Financial relief coming for DOC concessionaires – Sage

20th April 2020 By Staff Reporter | news@tourismticker.com | @tourismticker

Financial relief is on the way for recreation and tourism businesses operating on public conservation land, says the minister of conservation, Eugenie Sage.

The Department of Conservation was exploring options to help Covid-19 impacted businesses that operated from public conservation land. Around 1000 of the 4500 concessions that operate on conservation land were recreation and tourism-related.

Eugenie Sage

“This is a difficult time for all businesses, and in particular tourism operators,” said Sage.

“I have asked DOC to explore what support can be provided to concessionaires. Officials are assessing a range of potential options, including refunds for concession fees which have been paid in advance, extension to payment terms, deferring applications for renewals and waiving administration fees for incomplete applications and reviews.”

DOC had advised businesses that payment terms for invoices due in April had been extended to May. Invoices were still being issued so that businesses could keep accurate financial records and demonstrate proof of debt if they needed to apply for financial assistance.

DOC said it was dealing with recreation and tourism concession holders on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, this could result in DOC waiving concession fees and/or writing off debts.

“If tourism and recreation concession holders are experiencing financial hardship they should contact DOC to discuss their situation,” said the department.

“Businesses can seek assistance through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, which has developed business support packages that are intended to support businesses through this time.”

DOC said it was working with central agencies on “an all of government approach to debtors that was equitable while maintaining good financial practice”.

It added that any financial assistance had to be provided within DOC’s legislation and other relevant public sector law and instructions.