Operator Online Research Results
Summary of Operator Research
12 Feburary 2008
Operators focus on operation issues for the next Ecotourism NZ Conference
Planning for the 2008 Ecotourism NZ Conference is well underway with an online survey asking operators to contribute towards developing the content and themes for the conference programme. The conference will be held again at Shantytown, Greymouth from 12 to 14 August with a focus on attracting a higher number of operators to attend the event so that they can contribute to establishing strategies to support the development of ecotourism as an increasingly important tourism sector in New Zealand.
The key areas of interest continue to be certification of ecotourism operators; the dependence on the concession process to ensure the future of ecotourism businesses; and methods to improve business performance.
Sustainability will be a hot topic at the conference: 95% of the businesses surveyed are interested or very interested in learning about how they can introduce environmental sustainability practices into their operation.
Comments on sustainability from respondents included:
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"Interested in COST EFFECTIVE ways to reduce carbon footprint"
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"What can businesses do in practice and through marketing activities to actually or perceptively mitigate the carbon produced by long haul visitors?"
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What are the "key issues from the perspective of international customers especially with respect to off-setting carbon costs?"
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Availability of eco tools to implement upcoming emission standards "
Operator interest has also driven the development of workshops and discussion sessions on the following topic areas:
% respondents interested or very interested
Topic Area – Macro Themes
Certification
84%Ecotourism certification and whether Qualmark’s new certification requirements will solve the standards debate
Concessions
79%The future of your concession and your business and methods to collectively engage with DoC on issues that impact your business.
% respondents interested or very interested
Topic Area – Business Development Themes
Environmental Sustainability
95%Learning how to achieve environmental sustainability; introducing sustainability into businesses; and how this will make a difference with customers
Customer Feedback
84%How to collect, monitor and act on customer feedback to improve and grow your business
Internet
80%Utilising the internet to attract online bookings
Business Yield
79%Methods to improve business yield
Monitoring Ecosystems
79%Learning how to monitor ecosystems in the environment in which the business operates; and how this can enhance the customer’s experience.
Maori Culture and Protocols
74%Understanding Maori protocols and how to integrate Maori culture into operations
Debate and discussion will be encouraged throughout the conference to assist with developing strategies for the sector. Respondents commented:
- "Generally, I'd like to see the conference take on a much more assertive, proactive and a political approach"
- 'Interested in maintaining the term 'ecotourism' "
- "Look at ways to open up natural resources to the public where customer participation CONTRIBUTES to the enhancement and protection of the environment"
- "Bring industry, government and operators together so it should be stragic focussed"
Sarah Caseley
Ecotourism NZ Project Manager
