Making Special Inquiry
p. 66 · Read in the full issue
California-Tahiti
Traffic
G.S.C. of Los Angeles Now Making Special Inquiry
From Our Own Correspondent
Papeete, Feb. 20.
M. RAYMOND DENIZE, representing the passenger department of the Gen eral Steamship Corporation of Los Angeles, who is at present in Tahiti studying ways and means for an increase in the tourist traffic to this part of the world, brought with him the outlines of a general plan of development for which he is seeking the support of the local Administration, the Papeete Chamber of Commerce, and other public organisations, and influential resi dents of the Colony.
The fundamental idea is not a new one.
The local Syndicat dTnitiative (Tourist Association) was brought into existence some years ago with the primary object of developing a larger tourist traffic, and its efforts have not been without some success, in spite of the unfavourable situa tion of the foreign exchanges and other adverse factors.
The most interesting feature of M.
Denize’s proposition is that it emanates from America, and this may be taken as a sure indication of a growing appreciation of the South Seas —and especially Tahiti and the other islands of the Society Group —as a promising field of enterprise for shipping companies who cater specially for good-class passengers. The natural at tractions of these islands from a tourist standpoint are perhaps without equal in any part of the But there are seri ous obstacles to any large development of the industry at the present time —progress probably will be slow unless an unexpected shift occurs in foreign exchange—one that will give the U.S. dollar and the English pound about the same purchasing power in a French country as they enjoyed before they deserted the gold standard.
The scheme outlined by M. Denize in cludes official representation in U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico, for the Tahiti Tourist Bureau (Syndicat dTnitiative de Tahiti), the creation of a trust fund for publicity purposes designed to give widespread knowledge of the attractions of Tahiti and the other islands of the Group, and the development of hotel facilities.
For the development of inter-island travel, amusements and games exclusively for tourists, and extension of the existing available accommodation, a local company in which at least 51 per cent, would be held by French citizens is proposed. Assistance would also be given, by means of prizes and contests, to every movement for the revival and development of native arts. (This is being done at present but on a scale which is far from being sufficiently wide-spread and comprehensive.) All of this is good, and the plan, with the exception of a few ideas which are new. fits into the general scheme of develop ment which has been the subject of study and discussion by the Tourist Bureau for a long time past. M. Denize is therefore assured of a sympathetic reception. The important thing is that Tahiti and its tour ist possibilities have awakened sufficient interest in America for a large steamship amalgamation to send a specialist here to study conditions.
Rev. H. M. Bell departed from Sydney for the New Hebrides by the Morinda on February 20. He has been appointed as successor to Rev. T. McMillan of the Presbyterian Mission’s station on Tanna Island.