NZ Environment Minister Damien O'Connor yesterday launched a new scheme in which tourism operators' green credentials will be ranked. He said it would give NZ the edge over Australia in attracting environmentally aware travellers from far-flung destinations. Under the move, more than 2100 tourism businesses will be rated in terms of their environmental performance from August. The move aims to counter fears in Europe and North America that long-haul flights to New Zealand should be avoided because of the carbon emissions they would create. NZ authorities already rank many tour operators through a scheme known as Qualmark, which accredits operators seen as professional and trustworthy. The scheme will introduce new Qualmark ratings of Enviro-Gold, Enviro-Silver and Enviro-Bronze for companies which meet benchmarks in energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation and community.

Mr. O'Connor said the new ratings would give New Zealand an advantage over Australia, which also faces challenges in attracting environmentally aware travellers.  "Absolutely, and I think (advantage) over all the other competing destinations that are emerging, be they in South-East Asia or South America," he said at the TRENZ tourism conference at Rotorua. But he agreed the challenge of attracting long-haul travellers was one Australia and New Zealand authorities might have to work on jointly.  He said the Rudd Government's move to ratify the Kyoto Protocol had meant it was easier for New Zealand to work with Australia on environmental issues without tarnishing its image.

"I think we have to be really careful that we wouldn't be dumping down our image," Mr. O'Connor said. "The fact that the (Australian) Government has committed to Kyoto is a huge advantage. "We are safer now in working with Australia than we were prior to the (Rudd) Government."