nztourism

media type="custom" key="26179310" align="right"new zealand / New Zealand Tourism Notes
related: kaitiakitanga, ecotourism challenges, trenz flickrgroup: [|Ecotourism Oceania] editing: [|New Zealand]

//Editor's note: This is a compilation of tourism development news in the press and from government websites. Yes, it's a messy working draft - aka information dump - but with help from editors, it could be a polished essay.//

Google Docs
[|Collaboration in NZ Travel and Tourism].

Headlines
[|The Great Tourism Squeeze: Squeeze on the Government to ease tourism pressure] [|/brighter-future-does-tourism-trump-taonga] [|nelson-leads-the-regions-in-value-growth-again-heres-why] [|are-there-any-clever-solutions-to-new-zealands-tourist-boom] [|'green-tax'-for-travellers-gains-ground] [|John Key's high hopes for tourism] [] [|New Zealand’s Green Tourism Push Clashes With Realities - NY TImes] [|New Zealand's Tourism Future 2011-2014] Tourism Industry Association New Zealand__ Includes [|3-year government scorecard] Charm offensive to convince Australians to visit New Zealand [|Tourism Organisations in New Zealand - Confused by it all?]

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand Address: 79 Boulcott St, Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011, New Zealand http://www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz http://www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz/events/annual-conference/ https://www.youtube.com/user/tourismexport https://twitter.com/CEOatTECNZ https://www.facebook.com/TourismExportCouncilNZ media type="custom" key="29491031"

Reports
[|Tourism 2025 - Growing Value Together/Whakatipu Uara Ngatahi] is a framework to unite New Zealand's large and diverse tourism industry.

rss

 * rss url="http://www.tourismindustryblog.co.nz/feed/" link="true" number="10" date="true" || rss url="http://feeds.feedburner.com/beehive-govt-nz/portfolio/tourism" link="true" number="10" date="true" ||

Recommended Listening
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/201843966/tourism-a-credible-career

[|No Vacancy: Can New Zealand Cope with Rapidly Growing Tourism?] - Teresa Cowie takes a looks at rapid tourism growth, and the toll it's taking on the very unspoilt nature and friendly locals the tourist have come to see.

[|Insight for 8 June 2014 - Tourism's Lofty Goals] - Steve Wilde considers tourism industry plans to almost double visitor value in under a decade. - [|@rnz_insight]

Facebook
[]

In New Zealand / Aotearoa, our environment is on a precipice and we need to put a lot of energy into maintaining what we have and seeking to improve the ecology of this island nation [|This is an incredibly exciting environmental project which is growing as philanthropists get on board,]

Blogs
[|New Zealand Tourism Industry Blog] was created with the objective to foster a community for tourism in New Zealand that provides ongoing and accessible information for all parts of the industry, particularly for the small business operator that does not often get the opportunity to network and learn at conferences, workshops or industry events. [|@nztourismblog]

http://tourismtrends.wordpress.com

Tourists’ demand for sustainability http://tourismtrends.wordpress.com/2010/10/07/tourists-demand-for-sustainability-little-room-for-compromise

Twitter
http://twitter.com/PureNewZealand (for news and information about visiting New Zealand) https://twitter.com/TourismAotearoa [|@nztourismblog] [|@nztri] [|@tourismticker]

Hashtags
[|#TRENZ2017]

LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=2734897

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/New-Zealand-Tourism-Industry-Blog-2734897 http://www.linkedin.com/groups/NZ-tourism-is-ging-downhill-2734897.S.161082115

Wikipedia
[|Tourism_New_Zealand]

media type="custom" key="7963288"

Research
http://www.med.govt.nz/sectors-industries/tourism/tourism-research-data http://www.med.govt.nz/about-us/publications/publications-by-topic/tourism-publications/key-tourism-statistics

key links http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/tourism

https://www.marder.co.nz/blog/2017/7/18/authenticity-tourism-campaigns https://twitter.com/mardernz/status/887131924514443265

Embedded Tweets
media type="custom" key="28078203"

media type="custom" key="29038445"

Don't leave town until you've seen the country. - New Zealand promotion (1980s) https://www.nzonscreen.com/spotlight/nz-tourism-films

