Green tourism ratings hit NZ century
13 Apr 2010
The number of tourism companies credited with New Zealand’s elite Qualmark Green Enviro-Gold rating has just topped 100 in spite of challenging times.
Qualmark chief executive, Geoff Penrose says the 100th Enviro-Gold award is an important milestone and highlights the success of the Qualmark Green programme.
Despite being launched at a time when many tourism businesses were struggling, there was clear evidence of the commitment to the programme - believed to be a world-first green scheme for tourism.
Long-term sustainability
More than 470 businesses throughout New Zealand have now been recognised with Enviro gold, silver or bronze awards.
"What we are seeing from these businesses is a long term view of sustainability and the value of caring for the environment and their community," Penrose said.
Southland’s Ascot Park Hotel in Invercargill gained the 100th Enviro-Gold award for its sustainable practice, conservation and community initiatives.
The hotel was one of many good examples of businesses showing vision and leadership, said Penrose.
Ascot Park Hotel, Southland
Ascot Park Hotel manager, Peter Ridsdale said the hotel had travelled a long way in two years and would continue working towards a sustainable business.
"With potential savings of up to $17,000 per annum identified through an energy audit and about six tonnes of waste now recycled monthly, rather than going to landfill, there are clearly benefits for both the business and the environment," Ridsdale said.
Reducing environment impact
Since August 2008, the environmental performance of all tourism businesses with a Qualmark rating has been considered as part of on-site quality assessments.
Businesses performing well in reducing environmental impact in five key action areas - energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, community activities and conservation initiatives - are eligible to apply for an Enviro-Gold, Enviro-Silver or Enviro-Bronze Award.
The initiative, referred to as Qualmark Green, was unveiled to the tourism industry in May 2008 when New Zealand became the first country with a fully-integrated quality and environmental performance tourism assurance system.
The Enviro logo serves as a useful guide for the increasing number of smart travellers wishing to limit the environmental impact of their tourism experiences.
Qualmark travel quide
An AA Qualmark Guide released in February 2010 is also designed to assist eco-conscious tourists by displaying Enviro award logos next to businesses assessed as top performers.
The free guide book only lists businesses annually assessed to meet both Qualmark quality and environmental criteria, and is the first to include the official ratings.
Geoff Penrose said the book provided valuable guidance for travellers wishing to limit the environmental impact of their tourism experiences as well as value for tourism businesses committed to caring for the environment.
Hawke's Bay Opera House
A further milestone in New Zealand’s Qualmark Green programme was reached with the Hawke’s Bay Opera House becoming the country’s first venue to be granted a Qualmark environmental award.
The 5-star conferencing and events venue achieved an Enviro-Silver award for sustainable business practice covering a number of criteria from community involvement to water, energy and waste efficiency.
The Opera House had shown leadership in its sector, said Penrose.
"Hawke’s Bay Opera House has put effective initiatives in place and is monitoring to ensure they are working towards a successful outcome, both for the business and the environment," he said.
Background: Qualmark
- Qualmark is New Zealand’s official guide to quality travel experiences - helping travellers identify over 2,300 of the best places to stay, things to do and ways to get around.
- Accommodation, activities and transport businesses carrying the Qualmark logo have been independently assessed to meet tough quality standards and environmental criteria - earning New Zealand tourism’s official quality mark.
- Over 470 businesses have achieved Enviro awards - recognising their commitment to Qualmark’s responsible tourism criteria and environmental practices.
- Qualmark is jointly owned by Tourism New Zealand and the New Zealand Automobile Association. The programme is run as an industry service, on a not-for-profit basis.
More information:
Tourists strike gold in NZ enviro
tourism
Staying eco-style in New Zealand
Qualmark Green - world first tourism green scheme
Air NZ achieves environmental gold
These topics may also be of interest to you
|
