On day two of the 2019 Tourism Congress, we will have two panels that talk about investing in tourism, but in very different ways. Impact is the name of the game, and whether it’s having an impact through sustainable investment practices, or looking at why investing in sound tourism policy is important, these are important conversations for our sector.

With all the talk about sustainability and investing in today’s tourism economy, it’s important to look at what sustainability looks like for tourism businesses. The conversation goes much farther than environmental sustainability (though that’s very important too)! A growing number of customers want to ensure that they are spending their money on businesses and experiences that have sound business practices, are supporting ‘local’ and are authentic. There are also growing worries from both a business and travellers’ perspective around the issue of ‘over tourism’.

This is why TIAC has been advocating the government to make tourism investments in rural and remote areas, enhance tourism infrastructure, and support more marketing, so that we can spread the impact of the tourism economy across Canada. We look forward to hearing more about business sustainability at the 2019 tourism congress!