good for your soul...
The Coromandel region has long led the way in the sustainable development of tourism in New Zealand, since developing one of New Zealand's first regional sustainable tourism strategies in the early 1990's.
The concept of Sustainable tourism refers to a level of tourism activity that can be maintained over the long term because it results in a net benefit for the social, economic, natural and cultural environments of the area in which it takes place.
In its formative years the Coromandel was plundered for its natural resources, gold, trees and seafood. A lot of the history relating to these days still exists in the many museums of the region.
Nowadays, the people of the Coromandel recognise the importance of keeping the region in its natural state for visitors and locals alike to enjoy, and tourism is by far the regions number one industry. The protected Coromandel Forest park covers most of the region, and there are Marine Reserves to protect the sealife.
Like many travellers these days you might be concerned with where the money is going when you visit a new place. By using socially and environmentally responsible tourism operators, you can ensure that your trip contributes to conservation efforts and to the well being of communities. Your travel choices make a difference.
Download our tips on how to be eco-wise and leave gentle footprints when travelling in New Zealand:
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When you choose one of our Coromandel Sustainable Tourism Group members to host you, you can be assured that you are patronizing a business that is aware of both its environment and its community.
Members have completed various steps of the Coromandel's Sustainable tourism programme to improve, monitor and manage their business following sustainable business practices. These businesses are keeping The Coromandel good for your soul and also the environment.
Look out for the sustainability mark within the operator details to find out if they are responsible tourism operator.
What's good for your soul?