Building on the launch of Destination Canada’s Canadian Business Event Sustainability Plan in the spring of 2022, the country is now joining the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index).
Destination Canada‘s national sustainability program aims at integrating best sustainability practices in all business events held in its cities, which aligns with GDS-Index mission.
Canadian cities that join the program are already showcasing their sustainability advancements. Tourisme Montréal recently created a 28-page Guide to Best Practices for Sustainable Business Events featuring detailed information about how to make an event more sustainable. Explore Edmonton launched its Responsible Events Program (REP) provides tangible options for planners to choose from.
“Sustainability is more than a competitive advantage, it is a collaborative one, too — a long-term commitment from the entire business event supply chain is a must-have on the path to sustainability,” says Virginie De Visscher, Senior Director of Business Development, Economic Sectors, Business Events, Destination Canada. “That is why having Canadian destination partners from coast-to-coast-to-coast join the GDS-Index and reaffirm their commitments to improving the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental sustainability of the business events Canada hosts is so important. It also brings us that much closer to our collective responsibility of fostering a regenerative tourism ecosystem that produces positive net benefits for guests and Canadians, alike.”