Waikato Museum recognised as a leading tourism operator

Waikato Museum recognised as a leading tourism operator

24 February 2012

Waikato Museum has achieved a Silver Enviro award and is now recognised as one of the country’s leading tourism operators by Qualmark – New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance.

To earn the prestigious mark, the Museum underwent a comprehensive on-site assessment to ensure it met all the appropriate criteria, which focussed on service, facilities, safety procedures and environmental impact.

Waikato Museum Acting Director Andy Lowe says the achievement of a silver award for environmental practice is a huge boost for the Museum which received a Bronze Enviro award in 2010.

“We’re thrilled to receive Silver Enviro status. Our team has worked hard towards achieving this goal and it shows we are operating efficiently and effectively as a tourism destination. We’re really proud to have achieved this for the Museum and ArtsPost, and it’s a credit to everyone here,” he said.

To earn tourism’s official environmental award, Waikato Museum has had to demonstrate effectiveness in energy efficiency, waste management and water conservation, with community activities and conservation initiatives also considered under Qualmark’s environmental criteria.

Qualmark’s endorsement programme offers quality assurance for a full range of tourism operations, such as adventure activities, transport providers, cultural and nature experiences.

“With so many varied activities available to tourists in New Zealand, the Qualmark endorsement programme offers a clear and easy way to choose experiences which you can be sure will live up to expectations,” says Qualmark General Manager, Tim Keeling.

“Every Qualmark licence holder is expected to adhere to basic Responsible Tourism practices, but to attain a Qualmark Enviro award, a business must show extra commitment to caring for their environment and their local community.”

More than 2300 accommodation and tourism businesses throughout New Zealand have been through the assessment process and are Qualmark licence holders. Waikato Museum joins around 1000 New Zealand businesses which have achieved Enviro status.

Qualmark is jointly owned by Tourism New Zealand and the New Zealand Automobile Association. Qualmark is run on a not-for-profit basis as a service to travellers and the tourism industry. It's a role defined for Qualmark in the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015 to help achieve the industry's overall goal to enhance New Zealand's reputation as a world class visitor destination.

ENDS

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