New Brighton’s hot pools has been awarded a Qualmark Gold Award.
A Gold Award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand, with the delivery of exceptional customer experiences an integral part of everything they do.
A Gold Sustainable Tourism Award identifies those businesses leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.
Other Christchurch attractions with the Gold Award include the Tram City Tour, Christchurch Gondola, Black Cat Cruises and Punting on the Avon.
He Puna Taimoana Manager Merryn Skipper says this award is a big deal as it will draw the attention of tourism operators organising tours, and with the country opening up to overseas visitors, the hot pools have moved themselves into the top group of experiences in the Canterbury area.
She says while the Qualmark Gold is a great recognition of our business so far, it means we will keep improving what we offer to both locals and those coming to our city for a great experience. We will also be highlighting the sustainability of our operation.
The New Brighton Residents Assn believes this is a big deal for the Coastal space as a whole as the focus slowly shifts to our beach/river/estuary/dunes environment as a tourist attraction.
Spokesperson Brian Donovan says there are so many business opportunities around this, and eventually there will be an added value to the hot pools with packages including other experiences.
He believes the Coastal area is not just about housing and retail but creating tourism opportunities out of our natural ecology.
“A few hours at the hot pools could be followed by a coffee in Carnaby Lane, a waka tour through the estuary via the Avon featuring the wildlife and early Maori history, and for the adventurous, a cycle tour alongside the river.”
He is of the view we must build on the He Puna Taimoana success story.
