Regenerative tourism?

Regenerative tourism?

24th April 2022
Otago Harbour. Photo by Athol Parks.

Walking is good for you and treads gently on the land.

City Walks has signed up to TIA's Sustainability Commitment and has a bronze Qualmark rating. As an active member of local visitor-industry association DunedinHOST, City Walks owner/ guide Athol Parks has led calls for the industry to be more environmentally conscious/ sustainable. Athol helped draft HOST's Dunedin Wildlife Care Code https://dunedinhost.co.nz/index.php/dunedin-wildlife-care-code/, wrote its submission calling for more protection of the local marine environment, and has lobbied for reform of the cruise trade. At the flax-roots level, he has assisted the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust with planting and other activities.

The cruise and aviation sectors both have heavy carbon footprints. That's a challenge for a remote destination like New Zealand. We still believe that a more considered, low-impact high-value form of tourism can be a force for good. The article below, by Professor James Higham of the University of Otago, highlights some of the challenges and opportunities facing the visitor industry now. We agree that we should look to see how tourism can enrich New Zealand's natural, financial, social and human/ cultural capital. We welcome those who seek to make a positive contribution to this place, while seeking to lighten their carbon footprint. We are less keen to work with those who don't. https://theconversation.com/without-stricter-conditions-nz-should-be-in-no-hurry-to-reopen-its-border-to-cruise-ships-181607