The 2009 conference will involve a series of planetary sessions where all delegates hear guest speaker reports on the economic outlook, the state of ecotourism and conservation. After these sessions, delegates will break into small groups to discuss and debate the issues raised. At the end of each workshop discussion groups report their outcomes back to the conference.
This structure has been designed to encourage greater dialogue on high-level issues and to ensure the conference delivers tangible outcomes to support the development of the sector. The three planetary sessions are:
Find out how to reduce the impact of the economic downturn and learn essential skills to manage your business through a recession. Get the latest Ministry of Tourism forecasts and figures to help guide you in planning and decision-making, and hear TIANZ’s plans for supporting ecotourism operators through the next 18-months.
Now is the time to take stock, plan and improve your business performance.
Key discussions:
WORKSHOP TASKS (draft):
+ Develop strategies to ensure tourism holds through the economic downturn
One of the keys to any successful business is in knowing its market, and that’s even more relevant in a niche industry.
This session investigates the “ecotourist” and attempts to define who they are and what they are looking for. Tai Poutini Polytechnic research manager, Sandra Rhodda, expands on this by looking into the 60+ tourist, or in her words “the market we are missing”. Also in this session hear from Ian Yeoman, the world’s only futurologist in travel and tourism. The Victoria University associate professor will discuss the future for ecotourism in New Zealand, how well we are doing and where we can improve.
Key discussions: 
WORKSHOP TASKS (draft):
+ Is Tourism NZ targeting the right market? Planning for the future
+ How we work together to protect, manage and grow the industry
The Department of Conservation (DoC) has made great improvements to the way it works with tourism operators in recent years, including in the concession’s process and around communication. This session will look into DoC’s latest plans for developing sustainable tourism in New Zealand, and hear about its long-term vision for the management of tourism resources. Find out about DoC’s new initiatives to conform tracks and stream-line the re-issuing of concessions, and learn what difference these could make to your business.
Key discussions:
WORKSHOP TASKS (draft):
+ What messages does DoC need to hear from the industry?
+ The impact of charging for access into national parks on usage
+ The nature levy – do we need one and if so what will it fund for the industry?
+ The implications on tourism of businesses competing for use of DoC land
Our business workshops and field trips have proved a highlight of previous conferences. Delegates can choose to attend two workshops from the five comprehensive 4-hour workshop streams. Each workshop will deliver the theory and go on to illustrate it in the field by visiting operators and the natural environment around Nelson.
Led by industry experts and consisting of small groups, the workshops are a great way to get to know fellow operators, share ideas and examine in greater detail the key issues raised at the conference. The field trips to successful ecotourism operations and environmentally significant locations are designed to be relevant, interesting and enjoyable.
Field trip: Visit Nelson ecotourism operators and hear about their sustainability strategies
Field trip: Experience first-hand scenarios for reviewing and testing the risk management readiness of ecotourism operations
Field trip: Visit local operators and/or conservation projects
Field trip: Sea kayak to Nelson’s stunning Boulder Bank and on the way, learn the interesting history of this geographically significant landform. A great way to enjoy Nelson.
Field trip: Visit local tourism operations, hear from experienced guides and learn how to make your customer’s experience more memorable.
