Smart Regenerative

Tourism (SmaRT) App

Transforming Tourism for a Better Tomorrow

Update on SmaRT App

IPTR Stream One and Stream Two

The feasibility study for SmaRT app was co-Funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) through the Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery (IPTR) – Stream One. The project was shortlisted for the final round of Stream Two IPTR programme.

IPTR Closure

However, as part of the wider fiscal sustainability programme (budget 2024) of the current government, the decision was made to return the remaining funding to the Treasury and close the IPTR. We received the news 56 minutes after the announcement of budget 2024.

Endorsements

The SmaRT App project is endorsed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), and The Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) and together we planed to guide the tourism industry’s shift toward regenerative practices and facilitate projects such as the ‘Zero Carbon Itinerary’ and ‘The Mārahau Pledge’.

Crowdfunding

Given the current circumstances we are exploring alternative options including, self funding the SmaRT App and crowdfunding to include all aspects or the project highlighted in our IPTR Stream Two funding application.

Seeking your support | Crowdfunding

Project Team

The project is led by Sustainability and Resilience Institute (SRI) New Zealand and our team members include Emeritus Professor David Simmons, prominent figure in the field of tourism and is the founder of tourism degree studies in New Zealand. His dedication and outstanding contributions to tourism and tertiary education earned him the prestigious Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit award.

Adam Hutchinson, an innovative technology serial entrepreneur and the founder of CamperMate, GeoZone, Overcome, and RoadTrippers, joins us as an advisor, contributing his expertise in app development. Adam’s previous work has been influential in reshaping New Zealand’s Caravan and camping Industry.

Crowdfunding

Your support at this critical stage is essential for the success of our groundbreaking project. Without the necessary funding, all the hard work and resources we’ve invested will be in jeopardy.

We are on the brink of something extraordinary, and with your investment, we can bring this vision to life. Your contribution will not only help us achieve our goals but also be a part of a revolutionary venture that has the potential to make a lasting impact.

If our project resonates with you, we would be delighted to share the detailed business case, outlining the extensive research, strategic planning, and the unique value proposition that sets us apart. Your involvement at this stage is more than just financial support; it’s a vote of confidence in our mission and the future we are striving to create.

We look forward to having you join us on this exciting journey and are eager to provide any additional information you may need to make an informed decision. Together, we can turn this innovative project into a reality.

Please sign-up to show your support and we will get back to you as necessary.

SmaRT App Project Brief

Our primary goal is to make tourism in New Zealand regenerative, ensuring it gives back more than it takes. The SmaRT App will be the hub for eco-conscious travel, educating visitors, assisting businesses, and promoting decarbonisation.

We aim to highlight visitors’ lifetime value, fostering loyalty and support for New Zealand while benefiting local communities, businesses, and the environment. The project is based on the ‘Regenerative Tourism Model’ and ‘Regenerative Tourism Framework’ and ‘Regenerative Tourism Indicators’ developed through the ‘Project Regenerative Tourism’.

Vision and Mission Statements

SmaRT App Vision

The SmaRT App envisions leading the transformation of tourism in New Zealand by creating a robust platform that integrates regenerative practices into every facet of the travel experience. This vision is crucial as it addresses several pressing issues including:

1) Environmental Degradation

Traditional mass tourism often leads to overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, and habitat destruction. The SmaRT App’s focus on conservation helps mitigate these impacts by promoting eco-friendly practices and encouraging tourists to engage in activities that support environmental health.

2) Community Benefit

Mass tourism frequently results in economic benefits that do not trickle down to local communities. The SmaRT App aims to ensure that tourism revenue supports local economies, preserving cultural heritage and promoting social equity.

3) Regenerative Practices

By fostering a culture of regenerative practices, the SmaRT App helps establish long-term practices that protect the environment and support community well-being, ensuring that tourism remains viable for future generations.

SmaRT App Mission

SmaRT App launch a smart application to develop tailored guides and multimedia content is fundamental to educating and guiding stakeholders towards regenerative tourism. This mission aligns with the MBIE’s focus on regenerative tourism and is critical in several ways:

1) Empowerment through Education

Creating comprehensive guides and courses enables tourism stakeholders to adopt regenerative practices confidently. This educational approach ensures that tourism professionals understand and implement sustainable practices, leading to industry-wide change.

2) Carbon Footprint Reduction

The app’s focus on measuring and reducing carbon emissions is vital in the fight against climate change. By providing tools to track and minimise their carbon footprint, tourists and businesses can make more informed decisions that contribute to decarbonising the tourism sector.

3) Harmonious Interaction

The SmaRT App fosters a harmonious relationship between travellers, tourist host communities and the environment by promoting activities that support conservation efforts. This approach ensures that tourism does not come at the expense of environmental health but rather contributes positively to it leaving.