Tips for good practice in choosing a policy framework

• For a lot of Districts/Regions where tourism is not a major sector of the economy, the approach of having reference to tourism scattered throughout the Plan could work well;>
• A scattered approach can be strengthened by including clear links and cross references through-out the plan;
• Where tourism is a major sector of the economy or is concentrated in local ‘hubs’ there is merit in having a section of the Plan dedicated to tourism;
• Purely effects based plans, in the absence of a strong strategy, risk creating industry confusion because they do not provide sufficient direction for planners or operators and can result in ad hoc decision-making;
• In general, because of regional councils’ focus on managing natural resource values, a separate section on tourism may not be appropriate. Reference to tourism scattered throughout the plan may be more appropriate (with the possible exception of regional parks)
• Planners should be creative and develop a Plan with a structure, which reflects the sense of place and character of their own region/district. Taking this approach will assist Planners in identifying the best place(s) for tourism in the Plan;
• Many current Plans are too generic in nature and could apply to anywhere in New Zealand. This fails to reflect local sense of place which has tourist value;
• Carefully consider what your neighbours and other key stakeholders are doing (especially DoC).