Our Story

Environmental content has been included in Qualmark®’s assessment programme since 2002. Funding for the extension and development of these criteria was announced in August 2006.

The New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015 reinforces that at an industry level the country needs to demonstrate it is as environmentally friendly as possible.

Qualmark®’s role is to introduce environmental criteria into its quality assurance assessment systems. In addition to the Responsible Tourism Guide and resources, this will assist New Zealand tourism operators to introduce sustainability practices and good environmental management within their organisations.

PHASES OF DEVELOPMENT

  • Phase 1 Research 2006
  • Phase 2 System development 2007
  • Phase 3 Consultation and pilot 2007/8
  • Phase 4 Implementation 2008
  • Phase 5 Review 2009

WHO QUALMARK® WORKED WITH ON RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Qualmark® has developed the Responsible Tourism Operations criteria and supporting information from international resources, models and advice, along with a number of New Zealand experts.

Qualmark® acknowledges and thanks Tourism New Zealand, the New Zealand Automobile Association, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry for the Environment, the Department of Conservation, the Sustainable Business Network, the Ministry of Tourism Sustainable Tourism Charter Groups, the Green Tourism Business Scheme (U.K.) Ltd, and all those industry associations and operators who have offered us suggestions or allowed us to look into these aspects within their businesses to help us work towards this common goal.

THE LAUNCH OF RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AT TRENZ 2008

Responsible Tourism Operations criteria and Responsible Tourism Guide was launched by the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Damien O'Connor on 27 May 2008. MORE >

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