Positively Wellington Tourism is offering tourism businesses the opportunity to be involved in the government-funded Sustainable Advisors in Regions (STAR) programme. For a minimal membership fee businesses will gain one-on-one expert advice on how to make their business more sustainable.
What is STAR?
The Sustainable Tourism Advisers in Regions (STAR) programme is funded by the Ministry of Tourism and is designed to help businesses, and therefore New Zealand, live up to its promise as a responsible destination. A number of regional tourism organisations have been granted funding to deliver the subsidised programme, including Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT).
How much does it cost?
Businesses are required to pay a nominal one-off fee of:
1-10 FTEs: $200
11-20 FTEs: $400
21+ FTEs: $600
How much would the kind of one-on-one advice STAR offers cost me on the open market?
Typical commercial rates for this type of specialist consultation would normally cost about $1000 a day.
What is the process?
Once you sign up the contractors delivering Wellington’s programme, Tourism Resource Consultants (TRC), will assess your current business practices and supply you with a sustainability report outlining current good practice and opportunities for improvement. This then forms an agreed action plan with tailored tools and advice for your business. Businesses need to be willing to commit to implementing actions. Some actions will be costly and time consuming, some will be cheap and easy - it’s up to you what you wish to do and how much you want to progress. TRC will then check in with you within six months to see how you’re going.
What areas are assessed?
STAR is aligned with Qualmark's Responsible Tourism criteria, and will help maximise business performance in areas such as energy efficiency, waste management and water conservation. It will also provide advice and opportunities for involvement with conservation and community initiatives in Wellington.
How much of my valuable time will this take up?
The initial assessment can take anything from 3 hours to a full day, depending on your business. But you won’t be needed for all this time. The action plan will outline initiatives that you can factor into your day-to-day business.
Will joining STAR help me improve my Qualmark Enviro rating?
It can, but you have to do the work of course. STAR is aligned with Qualmark’s Responsible Tourism programme and will provide the tools and advice you need to go for the Enviro rating you’re aiming for. It’s up to you to implement the actions though and your result will depend on your business’ commitments.
Why should I be part of STAR, rather than doing things on my own?
Consumers are becoming increasingly wary of ‘green-washing’, and are looking for official endorsement to ensure businesses are as good as they say they are. Aligning yourself with a government-funded programme will not only help you achieve results quicker, it will give you credibility.
Does being a member of STAR really offer me market advantage?
In both the US and Europe, 58% of the general population state that environmental friendliness increases their likelihood of purchase (Source: Source: NI US & European Research quoted in Global Lifestyle of Health & Sustainability Report August 2008); and according to the Regional Visitor Monitor, 54% of visitors consider being environmentally friendly as an important factor during their holiday. You do the maths.
What other benefits does being a member of STAR offer?
Doing your bit for brand Wellington and showing you’re absolutely positively serious about saving the world and your bottom line not enough!? Ok then, here are some more good reasons to join:
- Members will be listed in the media section of WellingtonNZ.com
- PWT will host quarterly workshops
- We’ll give you a special STAR Partner logo on WellingtonNZ.com
I’ve already got Qualmark Enviro-Gold – should I still look at being involved?
Absolutely. You won’t need to go through the assessment process so you can become a Friend of STAR for $150 and receive the other benefits. Your involvement in STAR will not only be good leverage for your business, it will help other businesses take on the challenges you’ve been through.
What if I’m not Qualmarked?
You can still sign up to STAR, but Qualmark businesses are given first priority. If you are not already part of Qualmark but would like to be, they will waive their joining fee for STAR members.
Why should I sign up now? I’m desperately trying to cut costs in these tough times.
You can gain a valuable point of difference in the face of competition and there's potential to add value to your product offer. This is more crucial than ever in the current economic climate – businesses adopting responsible practices will be able to differentiate themselves in the face of any declining consumer purchasing power.
I’m keen. How do I sign up?
Contact Michael Grace at Positively Wellington Tourism.
Phone: +64 4 916 1206
Download a copy of the STAR factsheet
