David Francis specializes in the inbound tourism sector of the tourism industry in New Zealand. As the founder and owner of Black Sheep Touring Company, David has in excess of 15 years experience in providing unique small-group travel experiences to guests from around the world. He has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience both in what New Zealand offers as a destination, and how to best package it into a enthralling but relaxing itinerary.
Sustainability means many things to many different people but can be elegantly summarized as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
Central to the concept of sustainability is the use of resources in such a way that the resources are preserved into the future. In the case of the New Zealand tour operator, some of the key resources that underpin the values of our tourism industry are our wilderness experience, incredible natural scenery and generally uncrowded environment. And here lies the inbuilt dilemma within the New Zealand tourism industry. The very values and attributes that we rely on as a tour operator are at risk of compromise by the success of the very industry that relies on them. Clearly, if this situation is unmanaged, the tourism industry in it's current form will not be sustainable in the medium term.
How then, in a relatively free market, does the industry address this aspect of sustainable operation? How is a balance achieved between the current economic needs of the tour operator, and the preservation of the tourism resource for future generations?
In New Zealand, a huge amount of the conservation estate is under the control of either the central government Department of Conservation, or regional councils. This centralized control makes it possible to rationally manage the access to this estate, especially in the case of tour operators who use the estate for economic activity. Through their concession process, the Department of Conservation attempts to manage the loading and impacts on conservation lands, thereby preserving the core values of this land. Many aspects need to be addressed when evaluating the impacts of a human activity on the conservation estate. These may include such issues as noise generation, over crowding, rubbish disposal, requirement for structures and facilities, and damage to rare flora and fauna. In evaluating the effects of these things on the conservation value of an area, you must first be able to define the values you are trying to protect and preserve, only then is it possible to manage the human activity in such a way that the effects are minimized and mitigated into the future.
The process of obtaining a concession is long, expensive, and not without beaurocratic involvement, but the process of balancing competing needs in an iconic landscape is complex and is critical for the truly sustainable operation of the New Zealand tourism industry.
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By: Frank I Locust | 09/11/2009Finding good help these days is somewhat easy given the amount of layoffs and high employment levels. While this economic climate is nothing to root for, perhaps you can take advantage of such circumstances and find good help. Local options include networking with college students, unemployment offices and your city websites. There are also virtual options you can check out as well.
President Barack Obama and his Trip to Japan and China, a Translation of Noble Prize activities
By: hasan yahya | 09/11/2009This article is a translation of an article published in Moscow-Russia by a Russian Strategist about the coming visit of President Barack Obama to the Asian countries, especially Japan and China, which he considered as an translation of Noble Prize winning activities.
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By: Tom Powell | 09/11/2009Fraud has been and will, unfortunately, be one of the main issues that will burden our government, not just because these people are lying about what they are doing or earning but also because of the knock on effect.
Industrial Espionage
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By: Tom Powell | 09/11/2009With the recent flux in the economy worldwide, you would expect such things as petty crime and shoplifting to increase, as people have lost their jobs and lost their way in life, thus falling desperate.
Is NATO Loosing Grounds in Afghanistan?
By: hasan yahya | 09/11/2009This article is a translation of an article published in Moscow-Russia by a Russian Strategist about NATO forces non-effective role in the war on Afghanistan. While the lost or defeat of NATO, gives points to Russia and China, The question posed in the title should lead to a revision of management theories dealing with Taliban and al-Qai’da.
Autism Cure For Children Really Exists Or Not
By: Karen Smith | 08/11/2009There are thousands of families across the globe who have children born with autism, and they are all looking for the best autism cure. Just imagine if you had a child and then suddenly realized that your child is slow on comprehension, won't look you in the eye, and has mood swings which are confusingly daunting. If you child was diagnosed with autism - mild or not - it would be a heartbreaking thing to hear.
Political Interview with Professor Hasan A. Yahya
By: hasan yahya | 08/11/2009A political interview with an American Arab scholars, one of the rare philosophers in the community. a freethinker, he authored over 25 books in both Arabic and English. In the Interview, prof. Yahya gives his insights on the American Congress recent resolution 768, about Iraq and Afghanistan. The original interview was published at wfol.tv, Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, where Dr. Yahya was the key speaker in the NATO Conference. He's an expert in Arab and Muslim Culture.
Sustainability and its Application to the New Zealand Tour Operator
By: David Francis | 09/07/2009 | Strategic PlanningSustainability means many things to many different people but can be elegantly summarized as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
Adventure Tourism in New Zealand – Understanding the Risk Profile
By: David Francis | 01/06/2009 | DestinationsNew Zealand deservedly has a reputation as a tour destination that offers some of the best and most accessible adventure opportunities available. However, with adventure travel comes risk. Understanding this risk and how to manage it is the key to operating a quality adventure tour experience.
New Zealand Nature Tour – A Journey Back In Time
By: David Francis | 06/05/2009 | DestinationsNew Zealand deservedly has a reputation as a tour destination that offers a unique natural history experience. The following article briefly explores some of the fundamental reasons why the nature of New Zealand is a journey back in time.
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