Registration for adventure tourism operators following review

24/08/10

A compulsory registration scheme featuring upfront safety audits will be developed following the review of New Zealand’s adventure tourism industry, Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson announced today.

“The Prime Minister called for this review after concerns were raised over the number of recent tourist deaths from accidents in the adventure tourism sector.

“We pride ourselves on hosting tourists and providing them with the experience of a lifetime. We have a fantastic international reputation and it’s important we make it clear that our safety practices are world-leading,” Wilkinson says in a media release.

“The industry has grown rapidly and continues to innovate. What this review found is that our adventure tourism operators take their responsibilities seriously and manage risks effectively.

“However, for some activities there are gaps in the safety management framework that could allow businesses to operate at a lower standard than industry experts consider acceptable.

“There is support within the sector for a registration scheme for commercial land-based and non-certified water-based activities to ensure all businesses have a strong safety focus.

“For most operators, the scheme would include a requirement that an upfront safety audit be obtained based on the risk profile of their business.

“By introducing a registration scheme we will know exactly what adventure activities are on offer and all users, whether they are tourists or New Zealanders, can be assured that any associated risks are being managed.

“This review has been comprehensive and reflects the Government’s desire to make sure we have a system that instils confidence in this dynamic industry and protects our reputation as an outdoors destination.”

The Government has instructed the Department of Labour to work on further complementary initiatives discussed in the report, including:
• Facilitating the establishment of an industry-led entity focused on the safety management framework for the sector;
• Investigating developing a register of government-accredited adventure tourism-related safety auditing schemes; and
• Investigating whether instructors and guides should be required to hold qualifications and work only within the scope of those qualifications.

The Department will report back by November 30 with detailed proposals on the design of this new system.
A copy of the report can be found at http://www.dol.govt.nz/consultation/adventure-tourism/final-report/.