Today, the Regional Tourism Organization for BruceGreySimcoe (RTO7) announced they have achieved GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Destination Certification, by way of a rigorous assessment, review, and verification process. The process requires the destination to assess their sustainability performance across four categories; environmental, socio-economic, natural and cultural, and management using GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Destination Standard which includes 117 questions, created in alignment with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and has been globally recognized by the
Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Scott Allison, Chair of RTO7, says
“The achievement of GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Silver Certification is the result of a committed team of people across the region, working collaboratively to establish a strong initial assessment. Moving forward, our community of stakeholders across the region will be able to focus on planning and initiatives geared to ongoing progress, improvement, and leadership in all four key areas.”
Following the destination assessment review, and through the submission of extensive evidence, a team of GreenStep advisors thoroughly evaluated the evidence to ensure acceptability in line with the requirements for Certification. RTO7 has been awarded a silver level grading and the GreenStep Certification designation.
On behalf of TIAO, we would like to congratulate Regional Tourism Organization 7 on achieving the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Destination Certification through the Advancing Sustainable Tourism in Ontario project. The attention to detail and ensuring representation of the region didn't go unnoticed and is reflective of how this region takes care of its tourism operators. We appreciate the dedication towards developing their action plan to guide their sustainable tourism future as part of our province. Thank you to our valued partner, GreenStep Solutions, for their expertise and guidance throughout this process. As we continue this forward motion of learning, respecting our land and each other - we continue to commit to advocating, sharing, and providing resources to advance sustainable tourism within Ontario.” - Carol Greenwood, VP, Operations & Partnerships, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario
“We congratulate RTO7 on this important achievement in measuring and verifying the sustainability performance of their destination, to help guide their continued improvement over time. Their commitment to the process is reflected in their sustainability action plan, and we look forward to seeing their progress over the coming years as they support the tourism industry throughout their region,” - Jenn Burling, Director of Sustainable Tourism
About GreenStep:
GreenStep was founded in 2008 to help small to medium-sized enterprises measure and improve their sustainability performance. To date, the organization has worked with more than 3000 businesses and organizations of all sizes, in a variety of industries such as tourism and hospitality, retail, professional services, and manufacturing. Through the Sustainable Tourism Division, GreenStep provides assessments, training, strategy and certifications to tourism businesses and destinations. GreenStep is the only Canadian-based provider of sustainable tourism certifications that cover all types of tourism businesses and destinations. For more information, visit
www.greenstep.ca.
About RTO7:
Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7) is dedicated to promoting and supporting tourism in Bruce, Grey, and Simcoe counties. We work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to enhance the visitor experience, stimulate economic growth, and showcase the diverse attractions and destinations that our region has to offer.
Contact GreenStep Solutions
Angela Nagy, President/CEO
GreenStep Solutions Inc.
250-215-7714
angela@greenstep.ca
Contact RTO7
Alex Hogan, Project & Administration Manager
RTO7
705-441-2931
ahogan@rto7.ca