The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) has teamed up with Tourism Cares to promote sustainable tourism. Tourism Cares is a non-profit organization that mobilizes the travel industry to unite, activate and inspire all sectors to make a positive impact through travel.
“At CATO, we strongly support the efforts of Tourism Cares to advance the travel industry’s social and environmental impact to help people and places thrive. We know there is strength in partnership, and we must unite to create positive contributions towards responsible, sustainable travel,” said Brett Walker, chairman of CATO. “This partnership with Tourism Cares is a natural extension of the causes we support and I look forward to the impact we will collectively make in the tourism industry.”
For nearly 20 years, Tourism Cares has empowered the travel industry with tools, resources and opportunities to address global challenges and empower sustainable travel worldwide. This includes convening “Meaningful Travel Summits,” accompanied by “Meaningful Travel Maps” (customized for each destination that hosts a Meaningful Travel Summit). These initiatives encourage tour operators and travel advisors to incorporate sustainable businesses and services into their itineraries.
This year, “Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Summit” will be held from September 28-30 in Victoria, British Columbia. The summit will convene North American industry representatives, including airlines, destination management organizations, hotels, tour operators and travel advisors. Facilitated education sessions, meaningful travel experiences and volunteering will help attendees learn from environmental and indigenous groups on how they can positively impact the communities and destinations they visit. CATO representatives attending the event include Walker (Collette), Stephanie Bishop (Avalon/Globus family of brands) CATO vice-chair and Emma Cottis (Goway).
For more details, visit www.tourismcares.org/victoria-summit.
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