Displaying sustainability accreditations on QueenstownNZ.nz product listings
As part of our district-wide journey toward a regenerative visitor economy, Destination Queenstown (DQ) now recognises and highlights the efforts of local businesses taking bold steps in climate action, social equity, accessibility, and sustainability.
Members can now display verified sustainability accreditations on their QueenstownNZ.co.nz product listings - giving visitors confidence in your commitment and helping Queenstown lead the way globally as a regenerative tourism destination.
This feature will be available for Lake Wānaka Toursim members in late 2026.
Why it Matters
Featuring sustainability accreditations on your listing helps you:
-
Stand out to visitors – more travellers are actively looking for businesses that prove their sustainability credentials.
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Build trust and preference – verified accreditations signal credibility and encourage conscious travel choices.
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Gain a competitive edge – accreditation can differentiate you in listing results and convert more referrals.
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Recognise and reward leadership in sustainability.
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Save and grow – sustainable practices often reduce costs (e.g. energy, waste) and open doors to new partnerships.
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Inspire collective action – showcase leadership and encourage others to join Queenstown’s regenerative journey.
By adding your accreditation, you’re helping position Queenstown as a world-leading regenerative tourism destination.
Read more about the competitive advantages of regenerative and sustainable business practice.
What it looks like on your listing
Your recognised accreditation will appear as a badge or icon on your QueenstownNZ.co.nz product listing, visible to all visitors.
See an example in the screenshot below:
FAQ's
Which accreditations and certifications are recognised?
DQ currently supports the following verified certifications and memberships:
International / Global
- B Corp™
- EarthCheck
National / New Zealand Based
- Toitū Envirocare
- Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award
- Living Wage Aotearoa
- TIA Tourism Sustainability Commitment
- EKOS Certification
- Making Trax Foundation (Accessibility)
- Love Queenstown/Wānaka Impact Partner status
How to display your certification on your listing
Adding your accreditation is quick and easy:
To have your certification displayed on QueenstownNZ.nz:
- Log into the DQ Extranet.
- Navigate to your business listing and click Edit → Scroll down to the Accreditations section (about half way down the listing form).
- Tick the box or provide verification details of the relevant accreditations
- Click SAVE to submit your listing. DQ will cross-check against official directories or providers.
Reviews are completed annually. Expired or unverified accreditations will be removed.
This feature will be available for Lake Wānaka Toursim members in late 2026.
Wanaka.co.nz product listings
Work is currently underway to feature sustainability accreditations on wanaka.co.nz member listings. This feature will be available to Lake Wānaka Tourism members in late 2026.
Not yet accredited? Start your journey
Need help understanding which certification is right for your business? There are many pathways to getting started — from free commitments to globally recognised standards.
Here’s a simplified guide:
|
Accreditation |
Best For |
Key Focus Areas |
Business Benefit |
Process |
Cost Level |
|
B Corp™ |
Medium-large businesses wanting an internationally recognised accreditation.
Often used in the retail sector. |
Social impact, governance, environment. |
International credibility, attracts values-driven consumers. |
Online assessment, verification.
|
$$$ |
|
EarthCheck |
Tourism operators and destinations wanting an internationally recognised accreditation. |
Energy, water, waste, biodiversity. |
Demonstrates world-class sustainability leadership. |
Online assessment and third party verification.
|
$$$$ |
|
Toitū Envirocare |
Businesses measuring carbon and want it certified within New Zealand. |
Carbon footprint and reduction. |
Certifies carbon footprint & reduction plan. |
Emissions audit, reduction plan and optional best practice offsetting.
|
$$-$$$/ Year |
|
Qualmark |
Tourism businesses operating in New Zealand. |
Quality, sustainability, safety. |
National quality + sustainability assurance recognised by travellers. |
Assessment and verification.
|
$-$$ / Year |
|
Living Wage Aotearoa |
Any employers in New Zealand. |
Social equity. |
Demonstrates social responsibility. |
Wage commitment and verification.
|
$ / Year |
|
TIA Commitment |
Any tourism business operating in New Zealand. |
Broad sustainability actions. |
Free, easy entry point to sustainability. |
Free sign-up, guided toolkit.
|
$0 |
|
EKOS |
Businesses measuring carbon and want it certified within New Zealand. |
Carbon footprint & offsets. |
Validates offsets & reductions |
Activity-based carbon measurement and reduction, and optional offsetting.
|
$-$$ / Year
|
|
Making Trax |
Small to large businesses wanting to be recognised for being accessible within New Zealand. |
Accessibility. |
Promotes inclusivity and accessibility. |
Become a Making Trax Member and create an Access Guide for your business.
|
$250/year to be a Making Trax Member |
|
Love Queenstown |
Provide a financial contribution to Love Queenstown. |
Community and biodiversity funding. |
Demonstrates community give-back. |
Donation-based participation.
|
1% Year |
Not sure which one is right for your business? Contact Micaela McLeod, DQ Sustainability Manager for guidance.
Where to get support?
DQ will host annual member capability events to support you on your journey and can connect you with relevant tools, contacts, and providers.
For personalised support or questions about accreditation eligibility, please contact Member Services.
Upcoming Sustainability Accreditation Events
We're here to help! DQ will host annual member capability events to support businesses with getting accredited or certified.
Showcasing Sustainability: Understanding Accreditation Options
Queenstown, 9:30-10:30am
DQ now supports the display of selected sustainability accreditations on QueenstownNZ.nz business listings. This session will walk you through how to leverage this new feature.
Contact Us
Still have questions? Email Maya (Member Services) below.