The Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce has been supporting small, local businesses since 1948. Made up of 300 members who are entrepreneurs, local enterprises, individuals and non-profit groups, the Chamber has been long been a voice for a sustainable local economy. Run by community based volunteers and a small staff, the organization also looks after Salt Spring Tourism as well as the Visitor Information Centre. They welcome close to 40,000 people a year through the centre, and offer advice to newcomers and visitors to the island and regional travel information to nearby locations. Learn more about Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce by visiting their website www.saltspringchamber.com or Salt Spring Tourism’s website www.saltspringtourism.com
Salt Spring First Chamber of Commerce to Become Sustainable Tourism Certified
The Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce they are Canada’s first Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre to become accredited members of Green Tourism Canada.
Their “Silver” accreditation was made official on April 19th,2016. The organization is proud to be working with Sustainable Tourism to show their commitment to environmental sustainability and to promote Salt Spring Island’s reputation as an eco-friendly destination where business and nature work together in harmony.
In the fall of 2015, the Chamber Board of Directors decided to look into ways that seek a green accreditation so that the organization could show its commitment to the environment. “People are drawn to this region because of our scenic beauty, connection to nature, fresh air and water, and for our environmentally sustainable community”, says Janet Clouston, Executive Director. “We wanted to ensure that our business practices aligned with our values.” They discovered Sustainable Tourism in their search for such a program, and have been working with them for the past several months on the accreditation process.
We are thrilled to bring on our first Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre in Canada. The Salt Spring Chamber has set an example not only for other Chamber and Visitor Centres across the country but for tourism businesses as well. They are literally ‘walking the talk’ by focusing on their sustainability performance, and have taken a leadership role for other business on the island to follow, helping to boost sustainable tourism on Salt Spring Island.
Salt Spring Island Chamber members will be encouraged to get involved in this program to promote Salt Spring as an eco-friendly destination. Members, like Jason Griffin of Tour Salt Spring, who was also recently accredited, can join Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce in raising awareness on the differences they can make to lower their carbon footprint, energy use as well as reduce waste.
About the Chamber of Commerce & Salt Spring Tourism
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