Charlevoix has received the Biosphere Destination distinction after successfully passing the certification audit. With this recognition, the Canadian destination reaffirms its commitment to responsible tourism and the conservation of natural heritage, becoming, after the city of Quebec, the second region in Eastern North America to receive this distinction.
By obtaining the Biosphere Destination certification, Charlevoix has become part of the international community of sustainable Biosphere destinations.
At Biosphere, we celebrate this milestone and extend our congratulations to the entire Tourisme Charlevoix team and the local community for successfully passing a thorough certification audit with satisfactory results. This achievement highlights continued work in sustainable tourism and responsible management aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Biosphere Destination certification confirms Charlevoix’s progress in sustainable tourism, driving policies and actions that place visitors, citizens, and the environment at the center of destination management. This renewal audit demonstrates continuous improvement and consistency with the SDGs, strengthening the trust of travelers, businesses, and administrations in responsible and quality tourism.
Mitchell Dion, General Director of Tourisme Charlevoix, in light of this news, stated that “this certification represents a decisive step for Charlevoix. It ensures the projection of our destination beyond borders and confirms our position among the most dynamic regions of Quebec in terms of sustainable development. It is a major achievement for our organization, for which the development of more responsible tourism is a priority that materializes in tangible actions.”
The evaluation process verified the destination’s performance in key areas such as governance, local culture, environmental conservation, circular economy, and community well-being. The satisfactory results of the audit validate the track record of Tourisme Charlevoix and its sustainable transition toward an increasingly resilient tourism model.
In this regard, Patricio Azcárate, Secretary General of the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) and General Director of Biosphere, affirmed that “Charlevoix demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and great alignment with the Biosphere model. This certification reflects not only the destination’s clear responsibility in the field of sustainable development, but also its firm will for continuous improvement and the generation of positive impacts on society, the local economy, and the environment. Charlevoix is not only proof that sustainability and tourism can go hand in hand — it has become a true international benchmark.”
Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1988, Charlevoix stands out for its natural heritage where river and mountain coexist. Its landscapes, shaped by meteorite impacts and glaciation, constitute both a tourism asset and a collective resource valued and protected by the population. This geographic and cultural framework strengthens its sustainable tourism offering and positions Charlevoix as a benchmark sustainable destination in Canada.
Tourisme Charlevoix promotes development that respects community life by integrating sustainability into tourism promotion, responsible experiences, and the protection of exceptional natural resources. This strategic approach contributes to a positive impact on the local economy and the conservation of the environment.
The renewal of the Biosphere Destination certification in Charlevoix translates into concrete benefits for responsible tourism and the local community. This recognition consolidates sustainable tourism as a core axis of destination management, drives continuous improvement, and fosters positive and measurable impacts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At Biosphere, we encourage more businesses and local organizations to join the Charlevoix Biosphere Destination program. Becoming part of the Biosphere community provides access to management tools, support, and visibility to improve sustainability performance, strengthen tourism competitiveness, and contribute to community well-being.
We extend our congratulations to the Tourisme Charlevoix team for their dedication and for leading a model of sustainable tourism that inspires other destinations. Their strategic approach, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, is an example of how Biosphere certification drives real and measurable change.