Tourism is big business for a lot of countries. But opening your beaches, forests and city streets to thousands of outsiders can put a big strain on infrastructure, and the environment.
Some countries have successfully throttled tourist numbers in sensitive natural areas, with the Philipines and Thailand both recently closing beach resorts to allow them to rehabilitate after “overtouristing”.
New Zealand is trying a different approach.
Visitors to the Land of the Long, White Cloud are, according to CNN, “being asked to sign a document called the ‘Tiaki Promise,’ wherein they pledge to be good stewards of the environment during their trip”.
Tourism NZ boss Stephen England-Hall told CNN: “Tiaki talks to guidelines or guiding principles about how we would like people to behave when they’re in New Zealand.
“The idea is that we have a deep and symbiotic relationship with our environment here in New Zealand. You are welcome to come and to experience our landscape, but we want you to please be mindful of the fact that it’s a really important place.”
The promise reads: While travelling in New Zealand, I will care for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace; travel safely, showing care and consideration for all; respect culture, travelling with an open heart and mind.
You can read more about it here.
