General Travel Memberships

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand - TECNZ

Membership to the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand ensures:

  • Security – through financial security and protection
  • Skilled advice – because we know our country well and can offer a wide range of services and a quality experience
  • Specialised local knowledge and up-to-date information
  • Local guides and interpreters
  • Attractive rates based on volume productivity
  • High ethical standards through our Code of Ethics and Practice
  • Professionalism in all matters – communication, tour co-ordination and personal service
  • Emergency assistance – being ‘on the spot’ to assist your customers
  • Quality supplier products and services

 

Qualmark
Qualmark is New Zealand government’s official quality mark. It is independently assessed on a regular basis. Qualmark is awarded to:

  1. Accommodation providers based on a star rating (1-5)
  2. All sightseeing, activity, attraction and land operators (such as ourselves) based on the business passing strict minimum requirements (ie you are either awarded or not awarded Qualmark in these categories – there is no star rating).

For travellers the Qualmark sign means that:

  • You will have a great tourism experience
  • You can book with confidence
  • The business operates in an ethical, professional and environmentally sustainable way
  • Thanks to the star grade, you know in advance what you are buying
  • The business has the required systems and policies for the safe and happy holiday in New Zealand

For the travel trade, Qualmark provides:

  • Independent assurance that your clients receive quality tourism experiences
  • Validation of insurance, safety and regulatory requirements
  • Internationally recognized star grades so you know what you’re selling
  • Automated updates to qualify ratings and categories to keep your inventory relevant
  • Reduced customer complaints and increased customer satisfaction

 

 Approved Destination Status (China market) - ADS

  • A bilateral government  agreement between the New Zealand and China governments
  • Relates to tourism groups only
  • Purpose of ADS is a control mechanism, on the organizing parties of both sides, to guarantee safe and reliable tourism services to the Chinese visitors
  • ADS certification and “code of compliance” strictly maintained by Tourism New Zealand for the benefit of the Chinese traveler

 

PKP – Premier Kiwi Partnership programme (China market) with Tourism New Zealand

  • Incentive based programme aimed at developing, marketing and promoting longer stay
  • Higher quality itineraries for Chinese tours travelling to New Zealand

 

Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand - TIANZ

  • Tourism is a fundamental contributor to New Zealand’s economy and way of life
  • Tourism contributes almost 9% of gross domestic product (GDP) as well as directly employing nearly one in ten New Zealanders
  • Tourism remains New Zealand’s second largest foreign exchange earner
  • General Travel is proud member of TIANZ and to contribute to the promotion and development of New Zealand’s tourism industry

 

Department of Conservation – DOC

Visiting New Zealand’s conservation land and waters

Access to pubic conservation land and waters is managed by the department of Conservation (DOC). DOC is the government agency that cares for New Zealand natural spaces, native plants and animals, and historical heritage

DOC grants concessions to tourism operators, which permit them to host visitors on conservation land. General Travel is licensed and holds one of these concession agreements thus allowing you and your guests access to conservation land and waters

General Travel’s DOC licence /concession will allow you to:

  • Accompany your group on public conservation land, as incorporated into your itinerary
  • General Travel will include, in your documentation, a concession voucher, valid for your groups stay in New Zealand
  • If approached by a DOC Ranger, you must produce the concession voucher to confirm the validity of your visit on concession land or water

The licence requests you and your guests show care and respect when visiting conservation land and waters:

  • Do not remove or damage any wildlife, plants, DOC facilities or natural features
  • Do not bring plants or animals onto conservation land
  • Take all rubbish away when you leave
  • Use toilet facilities provided
  • Follow instructions on all signs and notices
  • Stay on marked tracks and never climb over barriers (Even to take photographs)
  • Respect places that are special to Maori. Do not talk about Maori values or stories unless you have permission from local iwi (Tribe)