Overview of the TSC
What am I signing up to?
The Tourism Sustainability Commitment was developed in November 2017 by industry for industry. Based on the United Nations' Sustainability Development Goals and aligned to the four capitals of the NZ Treasury’s Living Standards Framework, the TSC aims to ensure economic, environmental and social sustainability becomes a genuine ethical underpinning of our industry. The aim is for every tourism business in New Zealand to commit to operating sustainably by 2025. The greater the buy-in, the more powerful it will be. Acting responsibly now will equip the tourism industry to be successful in the long term. More about the TSC.
Values of the Tourism Sustainability Commitment
By becoming a supporter of the TSC, tourism businesses agree to operate with the values of Kaitiakitanga (guardianship and protection of our natural, built and cultural resources), Manaakitanga (respect, hospitality, generosity and care for others) and Whanaungatanga (working together and providing a sense of belonging).
The 12 Commitments
By becoming a supporter of the TSC, tourism businesses agree to work towards the 12 business commitments. It is not necessary to be already achieving these commitments - the idea is to make progress as an industry towards them. The commitments are:
Economic
1. Resilience: Focus on long-term business performance and resilience.
2. Investment: Invest to create value, opportunities and to drive sustainability practices.
3. Innovation: Innovate to solve problems, create new ways to do things and increase productivity.
Visitor
5. Culture and Heritage: Embrace Aotearoa New Zealand's culture and heritage as part of delivering a unique and authentic visitor experience.
6. Visitor Engagement: Engage with visitors about how to be great travellers within Aotearoa New Zealand.
Host Community
7. Employer of Choice: Attract, support and develop the workforce we need to flourish and succeed.
8. Community Engagement: Actively and positively engage with the communities in which we operate, taking a leadership role to champion causes that are important to the community.
9. Sustainable Supply Chains: Have socially and environmentally sustainable supply chains.
Environmental
10. Restoring Nature: Contribute to protecting and enhancing Aotearoa New Zealand's environment, including water, biodiversity, landscapes and clean air.
11. Carbon Reduction: Act urgently to contribute to Aotearoa New Zealand's transition to a net zero carbon economy.
12. Eliminating Waste: Take responsibility for the entire life cycle of products and services we use and ultimately eliminate the waste associated with these.
Requirements of the Tourism Sustainability Commitment
The requirements of the TSC are to:
- Have a sustainability plan with goals for all 12 Commitments
- Make measurable progress towards the goals
- Embed sustainability into business systems, processes and plans
- Provide an annual update on progress (by responding to a TIA survey)
- Communicate with communities and visitors about sustainability efforts
Terms & Conditions
Supporters of the TSC also agree to abide by the TSC Terms & Conditions.