Stewardship First: Responsible Tourism in Action - a Learn Tourism Virtual Symposium
Samantha Hackett was pleased to participate in the Responsible Tourism panel at the Stewardship First: Responsible Tourism In Action - a Learn Tourism Virtual Symposium, alongside colleagues from Travel Portland and the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Council.
During Samantha's panel, they discussed how destinations can redefine success beyond visitor numbers and economic impact by paying attention to resident sentiment, community well-being, environmental health, and cultural integrity.
It was a great opportunity to share Tofino’s Destination Stewardship Plan and how it is helping us put ʔiisaak into practice, using examples of the work happening here in our region. The panel also provided a chance to connect with tourism colleagues and contribute to the broader conversation about putting stewardship at the heart of destination management.
A key takeaway was that stewardship needs to shape real decisions, not just messaging, and that meaningful progress depends on collaboration, honest conversations, and a willingness to learn and adapt as we go.
The symposium was held on November 10th, 2026 and is designed for tourism professionals, destination leaders, and community organizers.