Evening star., 1951-01-07
RecreotionoI Needs
Cited by NATO
By jones L. Bossemeyer
Of Trovel Organization
Amsricdn Automobile Association

AncfiSoH t>oIOUOOHS %SSOSioioV
In spite of chaotic world condi-
tions there is every indication that
domestic travel and a great deal
of international travel will con-
tinue at about current levels dur
ing 1851, according to the latest
evaluation of the situation made
by the National Association of
Travel Organizations.
Although conditions throughout
the world make it difficult to pre-
dict what will happen a week or
a month from today, there are
strong indications that the present
state of half-war will prevail for
long time. AS rearmament pro-
crosses there will be increasing
demands on the public carriers
rail, air. bus and steamship-for
the movement Of personnel and
war materials. 1t is believed,
however, that these demands will
not be sufficient to disrupt civilian
travel seriously as long as ration
ing of gasoline and tires for pri-
vate automobiles can be avoided.
Auto Prominent Factor.
If the public carriers suddenly
had to assume the gigantic load
that would occur when private
automobile travel was curbed. the
picture would change Immediately
Since gasoline and rubber supplies
are much greater than in 1941.
chances are good that the Nations S
automobiles can keep rolling for a
long time.
In recent years, 1t has become
recognized that travel, whether it
be for business. personal necessity
pleasure or attendance at con-
ventionS and meetings. is one of
the important means of distribut-
ing the wealth of the Nation.
Vacation or tourist travel in par
ticular is a prime means for
siphoning wealth from the great
production centers into those parts
of the country that are long on
fine scenery and recreational op-
portunities but short on industrial
and, in some cases, agricultural
production.
Travel Yields Taxes.
Countless business enterprises,
large and small, derive all or i'm
portant portions of their revenue
by providing transportation. food
lodging, services and entertain
ment to tourists. The tax-earning
power of these enterprises is
enormous. It is important that
this tax earning power be main
tanned if possible.
Aside from its economic i'm.
portance. travel, particularly tour
ist and vacation travel, is of the
utmost Importance in maintaining
the health and morale of our peo-
pie. In years past, recreation was
considered by some to be one OF
the frills of life that could and
should be discarded in periods OF
stress. The fallacy of this belief
has long been established.
There is abundant evidence that
the most effective work is usually
done by those who have learned
when and how to relax. Mental
as we'll as physical fatigue in
creases the effort needed to accom-
plish a given task.
Generally, an individual needs
two types of recreation. First, he
needs something that he can dc
quickly. easily and often as a
regular diversion. Second, at
longer intervals. he needs a real
vacation-a change of scene. A
successful vacation must cause
one to forget his usual occupation
and habits. Recreation involving
a change Of scene leads to travel
1t is of utmost Importance that
the health and productivity of all
of our people be maintained dur.
ing the emergency by the provision
of as nearly normal opportunities
for recreation as possible.