Stewardship in Action: Mat Woods on Leading Sustainable Tourism in Queenstown NZ

In this episode of the Business Class Podcast, host Steve Ekstrom welcomes Mat Woods, the CEO of Destination Queenstown in New Zealand. Mat shares his unexpected journey from running a retail chain specializing in outdoor gear to becoming the CEO of a regional tourism office. He highlights his passion for the outdoors and his commitment to environmental stewardship, detailing his efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices in tourism. His insights reveal how personal experiences and a deep love for nature shaped his professional path and fueled his drive to make a positive impact on the environment.

Mat delves into the concept of regenerative tourism, explaining how it goes beyond environmental conservation to include economic, social, and cultural well-being. He shares examples of innovative initiatives in Queenstown, such as the elimination of single-use coffee cups and the creation of the world’s first electric jet boat. These projects demonstrate how local businesses and the community are rethinking tourism to ensure it benefits both visitors and residents while protecting the environment. Mat emphasizes the importance of slow travel and building meaningful connections between tourists and the local community to enhance the visitor experience.

The episode also explores how COVID-19 provided a unique opportunity for Queenstown to reassess and reinvent its tourism strategy. Mat discusses the development of the Destination Management Plan, a comprehensive framework aimed at achieving regenerative tourism by 2030. He explains the collaborative efforts with the community to identify key priorities and values, such as decarbonization and preserving local culture. Through engaging storytelling and practical advice, Mat Woods inspires other destinations to embrace stewardship and sustainability, creating a model for future tourism that prioritizes the planet and its people.

Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org.