Created to support BC's tourism industry to incorporate more sustainable business practices, ETHOS is launching into 2010 with a new website and travel calculator, over a dozen new partnerships, tools and programs in its goal to position BC as one of the most sustainable tourism destinations in the world.
ETHOS stands for 'engaging tourism and hospitality operators in sustainability'. Incorporated as the BC Partnership for Sustainable Tourism Society , ETHOS is a unique partnership among government, industry and non-government partners and was created as an independent and accountable organization to ensure the environmental, economic, social and cultural sustainability of the tourism sector, one of BC's largest industries.
ETHOS website, www.ethosbc.com, went live January 1, 2010. On the website, tourism operators can log on and join ETHOS. A basic network membership is free and benefits include a directory listing and map locator, a travel calculator for businesses to imbed on their website to encourage travel related offsetting that invests in projects taking place in British Columbia, ongoing consultation towards achieving new levels of sustainability at a reduced rate, RSS newsfeeds on up to date information on global sustainable tourism initiatives, access to an on-line resource centre and quarterly newsletter. A basic network membership is free and there will be future opportunities to invest in an enhanced network membership, upon the launch of new tools later this year.
'Our priority is to move BC's 18,000+ tourism businesses of all sizes forward with sustainable business practices,' says Managing Director Judy Adams. 'Along with tools like our website and workshops, we will positively impact tourism and hospitality businesses when it comes to the triple bottom line of financial performance, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.'
Certifying tourism operators based on their level of sustainable practice is a definite hot button for tourism around the world and a key marketing initiative. ETHOS is currently working with the Canadian Sustainable Tourism Advisory Council (CSTAC) and the Tourism Association of Canada(TIAC) on a national certification program to be piloted in BC. ETHOS has also partnered with Ecotrust Canada to offer members Climate Smart Workshops, and is developing additional programs targeting service personnel and all levels of management within the tourism industry.
'To reach our goals, we need to work together drawing on the global, national and local expertise that is already out in the marketplace,' say Adams. 'Our website is just our first step but it is an important network engagement tool to draw in as many businesses as possible to share and support each other with best practices, easily accessible tools and ways to measure return on investment.'
