Adventure tourism forums highlight safety

Adventure tourism and commercial outdoor operators are being offered support to ensure their visitor activities are as safe as possible before the peak season gets underway.

The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) is running Adventure Forums in three centres around New Zealand over the next two weeks, starting in Christchurch on Wednesday 17 October.

The Forum will update attendees on the new adventure activities regulations and safety audit requirements. Aimed at operators, contractors and senior staff responsible for safety management systems, the Forums will provide advice and information on the safety guidance material that has been developed for New Zealand operators.

TIA Advocacy Manager Geoff Ensor says the Forum will challenge operators to ensure they have done all they can to ensure the safety of their clients.

“The review showed that many operators are already operating to high standards. But there is always room for improvement and we want to do all we can to help operators avoid incidents and accidents. Even operators who are not directly affected by the regulations will benefit from attending these Forums.”

Workshop registration is free. Go to www.tianz.org.nz/main/Adventure-Forums to register, and for dates and venues.

Note to editors: The Forums are not open to the media but TIA representatives will be available for interview after each event. Please contact TIA for more details.