Destination Ontario has become the first provincial marketing organization to sign the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge and pursue GreenStep Solutions’ globally recognized organizational certification, guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge reflects Destination Ontario’s commitment to improving sustainability performance annually through 2030. This milestone represents a significant step toward building a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry in Ontario, ensuring that the province remains a top destination while reducing its environmental impact.
“We are honoured to take this important step forward in our sustainability journey,” said Vincenza Ronaldi, president and CEO of Destination Ontario. “Sustainability is essential to the future of tourism in Ontario, and we are proud to lead by example in aligning our operations with global best practices. Through the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge and the pursuit of GreenStep certification, we are not only enhancing our organizational efforts but also encouraging our industry partners to join us in creating a more sustainable future for Ontario tourism.”
As a long-standing advocate for sustainable practices, the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) has partnered with GreenStep Solutions to deliver sustainable tourism certification programs to businesses in Ontario. Together, TIAO and Destination Ontario are championing sustainability as a foundational element of Ontario’s tourism sector.
Andrew Siegwart, president and CEO of TIAO, expressed his support for Destination Ontario’s leadership.
“We appreciate the purposeful dedication towards a sustainable tourism future as an organization, as communicators and educators of Ontario as a place to discover,” he said. “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.”
By pursuing GreenStep certification and signing the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge, Destination Ontario sets a precedent for provincial marketing organizations across Canada to embrace sustainability as a core value. The organization looks forward to collaborating with partners, destinations, and stakeholders to make meaningful progress toward a more sustainable tourism landscape.
