The Tourism Export Council (TECNZ) and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have now finalised a 10-year guiding concession to allow TECNZ inbound tour operators to accompany clients during stops of up to one hour at public conservation areas for short walks, view points and photo opportunities.

Building on that held by the Bus and Coach Association (NZ), this new concession will allow TECNZ members to  accompany clients beyond parking areas and into public conservation areas as they tour around New Zealand. Revenue gathered through this concession will go toward DOC’s recreation and conservation work around the country.

The concession came into effect on April 1 2012 and, while primarily aimed at coach tour groups, can be used by TECNZ member-operated minivans and chauffeured vehicles if they meet the other criteria. Members wishing to spend more than an hour at any one site are still required to apply for a concession in the usual way.

This concession brings TECNZ into line with other tourism concessionaires who currently visit public conservation areas as part of their itineraries in terms of fees and group sizes. The first year will act as a trial process to identify anomalies and allow TECNZ members to cost fees into future itineraries. Being a DOC approved concessionaire in addition to inbound operator members having Qualmark endorsement will add further value to inbound tour operators marketing efforts as a strong point of difference going forward.

Speaking of going forward, registrations are now open for the Tourism Export Council ‘conference event of the year’ hosted on the West Coast 21-24 August. The Tourism West Coast team and Shantytown guaranteed at last year’s conference if chosen, to make this ‘the most memorable conference’ ever. Members voted the West Coast to host, so come and support them by registering for the conference. Part of the experience can begin with the process of getting there. Aside from flights in and out of Hokitika, KiwiRail is offering free TranzAlpine train travel to Greymouth return. Take the extra day and opportunity to join one of the most stunning train trips in the world! The theme for the final night is “kiwiana” so start thinking about your costume now. Come as a famous kiwi, an icon, a music band, politician or a bottle of tuimato sauce… Visit www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz website to see the latest information and download registration forms.