We Retreat Joins Tourism Industry Aotearoa: A Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Written by Natasha Lombart
At We Retreat, our mission has always been to create transformative wellness experiences that honor and protect the natural beauty of Aotearoa.
Today, we are excited to announce our official membership with Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) and our commitment to the Tourism Sustainability Commitment—a framework that aligns with our values and vision for a more responsible tourism sector.
Why We Joined Tourism Industry Aotearoa
Tourism is a powerful force for good when done responsibly. As a growing wellness retreat brand, we recognize our role in shaping the future of travel experiences that are both enriching for our guests and regenerative for the environment. By joining TIA, we gain access to a network of like-minded businesses, industry insights, and sustainability resources that will help us enhance our offerings while staying aligned with New Zealand’s national tourism goals.
Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
The Tourism Sustainability Commitment (TSC) is a nationwide initiative designed to ensure that tourism businesses contribute positively to New Zealand’s economy, community, environment, and visitor experience. At We Retreat, we are dedicated to upholding the four pillars of sustainable tourism:
1. Economic Sustainability
We believe that long-term business success goes hand in hand with responsible financial practices. By investing in local suppliers, supporting ethical partnerships, and creating meaningful jobs, we aim to contribute to a thriving, sustainable economy.
2. Community Wellbeing
Wellness is at the heart of what we do, and that extends beyond our retreats. The We Retreat charitable trust has been set up to support wellness work in our local communities. We are committed to engaging with local communities, respecting cultural heritage, and ensuring that tourism benefits the people of Aotearoa. Our retreats incorporate Māori values such as kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (hospitality) to foster deeper connections with the land and its people.
3. Environmental Responsibility
Protecting the pristine landscapes of New Zealand is a top priority. We are actively working towards minimizing our carbon footprint by implementing eco-friendly infrastructure, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable transport options. Additionally, our partnership with leading tourism operators allows us to offer rejuvenating experiences powered by sustainable practices.
4. Visitor Experience
A truly sustainable tourism experience is one that leaves a lasting positive impact on visitors. We Retreat is dedicated to providing immersive, restorative wellness escapes that educate and inspire guests to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle even beyond their stay with us.
Looking Ahead
Becoming a member of TIA is just the beginning of our journey toward making We Retreat a leader in sustainable tourism. We are continuously exploring new ways to innovate, collaborate, and contribute to New Zealand’s vision of being a world-class sustainable tourism destination.
We invite our guests, partners, and fellow tourism businesses to join us in making a difference. Together, we can ensure that Aotearoa remains a place of unparalleled natural beauty, cultural richness, and holistic wellbeing for generations to come.
Stay connected with us as we share our sustainability milestones and initiatives. We look forward to welcoming you on a retreat that is not only rejuvenating but also respectful of the land we all cherish.
Author
Natasha Lombart
Founder & CEO of We Retreat
WeRetreat
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To support and promote the importance of taking care of ourselves, and in doing so we help to take care of others.
We connect with passionate and talented health and wellness providers to deliver authentic experiences for all genders, ages and interests. From luxury high end escapes to build your own retreats on a smaller budget, or a one day workshop, we are fully inclusive. We then purpose our profit to create a positive effect in our communities by making health and wellness experiences available to more people, more often, without any prejudice. Here’s how….
We Retreat was founded on the basis of making profit for a purpose. For every experience booked via our website we set aside a portion of our profits so we can fund work where it’s needed in the community.
This is the mission of the We Retreat Charitable Trust*. We give our providers the opportunity to apply for funding that can help an individual, charity or group, who they know really needs it. The funds will give them the means to carry out pro-bono work within the community.