Partners
Key Partners
To support our members, Qualmark partners with key organisations in the tourism industry.
Air New Zealand
Since March 2022, the Air New Zealand website (developed in partnership with Bookme) exclusively promotes Qualmark accredited operators & bookable products, as a commitment to Aotearoa New Zealand’s success as a world class and sustainable destination.
Our team also worked closely with Air New Zealand to celebrate Qualmark's 30th anniversary by creating an in-flight video showcasing our wonderful members across the country.
Ekos
Qualmark has recently partnered with carbon management platform Ekos, to further support members in taking the next step in their sustainability journey. Qualmark members receive an exclusive 15% discount on Ekos fees for verifying and/or certifying their GHG emissions inventory. The 15% discount applies to all Ekos services, excluding offsetting and third-party services.
Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
Qualmark joined the GSTC as a destination member in 2021. In August 2023, our STB Criteria became the first in New Zealand to gain official recognition by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This means businesses can be confident that achieving Qualmark accreditation meets global standards of sustainability, and guarantees that our STB Criteria supports tourism businesses to become more sustainable from a people, environmental and operational perspective.
Qualmark Accommodation providers may also be eligible to participate in GSTC’s Market Access program where prominent online travel agencies (OTA’s) and various international travel providers highlights sustainable accommodations.
New Zealand Māori Tourism (NZMT)
Since 2022, Qualmark has partnered with New Zealand Māori Tourism to ensure māori owned tourism businesses are supported to provide a valuable experience for visitors. This partnership aims to increase the visibility of cultural experiences & story telling across Aotearoa New Zealand.
New Zealand Wine Growers (NZWA)
Qualmark began working closely with New Zealand Wine Growers in 2021 to further support vineyards interested in providing a valuable cellar door & tourism experience.
In August, the first ever Qualmark New Zealand Wine Tourism Award was presented to a New Zealand Wine Grower member. The award was presented at the Altogether Unique 2024 Industry Celebration dinner and has inspired the wine tourism industry to continue striving for sustainable tourism excellence.
Orbit
Qualmark members whose sustainability efforts have been assessed and accredited with a Sustainable Tourism Business Award are profiled more easily within Orbit Plus+ preferred supplier programme. This collaboration empowers Orbit clients to make informed and sustainable choices when booking accommodation for business travel.
Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs)
RTO’s receive a specialised monthly report on the Qualmark accredited members within their region to have a clear overview of the tourism businesses under their care. Qualmark also promotes regional tourism organisations through the assessments and reports of operators that could benefit from working more closely with their local RTO.
Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)
The Tourism Export Council is a trade association representing the inbound tourism sector. In 2012, Qualmark and TECNZ partnered to develop an exclusive "Tourism Export Council Inbound Tour Operator" logo and criteria, used to assess tourism businesses who are members of both organisations. All IBO’s and at least 75% of TEC itineraries are required to be Qualmark accredited operators.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa
Our Sustainable Tourism Business (STB) Criteria and TIA’s Tourism Sustainability Commitment (TSC) are aligned for the wider benefit of the Aotearoa New Zealand tourism industry.
In 2023, Qualmark members also received priority to attend the nation's biggest tourism trade event, TRENZ.
Tourism New Zealand
Qualmark works closely with the team at Tourism New Zealand to provide marketing opportunities and further support for tourism businesses. Qualmark members benefit through this collaboration with eligibility for travel trade events (i.e. Kiwilink), PR & social media content, and by receiving 3x more referrals on newzealand.com.