New partnership promoting sustainability across the region’s tourism sector

A new partnership between Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR) and Explore Waterloo Region is set to bring attention to the sustainability of the region’s key tourism sectors.

This will be done through a new emissions tracking system as well as a focus on sustainable operations across businesses, sporting events, tours, leisure activities, and more, throughout Waterloo Region.

“Sustainable tourism is really an approach to travel and tourism that aims to minimize the negative impacts to the environment to society and to the economy while emphasizing the positive impacts on the local community,” said CEO with Explore Waterloo Region, Michele Saran.

The groups which join the program, currently operated through Explore Waterloo Region, will participate in tracking and collecting emissions data. The organization said this will help attract events as well as visitors by aiding them in making informed decisions through sustainability metrics.

“It’s about collaboration,” said Saran. “Working with our businesses, our governments, the community itself to work together to make tourism something that is good for all. It’s a very important thing and, quite frankly, it’s table-stakes now in tourism.”

The two groups go on to say they will also support efforts to reduce emissions and highlight organizations which are committed to understanding their environmental impact, adopting sustainable practises in the process.

“People think that tourism is the ‘nice to have,’ but it’s one of the primary economic drivers of this community,” said Executive Director with Sustainable Waterloo Region, Tova Davidson. “When we talk about tourism it’s not just people coming to see the market, it is that and so much more. It’s business conferences, it’s sporting events, big sports tournaments that come into town.”

The initial group of organizations participating in the new program through Explore Waterloo Region includes hotels, festivals, tour operators, as well as sport and recreation facilities. This list includes The Walper Hotel, K-W Octoberfest, Conestoga College, and more.

“We believe sustainability practices are not only good for the planet but makes good business sense,” said General Manager of the Walper Hotel, Laura Meikle. “We are committed to be better corporate citizens and neighbours and look forward to learning more and being better, each day, every day. We believe by doing so, we will have a competitive edge and win more business.”

The SWR and Explore Waterloo Region say as demand for sustainable operations continues to rise, they are dedicated to advancing crucial areas through the new collaborative initiative, driving for positive environmental change and supporting the community in building a greener, more sustainable future.