"Target your tourist" says Newman

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 454, 22 September 1992, Page 5

"Target your tourist" says Newman

New Zealand should target its tourists. That was the main message from Her Excellency Mrs Della Newman, United States Ambassador to New Zealand, last Wednesday when she spoke to Rotary Club of RaetihiOhakune members, their guests and members of the public at the Ruapehu Hotel in Raetihi. About 60 people were present to hear Mrs Newman address the subject of tourism. She said that New Zealand was not yet ready to cope with a sudden and massive influx of tourists and probably never would be, at least for some years, if the country was to retain its clean green image.

Instead all New Zealander's, including those in the rural communities such as Raetihi and Ohakune, could become involved in the tourist industry by targeting specific overseas groups such as hunters, anglers, skiers as well as other sports and recreational organisations. All these organisations have their own special interest magazines and, by contributing regular articles about New Zealand's wide open spaces, its lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches to these magazines, tourists from overcrowded cities in Europe, Asia and America will be drawn to this country, she said.

Another suggestion she made was for rural communities to arrange exchange visits between farmers with special interests say in cattle, horticulture or sheep though she did admit her own state of Washington only had 500 sheep and even fewer sheep farmers! Exchange visits would build up good-will and interest in the limited numbers which New Zealand could cope with and, when the visitors returned home word would spread thus ensuring further visits. Mrs Newman suggested that service clubs such as Rotary and Lions International could do their bit in promoting tourism by arranging exchange visits or inviting and hosting overseas members as guests. She did however issue

a word or caution and advice. Any visitor to New Zealand should be fully informed about what they can expect in the way of amenities, accommodation, climate, public transport service etc well in advance of their trip, she said. Those visitors on the international tourist circuit have come to expect a certain level of accommodation, facilities and service while others, who may not have travelled overseas before may have come from a completely different background, way of life, customs and habits from those enjoyed by New Zealander's. "If tourists are to get the maximum benefit and pleasure from their visit to New Zealand they must be as fully prepared as possible beforehand", she said.