News
New opportunities antidote to “tough environment” for ecotourism industry
Ecotourism operators from around New Zealand are meeting in Greymouth next month to discuss issues affecting their sector, including ways to overcome the challenging economic climate.
The Ecotourism Business Workshop will be hosted by Ecotourism NZ on 19 August. A key focus of the event will be supporting and inspiring operators to improve their business performance and profitability.
“Tourism operators are working in a really tough environment and we want to provide them with a chance to unwind and work through some of the stresses that they may be facing,” Ecotourism NZ workshop organiser Sarah Caseley said today.
Ecotourism NZ Chair Hugh Canard said “the workshop is a chance for operators to get together and discuss some of the issues being faced by the industry in a relaxed atmosphere, where they can share ideas and new opportunities for their businesses”.
The workshop will focus on four key areas:
Better guiding for great visitor experiences delivered by Robinne Weiss and Linda Burns from Interpretation Network NZ . This workshop will enhance and add value to your visitors' experience through better interpretation and storytelling and help you create dynamic guided experiences for your visitors.
Online and social media delivered by Lawrence Smith, CEO of Cabbage Tree Creative. Lawrence will provide tips on making the most of social media such as Facebook and Twitter, and find out how to improve the performance of your web site through search engine optimisation. Participants will also learn about cost-effective online marketing techniques such as Facebook advertising and Google Ad Words to market your business in the online environment.
Crisis management, being prepared for when things go wrong will be delivered by Hugh Canard, Chair Ecotourism NZ and Dave Ritchie, Head of Outdoor Recreation at Tai Poutini Polytechnic. This session will provide operators with the assistance, information and reassurance to develop a crisis management plan your business
Sustainability of your business and the environment you work in will be presented by Geoff Button, and Ian Hooker, Lead Tutor NZ Diploma in Business from Tai Poutini Polytechnic. This workshop will discuss both aspects of sustainability for nature-based businesses, environmental sustainability and financial sustainability.
The workshop will conclude with case studies from Geoff Gabites of Adventure South, and Richard Saunders from Okarito Nature Tours about their businesses, what they think the tourism opportunities are and what ecotourism can do better as a sector.
Operators are also invited to attend a dinner before the event, where successful ecotourism operator Trent Yeo will share his entertaining account of setting up Queenstown’s ZiptrekEcotours.
Ecotourism NZ has kept registration fees down in light of the economic climate and to ensure it is accessible to all operators. Ecotourism Business Workshop registration is $120 and includes lunch, morning and afternoon teas and the registration drinks’ function. Register online at www.ecotourismnz.com
For more information visit www.ecotourismnz.com, email sarah@ecotourismnz.com or call Sarah on 0800 800 411.
