IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism awards presented at 2023 conference

The event was presented in partnership between Destination Greater Victoria, Synergy Enterprises, Tartan Bond Integrated Communications and Starrboard Enterprises, the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) - Canada Chapter and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).

The title “IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism” was chosen to convey the importance of tourism as an economic driver as well as the large footprint it has on the environment and the social and cultural fabric of a destination.

Presented during the conference, IMPACT awards were given to individuals and organizations who lead and inspire others to foster positive impacts for communities, the economy, and the environment. They also seek ways to support the revitalization of wildlife, cultures and natural spaces whether through education, leading by example and empowering others to commit to climate action.

Award recipients:

Former Victoria mayor Lisa Helps has been a champion of local businesses and the tourism industry over her eight years of tenure. A popular and inspiring IMPACT speaker, she empowered delegates to focus on their relationships with their local government, balance tourism’s relationships with residents and highlighted the importance of good governance in developing sustainable tourism initiatives with cities and communities.

A Certified B Corporation, Frontiers North Adventures shares in the stewardship of the communities and environments in which it operates. “We are honoured to be recognized in this manner by our Canadian tourism industry peers and are proud to have contributed to the IMPACT community since its inception,” says the company’s president & CEO John Gunter.

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University has had a significant presence at IMPACT every year. Sonya Graci has been a presenter at three IMPACTS and professor Rachel Dodds was co-chair in year one.

The award recipients each received a limited-edition silkscreen print by Coast Salish artist Dylan Thomas, entitled Serpent Cycle from Mark Loria Gallery in downtown Victoria.

Feature image: Left to right - Jill Doucette of Synergy Enterprises, Starr McMichael of IMPACT, Sonya Graci of TMU, Former mayor of Victoria Lisa Helps, John Gunter of IMPACT, Deirdre Campbell of TartanBond and Paul Nursey of Destination Greater Victoria.