About

Since 2017, the Tourism Sustainability Commitment (TSC) has helped New Zealand tourism businesses take practical action on sustainability. Developed by industry for industry and managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), it provides a practical framework of 12 Commitments across four pillars: Economic (Ōhanga), Visitor (Manuhiri), Community (Hapori) and Environment (Taiao).

The TSC supports He Pae Tukutuku | Tourism 2050: A Blueprint for Impact, connecting action within individual businesses to the industry’s wider sustainability ambitions. Signatories agree to uphold our vision and values for a sustainable tourism industry.

Launched in November 2017, the TSC is based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and aligned to the four capitals of the NZ Treasury’s Living Standards Framework.

Taking action and making progress

The TSC supports businesses at all stages of their sustainability journey. Signatories agree to:

·       work towards the 12 TSC Commitments;

·       set sustainability goals, take practical action and track progress over time;

·       embed sustainability into business systems, processes and plans;

·       complete the annual TSC Declaration; and

·       communicate sustainability efforts and progress to customers, communities and other stakeholders

Businesses do not need to meet every Commitment straight away. What matters is making a start, setting realistic goals and continuing to make progress over time. Practical guidance, resources and advice from TIA’s sustainability team help signatories along the way.

Each year, we conduct the TSC Declaration, a short survey asking signatories about their sustainability actions, progress and challenges. It confirms their ongoing commitment and helps TIA understand industry progress and better target support and resources.

After completing the annual TSC Declaration, signatories receive a dated TSC logo showing their current commitment for the year shown. It recognises participation and progress; it is not certification, accreditation or verification of sustainability performance.

Joining the TSC

New Zealand tourism businesses and organisations can join the TSC at any time. All signatories join the same industry-wide programme and work towards the same 12 TSC Commitments. Participation is included for TIA members, who contribute to the TSC through their membership. Organisations that are not TIA members can join as non-member signatories and make an annual TSC contribution of $100 + GST. Non-member signatories also complete a separate annual recommitment and payment process, while TIA members reconfirm their commitment through the annual TSC Declaration. Sign up to the TSC here.

For details about joining and annual participation, see the TSC Frequently Asked Questions and TSC Terms and Conditions.