ENCOURAGING THE TOURIST.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20961, 26 February 1930, Page 7

ENCOURAGING THE TOURIST.

ACTIVITIES OF "AUSTRALIAN’ ORGANISATION. BENEFITS SHARED BY NEW -ZEALAND, . . .. . , - An indication of the progress of the schemes for the advancement of the tourist traffic between Australia and New Zealand was given in ap interview by Mr H. J. Manson, New Zealand Trade Commissioner in Melbourne, who has just arrived in Dunedin on his annual leave. Mr Manson. is particularly interested in the South Island, holding the opinion that it lias a great future as far as tourist resorts are concerned.

This tourist traffic, he stated, could be largely augmented from the southern, portion of Australia, including Tasmania, as there was a big population to tap which should respond to an appeal to see the attractions which were afforded in ' this portion of the Dominion. A drawback to this • traffic in the past had been the infrequent steamer service, which made it necessary for visitors to travel many hundreds of miles out of "their way to reach their destination. With the advent of the Manuka it looked as if a great impetus would be given to the traffic, but, unfortunately, the mishap which occurred to her, had a disquieting effect. “ Nevertheless we are putting forward special endeavours to direct attention to the advantages that can be gained by a direct route in lieu of the roundabout journey involvel by Sydney and Wellington” said Mr Manson. - “Not only that, every effort is being mode to interest overseas . visitors arriving in Western Australia, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.”

An appeal was at present being he continued, to people who had limited time at their disposal for holiday-mak-ing, and a restricted purse. As an illustration Mr Manson said that at the present time a 16 days’ trip for £33 from Melbourne to Melbourne, via the Southern Lakes, was being advertised and to date the results had been very encouraging. “ The average "man wants to know how long his holiday trip will be, how much will it. cost, and how much will he f see,” said Mr Manson, and this we are endeavouring to show in as simple a manner as possible.” . present there was a world-wide bid for the tourist, and various organisations had sprung up in all countries ’ to further the movement. Mr Manson : said he.; hoped New Zealand would ndt be wanting in that respect. There were many institutions in Australia, cooperating to get the full stream oftraffic. In this connection a very powerful organisation known as the Travel Promotion League had been brought Into ' ! existence in Melbourne and in cities in the other States. Melbourne, the first to lead the way, was already showing l definite results.

The league was composed of all transv port bodies—-railways, - tramways, air- • ways, shipping, tourist bureaux and those engaged in catering for the traveller. A pleasing compliment was paid to Mr Manson, as' well as to New Zealand, when he was elected the first ’ president of the league. Its idea was to have a prefect understanding between various interests so that'the best possible results might be obtained by each i concern, in the way of close CO-Operation and 'harmonious relationships. “The ; visitor from the time, he sets foot in' ' any particular State is well looked after, said Mr Manson, “and is sent ; - a W f pleased and contented individual with the result that he becomes a propagandist on- his return to his own, country.” , • The Australian National Travel As-' sociation was another big scheme re- * Cent i 1 j i auDclled to bring before the world the attractions and resources to be found in the Commonwealth. A sum 0 . 100,000 in round figures was being raised for the purposes of publicity and already tangible results had been obtained insofar as its activities were concerned. ■ “I* 'K’iU be remembered,” said Mr Manson,- “ that the Matson liner Malolo with its millionaire passengers aboard visited Australia and' New Zealand some months ago. They were so well received on their arrival that a similar visit has been arranged by the same company towards the end of this year showing that those who came ,on the first voyage Were well satisfied that tba programme arranged for them had don* its work effectively. The association decided to- appoint a director located in Melbourne and sent a specially trained man tb America and Great Britain to follow up this good work, thus showing - at «^ str i ia at last bas come into the field with the wonderful attractions and she has to sell to the globe-trotter. New Zealand,” he concluded, “is in close co-operation with these organisations and must undoubtedly benefit by the broadcasting that is being done ,to induce visitors to include the‘Dominion in their itinerary.” ■ ‘,