What operators can do
Visitors look for an environmental accreditation - and Qualmark is one of the most comprehensive and integrated quality assurance schemes in the world. Responsible tourism practices are measured within the Qualmark quality assurance assessment and those businesses wanting to be specifically recognised for their sustainable tourism practices are assessed under the Enviro Award criteria.
AT82-French-Ridge-Track-Mt-Aspiring-National-Park-Lake-Wanaka-Camilla-Stoddart.jpg
Tourism New Zealand's Visitor Experience Monitor suggests that international visitors are satisfied with the way New Zealand is delivering on their environmental expectations. However, visitors also have high expectations of tourism operators. Many visitors said they expect tourism operators to be taking actions to reduce their impact on the environment.
Taking actions to reduce environmental impacts can also save money, increase employee engagement and improve operators' reputations. Sustainability is also a good marketing 'hook' among consumers that are looking to reduce their own environmental impacts through what they buy.