Why prioritising health and safety is critical for your tourism business

At Stay Safe, we firmly believe that H&S is not just about being compliant with the law, - while it is important to be able to demonstrate you've met your obligations, this is the outcome of a good safety management system - rather than being the driver itself.

Benefits of a strong safety culture

Invest in your workers' safety and well-being, and you'll reap the rewards of a loyal, dedicated team. For tourism businesses, a stable workforce can make all the difference in your bottom line.

In fact, businesses with strong safety cultures and a focus on worker well-being are far more likely to be seen as desirable employers. Staff are more likely to stay, and business owners can build on that capability rather than dealing with the ongoing issues of recruitment and training.

By investing in the health and safety of your workers, you're also investing in the long-term success of your tourism business.

Stop treating health and safety like a pointless task. Embrace it as your chance to build a thriving, sustainable workplace that attracts and keeps top talent.

Leverage your safety systems as a selling point.

Having spent many years teaching people how to sell travel, I would always emphasize three key selling points: saving money, saving time, and ensuring safety. Somewhere within that triangle, customers find their comfort zone. Actively promoting a robust safety system shows a commitment to visitor safety. Working with accredited health and safety practitioners not only strengthens your safety measures but also adds credibility to your entire operation. If you're making the commitment, be proud and put it front and centre in your business collateral!

The Impact of the Whakaari Incident on Tourism Safety.

The Whakaari incident served as a wake-up call for the tourism industry, highlighting the importance of health and safety practices. Although the legal cases against two travel sellers were unsuccessful, the event sparked significant discussions about what best practice in product vetting should look like.

While some tourism sellers have returned to business as usual, others have implemented robust safety processes. Leading travel sellers were already vetting products before the Whakaari incident, but the event has reinforced the need for stringent safety checks.

Having a comprehensive and market-ready safety management plan not only shows that you have a plan in place but also assures travel sellers that your plan is up-to-date and reflective of an active safety culture. This gives them the confidence to promote your offerings, knowing safety is a top priority.

What does your Health and Safety say about your brand?

If your business was to be solely assessed on your health and safety practices, what would it say about your brand?

By prioritising safety, you're also creating a positive image for your brand. This can have a significant impact on the success and longevity of your business.

Time for a chat?

Contact Andy for a no-obligation chat about health and safety in your business.