Charlevoix reaffirms its commitment to sustainable tourism with the renewal of its Biosphere Certified Destination certification. This international recognition validates a management approach based on continuous improvement, the protection of natural heritage, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), further establishing the Canadian region as one of North America's leading sustainable tourism destinations.
Charlevoix has renewed its Biosphere Certified Destination certification, reaffirming its commitment to a sustainable tourism model that protects its natural heritage, supports local development, and places sustainability at the core of destination management. After successfully completing the renewal audit, this iconic region of Québec continues to be part of the international Biosphere community of sustainable destinations, reinforcing a long-term commitment to continuous improvement and the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At Biosphere and the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), we extend our sincere congratulations to the entire team at Tourisme Charlevoix, as well as to the institutions, businesses, organizations, and residents who are part of this collective effort. The renewal of this certification recognizes the destination's ongoing work to integrate sustainability into its tourism strategy and confirms the success of a model that creates lasting benefits for the region, the local community, and everyone who visits.
The renewal of the Biosphere Certified Destination certification confirms that Charlevoix continues to implement an effective tourism management model based on sustainability principles, having successfully completed the renewal audit that verifies compliance with the international standards of the Biosphere program.
This recognition reaffirms the continuation of a strategy that integrates the protection of natural and cultural heritage, biodiversity conservation, local economic development, and the enhancement of the visitor experience through a responsible approach to tourism.
The certification, awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), recognizes the destination's commitment to planning aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting a management model capable of addressing today's tourism challenges through continuous improvement and collaboration among stakeholders across the destination.
Nestled between the majestic St. Lawrence River and the mountains of Québec, Charlevoix is a destination where nature sets the pace of every journey.
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1988, this Canadian region is renowned for its extraordinary landscape, shaped by the impact of a meteorite and the glacial processes that created one of North America's most distinctive natural environments.
Traveling through Charlevoix means discovering a destination where sustainable tourism is expressed through authentic experiences—scenic hiking trails, charming villages with a strong sense of identity, local farmers' markets, artisan workshops, regional cuisine, and accommodations that blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.
This model of development demonstrates that sustainability not only protects natural and cultural heritage, but also enriches the visitor experience and strengthens the local economy of the communities that call Charlevoix home.
The renewal of the certification reflects the work carried out by Tourisme Charlevoix to strengthen a tourism management model in which visitors, residents, and the environment are at the heart of every decision.
The destination's strategy is focused on a sustainable transition built upon the conservation of natural resources, the strengthening of local identity, the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, and the development of responsible tourism experiences.
This approach supports long-term planning that integrates sustainability into decision-making, fostering balanced development that creates shared value for the destination.
The renewal audit confirmed the continuity of this commitment by verifying the effective implementation of sustainable practices and compliance with the criteria established by the Biosphere methodology.
Renewing the Biosphere Certified Destination certification provides significant benefits for Charlevoix and further strengthens its position as one of Canada's leading sustainable tourism destinations.
Among the key benefits are:
The renewal of the certification also represents an opportunity to continue expanding the community of organizations committed to sustainability throughout Charlevoix.
At Biosphere, we encourage hotels, accommodations, restaurants, local producers, tourism activity providers, retailers, and other organizations across the destination to join the Biosphere Certified program for businesses.
Achieving this certification enables organizations to integrate sustainability into their day-to-day operations, access continuous improvement tools, strengthen their competitiveness, and respond to the growing demand from travelers who value destinations and businesses committed to sustainable development.
Each new organization that joins strengthens the destination's tourism ecosystem and helps build a more cohesive, responsible, and resilient tourism offering, better prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
The renewal of Biosphere Certified Destination confirms that Charlevoix continues to advance a tourism model in which environmental conservation, people's well-being, and authentic visitor experiences are all part of the same vision for the future.
Beyond the recognition itself, this achievement reflects the shared commitment of public institutions, businesses, and the local community to a vision of tourism built on respect for the destination, continuous improvement, and the creation of a positive impact.
We once again congratulate the entire Tourisme Charlevoix team on this renewal and for continuing to demonstrate that sustainability is a powerful driver of transformation—one that strengthens the destination's competitiveness, protects its extraordinary natural and cultural heritage, and contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Charlevoix continues to inspire other destinations by demonstrating that traveling with intention, valuing local communities, and preserving what makes a place unique are the foundations on which the future of tourism will be built.