TERMS & CONDITIONS

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Policy Intention | Information Use | Approval | Business Types | Activities | Transport | Accommodation | Qualmark logos

Intention of Policy

A key function of newzealand.com is to connect potential overseas visitors directly with destination New Zealand information, booking ability and quality products.

The intention of this policy is that all legitimate New Zealand based tourism operators,and key offshore partners who are promoting and selling travel to New Zealand, can be featured on www.newzealand.com

Businesses listed within this site are referred to as partners.

Partners do not need to have a current web presence via another domain in order to register. [top]

How this information will be used

The information collected during registration will be used in the following ways:

• To construct a unique Tourism New Zealand website entry for each approved partner, in accordance with the design and structure of the website (explained below)

• To register administrative contact details for each entry, as the basis for future communications between Tourism New Zealand and the partner

• If the partner agrees, as part of the web services provided by Tourism New Zealand to third parties, http://www.newzealand.com/travel/utilities/help/web-services.cfm, for the purposes of including the information on websites operated by those third parties.

Tourism New Zealand guarantees that it will not disclose, sell or rent the information provided for its database in part or in full, other than for the purposes listed above, without the prior permission of the partner*.

* The partner may give their permission for the content they provide to be shared with third parties, by accessing http://register.nztb.co.nz and selecting which groups will be able to access the content. These groups include Regional Tourism Organisations, Tourism Marketing Networks, Travel Sellers, and other groups. These groups have agreed that they will not disclose, sell or rent the content without the prior permission of the tourism operator.

By giving consent, the partner agrees to their content being shared with third party websites in the groups they select. Giving consent does not guarantee that the information provided will be posted on third party websites.

Tourism New Zealand does not take responsibility for material posted on other websites. If a partner no longer wishes its details to be published on other websites, Tourism New Zealand will request the information be removed when the third party website is next updated.

Information gathered in the registration process

The business for which the entry is being established must operate a legal tourism operation.

The business must be contactable by either telephone or email.

Without exception, all businesses that wish to list on newzealand.com must have an email address that is checked at least every 24 hours and a contact phone number, which is answered regularly ( Phone numbers that are placed on continual divert to answer phone or message service are not acceptable).

Tourism New Zealand must be able to contact the nominated web entry administrator when updates to the listing are required.

Tourism New Zealand uses e-mail or telephone to contact entry administrators and, as such, entry administrators must have a valid e-mail address and the means to check their e-mail regularly and/or be contactable by telephone.

All registrations must meet the minimum requirements for a listing. All mandatory fields will be indicated throughout the registration process.

Registrations must include:

• a description of the main business activity of the partner (minimum of 80 words);
• a summary of the business activity of the partner (minimum of 20 words);
• correct business contact details [top]

Registration Approval and Maintenance

When the partner first registers with this website, there will be a simple approval/validation/vetting procedure to ensure the information has been properly entered, that the entry is relevant and appropriate to newzealand.com based on Tourism New Zealand policies and that there are no obvious data input or categorisation errors.

All additions to newzealand.com via this website are at the full discretion of Tourism New Zealand.

There will be periodic reviews of partner site entries. Tourism New Zealand may choose to change an partner's category if it feels that the current category is not appropriate.

While Tourism New Zealand will monitor content and conduct reviews, Tourism New Zealand takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information that is provided by partners. Tourism New Zealand will not be responsible for any breach of copyright by partners in the information they provide.

Partners must log in to their listing(s) at least once a year to keep their listing active. Tourism New Zealand reserves the right to remove listings that have not been accessed by the administrator for longer than one year. Tourism New Zealand will endeavour to contact the administrator prior to removing the listing.

Tourism New Zealand may remove entries if:

• Partners are no longer operating the tourism business as described in the entry (Tourism New Zealand will endeavour to contact the partner prior to removal); or
• Tourism New Zealand deems the partner to be sub-standard or unprofessional in their operation or whereby Tourism New Zealand receives a consumer complaint with regards to the partner's conduct.
• Tourism New Zealand retains the right to determine the definition of sub-standard or unprofessional practices - these include non responses to complaints received international visitors and forwarded by Tourism New Zealand, the use of profanity in communications, and illegal business practices.
• Tourism New Zealand retains the right to remove any partner from the site if the listing compromises the delivery of a quality experience to international visitors. [top]

Registering a Business Type

Partners must choose the Business Type that best describes their business (from the list of Business Types outlined below).

