Clean environment essential to New Zealand tourism

Tourism New Zealand has stressed that it is “essential” for the country to promote and maintain a “clean and green” environmental policy in order to attract increasing numbers of visitors.

The association conducted a survey of visitors from around the world about their experience while visiting New Zealand and learned that one of the biggest problems faced by tourists, who typically come to appreciate the country’s natural environment, are the amount of litter and the lack of facilities for recycling.

Tourism New Zealand’s chief executive, George Hickton, commented that the survey pointed out tourist expectations that shouldn’t be all that difficult to meet.

He also noted that it is important for the country to maintain a clean environment in order to live up the brand identity of being “100% Pure.”

“This isn’t just about climate change or resource management. Our visitors are looking for ways to recycle their waste while they are out enjoying our country. And they notice the small things like litter,” Hickton said. “These are issues we can all tackle and help make a real difference.”

Staff from Tourism New Zealand staff will be working in Auckland and Wellington on Friday 5 September, to clean up litter in both cities, as a way of raising public awareness and cleaning up the cities during Keep New Zealand Beautiful Clean-Up Week.

New Zealand’s most important industry is international tourism, which contributes close to 10 per cent of the gross domestic product of the country.

www.newzealand.com