Although the New Zealand tourism industry may be booming, the social and economic impact is putting a serious strain on our local communities, says Massey University professor Regina Scheyvens.
In an effort to shift towards a more sustainable industry, academics and representatives are meeting in Auckland to discuss New Zealand tourism, hoping to align with the framework of the United Nations' sustainable development goals.
While the UN's sustainability goals verge on the likes of no poverty and no hunger may seem lofty, Ms Scheyvens outlined why it's important to begin to move to a more environmentally friendly industry as a whole.
"It's about the economy not just growing for the sake of growth, but really meeting the needs of the people, and without meeting the boundaries of planet earth, and without having too much negative impact on that," she told TVNZ 1's Breakfast.
"If we think about tourism, absolutely we've got growing numbers in New Zealand - 1.2 million extra tourists in the last five years - and it does start putting pressure on places like Queenstown, but even here in Auckland, like Waiheke Island and Matakana.
"With so many tourists going, it can start deteriorating the tourist experience, and it can be hard for residents too."
As for how to move to a more sustainable industry? Ms Scheyvens says that it all has to start at the top, with a trickle down effect the ideal scenario.
"You need to get industry on board, you need to get government on board supporting that and you need to then get the public, and I think that can work really well.
"It's a really big challenge to make sure that you're not undermining local businesses at the same time. But I think that there are businesses that are doing things really well."
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