Accommodation, Activities, Transport (operating from one office).

The partner must run the business (not just a booking agency and/or sub-contracting to someone else).

Professional administrators (e.g. website designers and hosts) can put in an entry, or multiple entries, for a partner, but the contact details for the business must be for the partner.

Once your business type is confirmed and information entered, you will need to select a business category. This must reflect the core nature of your business, as opposed to one aspect of what your business offers. If you have multiple businesses with different focuses, you should create multiple business categories.

Descriptions for separate business categories should be tailored to reflect each individual business focus. Blanket descriptions covering separate categories will not be accepted.

Accommodation operators may list in one accommodation activity only. If you have two separate types of accommodation, they must be entered as two different businesses with a different business name. Accommodation operators that host a specific type of client, i.e. fishermen or skiers, cannot list in Fishing and Skiing business categories unless they operate Fishing and Skiing activities as well as accommodation, and only then if this activity is available to the general public rather than exclusively for guests.

Information Centres with a physical location

The business must offer on-the-ground visitor information services to the general public. It is not a requirement to be a member of the official Visitor Information Network (i-SITE Visitor Centres) to register in this category. i-SITE Visitor Centres will be identified with the official Visitor Information Network brand : 'i-SITE'.

Information centres that belong to official Visitor Information Network will be placed at the top of the Information Centre listings, in a random order. Other information centres will follow, in a random order.

Head office with more than one branch

Businesses that operate more than one branch or outlet under the same business name.

Branch offices that operate a tourism business

Branch locations can only be entered under the login for the Head Office listing.

Branch Locations cannot list under "Accommodation, Activities, Transport (operating from one office)" if they are listed under a Head Office Listing.

Tourism New Zealand reserves the right to move outlets or branches to appear under the Head Office listing.

Booking services, informational websites and guide books

Partners must be a New Zealand registered company to list in this business type.

Information service providers may not enter under the category of 'New Zealand based businesses that operate a tourism activity'.

Once your business type is confirmed and information entered, you will need to select a business category. Travel Booking or Information Service providers may select ONE business category in which they specialise from the list of categories. If the Travel Booking or Information Service provider offers booking or information services for more than one activity they must choose either the 'Booking Services' or 'Information Services' activity.

Travel agents, tour operators and airlines based outside New Zealand which have not been Kiwi certified; or online booking agents based in New Zealand; or key partners with special offers

You must be an agent, partner, operator or airline that demonstrably supports New Zealand as a tourism destination to list in this category.

Kiwi Specialist certified travel agents and tour operators based outside New Zealand

You must be a member of one of Tourism New Zealand's Specialist Travel Agency programs to list in this category.

New Zealand based Tour businesses : Including Guided Tours and Sightseeing Tours

All Guided Tours, Sightseeing, and Independent Tours must be registered by the operator (i.e. the person operating the business). The person registering the Tour or Sightseeing operation cannot solely be a booking, information, or promotion agent.

Tour operators cannot register activities undertaken on the Tour unless they actually own and run the activity. For these activities to be registered, they must be open for people who do not participate in the tour.

A 'Guided Tour' must span two or more days, include overnight accommodation, and may include some of the following: Meals, transport, driver/guide in an itinerary style package.

All tours that span one day or part-day must be registered under the Sightseeing category unless indicated otherwise. (e.g. Wine Tours) [top]

Activities : As defined in the Sights & Activities section of newzealand.com

Note:

* Arts & Crafts. Operators may only register under the Arts and Crafts (Taonga) if they directly produce or make the goods themselves and showcase them to the general public, either through a gallery or retail store. Sole retailers of arts and crafts merchandise may not list on newzealand.com.

