Published on
August 22, 2025
Tourism New Zealand is grabbing attention in a fresh online series focused on eco-friendly travel, created by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Called Travel Redefined: Tourism for People and Planet, this is GSTC’s first worldwide digital project designed to showcase smart sustainability efforts in the travel sector.
As the travel sector enters a new era defined by conscious choices and environmental responsibility, Travel Redefined emphasizes the critical importance of sustainability. Through in-depth storytelling and expert insights, the series explores how regenerative tourism fosters positive impacts on communities, ecosystems, and local economies. It shares real-world examples of organizations and destinations that are championing responsible travel worldwide.
Aotearoa New Zealand was chosen to feature in the series due to its strong reputation for sustainable tourism and excellence in hosting business events. The New Zealand segment delves into tiakitanga, the Māori principle of guardianship and care for people and the environment, showcasing how this ethos is integrated into tourism operations and visitor experiences across the country.
The films highlight notable New Zealand operators, including Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours and Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, both of which hold Qualmark Gold accreditation. Qualmark’s Sustainable Tourism Business criteria are recognized by the GSTC, ensuring that members adhere to global sustainability standards in key areas such as environmental management, cultural preservation, community engagement, and health and safety.
The digital series serves as a worldwide call to action, encouraging policymakers, industry leaders, travelers, and innovators to harness tourism as a force for positive change. By presenting practical examples and actionable strategies, the series underscores tourism’s potential to contribute to biodiversity conservation, reduce carbon emissions, promote green mobility, implement responsible waste practices, support equitable economic development, and create inclusive and culturally respectful experiences.
Produced in collaboration with Content With Purpose, a strategic content agency focused on sustainable development, the series demonstrates how tourism can be a catalyst for social, cultural, economic, and environmental progress. Each episode emphasizes best practices and offers a blueprint for destinations seeking to align growth with long-term sustainability goals.
By spotlighting New Zealand’s approach, Travel Redefined not only celebrates the country’s leadership in responsible tourism but also inspires the global travel community to prioritize stewardship, innovation, and cultural respect in every aspect of travel.
Tourism New Zealand’s spotlight in Travel Redefined: Tourism for People and Planet highlights our country as a leader in sustainable and regenerative tourism. By weaving the Māori value of tiakitanga—care for people, land, and waterways—into every travel experience and sharing top-notch examples of responsible tourism, New Zealand shows the world that travel can uplift communities, safeguard nature, and boost inclusive economic growth at the same time. The series inspires destinations globally, proving that tourism, anchored in sustainability and respect for culture, can leave a lasting, positive mark on both people and the planet.
