The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1950-08-10
UNITE FOR SUCCESS
IN TOUR INDUSTRY,
SAYS ARMITAGE

Alaska must unite in its visitor
attracting efforts if it is to have
success such as Hawaii has had in
the tourist industry.
This was brought out by George
T. Armitage, for % years associated
with the Hawaii Tourist Bureau and
now In Alaska to assist the Alaska
Development Board in its long
range effort to systematic and pro-
mote tourist travel in the Terri
tory. He spoke at the regular meet
ing of the Chamber of Commerce to-
day.
Armitage pointed out that he
wasn't giving advice. but only telling
of the experiences of the Hawaiian
bureau so that those listening could
draw on Hawaii's experience.
He said that from small beginn-
ings at the turn of the century the
tourist industry has grown until tbs
year it is estimated $4,000 visitors
will spend between at least $40 ms
lion in the island territory.
He gave credit for much of the
increase to the efforts of the Hawai-
Visitors Bureau, formerly the Ha-
wall Tourist Bureau, which coordi-
mated the efforts of all the Islands
in the work of attracting outsiders.
In tracing the history of the bu-
reau, he said its first effort was for
appropriat tons from the Hawaiian
legisla tire This was accomplished
by offering to match any funds APP
propriated by the legislature. the
matching funds to be individual con-
tributions from businessmen and
professional men interested in pro-
noting the tourist industry.
Appropriations Needed
He said appropriations had in
creased from $4,000 to 100000 and
the individual contributions have
kept pace.
The visitors bureau is made up
of one member from each of Ha-
waits island counties and one
member from the territory at large,
each appointed by the governor on
Recommendation from the business
groups in the county, Armitage
said.
He said the group works closely
with the chambers of commerce,
but is independent of them.
Hawaii's efforts In advertising It's
attractions have all been in the
direction of telling the truth, tef1-
ing it well, and telling it repeat
edly," he declared
Friends Are Made
Good advertising, in the case of
Hawaii, has had a double effect,
he said: it has attracted visitors
and has educated the people of the
United States d in regard to the
island territory made mighty
handy friends
Facilities for tourists increase as
the number of tourists increase, he
explained. He said that the first
effort was made to attract and
bring in tourists. This created a
need, and businessmen, realizing
that to fill this need would mean
profits for them, increased the
tourist facilities.
In answer to question from
Trevor Davis, Juneau businessman
and member of the Chamber, he
said the same would apply to in
creasing the length of the tourist
season. Citing experiences of tie
Hawaii promotion group, he said
that increased demands of tourists
for trips to Alaska would probably
spread out the tourist season.
Armitage was introduced by Gov
ernor Ernest Gruening, who said
that Armitage was invited to the
Territory because "the time is now
right for concentrated move for
ward In the tourist industry.
The Chamber of Commerce had
earlier indicated Its support of a
move to unite Alaska's effort to
bring visitors here. Au ~a