Capacity Building Program: Integrating Sustainable Practices

Building a more sustainable destination benefits everyone. Building capacity for sustainability in tourism not only fosters stewardship but also makes good business sense by expanding the customer base, enhancing brand reputation, and meeting the growing demand for sustainable travel options.

According to Booking.com’s 2024 Sustainable Travel Report:

• 83% of travellers consider sustainable travel important
• 76% want to travel more sustainably in the next 12 months
• 45% of event planners have a sustainability mandate
• Guests pay up to 10% more for sustainability features

Ottawa has developed a reputation for hosting forward-thinking events and initiatives that draw visitors seeking sustainable experiences. Ottawa Tourism is dedicated to supporting member businesses to participate through initiatives such as the À la Carte Food Recovery Program and the Carbon Calculator Pilot Program, developed in partnership with TIAO and GreenStep. Through collective action, Ottawa can become a more sustainable, resilient, and attractive destination for visitors.

Ottawa Tourism is proud to launch the second Member Capacity Building Program: Integrating Sustainable Practices. This program reflects our tourism community's shared commitment to supporting a more sustainable and resilient destination. 

This program is designed to support members at every point of their sustainability journey; from businesses with established sustainability action plans to members taking the first step on their journey. The cohort approach allows members to learn from one another and leverage the strengths of the group to build capacity together.

The program is offered in English only.

This program is open to Ottawa Tourism members that meet the following criteria: 

• Member of Ottawa Tourism
• Committed to building capacity through continuous improvement 

By joining this capacity building program, members will have access to: 

• Learning paths in three high-impact theme areas: Energy & Emissions, Circular Operations, and Supply Chain.
• Expert support on how to develop compelling sustainability messaging that complies with anti-greenwashing legislation
• Access to participation in Ottawa Tourism sponsored sustainability programs (e. g.: À la Carte – Ottawa’s Food Recovery Program, Carbon Calculator Pilot Program)
• Leverage tools, solutions, and connections to foster meaningful partnerships that will help drive sustainability initiatives
• Priority exposure through Ottawa Tourism’s sustainability content

Eligible businesses will be asked to dedicate a sustainable champion to participate in the program. The program is designed to be self-paced, allowing members the flexibility to work at their own speed, however, Ottawa Tourism will work alongside the cohort to offer opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and resources that can be leveraged to make considerable strides within a six to twelve month period.

Members will be asked to designate a Sustainability Champion. This individual will be required to: 

• Attend the onboarding session, focus area session(s), goal and data collection workshop
• Be responsible for check-ins and reporting meetings with Ottawa Tourism

• Act as the liaison between Ottawa Tourism and members of their team participating in different programs

  Note: different programs (e.g., À La Carte) may have other business-level contacts/team members involved, but the designated champion will be the main point of contact for the sustainability program as a whole. 

1. Information session: Learn what participation in the cohort entails by exploring the three focus areas, Ottawa Tourism programs and co-creation opportunities, and the opportunities to leverage the cohort for peer-to-peer learning
2. Focus area sessions: Deep dive into the three focus areas: energy & emissions, circular economy, and supply chain, to understand the area(s) best suited to your business goals
3. Goal setting and data collection workshop: Leverage toolkits tailored to each focus area designed to help you set goals and track your progress. Businesses with existing sustainability action plans and reports are encouraged to use their existing tools to avoid duplicated efforts
4. Marketing and communication workshop: Learn from marketing experts at Masse Critique how to communicate about sustainability with impact while remaining compliant with anti-greenwashing legislation
5. Cohort networking: Explore case studies and exchange best practices and insights with other cohort members
6. Supplier fair: Meet local suppliers offering sustainability solutions and community-based organizations offering partnership opportunities 

* Indicates required field