Tourism is important for New Zealand’s future economic growth. It contributes $18.6 billion to the economy each year—9% of New Zealand’s gross domestic product. It is also an important source of employment. One in every 10 New Zealanders works in the tourism industry. Tourism is our largest export sector. International visitors contribute $9.3 billion to the economy each year, which accounts for approximately 19.2% of export earnings. During the year ended January 2010, 2.4 million international visitors arrived in New Zealand. Domestic visitors are also a vital part of the tourism industry. They contribute $12.4 billion to the economy each year, and they help sustain tourism businesses during the low season.
Tourism is also an important source of economic growth for the South Canterbury area. Many people in the region provide essential tourist services, such as accommodation, passenger transport, adventure operations and food and beverage venues. With the provision of a diverse range of tourism services comes the related various legal issues, ranging from employment law to resource management.
RSM Law
At RSM Law we recognise the significance of the contribution that all who work in the tourism sector, contribute to the local economy.
We wish to raise awareness of these issues for, and provide assistance to tourism operators on such legal issues, relating to tourism and marketing.
Legal Issues to Consider:
They include, but are not limited to:
Employment: employment contracts, trading day laws, dispute resolution, PAYE, holidays, ACC levies, OSH compliance, work visas, unions
Property: sale and purchase of property, leases, compliance with District Plan, RMA consents, DOC concessions, building consents
Activities: Instructor licensing, DOC concessions, safety plans, hunting and fishing permits/licences, passenger transport licensing
Hospitality: liquor licensing, food hygiene standards, fire safety
Promotion/Marketing: Fair Trading Act (deceptive/misleading advertising); Consumer Guarantees Act (goods and services to be of acceptable quality and fair price/value); Terms of Trade to be clear and not misleading, and available on request; offers, promotions, and competitions - what are the guidelines and restrictions?
Privacy Act Issues: collection, use, storage - of personal information; confidentiality; prohibition on disclosure to third parties.
Miscellaneous: easements etc for walkway access, the National Cycleway, insurance, OSH liability, smoking laws, certification for Qualmark etc; unsolicited emails and electronic communications.
