‘More tourism liaison needed’

Press, 1 March 1982, Page 7

‘More tourism liaison needed’

Greater liaison was required between members of the tourist industry and people who formulate transport policies, the Minister of Tourism (Mr Talbot) has said. “A lack of co-operation in recent years, has, I believe, had a detrimental effect on many developments in the tourist industry,” Mr Talbot told a meeting of the executive council of the South Island Promotion Association in Christchurch. “One can cite many cases where transport services have announced restructuring of schedules without any consultation with major tour companies, whose plans for seasonal business have been completely undermined by the changes in schedules made at short notice,” he said. Mr Talbot believed closer liaison must be developed among all sections of tourism to reap maximum benefits for the industry. He emphasised the progress made in the provision of accommodation in recent years. “Not enough publicity and promotion have been given to the fact that New Zealand has the best range and variety of motels in the world to complement the growth taking place in internationaltype hotel accommodation,” Mr Talbot said.

“We must all proceed now to develop a new professionalism in the total industry,” he said.