Vancouver Island North Tourism (VINT) says it has signed on as the latest tourism organization in the Vancouver Island Region to join the Responsible Tourism Institute’s Biosphere program.
“The initial commitment phase will see VINT work with the Responsible Tourism Institute to build out an assessment of current sustainability initiatives and then align goals and measures against the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” stated a news release. “VINT will work through the various opportunities for alignment to the 17 goals during this commitment phase.”
“Biosphere is a logical step in our progression as a community-focused organization and one that is working to encourage visitation by responsible travellers,” said Natalie Stewart, tourism development specialist for Vancouver Island North Tourism. “More and more people are choosing destinations that are actively addressing the impact of climate change while ensuring economic stability, cultural awareness and support for residents, and by signalling our Biosphere commitment and future certification, I know we will be set up for long-term success.”
According to the release, sustainability remains at the forefront of what VINT does to promote responsible tourism to the North Island.
“The Biosphere program will build on this work and align with established programs. In 2022, VINT introduced the Wild Pledge, an online sign-up that allows travellers to confirm they will abide by six principles of responsible tourism when visiting the North Island. To date, more than 650 people have signed up for the Wild Pledge.”
In the Vancouver Island Region, VINT joins 4VI, Destination Greater Victoria, Tourism Cowichan, and Tourism Tofino as part of the Biosphere program. Both 4VI and Destination Greater Victoria are fully Biosphere Certified organizations.
For more information on the Biosphere program for the Vancouver Island Region, visit biospheresustainable.com.
Vancouver Island North Tourism represents the communities of Alert Bay, Coal Harbour, Holberg, Port Alice, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Quatsino, Sointula, Telegraph Cove, Winter Harbour and Woss, as well as surrounding wilderness areas within the Regional District of Mount Waddington. Given the geographical distribution of tourism products and communities offering tourism services, promoting Vancouver Island North regionally allows for a coordinated effort, a pooling of resources, and a larger impact for marketing programs. Learn more at https://vancouverislandnorth.ca/