Blog
Ron Mader: In 2007 I was invited to [|New Zealand] to present what would be my first overview of the social web and tourism. It was also a lesson in how ‘early adopters’ need a critical mass to achieve success. At the time I gave the event a 5-star rating. It was put together well. We were able to use the Web to document and share lessons learned. On Planeta.com I posted two essays [|Notes from the 2007 Ecotourism NZ Conference] and [|A Bold Approach: Sustainable Tourism Strategies in New Zealand]. What we did not see was the integration of [|Ecotourism New Zealand] in the greater development and promotion of New Zealand tourism. My questions about the Qualmark and how to step up Maori tourism have been unanswered by those in power. In 2007 I was at an early phase of learning social media. I uploaded the [|brochure] (now viewed more than 5,000 times) to Flickr and two presentations to Slideshare: [|Global Perspectives of Ecotourism] (15,000 views) and [|Web 2.0 and Ecotourism] (8,500 views). These examples illustrated to me the value of posting in public where others could freely copy, share, favorite, like and embed. In my [|review of global ecotourism trends], I charted the debate on carbon emission offsetting and tourism, the role awards play in developing awareness and how the web was being used for distance learning. As I review these time capsule reports the more I see how much we have stalled since 2008. The playing field for small businesses remains lopsided and puts the mom and pop operations at a serious disadvantage. What inspires me most from New Zealand comes neither from tourism nor the conservation actors but rather those working toward digital literacy and digital inclusion at this week’s [|NetHui conference] in Auckland and those promoting Maori culture and in particular [|Maori language week] later this month. I also greatly admire the work of [|Anna Pollock] whose vision of conscious travel is one that I believe suits New Zealand well. Thinking outloud – it would be great to connect the dots and host a real or virtual ‘road trip‘ documenting local tourism options around the country while raising digital literacy. I proposed this in 2007 but those I spoke to expressed the notion that everything was good enough as it was. You can be the judge of that and ask if we might not try to make things better.

Events
[|Kiwilink, a tourism Trade Fair for North America]

Marketing: Flight of the Conchords
[|New Zealand: Don't Expect Too Much - You'll Love it] [|New Zealand: It's Not Going Anywhere] [|New Zealand, Come Visit Us Down Underer] [|New Zealand, Ewe Should Come] [|New Zealand Rocks!]

Google Earth http://www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/501348976/ http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10433895 http://www.scoopit.co.nz/story.php?title=100-Pure-NZ-on-Google-Earth http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2007/04/100_pure_new_zealand.html

videos
media type="youtube" key="S1ct1i3fG0A" height="385" width="640"

media type="youtube" key="xhs_aP4_5_8" height="344" width="425"

Marketing
media type="youtube" key="3TGoduhtO6c" height="340" width="560"

a few words about flickr - look at the # of views on the brochures -- [|2007 Brochure], [|2007 Brochure#2]

media type="custom" key="3651561"

Hotels
http://www.motelnz.co.nz

Who's Who
The [|Tourism Industry Association New Zealand] is the largest representative body of tourism operators in New Zealand. It is a membership-based and private sector trade organisation with about 1700 members from small operators through to large companies who collectively make up 85% of the country's tourism turnover. http://www.youtube.com/user/TIANZOnline

This [|Tourism Industry Election Manifesto] is a statement for all political parties and candidates contesting the 2008 General Election. It outlines the top priorities for New Zealand tourism for the next election term and the actions the industry seeks from Government.

Establish a Tourism Industry Taskforce to drive a whole-of-government approach to issues affecting the industry and ensure the tourism portfolio is managed by a top ranking Minister.
 * Recognise tourism as a bedrock of New Zealand’s economy**


 * Market Destination New Zealand** Increase public sector investment for targeted offshore promotions to markets of strategic importance to New Zealand and for improved marketing efforts in the domestic market. ||


 * Invest in vital infrastructure** Invest in a national convention centre, cruise ship port facilities and other infrastructure improvements required to reduce seasonality and increase spending from visitors to New Zealand. ||


 * Improve New Zealand's environmental performance** Enhance New Zealand's environmental performance and the capabilities of its tourism industry to deliver on the 100% Pure New Zealand brand promise. ||


 * Invest in training and work skills initiatives** Ensure New Zealand’s tourism businesses have the people they need to do business and to deliver a high quality visitor experience. ||


 * Boost the return from major events** Maximise the return to New Zealand of the Rugby World Cup 2011 and other major event opportunities.

