Victoria has been named essentially the most sustainable vacation spot in North America by the 2024 World Vacation spot Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), in keeping with a press launch.
The GDS-Index, utilized by over 100 cities globally, evaluates the sustainability efficiency of cities, tourism provide chains and vacation spot administration organizations (DMOs).
On this yr’s rating, Victoria outperformed different Canadian cities, together with Montreal, Quebec Metropolis, Edmonton and Ottawa, and secured the twenty second spot globally, inserting it throughout the worldwide high 40. Notably, Victoria ranked because the third-highest small metropolis globally, highlighting its management in key areas comparable to regenerative tourism, round economic system practices and local weather motion initiatives—metrics that replicate present developments and wishes in sustainable tourism.
The 2024 GDS-Index outcomes underscore Victoria’s dedication to balancing tourism progress with environmental stewardship and group well-being.
“Our metropolis has set excessive requirements for sustainability, not simply in North America however globally. The GDX-Index recognition highlights our collective efforts to create a metropolis that prioritizes the well-being of its residents, protects our surroundings, and fosters accountable tourism. We’re dedicated to persevering with this work, guaranteeing Victoria stays a dynamic, sustainable vacation spot for generations to come back,” mentioned Marianne Alto, mayor of the Metropolis of Victoria.
“I’m immensely happy with the strategic path and oversight that has led us to this achievement. DGV has been actively concerned in sustainability efforts for the reason that Nineties when the group’s first Setting Committee was established. Right now, our board is dedicated to integrating sustainability into each side of DGV’s operations, guaranteeing that the group’s actions resonate with the group’s values and aspirations. This recognition by the GDS-Index is a validation of our collective long-term imaginative and prescient and the diligent efforts of our crew,” added Chris Watson, board chair of Vacation spot Better Victoria.
Victoria’s recognition as essentially the most sustainable vacation spot in North America comes from collaborative efforts between Vacation spot Better Victoria (DGV), the Metropolis of Victoria, and native companions. Key contributions embody the carbon-neutral designation of the Victoria Convention Centre and a pioneering challenge that funds reasonably priced housing for hospitality staff via municipal tax income—a challenge that led Victoria to be a finalist for the GDS Innovation Award. Excessive sustainability certifications amongst native motels and superior metropolis infrastructure, comparable to intensive bike lanes and a clear vitality grid, additional underscore Victoria’s dedication to sustainable tourism and group well-being.
“We’re honored to cleared the path in sustainable tourism and to share our journey with the world. Sustainability is core to our group values. As a corporation, we selected to place sustainability on the heart of our model in 2020 as a result of it displays who we’re as a group and our dedication to caring for this place that we love for future generations of residents and guests. Better Victoria’s tourism model has flourished since that call. We’re assured our ongoing dedication to accountable practices will proceed to draw vacationers in search of extra environmentally pleasant experiences,” mentioned Paul Nursey, CEO of Vacation spot Better Victoria.
“Vacation spot Better Victoria is making waves within the vacation spot administration group (DMO) area. By embracing regenerative tourism in its day-to-day operations, DGV is positively reworking the visitor expertise by embracing all that Victoria has to supply. I’m so proud to be a part of this evolution. At a time when ‘going inexperienced’ or ‘sustainability’ can typically be misapplied, DGV is embracing accountability and transparency to redefine what it really means to honor and respect the environments through which we dwell and work,” mentioned Brett Soberg, chair, Vacation spot Better Victoria’s Sustainability Committee.