Most news items come out of America and this often highlights the differences of the motel product between America and New Zealand.
As an example today's Google Alert was:
| Jurors begin deliberations in 2007 motel rape case Worcester Telegram - Worcester,MA,USA ... to produce a verdict yesterday in the case of a Berlin man charged with the rape and attempted murder of a woman last year at a West Boylston motel. ... See all stories on this topic | ||
| Man gets 60 years in motel killing Indianapolis Star - United States By Jon Murray An Indianapolis man was sentenced to 60 years in prison this afternoon for beating a motel owner to death. James E. Whatley, 42, ... See all stories on this topic | ||
| Anonymous tip leads police to sale of marijuana behind Valley ... WKTV - Utica,NY,USA Mark Wolfe, 45, who resides at the Valley Brook Motel was charged with criminal possession of marijuana. Subsequent to an investigation Wolfe was found to ... See all stories on this topic | ||
| Police: Suspect shoots through motel wall into room with children Evansville Courier & Press - Evansville,IN,USA Police say a man staying at an Evansville motel fired a gun through his room wall and into an adjacent room where two children were staying Wednesday night. ... See all stories on this topic | ||
| Antigo Man Charged with Driving his Vehicle into a Motel Room ... WSAW - Wausau,WI,USA Police say the 58-year-old drove his truck through a motel room killing a sleeping guest last summer. Vanvleit is charged with homicide by both negligent ... See all stories on this topic | ||
WHAG - Hagerstown,MD,USA WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD - The man behind a two day stand-off at a Hancock motel last month is expected to appear in court on Thursday. ... See all stories on this topic | ||
KERA - Dallas,TX,USA But Dallas Emergency Management Director Kenny Shaw says qualified evacuees in Dallas still can leave the shelters because FEMA has neglected to provide the ... See all stories on this topic | ||
| Son pleads guilty to killing father in Ontario motel Contra Costa Times - Walnut Creek,CA,USA By Will Bigham, Staff Writer RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A man accused of stabbing his father to death at an Ontario motel in 2006 has pleaded guilty to ... See all stories on this topic |
In New Zealand, we are very self conscious that the world-view of "Motels" may not be very high and the Google Alert above seems to confirm this (at least in America!).
These unsavory media images that are fairly common can be used to qualify by some that New Zealand motel industry should drop the word "Motel".
I believe that we shouldn't be caught up with a mindless debate about renaming our industry. The Motel Industry in New Zealand has a proud history and has evolved into a quality offering that is unique by world standards. The differences between overseas "motels" and our own are a unique point of difference and should be celebrated.
The small group of overseas tourists that may have misconceptions on what motels offer soon discover the comfort, quality and value for money of the Kiwi motel. A traveling convert that has discovered the reality of the motel industry in New Zealand is a powerful advocate that will encourage others to enjoy the hospitality of our motels.
We must remenber that 72% of guest nights are already enjoyed by domestic travelers that are sold on the benefits of being hosted by motels in New Zealand. The positive currency that the motel industry has built in New Zealand since the late 1950's should not be left behind.