ACADEMIC The 2008 report 'A snapshot of the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism industries in New Zealand' is available on the Tai Poutini Polytechnic website -- http://www.tppweb.ac.nz/pdf/resreports/Eco%20and%20Sustainable%20Tourism.pdf media type="custom" key="4433725"



[|Ecotourism in New Zealand]
Last Updated on: 15 December 2009 > There is some debate over how ecotourism is defined, but it is generally accepted that an ecotourism business gives visitors the opportunity to interact with nature in an environmentally... > [|Read More] >

[|Responsible Tourism in New Zealand]
Last Updated on: 15 December 2009 Marketing our country to the world under the brand 100% Pure New Zealand has helped set high expectations of what a New Zealand holiday should be. Increasingly, our visitors... [|Read More]

=//Air New Zealand launches environmental programmes//= //http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/aboutus/mediacentre/pressreleases//

Mr Fyfe also announced that alongside this trust, Air New Zealand customers would from today, have the option to fund the purchase of carbon credits to offset their travel through the company's website [|www.airnewzealand.co.nz]. The carbon offset facility will be made progressively available to customers outside New Zealand through the airline's international websites later in the year. "When customers purchase a flight on Air New Zealand, they will now be able to make a conscious choice about whether or not to take positive steps toward helping our environment," says Mr Fyfe. Examples of the cost of offsetting include: |||||||||||||||||| || //The first carbon credits that Air New Zealand has secured are Emission Reduction Units from TrustPower's Tararua windfarm. The project was awarded these Kyoto carbon credits as part of the Government's Projects to Reduce Emissions programme.// //Customers will also be given the option on-line of making a donation to the Air New Zealand Environment Trust once the Trust has gained charitable status which is expected to be in May.// //Trustees will include well known environmentalists, Rob Fenwick and Ruud Kleinpaste, both of whom have a strong interest in ecological issues in New Zealand. They will be joined on the trust by Air New Zealand Deputy Chief Executive Norm Thompson and General Counsel John Blair as well as a third independent trustee.// //The Trustees will be given the task of identifying and managing projects which meet the criteria of the new Trust, which Air New Zealand is initially underwriting up to $450,000.// //Air New Zealand will make regular contributions to the Trust as a means of offsetting the carbon footprint of its staff travelling by air on business.// //"The establishment of the Trust, which we expect will receive several million dollars in funding annually from customers, is an extremely exciting initiative. We are confident it will really engage customers, as they will directly have an impact on research and development into alternative fuels and supporting projects that help sustain New Zealand's environment and biodiversity," says Mr Fyfe.// //The first project of the Trust will be a conservation programme involving more than 100 acres on Mangarara Station in Hawke's Bay. The owners of the station, Greg and Rachel Hart, are keen to develop a model sustainable farming system which will include a native reforestation project, pastoral tree planting and a holistic approach to soil management.// //A key part of the initiative is that the public will have access to the historic Hawke's Bay farming station to see the project as it develops.// //"Greg and Rachel have a rare vision and commitment to achieving sustainability and a willingness to share that with all New Zealanders and visitors to our nation," says Mr Fyfe.// //"The project at Mangarara Station is one that all New Zealanders should be proud of."// //Greg Hart says the vision for Mangarara Station is simple.// //"We want to work with nature to create a living and breathing example of what sustainable farming might look like and involve as many New Zealanders or visitors to our shores as possible in the project. We hope that this will be another small step in our nation's journey to credibly show that we are serious about protecting the environment for future generations," says Mr Hart.// //"The idea to develop a model of sustainable farming, convert marginal hill country into native bush and offer a place for people to reconnect with the land was the easy part. However, finding a partner who shared our vision for environmental responsibility was difficult until we stumbled across the fact that Air New Zealand was about to take its environmental commitments to another level. We have nothing but admiration for what the national carrier is endeavouring to do for our nation's green credentials on the world stage."// //The Air New Zealand Environment Trust has reached agreement in principle with Mangarara Station which would see the Trust financially contribute to the purchase and planting of 85,000 trees over the next three years to create the conservation reserve, which the farm is placing under covenant to protect for future generations.// //Today's announcement follows on from a range of environmental initiatives underway by Air New Zealand as it seeks to take a key leadership role on environmental matters in the aviation industry.// //Its broad range of initiatives includes://
 * || Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe announced today in Auckland the formation of an environment trust committed to funding research and development into alternative fuels and supporting projects that enhance New Zealand's clean, green reputation around the world.
 * || Return Trip ||  || Distance ||   || CO2 Emissions ||   || Carbon Offset Cost ||   ||
 * [[image:http://www.airnz.co.nz/NR/AirNZ/images/null.gif width="1" height="5"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.airnz.co.nz/NR/AirNZ/images/null.gif width="1" height="5"]] ||
 * || Auckland-Wellington ||  || 960km ||   || 133kg ||   || $4.50 ||   ||
 * [[image:http://www.airnz.co.nz/NR/AirNZ/images/null.gif width="1" height="5"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.airnz.co.nz/NR/AirNZ/images/null.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.airnz.co.nz/NR/AirNZ/images/null.gif width="1" height="5"]] ||
 * || Christchurch-Sydney ||  || 4,254km ||   || 402kg ||   || $13.70 ||   ||
 * [[image:http://www.airnz.co.nz/NR/AirNZ/images/null.gif width="1" height="5"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.airnz.co.nz/NR/AirNZ/images/null.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.airnz.co.nz/NR/AirNZ/images/null.gif width="1" height="5"]] ||
 * || Auckland-Los Angeles ||  || 20,976km ||   || 2.6tonnes ||   || $88.10 ||   ||
 * [[image:http://www.airnz.co.nz/NR/AirNZ/images/null.gif width="1" height="5"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.airnz.co.nz/NR/AirNZ/images/null.gif width="1" height="1"]] ||
 * //Being at the forefront of the drive to develop sustainable fuels for air travel through a partnership with Boeing and Rolls Royce. This will see a Boeing 747 test flight take place later this year utilising a sustainable biofuel.//
 * //Striving to have the world's youngest and most fuel efficient long haul fleet within five years through investments in the Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft.//
 * //Reducing CO2 emissions on the jet fleet by more than 100,000 tonnes over the past three years through initiatives such as weight reduction, continuous descent profiles and greater use of ground power while aircraft are at airport gates//
 * //Establishing a company Green Team which more than 2000 Air New Zealanders have joined.//

