New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance organisation Qualmark, has presented the West Coast Wild Life Centre – Franz Josef and Shantytown Heritage Park- Greymouth with the most challenging to attain Gold tourism sustainability business award.
Qualmark has recognised that both businesses are focused on protecting what makes New Zealand unique and special, including our incredible natural environment and close connections with the local community. All while maintaining the delivery of superior quality, safe visitor experiences, and helping our communities.
Director of the West Coast Wildlife Centre, Richard Benton states, “The team and I are delighted that Qualmark has recognised both Shantytown and ourselves- as two leading West Coast visitor attractions leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world-class sustainable visitor destination and supporting our communities.”
The Gold Award recognises the very best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand, with the delivery of exceptional customer experiences an integral part of everything they do.”
Shantytown Heritage Park staff echo Mr Benton’s remarks. Events and Marketing Manager Laugharne Kemp acknowledges, “It has taken over 50 years for Shantytown to attain the Qualmark Gold Award. We have been on the cusp of making the jump from Silver to Gold many times.” He continues, “Despite all of the turmoil that tourism has faced recently, our team and our friends at the West Coast Wildlife Centre have maintained focus on improving our respective businesses despite the uncertainty of the future.”
Qualmark is New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance organisation, providing a trusted guide to iconic travel experiences. Owned by Tourism New Zealand and backed by leading industry organisations, Qualmark provides a grading system for accommodation providers and a quality endorsement programme for visitor activities, service and transport providers as an official mark of quality. The Gold Qualmark logo means you can book confidently, knowing that the experience is quality-assured to the highest possible standards.
