This archive report was first published on 19 December 2019.
Published on December 19, 2019, a parliamentary report has sounded the alarm on the environmental impact of New Zealand's booming tourism industry.
The report, led by parliamentary commissioner for the environment Simon Upton, highlights the strain on infrastructure, the pressure on the environment, and the loss of the qualities that make New Zealand an attractive destination.
With almost four million international visitors annually, New Zealand's population of 4.9 million is facing a significant challenge. The number of visitors is expected to treble by 2050, putting further pressure on the environment.
Upton warned that the sheer numbers of tourists are eroding the sense of isolation, tranquility, and access to nature that many overseas visitors seek. He asked, 'Are we in danger of killing the goose that laid the golden egg?'
The report also points out that New Zealanders are part of the problem, with domestic holidays outnumbering overseas tourists at major holiday spots. Upton noted that the tourism industry has escaped environmental scrutiny for too long, generating about NZ$16.2 billion ($10.7 billion) in export earnings annually.
However, Trade body Tourism Industry Aotearoa has agreed with Upton's assessment, stating that new approaches are needed to manage environmental impacts. 'Nobody wants tourism at all costs... we want to work with our communities to shape the tourism future they want,' said TIA chief executive Chris Roberts.