[|Our laurels need to be greener - Rod Oram/Sunday Star Times]

//"At last week's annual hotel industry conference many operators still see good environmental practice as a cost they can not afford rather than a crucial business discipline that offers revenue enhancement, cost reduction and thus profit gain. This is the virtuous cycle, promoted by the World Economic Forum, that will improve the profitability of our tourism industry, enabling it to invest more in its people and products." ([|Our laurels need to be greener - Rod Oram/Sunday Star Times])//

[|Tourism Industry Conference 2008 - Damian O'Connor]

Welcome to the 2008 New Zealand Tourism Conference - ‘Taking New Zealand to the world, and bringing the world to New Zealand’. I don’t need to tell you how important the tourism sector already is – you know that. But there are some key statistics I want to repeat. These are the result of what we have collectively achieved. Firstly, the latest tourism satellite account says we are a 20 billion dollar industry!! That’s how much tourists spent in New Zealand in the year to March 2007. Tourism now contributes 9.2% of our GDP and remains ahead of the dairy industry as New Zealand’s largest export sector. This is a stunning achievement. It also gives me something to skite about when I’m meeting with the dairy sector, as Minister of Rural Affairs. Last week I released the tourism forecasts for international visitor arrivals and national level domestic travel for the next 7 years. We expect average annual growth of 3.3% in international visitor arrivals that will take us to over 3 million visitors in 2014. This is slightly down from previous growth forecasts, but I don’t think that’s a surprise to anyone in the current international economic situation. The continuing, solid growth that is forecast in the face of these challenges tells us a lot about the strength and confidence of New Zealand’s tourism sector. The work we have put in, together - industry and government - over the last nine years, will ensure our industry continues to grow, innovate, and succeed into the future. The 100% Pure New Zealand campaign is a resounding example of tourism’s success and innovation. The campaign has evolved since its 1999 launch, but its essence has never been diluted. We have also gained through using the 100% Pure New Zealand brand to leverage off opportunities presented by the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, the 2007 Rugby World Cup, America’s Cup and many other events. Our challenge is to continue this leverage though all upcoming events including this month’s world rowing championships and of course the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Tourism New Zealand continues to target the interactive traveller, focus on seasionality particularly into the Australian market and make good use of innovative and emerging technologies. Our national brand, 100% Pure New Zealand has been ranked eighth out of 54 countries. Of the top ten countries New Zealand was by far the smallest country – in both population and GDP. Perhaps a sign of the single-minded focus of the 100% Pure New Zealand tourism campaign over time. This success carries with it responsibilities for the tourism sector, and for all of New Zealand. The same survey also ranked New Zealand first of all the countries for authenticity and natural beauty and second for environmental consciousness. This does create expectations in the market around New Zealand’s environmental credentials and leadership. New Zealand is our tourism product – all of it. Visitors see and experience every part of our country so it is incredibly important that what they see and experience supports the 100% Pure promise of our tourism brand.
 * Tourism sector achievements**
 * 100% Pure New Zealand**
 * Brand New Zealand**

