Bella Vista first to achieve Qualmark Enviro Award across entire network

Qualmark has this week named Bella Vista as the first accommodation network to achieve an Enviro Award across its entire group.

Bella Vista has 28 locations nationwide, consisting of 27 motels and a hotel, and has been a member of Qualmark since 1998.

Qualmark's General Manager Tim Keeling says achieving Qualmark Enviro Awards across all members is a significant achievement.

"While all Qualmark accredited businesses meet environmental and social responsibility criteria - achieving an Enviro Award recognises their additional commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

"Bella Vista's ability to meet the criteria across their network shows their commitment to achieving and maintaining its environmental performance across all areas of its operations."

Commenting on the achievement, Bella Vista Chairman Tim Henderson says; "We are extremely proud that Bella Vista has been able to achieve an Enviro Award across our entire accommodation network throughout New Zealand.

"Ensuring we use our resources well, manage waste and minimise our impact on the environment not only helps us manage our business costs, but also benefits the communities we work in. We have a sustainability action plan in place which all of our motels and hotel follow to ensure we maintain this rating."

Launched in 2008, the Qualmark Enviro Award assesses busiesses in the areas of waste management, energy and water efficiency, environmental conservation and community support. Operators that perform highly are able to apply to display Qualmark Enviro Award logos, with this achievement recognised through levels of Gold, Silver and Bronze.

"Sitting alongside the Qualmark quality assurance logo, these ratings help international visitors identify tourism businesses that have made a substantial commitment to responsible tourism practices - making it easier for travellers to select high quality and sustainable places to stay, things to do, and ways to get around," says Mr Keeling.

Notes to editors:

Qualmark is New Zealand tourism's official quality assurance organisation, providing recognition of quality tourism experiences. Its role is to ensure international and domestic travellers can easily select high quality, professional and sustainable tourism products. Through the provision of independent quality assurance, Qualmark gives consumers and travel trade further confidence in the products and experiences they purchase.

Qualmark is supported by leading tourism industry organisations, and operates as a service for the New Zealand tourism industry. www.qualmark.co.nz

The Bella Vista accommodation network was the brainchild of the late Ian Little.  His vision was to establish an accommodation network throughout New Zealand focusing on consistency, reliability and geographical spread. The first Bella Vista was established in Christchurch in 1998 and the network has now increased to 27 Motels with a Hotel at Auckland Airport. The network is proud of its achievements and continues to strive to deliver a consistent guest experience to all who choose to stay within the network.
"Everywhere you go, we'll be there for you."