After more than a year of comprehensive assessment, documentation, and third-party review, Tourism Fernie has officially been recognized with a Bronze certification through GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism program. The certification marks a significant milestone in the community’s ongoing commitment to becoming a more sustainable destination.
The certification process involved a detailed evaluation of city’s performance across four key pillars of sustainability: environmental, socio-economic, natural and cultural, and destination management. This assessment is based on GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Destination Standard, which is aligned to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“We are delighted to recognize Tourism Fernie with our Sustainable Tourism Destination Certification. Their dedication to advancing sustainable tourism demonstrates true leadership and encourages a more thoughtful, responsible, and community-centred approach to visitor experiences,” said Angela Nagy, president and CEO, GreenStep.
Using extensive evidence submitted by Tourism Fernie, GreenStep’s assessor team conducted a thorough verification process to confirm compliance with certification criteria. With the successful completion of this process, Tourism Fernie now joins a growing group of Canadian destinations certified under this global standard for destination management.
The assessment process was led by Corien Sieders, manager Destination Management & Development of Tourism Fernie. Supported by a committed team and strong collaboration with community partners, the pursuit of certification reflected Fernie’s shared dedication to advancing sustainable tourism and building on the progress already made through local initiatives, such as AmbassadorWild.
“This recognition reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, responsible growth, and protecting the natural environment that makes Fernie so special. From reducing environmental impact to supporting local initiatives, this certification highlights the collective efforts of businesses, residents, and organizations working toward a more sustainable future. It’s a meaningful step forward, and a strong foundation to continue building a greener, more resilient Fernie for generations to come,” said Tourism Fernie.