Over the last nine years, government has invested heavily in key infrastructure that supports growth in our economy. This includes our tourism industry, and the quality of our visitor’s experience. We bought back Air New Zealand and recently our rail and ferry network. There has been huge funding put into roading, public transport, and conservation management. In this year’s Budget alone we committed an additional: • $12 million to Te Papa • $325 million to spread high speed broadband throughout NZ • $40.5 million for Maori Business Aotearoa NZ • $109 million for environmental initiatives (including $72 million for the clean up of the Rotorua Lakes) • $22.3 million for biosecurity, didymo and border control services There are also a host of other government initiatives that are focused on getting the big picture right, for all of New Zealand. A few examples include: • new vehicle emissions standards, • the Dairying & Clean Streams Accord, • public place recycling, • national environmental standards for water All of these underpin 100% Pure NZ the brand which we have developed so successfully. To build off that brand we need to ensure it has credible and robust foundations. Last years draft New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015 is now a reality. It provides a framework for industry and government to work in partnership towards our shared vision. “That tourism is valued as the leading contributor to a sustainable NZ economy.” We now have an agreed tourism strategy implementation plan. Some of the actions and projects are already underway and include: • A strengthened International Visitor Survey and Domestic Travel Survey • Three specific tourism sector guides for operators to improve their sustainability – there are more being developed • A new Qualmark environmental accreditation system • And this morning I am pleased to announce that we have allocated the funding for Sustainable Tourism Advisors in 9 more regions I am also very pleased to announce that Cabinet last week signed off on the tourism strategy implementation plan and has allocated funding of 2.83 million dollars to progress our actions. The four top priority areas for implementing the Tourism Strategy must be: the environment, offshore marketing, tourism research, and workforce issues. I see that each of these areas will be addressed in the conference programme, and I look forward to the presentations discussions and feedback on each issue. I am well aware that to achieve the tourism sector’s ambitious goals, we need additional funding. The issue of GST is often raised. GST, exise, PAYE and Company Taxes from all industries and sources all go into the consolidated fund. At this stage transport is the only area to have a hypothecated funding system linked directly to income from excise on fuel and road user charges. While the government has reduced the rate of company tax, I am fully aware of the argument that we contribute significantly to government revenue and would like more for marketing. Tax payers should always contribute to the marketing of New Zealand as the number of beneficiaries goes way beyond those identified as key tourism operators. We need to find a mechanism to allow tourism participants to contribute to an industry good fund. That is why I have raised the concept of a charge on incoming international arrivals via their airline ticket that would be tied to environmental tourism related initiatives, and include marketing and infrastructure projects. Any progress on this initiative requires widespread endorsement by the industry as government as no intention of imposing a levy without full support from tourism industry stakeholders. I have enjoyed robust discussion with the industry over the last few months and I look forward to progressing it. Then we can as NZ’s number one industry be in a position to leverage more international and domestic support for our tourism industry and directly fund necessary tourism initiatives. I am very confident that, as a sector, we have the settings right. We have the talent, and we have the enthusiasm to be the leading industry in a sustainable New Zealand economy by 2015. The great strength of New Zealand’s tourism sector is that we know the future we want, we’ve mapped out a Strategy to take us there, and, most importantly, we’re doing it together. With government and industry talking and working together towards the same vision, we should remain as a country, alongside Milford Sound, the number one tourism destination in the world. I look forward to the discussions ahead over the next two days. I urge you to make the most of this great event and networking opportunity. Together, we can take New Zealand to the world, and bring the world to New Zealand. I will enjoy being here tomorrow evening with the Prime Minister to celebrate our industry award winners for 2008. Ka kite ano.
 * Government investments**
 * New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015**
 * Funding**
 * Conclusion**

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM NEWS
[|NEW ZEALAND TOURISM FORECASTS 2007–2013]
 * **Component** || **2013 official forecast** || **Extended to 2015** ||
 * International visitor arrivals || 3.2 million arrivals or 4.0% annual growth || 3.4 million arrivals ||
 * International visitor expenditure || $10.5 billion or 7.4% annual growth || $12 billion ||
 * Domestic overnight trips || 18.3 million trips or 0.6% annual growth || 18.6 million trips ||
 * Domestic expenditure (day and overnight trips) || $9.1 billion or 2.8% annual growth || $9.6 billion ||

