Destination Climate Champions

At 4VI our mission is to ensure that travel is a force for good for Vancouver Island — forever. We’ve set a target to reduce emissions in half by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050. By prioritizing a sustainable environment, we can keep the Vancouver Island Region thriving.

"Destination Queenstown is the Regional Tourism Organisation responsible for destination marketing and destination management in Queenstown, New Zealand. In 2023 the region’s destination management plan was launched focusing on regenerative tourism and a carbon zero visitor economy in the Queenstown Lakes, by 2030. This ambitious goal offers opportunities for the region, as well as greater wellbeing for people and the planet, as regenerative tourism benefits communities, the environment, and the economy."

"Climate leadership must acknowledge the Indigenous stewardship by the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh since time immemorial of fostering a harmony with all natural systems. In more recent history, Vancouver is a place whose community has long been active in grappling with understanding the impacts of climate change and stepping up to act. This can be traced back to the Clouds of Change report in 1990 with successive action plans all the way through to the current Climate Emergency Action Plan passed in 2021. More specifically for business, the Zero Emissions Economic Transition Action Plan outlines a vision to support climate action so that it might be a net benefit for businesses & workers in Vancouver. Destination Vancouver has engaged with the development of each of these municipal plans and seeks to find ways to support the sector to thrive as it transitions to a low-carbon economy."

"Great South is the Regional Development Agency for the Murihiku Southland region. On the southern edge of New Zealand, our place is one of stunning and unique natural landscapes with over half protected as conservation estate. As destination stewards, we have a key role to play in supporting the sustainability of our tourism sector, identifying projects and priorities to support a more regenerative future. Our journey so far has led us to develop a sustainable tourism programme for our operators and undertake regional emissions measurement. As an organisation we have a goal to become carbon neutral by 2025 and we are committed to supporting our sector to become net zero by 2050."

"Surrounded by the largest intact ecosystem in the continental U.S., we realize that the climate deeply impacts our visitors and locals – including the countless wildlife who call this region 'home'. We’re excited to build on the goals of our Sustainable Destination Management Plan (SDMP) to ensure that tourism is a positive force that enhances resiliency for our people, nature, and economy."

"Our work in the National Forest goes beyond trees. We're showcasing tangible change in a real place, offering a glimpse into a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future. We've revitalised a once-declining industrial area into a thriving destination, fuelled by the conviction that life is better with trees. While already a success for the Midlands, our vision extends further: we aim for the National Forest to be recognised as a leading sustainable tourism destination, responding to the urgency of climate change and serving as a national flagship. Our belief that sustainability is achievable is backed by tangible progress, demonstrating that it's possible here and now. Collaborating closely with our tourism partners, we're shaping the National Forest into a nationally recognised, sustainable destination that contributes to nature, wellbeing, and net zero goals. "

“We are still at the beginning of our journey, but we see sustainability as one of the most important tasks for tourism‘s future and want to be part of the solution. In our view, climate protection is absolutely essential in order to preserve local culture, protect natural resources, improve the quality of life for locals and build a positive image among travellers. This is the only way we can ensure that our destination remains attractive and liveable for future generations. By creating a Climate Action Plan, we want to establish a tourism sustainability network and act as a central anchor point in the destination for this topic.“

"The Oregon Coast Visitors Association recognizes the significance of climate action for our organization and destination due to the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems to climate change. By actively engaging in climate action, we aim to protect and preserve the scenic beauty, biodiversity, and recreational opportunities that draw visitors to our region, ensuring the long-term sustainability of both our tourism industry and the coastal environment. Our primary goals in this work are to find actionable solutions for our organization, partners and visitors."

"As a Regional Destination Management Organization (RDMO), TOTA’s role is to protect the Thompson Okanagan region. Climate action is imperative to continue the enjoyment of regional communities, landscapes, and experiences. Actions include signing the Glasgow Declaration, developing a Climate Action Plan, conducting a Carbon Footprint analysis, and beginning implementation. Learn more at TOTABC.org"

"As one of the most sustainable city trip destinations, Berlin inspires its visitors to think about climate protection. For us, taking responsibility in the field of tourism is a natural part of our comprehensive sustainability concept. We are committed to a strong network of tourism partners and run initiatives that support change in the industry." Image © GettyImages, Picture: Querbeet

"Located just off the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is a little slice of heaven with quaint villages, thriving communities and stunning landscapes, 50% designated as a National Landscape and designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Embracing climate action here isn't just about saving the planet; it's about preserving our Island by keeping the waves clean, the air fresh, and our little piece of paradise thriving for generations to come."

"City of Tampere has set an ambitious goal to reach climate neutrality by 2030. To support this and make tourism business a prominent forerunner of this goal, Visit Tampere published our Carbon Neutral Destination 2030 roadmap in early 2022 and signed the Glasgow Declaration during the same summer. Most of the visitors of Tampere are domestic, which emphasizes the impact of climate actions done within the destination. With cooperation and service development our long term aim is to provide visitors opportunities to spend a climate neutral holiday in Tampere."

"Welcome to Fife is committed to sustainability throughout the tourism industry in Fife. Our goals are to stay accountable, support businesses to operate sustainably and encourage responsible visitor behaviour. We aim to integrate sustainability strategies and initiatives including promoting the circular economy, encouraging the use of local produce and reducing waste generation. We will encourage and support businesses to adopt sustainable practises and offer resources, tools, and training to empower tourism stakeholders and bridge knowledge gaps."

"If there was any region in Aotearoa where climate change, the loss of natural habitats, wetlands and biodiversity, ring particularly true it is here. The West Coast is a narrow stretch of land, niched between a 9,000-foot mountain range and a rugged coastline, harboring two national parks and a UNESCO world heritage site. Our region is transitioning from an extractive legacy to a regenerative one, with tourism leading the change. Our natural assets attract visitors to Te tai o poutini, creating employment, economic benefits and supporting our communities. From a tourism perspective, initiatives focusing on conservation, sustainability and regeneration are a fight for our very survival. Our ambition is to allow all residents, future generations, and our visitors to become kaitiaki (guardians) of this amazing place, enabling them to protect and enhance our natural habitat." Image: Clint Trahan.

"Wellington's Destination Management approach centers on the idea that tourism should enrich rather than take from our communities and strives to enhance Wellington as both a great place to live and visit. Destination Poneke's vision goes further, aiming for Wellington to become a zero carbon capital by 2050. This entails leveraging tourism to bolster economic, social, cultural, and environmental well-being for all. Initiatives like Zealandia and Predator Free 2050 showcase Wellington's commitment to biodiversity regeneration. As a result Wellington emerges as a beacon of hope for other urban centres, demonstrating that positive environmental transformation is achievable and highlighting the potential for sustainable growth and resilience."

"In the Willamette Valley, a commitment to sustainability is becoming a way of life, shifting focus from mere promotion to destination protection. Responding to the need for climate goals, a new framework became visible—regenerative tourism. Balancing transformative travel and destination development, this approach harnesses the potential of travel as a positive force, promoting conscious experiences and regenerative growth. Go to willamettevalley.org for more about our regenerative work."