TO ENCOURAGE TOURISTS

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15360, 8 October 1923, Page 6

TO ENCOURAGE TOURISTS

NEW ZEALAND'S ATTRACTIONS.

INSUFFICIENTLY ADVERTISED. "New Zealand is far too beautiful a country not to be better known in America. You have much to. offer the visitor in the way of charming people, beautiful scenery, and a great climate, but you could afford to tell the story of New Zealand in the United States," said'Mr George T. Armitage, executive secretary of the Hawaii Tourist Bureau, to a Dominion representative. He spoke of the great effect of "boosting" the Dominion, and considered that if the Government could sec its way to make a grant for the purpose every penny would be reproductive. There were hundreds or people in America who would gladly come to New Zealand if they knew a little more about it —how much it would cost to get here, the attractions, etc. " As an American and an old journalist," said Mr Armitage, "I can tell you authoritatively that as a people we take very sincerely to New Zealand. Every person who comes to your shores not only leaves a grand new dollar (and this, by the way, means the creation of more commerce and a corresponding increase in wealth), but if he is pleased with the country he becomes a walking advertisement for the Dominion. All my life I will rave about your country." An aspect not always considered was that every visitor was a potential resident. He might see some town, home, or locality that fascinated him, or might even take up land and become a permanent resident. Mr Armitage's primary object in visiting this country is' to encourage tourists to go to the Hawaii Islands, this being the first time that the executive has decided to have a personal survey made of, the field. Ho is also taking back some interesting facts regarding New Zealand in order that reciprocity may. exist. New Zealanders, he said, were recognised as great travellers, and a good number went to Europe. It was hoped to induce them to make it a part of their round trip to see as much as possible of Honolulu instead of staying merely for one day. Hawaii, was more easy of access than was generally imagined. Further, it was not necessary to wait for any season, as "any time was always the best time to see island life and its numerous attractions."