[|Successful regions for sustainable tourism funding announced] Nine successful regions to receive government funding for sustainable tourism have been announced today by Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor. Each region will receive $88,000 over three years through the Sustainable Tourism Advisers in Regions (STAR) Project for them to employ an adviser who will work one on one with tourism operators to help reduce their business’ impact on the environment. The nine successful regions are: • Auckland • Central Otago • Coromandel • Hawke’s Bay • Marlborough • North Canterbury • Queenstown • Wairarapa • Wellington Mr O’Connor congratulated the successful regions, saying each one has demonstrated a strong commitment to the project both from local government and from within the region. “The STAR initiative contributes to one of the most important outcomes in the New Zealand Tourism Strategy which highlights the need for the tourism sector to take a leading role in protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s environment. I congratulate the successful regions and look forward to hearing about developments in their regions in the area of environmental sustainability. “This new project complements the recently developed Qualmark Green criteria which recognises tourism businesses that can show evidence of their effort to minimise their environmental impact. The STAR advisors will give priority to Qualmark accredited businesses which aspire to improve their performance in sustainability. “Ensuring New Zealand tourism is sustainable is vital to the survival of the industry. I am confident these advisors will make a huge difference in the regions. I encourage individual tourism operators to use the services of these advisors, making every effort to ensure their businesses are sustainable,” said Mr O’Connor.

[|Government commits funding to sustainable tourism]

The government is committing an extra $2.83 million over the next year for the implementation of the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015, Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. Opening the Tourism Industry Conference in Christchurch today, Mr O’Connor said the implementation plan for the Strategy identifies four top priority areas: the environment, offshore marketing, tourism research and workforce issues. The new funding comes on top of money committed through the existing Tourism Strategy Implementation Fund which allocates $1.6 million to implement the Strategy each year. “The [|New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015] is a joint government-tourism sector strategy that sets out the vision, priorities, actions and targets for New Zealand tourism over the next seven years. This new plan is endorsed by Cabinet and by stakeholders in the industry, confirming the roles of public and private sector agencies in the implementation of the Strategy,” said Mr O’Connor. The money will contribute to tourism workforce initiatives, advancing sector research, building Maori tourism capability, and environmental initiatives including the promotion of new Qualmark Green criteria to international and domestic visitors. “Tourism's future depends upon sustainability and delivering greater value from each and every visitor to this country. The industry is one of the most significant contributors to the New Zealand economy. Its sheer size and its potential to help transform our economy into one which is more sustainable and of higher value means it is a priority sector for government attention. “This new plan gives direction for the public and private sector in implementing the goals of the New Zealand Tourism Strategy and it highlights the government’s commitment to our vital tourism industry. I look forward to seeing its goals and priorities actioned,” said Mr O’Connor.

[|Guides give sustainability tips to tourism businesses]

New sector-specific guides to help tourism operators ensure their businesses are sustainable were launched today by Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor. The new guides aim to help operators implement the recommendations of the [|New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015] and outline ways businesses can help create a sustainable tourism industry – environmentally, economically, socially and culturally. Mr O’Connor said operating sustainably is no longer optional. “In today’s world, sustainability is essential to business success. Doing what we can to protect and enhance our natural environment will also reward us financially, ensuring the industry’s economic sustainability. “These guides provide a useful checklist for businesses to tick off the actions they are already doing, and find out what else they can do to develop and strengthen their businesses. Advice is provided in four areas – providing a world-class visitor experience, running a profitable business, protecting and enhancing the environment, and working with local communities for mutual benefit. “Our 100% Pure New Zealand promise means we have to do all we can to protect what New Zealanders and our overseas visitors have always enjoyed. To deliver on our 100% Pure image we need to take credible and visible steps to reduce our environmental impact and improve our environmental management, as well as ensuring we are economically, socially and culturally sustainable. “The New Zealand Tourism Strategy seeks to create a sustainable tourism industry that delivers maximum benefit to New Zealand. It requires action from both the government and the private sector, including individual operators, to ensure that it is implemented successfully. “The government, along with private sector agencies have agreed the roles they will play in an implementation plan for the Tourism Strategy. The plan sets out a lead agency and contributing agency for each of the Strategy’s 92 actions and will be available within the next month.” So far, the four-page guides have been developed for three sectors – accommodation and hospitality, transport, and visitor activities. The next three to be completed over the next few weeks are: Maori tourism, distribution and cultural tourism. The guides were developed in partnership by the government and the Tourism Industry Association. These guides to the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015 outline ways you can support its aim of creating a sustainable tourism industry that delivers the maximum benefit to New Zealand. Use the guide to tick off the actions you are already doing and find out what else you can do to enhance your business, as well as the wider tourism industry. - [|Accommodation & Hospitality] - [|Visitor Activities & Attractions] - [|Transport – Land, Water & Air]