* Education. Organisations that operate an education service cannot register under each Activity category. They can list once under education and once under business. This does not include short, single day education courses, which the organisation can list under the related service in that activity segment. [top]

Transportation

The transport operation must:

• operate a scheduled, regular, timetabled service available to the public; or
• be available as a hop-on hop-off service; or
• where the main purpose of the business is for transport (as opposed to tours or sightseeing)

The operation may also include other activities or scenic stop-offs but these must be clear in the company's offer and be a part of the core product.

Operators may not list under a Tours category unless they ALSO operate a separate activity that focuses on Tours or Sightseeing in addition to the scheduled service. [top]

Accommodation

Requirements for New Zealand based accommodation businesses

The accommodation business must be located in New Zealand.

Accommodation operators may list in one accommodation category only for each separate, unique accommodation offer. To list in this category you must be the owner/manager or have exclusive renting or lease rights for the property.

If you have two separate types of accommodation, they must be registered as two different businesses with two different business/property names and tariffs.

Backpackers

The Backpackers category includes budget 'shared' accommodation in a hostel, lodge, or 'hotel' where the emphasis is on the active travelling experience and facilitating cultural and social interaction for like-minded guests.

Most offer a mixture of dormitories, double, twin and single rooms. Some rooms may include linen; otherwise this can be hired. Some rooms may also have TVs, fridges, tea/coffee and storage facilities.

Facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms, lounges and laundries are usually shared, although private and ensuite bathrooms are sometimes available.

Properties range from small converted houses to larger purpose built or refurbished hotel-like establishments.

Guest & Hosted

The Guest & Hosted category includes bed & breakfasts, farm stays, home stays, lodges and boutique accommodation providing 'home-like' or 'character' accommodation. There is normally an emphasis on the personal interaction between the guest and the host.

Kitchen/cooking facilities are not usually provided, although some properties may also offer self-contained cottages.

Depending on the style of the property, bedrooms may include tea and coffee making facilities, TV and a phone.

Lounge facilities are usually shared with the hosts and/or other guests. Bathrooms are usually ensuite, but may also be private or shared.

Breakfasts are a feature and are usually part of an all-inclusive tariff. In more remote areas, other meals may be provided on request.

Bed and Breakfast : Breakfast must be included in the tariff. The accommodation may offer meals but these will typically not be included in the nightly tariff. Guests will also have separate facilities to the hosts.

Homestay : Emphasis is on the experience and sharing facilities with the host. Breakfast and evening meals shared with the host. The tariff will typically include breakfast and evening meal.

Farmstay : Emphasis is on the farm experience and must be situated on a working farm. Facilities may be shared or separate. Breakfast and evening meals included in tariff.

Boutique accommodation : These properties are often an historic site or landmark, generally have character and are small and intimate. Breakfast is usually included in the tariff.

Lodges : New Zealand 's lodges offer fine accommodation and excellent cuisine in comfortable surroundings with the famed kiwi hospitality. Most offer specialist activities such as personalised fishing or wine tours, golfing or wilderness adventures, or spa facilities for guests only. Lodges may be purpose built or may utilise large older homes appropriately converted and refurbished. With up to just 20 rooms, many are in more remote waterfront, lakefront, rural or alpine locations. The tariff includes breakfast and dinner and may included pre-dinner drinks.

Holiday Park

The Holiday Park category includes camping grounds and motor camps usually with built or fixed accommodation such as cabins and tourist flats. All properties provide communal kitchens, toilets, showers and laundries as well as a variety of additional on-site facilities and services.

Powered and non-powered sites are provided for tents and campervans. Guests use communal facilities. Some parks also offer ensuite sites with water, drainage and private facilities and on-site caravans which may have cooking facilities.

Hotels

The Hotel category includes properties with at least one licensed bar and restaurant on the premises or adjacent with charge-back facilities. There is on-site management at all times.

All rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities and breakfast is available whether in a restaurant or breakfast room or via room service.

Some hotels have conference and banqueting facilities.

A standard or studio room usually has one room for both sleeping and living, with an ensuite bathroom. A suite will usually have a living room and at least one separate bedroom, and possibly a mini kitchen. Hotel apartments usually have both mini kitchens and laundry facilities.

Self Contained & Serviced

The Self Contained & Serviced category includes motels, motor lodges, motor inns, motel apartments, serviced apartments and serviced holiday homes which enable self catering.

