TOURIST TRAFFIC

Marlborough Express, Volume LXVIII, Issue 150, 27 June 1934, Page 4

TOURIST TRAFFIC

N.Z. AND AUSTRALIA. CO-OPERATION PROPOSED.

Press Association Telegram.

AUCKLAND, June 27. "I was particularly gratified by the reception which leading business men in Australia gave to the idea of eoO'peration in matters of tourist travel between New Zealand and the Commonwealth," said Mr H. H. Sterling, chairman of the Railways Board. Mr Sterling returned to Auckland by the Aorangi, after being absent for some weeks, during which time he travelled extensively in Australia. His main objective was to investigate the feeling in Australia towards co-opera-tion in a movement to encourage the tourist traffic of the two countries In covering the country from Perth to North Queensland he had an opportunity of seeing all the principai tourist attractions. "I was able to meet many influentiai Australians," said Mr Sterling, "and discuss with them this idea oi co-operation. This move' will probably in time spread to other countries: of the Pacific. The ultimate result should be that tourist fraffic will be attracted to the Pacific, especially to our own countries." Mr Sterling felt there was a forward movement in Australia to encourage travel, and this, properly handled, could benefit both countries. No doubt much of good had come from the activities of the National Travel Association, the chief aim of which was co-ordination of the efforts of all those interested in travel. The excellent publicity of this organisation had indrrectly helped New Zealand, as tourists to Australia often included New Zealand in their itinerary. During his tour Mr Sterling made' a number of observations on the question of railway policy and general management that wiil be of considerable' value to the Railways Board.