Tourism Industry Assn welcomes jet boat licence decision

TIA welcomes jet boat licence decision

A new mandatory driver licence for commercial jet boat drivers operating on rivers has been welcomed by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA), which says it will further strengthen the country’s world class adventure tourism sector.

TIA Chief Executive Martin Snedden says the government’s decision to introduce the licence and require ongoing competency checks for drivers supports the work being done by TIA, the industry and other organisations to ensure tourism operators run a safe operation.

“Jet boating on New Zealand’s iconic rivers is a popular visitor activity and the new rule, developed by Maritime NZ in consultation with the industry and the New Zealand Commercial Jet Boat Association, reinforces the sector’s strong commitment to visitor safety and satisfaction.”

The new rule comes into effect on 2 August and replaces the existing requirement for jet boat drivers to have at least 50 hours experience before taking commercial passengers.

Mr Snedden says TIA is working closely with operators across the wider adventure tourism sector to strengthen safety systems and management.

“It's critical that 'adventure' remains in adventure tourism, but the industry has a responsibility to ensure that these experiences are being delivered within a strong safety framework.”

In May TIA launched www.SupportAdventure.co.nz, a new world-first website offering adventure tourism and commercial outdoor operators a “one stop shop” for information and advice on running a safe operation. Developed with input from industry and the support of Outdoors NZ, the website was created as a result of the government-led Adventure Tourism Review.

Within the next two months TIA, in partnership with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, expects to publicly launch the first three sets of Activity Safety Guidelines it is developing to support operators in individual sectors of adventure tourism. The guidelines are being developed with input from activity experts.

ENDS

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