Adventure Operators support safety in Queenstown

Adventure Operators Forum Held in Queenstown, November 4, 2009

Adventure Operators Forum to support best safety practices in Queenstown

An Adventure Tourism Forum held in Queenstown last night brought together several agencies and specialists to discuss emergency responses and to share information that could improve overall operating systems and safety.

Facilitated by Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ) Advocacy Manager Geoff Ensor, the forum included brief presentations from the agencies and services involved in safety operations and crisis management.

Around 40 tourism operators listened to presentations then participated in a panel discussion.

Forum organiser Mark Quickfall of Totally Tourism and also chairman of Destination Queenstown said the forum provided a useful opportunity for the adventure industry to come together to learn from each other and identify issues.

“The lead up to summer is a good time for operators to review their operation plans and their crisis management plans. The adventure industry is to undergo a safety review and we in Queenstown are very keen to ensure our operations are as safe as they possibly can be and that each and every operator has a full understanding of the responsibilities they face.”

“It was a productive meeting and a positive move towards ensuring the Queenstown industry works collectively. It was also an opportunity to ensure the agencies and services understand each other and the adventure operators towards the best possible safety results.”

Mayor Clive Geddes was among the attendees and suggested the forum should meet on an annual basis.

Panelists were: Mark Quickfall – Totally Tourism
Milne Simpson – Queenstown Medical Centre
Fae Robertson – Victim Support
Graham Budd – Destination Queenstown
Grahme Bartlett – New Zealand Police
Russell Car – SAR (Search & Rescue) and ROSA (Register of Outdoor Safety Auditors
Alexa Forbes – Southern Public Relations
Alana Reid – St John Ambulance
Facilitator: Geoff Ensor – Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand

ENDS

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