[|Snapshots on tourism industry handy for operators] Two new snapshots of the museum and nature-based tourism sectors will prove useful for tourism operators, Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor said today. Mr O’Connor said the booklets highlight the government's commitment to providing support to the tourism industry and give operators the ability to take a big picture view of two important components of the tourism industry. “We know that operators are flat out running their businesses and there is little time for them to get their head around research. The profiles offer operators of nature-based attractions or museums a clear and concise picture of their industry, as well as giving them some hard facts,” said Mr O’Connor. The four page booklets give an overview of the size and trend of the two sectors, providing information on international and domestic visitor numbers, where visitors came from and what activities and attractions they experienced during their stay. “The [|New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015] highlights the need for us to ensure our tourism sector is prosperous and attracts ongoing investment. Having access to information like these snapshots makes it easier for operators to identify trends and adjust their products, marketing and strategies to keep up with a sector that is forever changing,” said Mr O’Connor. “New Zealand's natural environment is the country's number one drawcard for international visitors. Nearly three quarters of international visitors to New Zealand participate in at least one nature based activity on their visit. Around one-in-five domestic travellers participate in nature-based tourism activities. “Over a quarter of international visitors visit at least one museum. This compares to 2 percent of domestic travellers. Nearly half of all international visitors to Wellington visit a museum. This is heavily influenced by the popularity of Te Papa as a visitor attraction,” said Mr O’Connor. The publications are part of the Ministry's Tourism Analysis programme which has seen the release of similar snapshot reports on the accommodation sector, domestic tourism and Maori tourism. The Sector Profiles can be downloaded [|online].
 * [|Museum Tourism (PDF 140KB)]
 * [|Nature-Based Tourism (PDF 139KB)]
 * [|Maori Cultural Tourism]
 * [|Wine Tourism]

Government funding for sustainable tourism in regions (New Zealand) http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government+funding+sustainable+tourism+regions

New government funding of $840,000 is being committed to help tourism businesses in the regions improve their environmental sustainability, Tourism Minister Damien O'Connor announced today. The Sustainable Tourism Advisers in Regions (STAR) Project is an evolution of the Sustainable Tourism Charter which was piloted in 2004. It will help up to eight regions in New Zealand fund the costs of an adviser who will work with tourism operators to reduce their business' impact on the environment. Mr O'Connor said the new project complements the upcoming addition of responsible tourism business requirement to Qualmark criteria which will recognise tourism businesses that can show evidence of effort to minimise their environmental impact.

Speech to launch Qualmark Green at TRENZ Breakfast http://feeds.beehive.govt.nz/speech/speech+launch+qualmark+green+trenz+breakfast

I am sure you all know New Zealand’s spectacular environment is fundamental to the experience we offer our visitors. We are lucky to live in a land where magnificent rivers, lakes, forests, glaciers, coastlines, mountains, native birds, animals and plants are all jam-packed into one small country. It is our environment that underpins one of the most successful country tourism brands in the world – ‘100% Pure New Zealand’. And there are good reasons for this reputation: one third of New Zealand’s land area is legally protected for conservation – our national parks, World Heritage areas such as the ones in my electorate on the West Coast are just some examples. We were also one of the first countries to include sustainable management of land, air and water in legislation, in our 1991 Resource Management Act. But the world is placing increased attention on mankind’s impact on the environment. Our 100% Pure brand promise means we have to do all we can to protect our environment. Visitors from our key markets will increasingly seek information to make sure their choices are ethical and sustainable. While we are fortunate to have such a successful country brand, the most crucial task ahead of the tourism industry is to deliver on this ‘100% Pure’ image. We need to take credible and visible steps to reduce our environmental impact and improve our environmental management. We need to seize the opportunity to show how we deliver on our 100% Pure brand. New Zealand will be a leader. We have no other choice. I see the increasing focus on the environment as an opportunity for New Zealand to be a world leader in environmental sustainability. And I think tourism is up to the challenge.
 * 100% Pure**

