Waiariki set to co-host Ecotourism NZ Conference

Waiariki set to co-host Ecotourism NZ Conference

Rotorua's premiere nature-based tourism operations – from Rainbow Springs to Te Urewera Treks – will take centre stage at the annual Ecotourism NZ Conference in Rotorua, 2 and 3 September.

Waiariki Institute of Technology is proud to be co-host, along with Greymouth-based Tai Poutini Polytechnic, of this year's event. Now in its fourth year, it will be the first time the event is held outside the South Island.

“Waiariki Institute of Technology is delighted to be partnering with Tai Poutini Polytechnic to bring the Ecotourism NZ Conference to Rotorua, the home of New Zealand tourism,” said John Snook, Waiariki’s Deputy Chief Executive.

Ecotourism NZ spokesman Joe Doherty says Rotorua's natural environment, strong Maori culture, established ecotourism industry and convenient location make it an ideal setting for a conference on ecotourism.

"Rotorua is a region that embraces and celebrates its culture and heritage, and a place where communities and businesses are working together to improve and enhance their natural environment - all things that ecotourism strives to achieve," Mr Doherty says. "We're looking forward to getting behind the scenes and finding out why ecotourism is so successful here. There is a lot to learn."

This year’s keynote speaker is Robert Swan, one of the world’s top polar explorers and environmental leaders, who, by the age of 33, became the first person to walk to both the North and South Poles, earning his place in history alongside the great explorers and adventurers.
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