Sustainability
TIAO supports practical and accessible sustainability across Ontario’s tourism sector. We work to help operators adopt sustainable practices by promoting tools, training, and incentives that reflect the diverse realities of tourism businesses, particularly in rural and northern communities. Our focus is on making sustainability achievable for operators while strengthening Ontario’s long-term competitiveness as a responsible tourism destination.
Our Sustainable Tourism Pledge
Each year, we commit to measuring and improving our sustainability performance:
🌱 Continue to have sustainability and environmental consciousness as part of our organizational thinking and framework.
🌱 When building partnerships, ask potential partners if and what initiatives they are undertaking to support sustainability.
🌱 Ensure work-related flights and accommodations are carbon offset when available.
The Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) is a proud Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge signatory, demonstrating our commitment to improving the sustainability performance of our business between now and 2030.
Advancing Sustainable Tourism in Ontario
TIAO is taking the lead on a sustainable tourism initiative to progress sustainability across the province, support Ontario in becoming the most sustainable province by partnering with GreenStep Solutions - the only Canadian-based organization to offer Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Destination Ontario - Sustainable Travel
A guide to environmentally responsible and low‑impact tourism options across Ontario. It explains what sustainable tourism means, highlights ways travellers can reduce their footprint, and showcases eco‑friendly options for places to stay, eat, explore nature, and get around.
SWOTC's Sustainability Education Resources
Provides tools, guides, and educational materials to help tourism businesses and organizations adopt more sustainable practices. Features resources on topics like certifications, sustainable events, and tourism management to support organizations in reducing their environmental footprint while strengthening local communities and visitor experiences.
Visit Responsibly Stakeholder Toolkit - RTO7
A practical resource designed to help tourism businesses in the BruceGreySimcoe region communicate and implement sustainable tourism practices. It’s built around a framework of seven key principles (like “Respect the Environment,” “Support Local,” and “Travel Wisely”) that guide visitors toward thoughtful, low‑impact travel behaviour.
Sustainable Tourism - OHTO
Eco‑friendly retreats, Indigenous cultural experiences, and tips for low‑impact exploration in the Highlands.
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