According to Fiona Luhrs, Tourism Industry Association Chief Executive, the increasing consumer awareness of environmental affairs offers a promising opportunity for the tourism industry of New Zealand.

Two-thousand organisations and businesses are represented by The Tourism Industry Association within the tourism industry.

The members that are included are: accommodation providers, airlines, airport operators, inbound tour companies, providers of tourism services, regional tourism organisations, rental car, coach and taxi operators and training organizations.

The Association arranges the New Zealand Tourism Industry Awards, the New Zealand Tourism Industry Conference and TRENZ, PURE LUXURY New Zealand.

While speaking today at the Tourism Industry Conference 2007, she said that the environment and the scenery of New Zealand are the main drawcards for the international tourists.

Ms. Luhrs said, "But we are a long-haul destination for most of our international markets, and concerns about carbon emissions and the environmental impacts of travel are increasing in the UK and Germany in particular. We have an opportunity to ensure international visitors are compelled to travel to New Zealand because we offer outstanding, world class, 'responsible travel' choices".

More than 300 delegates from the tourism industry of New Zealand spent their day discussing the options to meet the challenges of growing awareness of environmental issues among international tourists.

The Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Association also said that several tourism companies were already actively making efforts to cut down their impact on the environment.

A panel comprising 5 such operators was included in today's session. These included Awaroa Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park, Dive! Tutukaka, InterCity Group, Potiki Adventures of Auckland and White Island Tours.