Sarah Coleman, the University of Florida’s Sustainability in New Zealand student blogger, writes:

Before I came to New Zealand, my perception of tourism involved Walt Disney World, casinos, selfie sticks, and overcrowded resorts. I imagined overpopulated cities full of souvenir shops and sight-seeing companies everywhere you turn. Before I came to New Zealand, I didn’t understand the importance tourism holds for a country’s economy and sustainability efforts. I failed to see the value tourism holds for education and appreciation of the environment.

We have been learning about sustainable tourism throughout our trip, and my perception of what tourism should be has developed substantially. Tourism provides a great opportunity to inform people who may not understand the precious and vulnerable land they are visiting. It can help boost a hurting economy and support conservation efforts.

This past week we had the opportunity to swim with wild dolphins through Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura and hear from the marketing and communications director from Whale Watch Kaikoura. Both of these organizations support the conservation of natural wildlife and their environments, respect and give back to their community, honor the Kiwi culture, create educational and enjoyable customer experiences, and maintain the integrity of their company. They work together to support one another and even interact with local charities.

Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura and Whale Watch Kaikoura are organizations that can teach us a lot about sustainable tourism and honest business methods. I believe that other organizations around the world should adopted the same value system of these companies in order to create a more harmonious, respectful, and eco-friendly world.