January updates from GreenStep Sustainable Tourism
It’s been almost two years of uncertainty and hardship as business leaders have faced the burdens and harsh realities of the pandemic. Despite what feels like a never-ending cycle of closures, restrictions and guidelines, it’s important to celebrate our past victories and set new goals and look to each other for inspiration throughout the coming months.
With that in mind, here are 5 green goals every business owner should make to start the new year off on the right foot that are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Bound!
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GREENSTEP SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IS HIRING!
We are excited to be hiring for a Sustainability Assessor and Certification Manager!
We are growing quickly and seeking experienced professionals with a passion for sustainability and the environment. We take pride in being a changemaker on the world around us, and are looking for leaders with a growth-mindset and ready-to-learn attitude!
Read the job description and apply here: Sustainability Assessor and Certification Manager.
GREENSTEP PARTNERS WITH UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND TO OFFER EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITY TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM STUDENTS
GreenStep has recently begun working in collaboration with UPEI instructor, Dee Enright, to deliver a hands-on learning experience by offering students the opportunity to observe and participate in the formal Sustainable Tourism Certification process of five Canadian tourism businesses.
The 4th year course, Sustainable Tourism Development, looks at the critical components of a sustainable tourism industry. Students are introduced to the management practices, as well as economic, social, cultural and environmental components of sustainability, and how they can be demonstrated and integrated into a business’ day to day operation. A major focus will be on challenges and impacts associated with sustainable tourism development, as well as the strategies for maximizing benefits and minimizing adverse effects.
Through the Sustainable Tourism Certification program, students will be invited to observe a one-on-one assessment with a tourism business and GreenStep advisor, where they will be introduced to the formally recognized Global Sustainable Tourism Council assessment criteria created by GreenStep, which evaluates the performance of a business across the four main categories of sustainability. Following the assessment review, the students will assist the business owners in providing the necessary evidence to support their results. Following the delivery of a two year custom action plan by the GreenStep advisor, students will be asked to create an implementation plan and a marketing strategy for their assigned business.
“GreenStep is thrilled to be supporting this learning initiative in partnership with UPEI, as it offers both a unique opportunity for the students to see first hand how sustainable tourism practices are integrated into a real life business, while also offering the participating business’ the opportunity to complete the Certification process and be provided with tangible action and implementation plans to help them in achieving their sustainability goals.” – Jenn Burling, Director of Sustainable Tourism, GreenStep Solutions
“Being able to participate in the process that a tourism operator goes through in real time is invaluable. It will give students a much better understanding of the operational requirements, benefits and challenges of working towards sustainability and certification. GreenStep’s work aligns perfectly with the course which focuses on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Between the GreenStep team and the five operators, 33 students from nine countries will get hands-on exposure and make meaningful connections with leaders from across the Canadian tourism sector.” – Dee Enright, Sessional Instructor, UPEI
We would like to thank the following businesses for their participation in this inaugural project and wish them luck on this next step of their sustainability journey.
Participating Businesses
Nature Space Resort, Morell PEI – www.naturespaceresort.com
Gros Morne Inn, Shoal Brook, Nfld – www.grosmorneinn.com
Kings Playhouse, Georgetown, PEI – www.kingsplayhouse.com
Nahanni River Adventures & Canadian River Expeditions, Whitehorse, YK – www.nahanni.com
Four Nature Resort, Chelmsford, NB – www.natureresort.ca
GREENSTEP CARBON FOOTPRINT WEBINAR
BC INVASIVE-WISE TOURISM PROGRAM
The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) is currently accepting partners for the second intake of its Invasive-Wise Tourism program, developed by an advisory team of invasive species experts and tourism industry professionals to help protect the province’s rich biodiversity and landscapes. The Invasive-Wise Tourism program involves recognition, support from ISCBC, and a complimentary eLearning course developed for the tourism industry to help increase staff awareness of invasive species and to identify practical steps to prevent their spread. Click the button below for more information.
THE GANDHIANA JONES PROJECT
In this pandemic world, many people are reconsidering their values and seeking a stronger sense of meaning and purpose in both life and work.
UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS
CONFERENCES
WEBINARS
Interested in learning more about how GreenStep Sustainable Tourism can help your tourism business or destination? Feel free to reach out at any time to chat, or schedule a free consult today: 1-800-469-7830 or info@greenstep.ca.