Approved Destination Status

Grow your business by becoming an accredited tour operator or guide for the China market.

Applying     Renewing     Exemption forms     ADS directory

Approved Destination Status (ADS) is an arrangement between the Chinese Government and another country, that lets Chinese holiday travellers visit a country in a tour group.

Our China Market Development Unit both approves and monitors ADS-accredited inbound operators and tour guides, ensuring Chinese visitors to New Zealand enjoy a high quality and safe visitor experience. If you're an inbound tour operator or guide you'll need to receive ADS approval from this unit before you can organise ADS tours to New Zealand. 

Apply to become an ADS-accredited tour operator or guide

Tour operators

To obtain ADS approval as a tour operator, you’ll need to:

  • be of good character and have a good reputation (look at the 'fit and proper person' test under Appendix 3 of the ADS Code of Conduct)
  • show experience and expertise as an inbound tourism operator, and
  • supply financial and business information.

Does this sound like you? To apply all you need to do is complete the:

Please keep in mind, we require payment of $3,450 (including GST) with your application. We’ll let you know the outcome of your ADS application in writing.

Tour guides

To apply for ADS approval as a tour guide, you’ll need to complete the:

Please note: the Work Place First Aid Certificate has to meet the NZQA unit 6400, 6401 and 6402.

We’ll let you know the outcome of your ADS application in writing.

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Renew your ADS accreditation

Tour operators

If you’re an approved ADS inbound tour operator, you’ll need to renew your registration every two years. To start this process, complete the:

Your documents and application fee must be received at least 20 working days before the end of your current ADS approval. We’ll let you know the outcome of your ADS application in writing.

Tour guides

If you’re an ADS-approved tour guide, you’ll need to renew your status every three years. To start this process, complete the:

Please note: the Work Place First Aid Certificate has to meet the NZQA unit 6400, 6401 and 6402.

Applications must be received at least 15 working days before the end of your current ADS approval. We’ll let you know the outcome of your ADS application in writing.

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Exemption forms

The ADS programme has some flexibility built into it. As a tour operator, you can apply for exemptions that allow you to use suppliers not already approved by Qualmark. 

Other forms

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ADS directory

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