It is feared cost-cutting by Tourism New Zealand quality assurance organisation Qualmark will reduce the quality of NZ’s tourism product. In response to increasing costs to deliver its service, Qualmark, from April 1, will only conduct an initial in-person assessment for new business members — from then on, they’ll be online each year. Till Covid, Queenstowner Amanda Cushen was a Qualmark assessor for 12 years, looking after 220 accommodation properties from Mount Cook south. If Qualmark’s funding’s an issue, he suggests it receive a share of the international visitor levy that’s targeted for tourism. ‘‘What I would say is it depends on how good the online system is.’’scoop@scene.co.nz

Source: Otago Daily Times March 27, 2026 15:58 UTC