Qualmark’s Sustainable Tourism Business (STB) Criteria has been given the GSTC-Recognised Status from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), becoming the first in New Zealand to achieving this certification in meeting global standards of sustainability.
A subsidiary of Tourism New Zealand, Qualmark provides evidence that a business has been independently validated as a quality tourism business. It currently has over 2,000 tourism business members, and recently refreshed its criteria for members in alignment with the GSTC Criteria in May.
The GSTC Recognition guarantees that all Qualmark businesses are following a standard that aligns with universal criteria for sustainable management, social and economic benefits to the local community, cultural heritage preservation and the reduction of pollution. It does not impact the current Qualmark assessment process.
Qualmark Accommodation providers may be eligible to participate in GSTC’s Market Access programme where prominent OTAs and various international travel providers highlight sustainable accommodation.
Qualmark general manager Steven Dixon remarked that the new global status can help “support their business and New Zealand’s transition to a regenerative tourism system”, which ensures that visitors explore further, connect with communities and contribute positively to the destination’s economy and environment.
Clinton Farley, general manager of The Hotel Britomart, said that each tourism business can play its part in protecting New Zealand and leading the way on sustainability, while dolphin tour operator Carino Wildlife Cruises’ general manager Vanessa McKay commented that the status demonstrates the country’s commitment to global sustainability standards.
