Tourism Tofino Shares Insights on Sustainability and Indigenous Tourism at Industry Panels
We are proud to have had our Director of Destination Stewardship, Jody Kirk and our Visitor Services Manager, Jess McGarry represent Tourism Tofino at two recent industry events, where they shared insights on sustainability, destination stewardship, and meaningful tourism partnerships.
At the Sustainable Solutions Showcase, hosted by BC Green Business and Surfrider Pacific Rim, Jess joined a panel of Water Friendly Businesses to discuss practical approaches to water conservation and sustainability. Jess highlighted Tourism Tofino’s responsible visitor messaging, the water conservation resource kit developed for visitor-facing businesses, and the Everything Through Natural Law mural installation at the Tofino Visitor Centre, which shares a message of ʔiisak (respect) for all who enter.
Tourism Tofino was also represented at the American Indigenous Tourism (AIT) Go International Summit on the panel Welcoming the World: Indigenous-Led Tourism & Destination Partnership in Practice. The session introduced the Indigenous-Led Tourism Partnership Toolkit, which explores how destination organizations can build respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, support Indigenous-led tourism readiness, and create authentic visitor experiences through collaboration. Jody joined industry leaders from Destinations International, Travel Oregon, Ottawa Tourism, and Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce to share perspectives on partnership in action.
We’re grateful for opportunities to contribute to these important conversations and to continue learning alongside leaders in the industry.