What you need to know
There are several key players that make up the New Zealand tourism industry and the local governing, regulatory and business environment. Here are a few organisations to know about that can provide a variety of support.
Tourism Industry Bodies
Tourism New Zealand (TNZ)
Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) plays a pivotal role in promoting Aotearoa as a world-class destination. As the official organisation responsible for marketing New Zealand internationally, TNZ offers support to local tourism businesses aiming to expand their global presence.
Leverage Tourism New Zealand Opportunities :
- Promote your tourism business and submit deals on Tourism New Zealand’s consumer website. Product listings are free with millions of page views by international visitors each year. Get help and support at the Tourism Business Database.
- Keep your newzealand.com listing up-to-date. They can give Qualmark operators the opportunity to be included in TNZ’s marketing campaigns.
- Access TNZ Consumer Led Research across target visitor markets to better understand trends and behaviour patterns.
- Become Qualmark accredited. Qualmark is the official quality assurance program for New Zealand tourism, and offers businesses instant recognition of quality, access to tourism experts, and promotion opportunities with TNZ, ultimately boosting your business competitiveness and sustainability efforts.
- Share the Tiaki Promise, a commitment to care for New Zealand while travelling. It has guiding principles for visitors to follow to contribute to preserving and protecting our people and place.
- Understand and learn the skills to apply the Tiaki Promise with Grow Tourism.
- Explore more Tourism New Zealand’s resources, programs, and opportunities by visiting Tourism New Zealand’s Industry Page.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA)
Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) is the association that represents all sectors of New Zealand’s large and diverse tourism industry and advocates for issues that are impacting the industry.
Leverage Tourism Industry Aotearoa Opportunities:
- Participate in TIA’s Sustainability Commitment to demonstrate your business’s environmental and social responsibility, gaining access to resources and recognition within the tourism industry.
- Receive preferential rates for TRENZ and Tourism Summit Aotearoa, enabling you to connect with key industry leaders, stay ahead of the latest tourism trends, and expand your professional network at premier industry gatherings.
- Utilise TIA’s Policy and Advocacy Resources to stay informed about industry regulations and contribute to shaping the future of New Zealand’s tourism sector.
- Explore more Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s resources, programs, and opportunities by visiting TIA’s Industry Page.
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (TECNZ)
The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is the trade association that represents the interests of inbound tourism, advocating for the New Zealand inbound tourism industry and tourism industry operators, and focusing on building long-term business relationships with distribution networks both in New Zealand and overseas.
- Attend Key Industry Events, including the TECNZ Trade Event and Annual TECNZ Trade Event, to build commercial relationships and exchange insights with inbound tourism professionals.
- Access TECNZ’s ITO Resources to enhance your understanding of working with Inbound Tour Operators.
Regional Tourism New Zealand (RTNZ)
RTNZ‘s role is to represent the Regional Tourism Organisations throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. RTNZ advocates for the interests of RTOs and regional tourism, fostering collaboration across the network and system, and working towards sustainable growth and prosperity of tourism in regions across Aotearoa.
National Organisations
Business Events Aotearoa (BEIA)
Business Events Aotearoa (BEIA) is an industry association that aims to attract and stimulate business event activity from domestic and international sources. BEIA champions New Zealand’s business events sector through advocacy, professional development, networking, event planning tools, trade shows, mentorship, and sustainability initiatives.
Hospitality New Zealand (HNZ)
Hospitality New Zealand (HNZ) is a member-led, not-for-profit organization that advocates for and supports the hospitality and tourism sector in New Zealand, aiming to create a thriving, sustainable, and vibrant industry that benefits businesses, employees, economies, and communities.
Grow Tourism
Grow Tourism is a learning platform equipping our workforce and empowering the visitor economy of tomorrow. Developed by industry experts, Grow Tourism provides bite-sized professional development courses and customised training and consulting options to deliver high-impact learning to staff. Modules include building commercial frameworks, delivering outstanding customer experiences and sustainability storytelling.
Additional Useful Authorities and Organisations
WorkSafe
When you run a business, you become a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Check WorkSafe to find out what this means.
If your product has any aspect of adventure, check WorkSafe to see if your product is considered an adventure activity and whether you need to follow specific regulations.
Waka Kotahi | NZ Transport Agency
If you are operating a passenger service, check with Waka Kotahi | NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to find out what licences you need.
Te Papa Atawhai | Department of Conservation (DoC)
If you plan to take visitors to public conservation land or interact with wildlife, you may need a Te Papa Atawhai | Department of Conservation (DOC) permit.
Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce and Wānaka Business Chamber
Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce and Wānaka Business Chamber are the local Chamber of Commerce organisations and may have a range of advisory services and support for new businesses.
KUMA
KUMA is the Southern Māori Business Network, supporting Māori business growth since 2005. KUMA’s kaupapa is to build connections between whānau to enhance their individual professional and business success through collective support.
Business South
Business South delivers support to businesses through targeted advisory services, training and networking opportunities, and advocate for businesses with decision-makers in local and central government.