New Zealand Hospitality Sustainability Program

Program participants have positive things to say not only about the process but also the results of the pilot project. Jeroen Jongejans, owner of Dive Tutukaka, said the sustainability program provided a new way for him to look at his business. "We have made some small and some more significant changes, bringing financial and environmental benefits," Jongejans said. Water conservation measures and reduce/re-use/recycle initiatives will save the company money and reduce their impact on their environment. Introducing solid waste monitoring at both their land and sea bases will help them preserve the environment.

Fullers Bay of Islands, a sightseeing excursion operation, was already recycling but by adopting a purchase plan where products with less packaging is used they will further reduce their waste disposal, and save money and storage needs. They are implementing water conservation in their vessel cleaning activities and energy conservation in their operations to save money and the environment.

There was one lodging property in the study too, Matakohe Top Ten Holiday Park. The environmental measures they adopted include implementing reduce/re-use/recycle initiative, a composting program, increasing energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption,
develop an environmentally sensitive purchasing program, and adopt xeric landscaping practices.

The a geologic attraction, Wairere Boulders Nature Park, has augmented its environmentally sensitive purchasing program as a means of reducing waste and ensuring the use of sustainable products, is working to ensure that their waste management system remains adequate as visitors increase, and are taking a natural approach to their landscaping as a way of conserving water and reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a cultural experience tourist attraction, will take a green approach to all future construction, has adopted a reduce/re-use/recycle approach to waste management, and is striving to reduce energy consumption. The management here echoed the same thoughts the other participants did: sustainable tourism is an ongoing way of business so be sure to set aside the time necessary to do a good job, just as you should do with your marketing plan.

Environmental Minister Marian Hobbs says the Northland experience proves that tourism operators understand the value of an environmental or sustainable approach to business, but lack the impetus to take action. She further added, "This project should make it easier for businesses to make some positive changes. It aims to give tourist operators resources, knowledge and practical tips that they can incorporate into their daily business."

Tourism Minister Mark Burton said tourism is heavily influenced by New Zealand's special environment and natural wonders, so it makes sense that tourism businesses look after the environment that brings them tourists. Burton added, "By putting in place some simple initiatives these businesses can boost their marketing opportunities and brand integrity while also becoming more efficient."

Because of the success of the pilot program and the funded sustainability assessor, the project has been expanded. The project, building on the success of the 2003/2004 project, involves each New Zealand region developing a sustainable tourism charter and interested local businesses committing to the charters principles. A sustainability expert will work with the businesses to turn their charter into action, focusing on making improvements over time. Energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling, water quality, and conservation are examples of areas that will be reviewed and might be improved.

Kit Nixon, the CEO of Fullers Bay of Islands, said visitors and wholesalers alike are increasingly looking for businesses that can show their commitment to good environmental behavior.

We couldn't agree more. Learn from New Zealand's experiment with sustainable tourism and start your greening project now. Good environmental behavior is ECOnomically Sound behavior.