Thirteen of the country's top tourism businesses have achieved
Enviro-Gold logos, the highest ranking in the new Qualmark Green programme which was launched in
May this year.
Ranging from a five-star hotel to specialist eco-tour operators,
the companies have all achieved the pinnacle of responsible tourism
processes within their operations, successfully integrating
environmental sustainability into quality tourism products.
"You have to be very committed to achieve the Enviro-Gold logo,"
says Qualmark Chief Executive Geoff Penrose. "The assessment
criteria are very robust and rigorous. These 13 companies are all
environmental leaders; they have a good understanding of
sustainability and have backed this up with investment in
initiatives to proactively reduce their footprint."
One of the 13 is the Bolton Hotel. Its commitment to
environmental practices is evident at all levels across the
property's water, energy and waste management. These practices
extend to providing guests with recycling options in rooms; a linen
and towel change card with savings donated to selected charities
and not-for-profit organisations; and changes and monitoring of
settings of mechanical plant to reduce energy use.
Dive! Tutukaka, another Enviro-Gold logo recipient, has
implemented a range of environmental initiatives, including
programmes to reduce its carbon footprint; washing equipment in
rainwater; recycling bins on boats with organic waste either
composted or collected by a local pig farmer; and monitoring fuel
efficiency systems on its boats.
Since August 2008, under Qualmark Green, minimum environmental
standards apply to all 2,000 plus Qualmark licence holders as part
of their quality accreditation assessments. Operators that score
well are then eligible to apply for higher Enviro-Gold,
Enviro-Silver and Enviro-Bronze ratings depending on their
environmental performance.
Geoff Penrose says Qualmark Green has received good feedback
from industry and the trade since its launch, with JTB, Japan's
largest wholesaler, creating a special tour featuring companies who
rated well in the new environmental criteria.
Qualmark Green is a practical tool to meet the environmental
goals of the New Zealand Tourism strategy
2015 and to help the country deliver on the 100% Pure New
Zealand promise we make to our overseas visitors.
It helps businesses incorporate environmentally and socially
responsible practices into their operations, which are good for the
environment, which save them money through things like reducing
energy consumption, and which make it easier for visitors to choose
environmentally friendly options.
Visit www.responsibletourism.co.nz
to find out more about Qualmark Green.
Operators who have achieved the Qualmark Enviro-Gold
Logo to date are:
- Bolton Hotel, Wellington
- Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook
- Birds Ferry Lodge, West Coast (South Island)
- Novotel Wellington, Wellington
- Takatu Lodge, Northland
- Dive! Tutukaka, Northland
- Rainbow Springs Nature Park/Kiwi Encounter, Rotorua
- YHA Wellington, Wellington
- Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, West Coast (South Island)
- Farewell Spit Eco Tours, Nelson
- Whale Watch Kaikoura, Marlborough
- Adventure South, Christchurch