New Zealand tourism industry looks to engage with ambitious new environment plan

June 17, 2023

Culture / Environment / Government / Tourism /

Tourism Industry Aotearoa has advised that the nation’s tourism industry is looking forward to engaging with the draft Tourism Environment Action Plan released for consultation by the New Zealand Government this week.

The draft plan aims to start a conversation about how tourism can transform into a low carbon emissions industry and can support the restoration of our natural bio diversity, which is critical to achieving a regenerative tourism model - one that leaves a community and environment better than it was before.

The draft is part of the Tourism Industry Transformation Plan and has been developed by a Leadership Group that includes tourism industry representatives, government, Māori and unions.

Advising that the group wants to hear from people with a broad range of views, Tourism Environment Leadership Group co-Chair, Laurissa Cooney stated “we very much see this plan as a draft. We are proposing a radical shift in the approach to tourism and the environment in New Zealand, so a robust discussion now is essential before we make our final decisions.

“It’s important we hear from people with different perspectives and interests and from different parts of Aotearoa. How do they see tourism contributing to environmental restoration here and the ripple impact globally? Which of the proposed actions match their priorities and have we missed anything critical?”

The draft plan is supported by a valuable body of existing work, including TIA’s Tourism Sustainability Commitment and the recent launch of The Aotearoa Circle Tourism Adaptation Roadmap.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) Chief Executive, Rebecca Ingram added “it’s important the industry feeds into this draft plan, which will help us develop real, practical actions to protect and improve our environment at this critical time.”

The draft Tourism Environment Action Plan is available on MBIE’s website with submissions closing on 19th July.

Click here to view the consultation document

TRENZ 2024 to be held at Tākina Wellington Conference and Exhibition Centre
TIA has also advised that TRENZ, New Zealand’s biggest tourism trade show, will be held at the Tākina Wellington Conference and Exhibition Centre for the first time in 2024..

Advising that the convention will be held from 8th to 10th May 2024, TIA Chief Executive, Rebecca Ingram commented “TRENZ was back with a bang in May and it’s safe to say the event is rapidly evolving and innovating.

TIA's Ingram stated "as a passionate Wellingtonian, I’m especially excited to be bringing TRENZ to the capital city for the very first time.”

Click here for information on TRENZ in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: Roadsign near Mt Ruapehu. Credit: Shutterstock.

16th June 2023 - New Zealand Government launches draft Tourism Environment Action Plan

13th June 2023 - New Zealand Cabinet backs twin bids to operate Ruapehu Alpine Lifts

11th June 2023 - Entries open for expanded New Zealand Tourism Awards 2023

26th May 2023 - TIA welcomes support for tourism as industry helps New Zealand avoid recession

25th May 2023 - New Zealand Government’s 2023 Budget supports growth of NZ Māori tourism

9th May 2023 - TIA’s TRENZ presentation highlights New Zealand is well positioned to deliver new generation of tourism

5th May 2023 - TRENZ tourism conference returns to Christchurch

7th September 2022 - Tourism Industry Aotearoa reveals finalists for New Zealand Tourism Awards 2022

9th June 2022 - Tourism Industry Aotearoa adds new award to celebrate regenerative tourism

13th December 2021 - International recognition for New Zealand’s Tourism Sustainability Commitment

21st October 2021 - Looking back on the UN Year of Sustainable Tourism

6th May 2021 - New Zealand Tourism Minister announces Industry Transformation Plan to guide holiday areas away from overtourism

18th February 2021 - Report from New Zealand’s Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment urges move to sustainable tourism

22nd December 2020 - New statistics show importance of tourism to New Zealand’s recovery

30th January 2020 - Research by Tourism Industry Aotearoa highlights progress in meeting sustainability goals

30th August 2019 - Sustainable tourism initiative nominated for New Zealand business award

12th August 2019 - New Zealand partnership supports tourism industry environmental sustainability

17th May 2019 - Strong support for New Zealand’s focus on sustainable tourism growth

16th May 2019 - New Zealand Government delivers strategy for sustainable tourism growth

28th February 2019 - EVANZ backs Tourism Sustainability Commitment

23rd July 2018 - Holiday parks key to sustainable tourism growth across New Zealand’s regions

15th April 2015 - Bumper international buyer numbers expected at TRENZ 2015

21st March 2014 - Earthcheck event to address tourism sustainability

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