ADS Programme (China Monitoring Unit)

Approved Destination Status (ADS) is a bilateral tourism arrangement between the Chinese Government and a foreign destination, permitting Chinese holiday travellers to visit a destination in a tour group.

China is one of New Zealand's fastest growing markets for international visitors. Tourism New Zealand's China Monitoring Unit monitors the quality of tours run as part of the ADS programme to ensure these visitors enjoy quality holiday experiences in New Zealand, helping to ensure the long-term growth of this market.

  • About the ADS Programme

    New Zealand first gained Approved Destination Status (ADS) in 1999. Growth in visitor arrivals combined with increasing quality issues among tour operators catering to the ADS market saw the...

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  • The ADS Code of Conduct

    The Approved Destination Status (ADS) Code of Conduct sets out procedures and standards to ensure that Chinese visitors enjoy quality tour experiences in New Zealand. Administration and monitoring of...

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  • Applying for ADS Approval

    To be granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) system approval, inbound tour operators need to meet requirements referred to in the ADS Code of Conduct, including being of good character...

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  • Renewing ADS Approval

    Once an inbound tour operator has been granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) system approval, they will need to renew their ADS registration yearly. The documentation and application fee must...

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  • Itinerary and Visa Templates

    These documents provide templates and examples of itinerary documents and itinerary summaries that must be submitted with applications for ADS tour group visas.

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  • Register of ADS Approved Operators

    Inbound operators who have been granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) system approval, have met requirements referred to in the ADS Code of Conduct. Requirements include being of good...

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  • ADS Accredited Tour Guides

    The Approved Destination Status (ADS) Code of Conduct requires that tour guides accompanying ADS groups be accredited under the ADS system.

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  • ADS Newsletters

    ADS newsletters are published regularly and contain information for ADS operators and tour guides about The Code, ADS developments and regulations, events and news from the ADS programme and...

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  • Contact the ADS Team

    Tourism New Zealand's China Monitoring Unit, based in Wellington, monitors inbound tour operators' compliance with the ADS Code of Conduct. The team is responsible for conducting reviews of...

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