THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY “Public Service” FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1950 COMPETITION FOR TOURIST TRADE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 60, Issue 4334, 22 September 1950, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY “Public Service” FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1950 COMPETITION FOR TOURIST TRADE

New Zealand has much to gain from any movement that will bring an increased flow of tourists from overseas, particularly from dollar countries. For that reason the proposal to hold a National Tourist Week at the end of November deserves wide public support. Though the Dominion has some of the world’s most unique and beautiful scenic attractions, as well as much to offer the sportsman, the competition for tourist .patronage is perhaps greater today than ever it was. To win a good share of it therefore calls for a general effort by those who can influence their overseas friends, as well as by the Government Tourist Department and travel agencies. To stimulate such public interest among New Zealanders is one of the aims of the proposed Tourist Week.

Another object, states the general manager of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts,. Mr Marshall, is to induce those in contact with tourists, such as hotel staffs and transport operators, to extend the utmost courtesy and service. This is portant, because upon the impression, good or bad, a few tourists take away may depend the inclusion or omission of the Dominion when many others are planning long pleasure tours. Recent reports from the United States and England tell of a large flow of tourists at present from America to Europe, which, according to Mr Marshall, is providing plenty of what the tourist wants. Obviously then, the Dominion cannot expect a' large share of this trade simply to fall into its lap.

We must go out to capture it,, and that brings into the foreground the need for the best publicity appeals abroad. There has been some criticism' in the past of misplaced advertising, such ass displays on New Zealand’s fishing sport in Canada—which itself has an abundance of such attractions. The Tourist Department should be given all the assistance possible from private individuals in drawing more tourists here, and at -the same time might find it profitable to review its methods overseas in the light of the keener competition that now exists for dollar spenders on pleasure bent. There is no question about the natural wonders this country can offer to outrival others. What are needed now are inducement and the service.