The Région de Québec strengthens its leadership as a sustainable destination by renewing its Biosphere Certified Destination certification, an international recognition that validates its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to a responsible, balanced tourism model that respects both the environment and the local community.
The Région de Québec has once again renewed its commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism by obtaining the Biosphere Certified Destination distinction, awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI). This international recognition confirms that sustainable practices are being correctly implemented and that the destination meets its environmental, social, and governance commitments.
This renewal confirms the territory’s solid progress toward a responsible tourism development model, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and with a comprehensive vision of community well-being, environmental protection, and economic prosperity.
Since joining the international network of Biosphere sustainable destinations in 2023, the Région de Québec has positioned itself as a global benchmark in the application of sustainable tourism criteria. The Biosphere Destination certification reflects this territory’s commitment to tourism management that balances the conservation of natural and cultural heritage with economic and social development.
The audit and renewal process, successfully completed with positive results, evaluated multiple areas: from energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy to heritage preservation, promotion of the local economy, and social inclusion.
The Biosphere model, developed by the Responsible Tourism Institute, enables destinations to measure, assess, and improve their contribution to sustainability through indicators linked to the 17 SDGs. This management system drives continuous improvement in areas such as governance, the economy, culture, innovation, and transparency.
The Région de Québec combines heritage, biodiversity, and Francophone culture in an exemplary balance. The Historic District of Old Québec, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only fortified city north of Mexico and a benchmark for 17th-century architectural preservation.
This territory is also located on the ancestral lands of the Huron-Wendat Nation, a community that represents a valuable cultural and linguistic legacy, being the only Iroquoian-origin nation with French as its mother tongue.
With more than 340 hectares of green spaces and an energy supply based on renewable hydroelectric power, the region demonstrates that sustainable tourism is possible without sacrificing comfort, innovation, or authenticity. Sustainability here is not an add-on; it is a way of life that defines the destination’s identity.
The Région de Québec invites a conscious way of traveling, where every decision matters. From exploring the St. Lawrence River through low-impact routes to discovering the boreal forest or enjoying local gastronomy, visitors can connect with the essence of the territory without disrupting its balance.
Practicing responsible tourism in Québec means choosing soft mobility, supporting local businesses, and valuing the living culture of the place. It means understanding that the best travel experience is one that generates well-being and leaves a positive footprint on the community because sustainable tourism does not seek to slow development, but to transform it into a driver of environmental regeneration and social cohesion.
From Biosphere, we sincerely congratulate the entire Région de Québec Biosphere Destination team for their effort, consistency, and commitment to continuous improvement. Their work is an example of how destinations can integrate sustainability into their tourism strategy, turning global challenges into local opportunities.
This achievement not only reaffirms Québec’s role as a leading international sustainable destination, but also reinforces the message that sustainability is not a final goal, but a shared path toward a more just, inclusive, and planet-respectful future