As more Canadians seek meaningful and responsible travel experiences, it’s important to understand what makes a destination or tourism business truly sustainable.
Four Pillars of Sustainability
Sustainability is often viewed only through an environmental lens, but it must also include good governance, as well as social, economic, and cultural impacts. Global standards are established and managed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), offering a common language for sustainable travel and tourism. Developed through international collaboration, these standards are built on four key pillars that define sustainability in the tourism sector.
- Sustainable Management: Does the business or destination have clear policies and systems in place to operate responsibly? Do they gather and respond to visitor feedback? Look for signs of long-term commitment, such as a strong leadership group, active community involvement, and risk preparedness.
- Socio-economic Benefits: Are locals benefiting from your visit? Does the destination or business support fair wages, create local employment, and contribute to community well-being? Are products and services sourced locally? Consider how residents perceive tourism and whether it has a positive impact on their daily lives.
- Cultural Heritage Preservation: Are local traditions and historic sites respected and protected? How does the destination safeguard its cultural assets while welcoming visitors? Sustainable tourism helps preserve cultural identity and heritage sites by encouraging respectful visitor behaviour and supporting local artisans, storytellers, and Indigenous communities.
- Environmental Stewardship: Is nature being protected rather than harmed? Are visits to natural sites and wildlife interactions managed to minimize negative impacts? From reducing waste and conserving water to protecting biodiversity and reducing carbon emissions, strong environmental stewardship is essential.
Together, these pillars ensure tourism supports people, places, and the planet.
What Travellers Need to Know
When planning a trip, ask yourself: Does the hotel, tour operator, or destination promote transparent sustainability practices? Do they support local communities and culture? Are they certified by a certification body, or are they using vague terms like “eco-friendly” without proof?
Look beyond marketing buzzwords. A truly sustainable operation won’t just say they care. They’ll show it with long-term actions and certifications.
Look beyond marketing buzzwords. A truly sustainable operation won’t just say they care. They’ll show it with long-term actions and certifications.
Through the Clutter of Labels
With so many sustainability labels available, it can be overwhelming to know which ones are credible. It’s important to look for certifications from trusted organizations that use rigorous standards to assess sustainability. Look for certifications accredited by the GSTC, as these labels indicate that a third-party audit has taken place to verify the destination or business’s commitment to sustainability—rather than simply accepting their claims.
By making informed choices, Canadian travellers can turn every journey into a positive impact by supporting local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and protecting the places we love.
To learn more about the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), visit gstc.org.
