Sustainable Tourism

Tourism Kingston strives to integrate sustainability into each of its business sectors and into its overall destination management strategy.

  • May 2022

    Greenstep Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge

  • Nov 2022

    GreenStep Visitor Information Centre Bronze Diagnosis Complete

  • May 2023

    Visitor Information Centre Bronze GreenStep Certification

  • Aug 2023

    Visitor Information Centre Action Plan Implementation

  • Aug 2023

    Destination Silver Diagnosis Complete

  • Sep 2023

    Destination Action Plan Implementation

  • Feb 2024

    Silver GreenStep Destination Certification

What is sustainable tourism?

Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.

– United Nations World Tourism Organization

 

Our work so far

In 2022, Tourism Kingston engaged GreenStep Solutions to undertake a sustainable tourism assessment and develop an action plan for the organization and destination.

  • The Visitor Information Centre operated by Tourism Kingston received Bronze certification by GreenStep.
  • The destination received Silver certification by GreenStep.

Next steps

Tourism Kingston has committed to:

  • Incorporate further GreenStep recommendations into project planning
  • Align with the sustainability goals of the City of Kingston
  • Incorporate sustainability into all business sectors

Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge

Tourism Kingston has signed the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge to demonstrate our commitment to improving our sustainability score between now and 2030.

Our pledge: Tourism Kingston strives to incorporate sustainability in all its operations. Our actions and initiatives are guided by our GreenStep Sustainable Tourism certification, the UN Sustainable Development goals, and the City of Kingston’s climate leadership plan.

 

Achievements and goals within Tourism Kingston’s business sectors

Business Events

  • Initiated the Food Reclamation and Redistribution Program with Lionhearts
  • Enhanced sustainable travel partnerships with VIA Rail
  • Created new sustainable offerings for group events
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Travel Trade

  • Created new tour bus parking and educational materials to reduce bus idling and traffic congestion
  • Continue to share digital itineraries and trade show materials
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Sport and Wellness

  • Created new sustainable itineraries for sport events
  • Continue to support community activities like Kingston Waters Cleanup
  • Working with community sport event organizers on ways to reduce environmental impact through hosting practices
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Visitor Services

  • Added a water refill station and eliminated single-use plastics at the Visitor Information Centre
  • Continue to promote no-idling by-laws and parking options for tour buses
  • Continue to promote Creative Kingston Walking Tours and other sustainable activities
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Film and Media

  • Active participant in the Ontario Green Screen sustainable production initiative
  • Created an electrical tie-in map for film productions to reduce location generator use
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Music

  • Continue to promote events at pedestrian-friendly and net-zero public spaces like the Broom Factory
  • Developing resources on hosting sustainable music events and festivals, including measuring an event’s carbon footprint

Marketing and Communications

  • Created new sustainable tourism products including self-guided walking tours and supports for cyclists
  • Continue to promote Kingston resources and services, including electric buses, bike rentals, conservation areas, farm-to-table culinary offerings, and a pedestrian-friendly downtown
  • Continue to highlight stories about sustainable local businesses such as refilleries, thrift stores, and low-waste restaurants
  • Promote slow travel/sustainable travel to and while in Kingston
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Packaging

  • Create overnight visitor packages that include support of/connection with local community organizations
  • Continue to showcase local initiatives like Open Farms Days and Kingston Waters Cleanup
  • Support local producers through culinary programs such as Kingstonlicious
  • Showcase Kingston’s sustainable efforts to journalists and influencers using digital itineraries
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Kingston Accommodation Partners

  • Provide resources for properties to complete the GreenKey certification
  • Provide BIPOC products for their guests
  • Create efficiencies around turndown or housekeeping services (stay-over rooms cleaned upon request only)
  • Increase participation in Lionhearts Food Reclamation and Redistribution program
  • Connect accommodation partners with Refilleries
  • Educate accommodation partners on opportunities for energy-efficient lighting and temperature systems

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