New approaches in the global tourism industry that address the impact of climate change and inequity will be explored in a new initiative by the Travel Foundation.
The NGO is partnering with 4VI, previously Tourism Vancouver Island, to help ensure tourism is a force for good in the destination.
The two organisations said they will also explore the wider challenges and opportunities the global tourism industry faces as it navigates toward a future that centres the needs of communities and the environment.
They began discussing a formal partnership in late spring, following the announcement of 4VI as a social enterprise, a shift away from the previous model as the 60 year-old destination management organisation known as Tourism Vancouver Island.
Travel Foundation chief executive Jeremy Sampson said: “This partnership is all about showing that innovation beyond business as usual is not just needed, but possible.
“It’s critical that we support trailblazer organisations which are ready to evolve and explore new models. By doing so we’ll prove that new approaches are beneficial, and ultimately will make the status quo obsolete.”
Anthony Everett, president and chief executive of 4VI, added: “When we launched 4VI as a social enterprise, we identified that the tourism industry impacts communities, in some cases to their detriment.
“This partnership is the first step toward tackling these challenges as it aligns our expertise in the region with an organisation that is focused on change at a global scale.”