23/5/12The 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 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.

TECNZ Chief Executive Lesley Immink says that being a DOC approved concessionaire will add value to inbound tour operators marketing efforts as a strong point of difference going forward. TECNZ members will receive a detailed information pack over the next few weeks outlining process and documentation required.