New Zealand’s government has invested more than £300,000 in a nationwide project to help reduce the environmental impact of tourism.
The Sustainable Tourism Advisers in Regions (STAR) Project will aid in the funding of advisors who will work alongside local tourism operators to help improve their ecological sustainability. The scheme is a direct outcome of New Zealand’s Tourism Strategy 2015 which aims to protect and enhance the country’s environment.
Each of the nine regions chosen, which include Auckland, Marlborough, North Canterbury, Queenstown and Wellington, will receive funding over a three-year period as well as funds from Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs).
Local operators will also be required to make financial contributions towards the service.
Steve Henry, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Practice, explained: “The advisor will work with the tourism operators through individual assistance and a range of events to develop peoples understanding of sustainable practice.”
Queenstown, a popular tourist destination on the South Island has already acquired its Sustainable Tourism Advisor thanks to joint funding from the government, Otago Polytechnic, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Destination Queenstown.
David Kennedy, CEO of Destination Queenstown, said: “Queenstown as a premier four season destination has much to gain from alignment to more sustainable practice.”
