Tourism Kingston strives to integrate sustainability into each of its business sectors and into its overall destination management strategy.
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
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.
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
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.
Initiated the Food Recovery and Redistribution Program with Lionhearts
Enhanced sustainable travel partnerships with VIA Rail
Created new sustainable offerings for group events
Sourced bamboo lanyards and implemented lanyard recycling program for events
Created new tour bus parking and educational materials to reduce bus idling and traffic congestion
Continue to prioritize digital itineraries and trade show materials
Created new sustainable itineraries for sport events
Continue to support community activities such as Kingston Waters Cleanup
Working with community sport event organizers to reduce environmental impact through hosting practices
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
Sourcing locally and sustainably made products
Active participant in the Ontario Green Screen sustainable production initiative
Created an electrical tie-in map for film productions to reduce location generator use
Continue to promote events at pedestrian-friendly and net-zero public spaces like the Broom Factory
Developing resources for hosting sustainable music events & festivals, including measuring an event’s carbon footprint
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
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
Provide resources for properties to complete the GreenKey certification
Provide BIPOC products for hotel guests
Create efficiencies around turndown or housekeeping services (stay-over rooms cleaned upon request only)
Increase participation in Lionhearts Food Recovery and Redistribution program
Connect accommodation partners with local refilleries
Educate accommodation partners about opportunities for energy-efficient lighting and temperature systems
