Checking In with Professor James Higham

New Zealand’s coalition government has recently announced its intention to allow invasive introduced hunting species to be maintained in our National Parks. But behind this plan is an extensive suite of other proposed law changes that have received less attention. These changes do risk our National Parks - so valued for conservation - being reduced to tourist Game Parks. 

New Zealand tourism is at a crossroads. But fortunately New Zealand tourism has been and continues to be served by a small number of thought leaders who care deeply about tourism and offer outstanding leadership for the sector. One of those people is Glenys Coughlan. 

Last week the New Zealand government unveiled its Tourism Growth Roadmap which aims to supercharge tourism arrivals to New Zealand. So what investments in infrastructure and protections for environments and communities are in place to sustainably manage supercharged growth?

It is no coincidence that some of the most breathtaking and iconic attractions in Aotearoa are also the most geologically active. Tourism destinations such as Rotorua, Queenstown, Aoraki and Piopiotahi offer awe-inspiring visitor experiences, but also the risks of natural disaster. So how can we strengthen the connections between tourism operators and emergency managers so that when disaster strikes, communities and visitors alike are better supported? 

Last year in my first podcast I talked about the Mayor of Santorini asking residents to stay at home to make space for hordes of cruise passengers coming ashore. Now mass tourism is back in the news in Europe with the start of a new summer season. So what does this mean for New Zealand? Can we fulfil out potential to be global leader on sustainable tourism?

Aviation is the Achilles heel of sustainable tourism. It accounts for 52% of direct global tourism emissions. For decades the aviation industry has repeatedly failed to deliver its promise of sustainable aviation. Now it appears that a new model is emerging. Finally, an industry-led voice is calling for demand management.

Space tourism is back in the news following the all-female Blue Origin space mission on 15th April. That mission has raised lots of questions and a lot of criticism from the global public. Space might be the final frontier for humankind, but it may also be the ultimate frontier for unsustainable tourism.