Motels : Units are serviced daily or as otherwise agreed with the guest. They are self-contained providing at least tea and coffee-making facilities and a private or ensuite bathroom.

Often cooking facilities (microwave and/or hot plates or full stove) are provided within the accommodation unit so guests can prepare their own meals independently. Milk, tea, coffee and sugar are supplied for guests' immediate use. At extra cost, breakfasts can usually be ordered the night before.

A studio has one room for both living and sleeping. Other units can have one or more separate bedrooms.

Units may have TVs, phone, iron and modem for computer use. Car parking, often within close proximity to the unit, and all bedding and linen are provided. Laundry facilities are typically communal though some units may have their own laundry facilities. Accessible facilities may be available.

There is a responsible person constantly in charge on-site; frequently this is an owner-operator.

Serviced Apartments : Apartments are totally self contained providing fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities. They are typically serviced every two to three days or as otherwise arranged - more frequent servicing may incur additional costs.

Access to the apartment will normally be via a communal or shared access way and guest parking may or may not be available on site.

Properties are usually managed; the owner will not normally be involved in the day to day management of the property.

Holiday Homes : Homes are for single party bookings only. They are self contained, providing fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and may offer a range of added facilities such as TV, stereo, BBQ etc

Holiday Homes offer a variety of servicing options which are explained at the time of booking. Servicing may be daily, every two to three days or weekly. M ore frequent servicing is usually available and may incur additional costs.

Exclusive

The Exclusive category includes intimate, exclusive and highly individual establishments which offer the finest of locations, facilities, activities and service. They may range from destination retreats offering golf, fishing, food and wine or wilderness adventures, to stylish urban and design hotels and secluded beach or lake front villas.

They are escapes from the norm, with incomparable locations, admirably discreet staff, faultless service and outstanding activities and excursions. Most provide dinner which is usually included in the tariff along with other meals. However, some are bed and breakfast only, while others are self catering or available with chef and service staff.

The New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010 identified having quality visitor experiences across the entire value chain as a key objective for both the government and the New Zealand tourism industry. It is the statutory function of Tourism New Zealand to give effect to such objectives and, in doing so, it is focussed on representing businesses that are able to demonstrate that they adhere to principles of quality.

The Exclusive accommodation category will be listed at the top of the standard accommodation categories e.g. Guest and Hosted, Hotel or Self contained and serviced.

The Exclusive Accommodation category represents operators that are recognised as the most exclusive accommodation providers in New Zealand. To be listed under the Exclusive category on newzealand.com, they will need to demonstrate and show evidence of a independent accreditation under a third party quality rating system, which is widely recognised nationally by the New Zealand Tourism Industry for its robust assessment process, and classifies them as exclusive accommodation.  For example, Qualmark's Exclusive Accommodation category.

Once these criteria have been met, the receipt of an 'Exclusive' status will be dependant upon the experience of an unannounced third party overnight assessor.

The independent third party accreditation provider and quality rating system must be recognised and approved by Tourism New Zealand. Such recognition and approval will be provided on the basis of meeting the following criteria:

• An ability to operate independently and assess impartially;
• A means of ensuring consistency of assessment results across the country and within sectors, for example, consistency checked exercises, structured assessor training programmes and documented knowledge based about each system;
• An assessment methodology based on or held up as best practice; and
• An Assessment system which assesses against agreed industry standards e.g. Qualmark®.

NOTE: Accommodation operators who provide activities (in accordance with 'Other Activities' in the registration process) over and above accommodation may only register these activities if they are made available to the general public, and are not offered solely to guests at their accommodation. [top]

Qualmark and TIA Award Logos

Tourism New Zealand recognises Qualmark as an approved quality rating system. Operators that are Qualmark® endorsed or accredited under an approved quality rating system will be placed at the top of each category in a random order within each grade. Listings that are not endorsed by an approved third party quality assurance programme will follow in random order within the category they are listed.

Qualmark® graded or quality endorsed operators will have the appropriate Qualmark logo attached to their listing.

TIA Awards may only be attached to listings for a period of two years. Tourism New Zealand reserves the right to remove outdated logos from operator listings. [top]