New Graduates to Improve Chinese Visitor Experience in New Zealand

The first students in a new tour guide accreditation system graduate today, marking a milestone in New Zealand’s tourism relationship with China.

The Approved Destination Status (ADS) Tour Guide Graduation ceremony in Auckland, will see around 70 tour guides graduate from an intensive training course run by the Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation (ATTTO).

"The aim is to ensure that Chinese visitors have the best possible experience in New Zealand," said George Hickton, Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive.

"There are now over 115,000 Chinese visitors to New Zealand every year and this number is growing rapidly.

"Of all our key markets, the Chinese are one of the most dependent on their guides with regards to language, giving guides a high level of responsibility. We hope this training will go some way to ensuring that guides help their visitors experience the real New Zealand."

New Zealand gained Approved Destination Status in 1999, making it one of the first countries in the world to be able to allow Chinese holidaymakers to choose New Zealand as a destination.

An ADS Code of Conduct was developed in 2007 by the Ministry of Tourism and Tourism New Zealand in consultation with Industry New Zealand, the Inbound Tour Operators Council and tour operators.

The Code includes a number of obligations that tour operators have towards visitors who travel with ADS tour groups. Part of these obligations is to use tour guides who are suitably experienced and qualified, and who are able to communicate effectively in both Chinese and English.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, New Zealand, Graduates