News
Ecotourism industry gains more support
Government and Tai Poutini Polytechnic partner on ecotourism development
Nature-based tourism has gained more momentum with the news of a new partnership between Ecotourism NZ - a branch of Tai Poutini Polytechnic, and the Ministry of Tourism and Department of Conservation.
The agencies have agreed to work with Ecotourism NZ to support its aim of growing, enhancing and promoting ecotourism in this country.
“It’s great to have these two government departments working alongside us on ecotourism issues and strategy,” Ecotourism NZ Advisory Committee Chairman Hugh Canard says. “It's great news for the ecotourism sector and the hundreds of operators we work with.”
The Department of Conservation and Ministry of Tourism this month signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work with Ecotourism NZ to provide strategic advice and expertise over the next two years. The agencies will contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation via a representative on the Ecotourism NZ Advisory Committee and will provide support for the organisation's annual Ecotourism NZ Conference this year in Rotorua, 2-3 September.
Ecotourism NZ is a branch of West Coast-based Tai Poutini Polytechnic. Its role is to help develop and enhance the industry through a range of ecotourism training and education programmes.
Tai Poutini Polytechnic chief executive Paul Wilson says the polytechnic is focused on building strong relationships with industry and relevant agencies.
“These new partnerships are another way that we are ensuring our programmes remain relevant and industry focused.”
Ministry of Tourism General Manager Ray Salter says the Ministry is proud to support this year's Ecotourism NZ Conference. Mr Salter says. “Continuing to raise tourism's environmental standards in New Zealand is essential and the conference provides an excellent platform do this. We also look forward to working alongside Ecotourism NZ on the Advisory Committee for the long-term benefit of the ecotourism sector."
Department of Conservation Recreation and Historic Unit manager Dave Jane says the new partnership agreement is an opportunity to support operators and deliver conservation gains.
“This partnership with Ecotourism NZ is our way of showing operators we're serious about supporting their businesses and helping them improve the quality of their services and enhance the experience that visitors have,” Mr Jane says.
“We're keen to strengthen our ties with ecotourism operators, particularly those operating in public conservation areas. We recognise operators can be our best advocates for conservation so it's important we support them any way we can to continue to do this.”
Mr Canard says ecotourism is an expanding industry overseas and it has huge potential here.
“Nature-based tourism is developing rapidly in Africa, South America and Asia,” he says.
“Although New Zealand has a comparative advantage with our natural environment and a hugely successful national tourism brand, we have issues to address to ensure we not only deliver on our promises, but also get ahead and stay ahead in delivering our ecotourism experiences with integrity and superior quality. Ecotourism NZ intends to play an important role in that future.”
BACKGROUND ON ECOTOURISM NZ:
- Ecotourism is defined as nature-based tourism that is sustainable, involves communities and cares for the environment.
- Ecotourism is the smallest yet fastest growing sector of our tourism industry. More than 5,000 new jobs are expected to be created in the sector over the next five years.
- Ecotourism NZ was set up by Tai Poutini Polytechnic in 2006 to promote the industry and help businesses and individuals harness the potential for ecotourism in New Zealand through a range of training and education programmes.
- The next big event for the industry is the annual Ecotourism NZ Conference in Rotorua, 2-3 September. For more on the conference or background on Ecotourism NZ go to ecotourismnz.com.
