TOURIST TRAFFIC

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 10, 1 November 1948, Page 1

TOURIST TRAFFIC

Legislators have talked lately of the need of a higher standard of accommodation for tourists. As one who has toured I endorse this. But first our legislators must decide this 15 the tourist traffic encouraged primanly to increase the sale of alcoholic liquors. To decline to serve the tourist with tea or coffee at the dining tabic and place before him a list of 50 kinds of alcoholic liquor which he may order, ar.d pay for, does not place the comfort of the tourist on a higher standard. Tea and coffee at morning and midday meals are enjoyed by the tourist, but the refusal to sen e these at the dinner table at night does not by any means “raise the standard." A tiny cup of coffee available in the lounge after dinner may be an attempt to induce the tourist to order, and pay for, alcoholic liquor from the lounge bar, but this does not “raise the standard.” To be wakened up four nights after midnight by prancing and chatter along the passage past your bedroom door does not “raise the standard” of accommodation even if it indicates good sales of liquor, in a very grand hotel. In my experience in N.Z. and in Australian travel the presence of alcoholic liquor does not “raise the standard," and N.Z. legislators should gravely consider the object of encouraging tourist traffic. Tourer.