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Strategic Projects

Tourism Sustainability Commitment

14 November 2017

The vision of the Tourism Sustainability Commitment is to lead the world in sustainable tourism. Toitū te taiao, toitū te tāpoi. E kōkiri ana e Aotearoa

Launched in 2017 and refreshed in August 2020, the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment aims to see every New Zealand tourism business committed to sustainability by 2025.

Sustainability covers not only environmental, but also community, visitor and economic benefits. The TSC’s focus is not just on minimising harm, but making a positive contribution so that tourism gives back more than it takes. 

We are inviting every New Zealand tourism business to join us on this inspirational sustainability journey. Sign up now to the Tourism Sustainability Commitment and adopt 12 Commitments that will ensure we achieve our goals. Together we can create a truly sustainable tourism industry that makes a positive and enduring contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand. 

By April 2020, almost 1400 tourism businesses and organisations had signed up to the TSC. Find out who they are and sign up on www.sustainabletourism.nz.

Download the booklet

The New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment is supported by the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust.

What is tourism industry sustainability?

For the tourism industry to be sustainable – environmentally, socially and economically – we must:

  • Ensure tourism businesses are financially successful in the longer term
  • Protect and enhance the environment on which tourism businesses depend
  • Maintain and enhance support from local communities
  • Ensure our customers have outstanding experiences with all their tourism activities

With the tourism industry profoundly impacted by COVID-19 and the closure of our borders, TIA is fully committed to ensuring that the momentum towards a sustainable industry is maintained. We are firmly of the view that sustainable businesses will be best placed to emerge strongly as and when the industry recovers.

Project team

TIA led this project, working with an external reference group, including representatives from:

  • Tourism New Zealand
  • Air New Zealand
  • Griffith University
  • Real Journeys
  • Ziptrek Ecotours
  • Department of Conservation
  • Discover Wanaka
  • Tourism Holdings Ltd
  • Whale Watch Kaikoura

We also talked with a range of other stakeholders.

Find out more on the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment website.

Thanks to our strategic partners

Thanks to our strategic partners

Thanks to our strategic partners