Vancouver Island’s tourism organization, 4VI, formerly Tourism Vancouver Island, has achieved Biosphere certification, designating the area as a sustainable international destination.
The certification indicates that Vancouver Island’s practices follow the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations for 2030, in areas such as clean water, clean energy, responsible consumption or the fight against climate change. . It is issued by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that promotes it worldwide.
For example, we are talking about wastewater treatment or the use of local products, for restaurants, businesses, hotelssaid the Chairman and CEO of 4VI, Anthony Everett.
He acknowledges that consumers are increasingly looking for environmentally sustainable experiences when they travel, and hopes that tourism can be a strength for Vancouver Island in this area.
” We want businesses and communities to succeed, and only by sustaining can we achieve this. “
The next step, specifically Anthony Everettincludes working with businesses and communities to develop their own action plans linked to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The work for 4VIwhich in turn must, each year, submit its own plan to the Responsible Tourism Institute for renewal of certification. When you receive certification, you are committed to continuous improvementExplain Anthony Everett.
A select group
Vancouver Island joins a group of over 50 destinations around the world that have received Biosphere certification. Only three other organizations have received it in Canada, all located in British Columbia. These are tourist associations Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockiesat Thompson Okanagan.
According to the website Biosphere TourismGreater Victoria and Tourism Region applications Northern British Columbia is evaluated.
Source: Radio-Canada
