Ecotourism NZ Conference 2008

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Next Steps

Delegate feedback - an online survey will be developed to gather feedback from delegates on the conference.

Ecotourism NZ will investigate methods to deliver information to operators such as information about NZ flora & fauna, geological landscapes, Maori stories & interpretation techniques.

Nature Levy Vote

The majority of delegates at the conference votes in support a nature levy however further research and discussion is needed.

12 - 14 August 2008, West Coast, South Island

Carbon neutrality? Standardisation? Market positioning? There are many questions facing New Zealand’s ecotourism industry, but who’s got the answers?

This year’s Ecotourism NZ Conference hosted up to 150 delegates at Shantytown where are wide range of issues were discussed between operators and industry participants.

The Conference Objectives

Consider certification requirements for ecotourism operators in New Zealand
Develop strategies for working with the Department of Conservation on issues that impact the future of ecotourism in New Zealand
Present ecotourism operators with business skills to grow and develop their business
Create an atmosphere of collaboration and communication between ecotourism operators and industry participants

Conference outcomes

The Minister's session key areas:

• Environment

• Offshore marketing

• Tourism research

• Maori tourism

• Capability and workforce issues

Time to raise the bar on environmental, social and cultural performance.
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Ecotourism NZ is making the 2008 conference carboNZero certified.

This means that all the greenhouse gases generated as a result of the conference will be measured, managed and offset though the carboNZero programme. There are a number of plans being put in place to minimise emissions. These include facilitating carpooling for delegates, reducing paper use and using recycled paper, using non-disposable cutlery and crockery for meals, offering teleconferencing facilities, collecting lanyards and name badges for re-use, among many other things.

Carbon credits will be purchased after the event to offset activities including attendee travel and accommodation, venue energy use, vehicle transport during the conference and paper use. These credits will come from projects such as native forest regeneration and renewable energy generation. A voluntary contribution to help us make the event carbon neutral can be made upon registration.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic

Private Bag 607

Greymouth, New Zealand

Freephone: 0800 800 411