Industry backs safety recommendations

Industry backs adventure tourism safety recommendations

Strengthening the safety practices of New Zealand’s world-leading adventure tourism sector will be widely supported, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.

TIA is giving its backing to the recommendations of the Adventure Tourism Safety Review, which were drawn up after extensive consultation with the adventure and outdoor sector. TIA actively participated and contributed to the review throughout the process.

“We are already highly regarded internationally for our adventure tourism activities and the recommendations released today will keep us on the leading edge,” TIA Advocacy Manager Geoff Ensor says.

“We are pleased that the final report recognises that many operators are already operating to high standards, with a strong culture of safety. We recognise there is always room for improvement and these recommendations are the next step in the evolution of this important sector of New Zealand’s multi-billion dollar tourism industry. We look forward to working with operators to implement them.”

The review findings recognise that risk management comprises many elements and there is no single fix, Mr Ensor says.

“All operators want to avoid incidents and accidents, and the safety culture of individual operators remains the key factor in preventing accidents. Awareness of safety has never been higher and we believe the recommendations will give operators the support and guidance they need.

“Adventure activity inherently carries some risk, but operators must do all they can to minimise the risk of accidents.”

TIA is committed to ensuring the recommendations are successfully implemented, Mr Ensor says. It has already signalled its willingness to work with government and potentially lead those that sit best with the national tourism association.

“A core part of this next phase will be talking with our members to ensure any actions are practical, effective and focused on delivering support and guidance to the adventure and outdoor sector.”

The most significant and critical pieces of work are yet to come, he says.

• The latest Fly Buys/Colmar Brunton Mood of the New Zealand Traveller Survey, released by TIA last week, found that 74% of New Zealanders feel completely safe or consider that adventure tourism activities are as safe or safer than overseas. 60% would recommend that overseas visitors try a thrill-seeking activity while in New Zealand.

ENDS

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