The Canadian island of Vancouver reaffirms its commitment to a responsible tourism model by renewing its Biosphere Destination certification. This international recognition, awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (ITR), certifies compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reinforces its position as a destination committed to environmental, social, and cultural sustainability.
Vancouver Island, one of the most emblematic destinations on Canada’s Pacific coast, has renewed its Biosphere Certified Destination certification, awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI). This international recognition confirms that the destination continues to effectively implement policies and actions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), consolidating its leadership in responsible and regenerative tourism.
The renewal of the Biosphere label confirms the satisfactory results obtained in the most recent audit, a guarantee that the destination’s sustainable practices remain active and continuously improving. From Biosphere, we extend our congratulations to the entire Destination Vancouver Island team and to the communities that are part of this commitment for their constant effort in favor of a more conscious, inclusive, and resilient tourism model.
Located off the coast of British Columbia, Vancouver Island is a unique enclave where nature, culture, and community integrate in balance. Its temperate rainforests, glacial rivers, and coastal cliffs create a landscape that invites slow tourism, low impact, and deep connection with the environment.
From lively Victoria, the provincial capital, to the small coastal towns scattered across the island, Vancouver Island has embraced a tourism development model that prioritizes ecosystem conservation, the participation of Indigenous communities, and environmental education for visitors and residents alike.
The destination has made climate action, social inclusion, and marine conservation strategic pillars of its management. Initiatives such as emissions reduction, the promotion of Indigenous tourism, and accessibility and biodiversity programs are tangible examples of the island’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
The Biosphere methodology, developed by the Responsible Tourism Institute (ITR), enables destinations like Vancouver Island to evaluate their progress through a system of indicators linked to the 17 United Nations SDGs.
Through this model, destinations can measure, plan, and improve their actions in key areas such as environmental management, governance, social inclusion, innovation, quality of life, and the circular economy.
Thanks to this tool, Vancouver Island Biosphere Destination monitors its sustainability performance and defines annual action plans that allow it to advance toward more responsible, balanced, and competitive tourism.
“Renewing the Biosphere certification not only reflects compliance with international standards but also a work philosophy based on continuous improvement and commitment to future generations,” state members of the destination management team.
The success of Vancouver Island as a sustainable destination lies in its collective vision. Every company, institution, and resident actively contributes to building a tourism model based on collaboration and shared responsibility.
This networked approach translates into concrete actions, such as education for responsible tourism, traveler awareness, and support for local development projects that strengthen the economies of smaller communities.
“Our whole‑team approach reflects each business unit’s willingness to advance shared priorities: climate action, inclusion, Indigenous tourism, and marine conservation,” emphasize representatives from Destination Vancouver Island.
Through the Biosphere Certification, destinations like Vancouver Island have a system that allows them to measure their progress, report verifiable results, and communicate their positive impact with transparency. This annually audited process turns sustainability into a common language of trust among destinations, businesses, and travelers.
At Biosphere, we celebrate this renewal as an inspiring example of how tourism can be a tool for positive transformation, capable of preserving biodiversity, promoting equity, and strengthening communities.
In Vancouver Island, sustainability is not presented as an obligation but as a way of understanding life.
Traveling here means respecting the rhythms of nature, supporting the local economy, and leaving the environment a little better than you found it.
This commitment reaffirms that the tourism of the future will be regenerative—or it will not be. And on that path, destinations like Vancouver Island lead the way toward a more just, humane, and sustainable global model.