DOC eases operators' concession renewal pain

More investment is expected in southern tourism, with a new deal with the Department of Conservation to improve concessions.

Until now many tourism businesses operating on DOC land have had to review their limited concessions every five years, a costly process with no guarantees of renewal.

DOC director-general Al Morrison said at the Tourism Industry Conference New Zealand yesterday that process would be scrapped, with existing concession holders offered 10 to 15-year concessions, providing they met certain environmental conditions, with good practice histories factored into future concession renewal.

Many of New Zealand's more-than-1500 limited tourism concessions are in Fiordland and the Lakes district, covering activities such as heli-skiing, walking tracks and marine tours.

Mr Morrison said the agreement allowed operators to plan for the future while rewarding good environmental practice.

Adventure South manager Geoff Gabites, who provides scenic biking trips throughout New Zealand, said the limited concessions had cost him $7000 to renew and put his business at risk.

"Each time their (tourism operator's) concession comes up they face complete uncertainty," he said.

"This (agreement) is one of the stronger moves I've seen in the last 10 years." Real Journeys chief executive Dave Hawkey said the agreement would make investment in the future much easier.

- © Fairfax NZ News