First green gradings for Canada tourism businesses

Siwash Lake Ranch

26 tourism businesses in Canada got sustainable certification from the UK-based Green Tourism Business Scheme

Following a pilot in British Columbia which included the creation of Canada-specific criteria and performance indicators 26 businesses got certified.

The awards, which were announced on Canada Day, represent the first time the bronze, silver and gold GTBS certification model has been implemented directly outside the UK and Ireland.

Says Jon Proctor, senior assessor for the GTBS, “There are some outstanding businesses in British Columbia with some even rivalling the best we have in the UK. The full list of businesses and their gradings can be found at http://www.green-business.co.uk/Canada/Canada_British_Columbia2.asp

Highlights included:

• Siwash Lake Ranch (Gold) with a UV water and ecological treatment system, solar panels, organic food, and some excellent work on preserving the area’s rich biodiversity. Encouraging guests to enjoy the area on horseback adds to the eco-nature of the experience and helps set this business apart as a leader in green tourism,
• The Vancouver Aquarium (Gold) with a combination of customer related green actions such as the exclusive use of Ocean Wise fish in their cafes, the extensive recycling facilities together with a strong management system, key energy savings, and excellent interpretation,
• Strathcona Lodge on Vancouver Island (Gold) which has been pioneering sustainable living and best practices since the 1970s,
• Maple Leaf Adventures (Gold), a classic schooner visiting the remote islands in British Columbia whilst interpreting the fauna and flora of the area as well as some of the main environmental issues affecting the region,
• The Listel Hotel (Silver) with solar panels, heat recovery systems and heat pumps whilst providing a boutique hotel experience.

Andrea Nicholas, managing director of the GTBS, added: “With these 26 pilot tourism businesses achieving recognition, we hope to continue our progress in developing Green Tourism Canada as a leader in sustainable tourism certification in British Columbia and across Canada. We are presently collecting expressions of interest from tourism operators as well as other industry partners.”

Says Charlie James, who is managing the business development and activities of Green Tourism Canada, “This is an exciting milestone in our progress to achieving sustainable tourism not only in Canada, but in highlighting some of our excellent destinations to the consumer.”

Valere Tjolle

Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Special Offers HERE