TOURIST TRAFFIC

Hokitika Guardian, 27 January 1931, Page 5

TOURIST TRAFFIC

NEW’ SYSTEM ADOPTED

Increased efforts are being made by the Government 1 to capture tourist traffic from abroad, according to a statement made'by the Minister of Indusries and Commerce, Publicity and Tourists, Hon P. A. do la Perelle, at Wellington on Thursday. A new system has been adopted ibis year for encouraging visitors from overseas, and it is reported that good results are already being achieved. The Minister said that in spite of the 'depression in Australia the tourist traffic from that country was being maintained!.' This was particularly gratifying at the moment, 'ft was expected that much would result from the new “ffolTfiw-up” system which had been adopted throughout the world for the first time this year, under this system definite canvassing for tourists was,carried out by special officers employed, by the Government, and tourist , traffic was not sought merely through the medium of advertising and the circulation of informatory booklets,

Tourist agents now got into direct touch with prospective travellers, supplied them with information concerning tiie Dominion and made complete arrangements for their tours, One practice followed was the circulation of advertising, matter in a town which was later visited hy ail agent who approached likely travellers and interviewed them personally. If they decided to come to New Zealand their tours were mapped out. all arrangements for them were made, and they received al| necessary papers. This meant that tourists could visit the Dominion without having to give a thought of their itinerary or their accommodation while in the country. Steamer and rail connections were all ariMui£cctl. unci wlion the? Government's representative finally sent the tourists to New Zealand they had nothing more about which to worry. This form of arranging tours would undoubtedly

prove popular. Much work of this nature had already been done in Australia, and Afiss Bathic Stewart had been engaged by the Govniment for “follow-up” work in (lie United States. The system was also being conducted in (Treat Britain, and there was every reason to believe iliat tourist traffic would increase rapidly as a result.