are earning tlieii living by selling trips by every conceivable means of transport, from motorbus to aeroplane. New Zealand business s done through more than 600 .tourist agents throughout the country. Two travelling passenger agents are constantly moving, keeping in touch, and supplying the latest information. Ir this way the agents are kept well informed and are able to place the attractions of the Dominion before their owi , 5