DESTINATION STEWARDSHIP
Kootenay Rockies Tourism, following the strategic directions laid out in the 10-year Destination Development Strategy, is developing a sustainability charter in alignment with international standards* and metrics for destination sustainability.
The charter includes a final set of 34 sustainability indicators which will be used to periodically measure and monitor various aspects of destination sustainability, such as the economic contribution of tourism, employment, number of protected natural areas, resident’s satisfaction, seasonality, cultural preservation, water and energy consumption, waste management and greenhouse gas emissions.
A progress report on the Kootenay Rockies Destination Sustainability journey, including the 3-year action plan for the destination can be downloaded here.
The 2020 Sustainability performance of the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Destination (34 indicators) can be viewed here.
Kootenay Rockies Tourism is committed to monitoring and improving the sustainability performance of the destination and is currently in the process of seeking international recognition through the Biosphere Tourism certification.
As well, KRT is working on identifying gaps and strategic actions through the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Destination Framework.
*Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria and Suggested Performance Indicators for Destinations , the UN World Tourism Organization ( UNWTO) Indicators of Sustainable Development for Tourism Destinations , the Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) for Agenda 2030 and BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sustainability Indicators
Sustainability Programs and Resources
SUSTAINABILITY LENS ASSESSMENT – Coming soon
Kootenay Rockies Tourism, in partnership with GreenStep Solutions Inc. is pleased to support stakeholders in the region to measure and improve their sustainability performance through the “Sustainable Tourism Lens” assessment.
This online assessment, available free of charge to tourism businesses and organizations in the Kootenay Rockies region, will allow to gain rapid insight into how their business or organization is performing based on GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism criteria, which has been recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
After completing the assessment questions, a summary scorecard will be provided along with a comparison with similar tourism organizations and a recommended action plan to improve your business’ sustainability practices.
ECOBASE CARBON SOFTWARE
& CARBON TRAINING WORKSHOP
One of the main actions in the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Sustainability Action Plan is to help businesses calculate their carbon emissions and offer tools in offsetting and reducing those emissions. Therefore, we are offering GreenStep’s carbon training program. This program provides participants with the key steps to measuring the carbon footprint of your business and then uncovering the opportunities to both reduce emissions and save money.
Kotenay Rockies Tourism is offering the EcoBase Carbon Software annual license FREE of charge (valued at $99 plus tax) for the first 30 tourism stakeholders who reach out to us.
In order to be eligible for this software, you must review the recording of the Greenstep introduction workshop ‘The Carbon Challenge’.
Learn more about how you can register for the EcoBase Carbon Software and gain access to the workshop recording by emailing Emilie or Rhiannon.
Carbon Workshop #2: Measure, Manage, Report
April 21, 2021
This second workshop will comprise of the following:
- An in-depth demonstration of the EcoBase Software
- Activity data for common Scope 3 emission sources
- Reporting, analyzing and reducing your carbon footprint
- Communicating your results
In order to participate in the Carbon Workshop Part 2, you must review the recording of the Greenstep introduction workshop ‘The Carbon Challenge’.
BUSINESS ENERGY ASSESSMENT
FortisBC and BC Hydro both have programs to provide complimentary energy assessments to small and medium sized businesses, with support for implementing energy saving measures and accessing available rebates/incentives to offset the costs of projects!
FortisBC assessments will be conducted in Nelson, Castlegar and Trail in April and May 2021 (dates TBC), or virtually for locations throughout BC. To book an appointment, please sign up via the FortisBC website . You must have an active utility account with FortisBC natural gas, electricity or Nelson Hydro.
BC Hydro assessments are conducted virtually with a BC Hydro Business Energy Advisor. To confirm eligibility and book a virtual assessment, please contact nicole@greenstep.ca.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL – VISITOR CODE OF CONDUCT
Kootenay Rockies Tourism has developed a visual information piece to educate residents and visitors on how to behave responsibly while travelling and recreating in the region. More than ever, it is our collective responsibility to ensure visitors respect the nature, the places and the people and contribute to the stewardship efforts.
The infographic was developed in an effort to compile and summarize the various component of responsible travel and is based on official sources and provincial, national and international standards and best practices through collaboration with lead organizations such as BC Adventure Smart, the Invasive Species Council of BC, WildSafe BC, Avalanche Canada, Leave No Trace, the BC Wildfire Service and others.
Kootenay Rockies Tourism partners can access, download and print the infographic to post at their location or share through their digital channels at no cost.
Digital files can be found here: Dropbox Folder
Partners can also order free printed posters offered in two formats (18″ x 24″ AND 11″ x 17″) by emailing Karen Cook: Karen@KootenayRockies.com
For further information:
EMILIE CAYER-HUARD
Industry & Destination Development Specialist
T 250-427-4838 Ext. 206
Emilie@KootenayRockies.com
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