West Coast Tourism Forum - Fostering commercial recreation on conservation land

Local tourism operators are invited to attend a forum in Franz Josef on Saturday 27 March that will discuss and debate commercial recreation on the conservation estate – how to foster it and tackle the challenges.

The afternoon forum - Fostering commercial recreation on public conservation land – what will success look like? is being held as part of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park 50th anniversary celebrations. It will be facilitated by Tourism Industry Association Advocacy Manager Geoff Ensor and will feature a two-hour panel discussion.

Mr Ensor says the panellists, who include Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson, Director General of Conservation Al Morrison, TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar, Totally Tourism Managing Director Mark Quickfall and Tourism West Coast General Manager Matt Ewen, will be presenting a range of views that inform and provoke and he’ll be encouraging participants to tackle critical issues head on.

“Celebrating the 50th anniversary of our National Park provides an opportunity to consider the role of commercial recreation on conservation land – now and in the future. What challenges do we face, and how can we ensure that ‘fostering’ commercial recreation results in high quality, safe experiences linked to great conservation outcomes?”

He says New Zealand’s approach to many environmental issues continues to have a profound effect on the country’s visitor industry, worth $59 million per day.

“It’s important tourism operators play an active part in discussions and decision-making around those issues. Resource use, environmental management and energy policies will influence their businesses and ultimately New Zealand’s future.”

For more details about the forum, see the Events section of the TIA’s website www.tianz.org.nz

ENDS

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