Late last year the industry and government jointly launched our New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015. A key outcome envisioned by the Strategy is that in 2015, the tourism sector takes a leading role in protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s environment. This reinforces that our sector needs to demonstrate its commitment to 100% Pure New Zealand, from government, right down to individual businesses. We already have many excellent examples of individual businesses walking the talk: But we are here to celebrate the initiative which will be the most significant for our tourism industry to date in the area of environmental sustainability. I am proud to announce today that the world’s first integrated environmental performance and quality assurance system will be implemented right here in New Zealand. Qualmark, New Zealand tourism’s official independent mark of quality, has stepped up to the challenge of being a world leader. The fact that sustainability is built in, rather than bolted on, to the Qualmark accreditation service is crucial. Qualmark is not just offering this as an optional extra. Qualmark is saying: “This is now the standard; environmental sustainability is now the norm” and is requiring all of its members to participate. To me, that is the hallmark of a robust system. Qualmark has developed comprehensive support material, including a Responsible Tourism Guide, to help its members on the journey towards sustainability. This information will provide ideas and examples of potential actions operators can implement and ensure operators are well prepared when assessors begin to score their efforts from August. As well as minimum requirements, Qualmark knows it’s important to incentivise and recognise continual improvement. I agree that as an industry it’s vital to celebrate those operators who are achieving highly, because their actions don’t just benefit their own business – they contribute to our national 100% Pure brand. So, operators who achieve high levels of environmental and social performance will be awarded an ‘enviro’ logo – either Qualmark Enviro-Bronze, Enviro-Silver, or, for the best of the best, Enviro-Gold. Operators awarded the use of these logos can display them alongside their existing Qualmark logo, as proof to their visitors that they have gone the extra mile in working towards environmental sustainability. This initiative will enable visitors to see an operator’s achievement at a glance. What I really like about this initiative is that Qualmark isn’t going to prescribe down to the last letter what an operator has to do to meet the criteria – above the minimum requirements, there is room for the operator to demonstrate what they have chosen to do, and they will be given credit for that. This encourages operators to be innovative and choose the improvements which best suit their business. To me that’s really exciting. As I noted earlier, to become world leaders we need the entire tourism industry to commit to improvement - not just the biggest companies or those with the largest environmental impact. Many operators have already made positive changes to their business. I recognise that others have found that it’s not always easy to know where to start, or to find the time to implement improvements. That’s why I recently announced that the government intends to partially fund sustainability advisers for up to 8 regions in New Zealand. These advisers will be able to visit a tourism business and recommend where the easiest or most effective improvements can be made, providing valuable one-on-one support. This advice will help more operators move up into the Enviro-Gold territory. Environmental, economic, social and cultural sustainability is a key area of focus of New Zealand’s government. As well as supporting Qualmark’s initiative, the government has led other projects to contribute to a more sustainable New Zealand. Many of these will also enhance the visitor experience. Our Prime Minister Helen Clark recently announced significant funding towards the preservation and restoration of the Rotorua lakes water quality. This funding recognises that these lakes are valuable to, and the responsibility of, New Zealand as a whole. The project will help ensure that the quality of the fresh water in these beautiful, iconic lakes is maintained for future generations. Last year the government introduced a programme of recycling in public places. Whilst we have had household recycling in most of the country for some time now, this programme will enable visitors and Kiwis to recycle even when they are away from home. These bins are already established in the Far North, Kaikoura and Wellington, with more to come. Next week we will host World Environment Day. I hope many of you will remain in New Zealand to celebrate with us. I would like to congratulate Geoff and his team at Qualmark for your efforts in creating this comprehensive accreditation system. I know it’s not easy to create an innovative new programme without a model to work to, and you have done a fantastic job. Thank you to all the tourism operators who have supported and participated in the development of this responsible tourism initiative, and those who have participated in the pilot. Your continued support will be vital to Qualmark’s success. I hope all Qualmark members will embrace this new sustainability initiative and prioritise sustainability in their businesses. I, for one, will be championing Qualmark Green every chance I get.
 * NZTS 2015**
 * Intercity, New Zealand’s largest transport company, is committed to becoming carbon neutral and is well on track to reaching that aim.
 * Our national carrier, Air New Zealand, has invested in the world’s most modern, fuel-efficient international fleet and offers optional carbon offsets for passengers on its flights. As some of you will know, they also announced yesterday that they will be using smaller planes for their long haul Auckland to London flights.
 * The Tourism Industry Association has made this very event, Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand, carbon neutral.
 * Qualmark Green**
 * STAR**
 * Government’s commitment**

I hope you have an enjoyable and productive three days at TRENZ here in Rotorua.

[|Inside Tourism]

[|The New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010]

[|He Matai Tapoi Maori]

[|Te Ahu Mai - He Tatau Tapoi Maori]

[|Maori & New Zealand Tourism]

media type="custom" key="21587942"

media type="custom" key="20540930"

media type="custom" key="11065866"  Don't leave town until you've seen the country. - New Zealand promotion (1980s)