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[September 2024] Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR) and Explore Waterloo Region are excited to share a new collaboration aimed at promoting sustainability across tourism sectors, including business events, sport, group tours, and leisure, throughout Waterloo Region and to celebrate the sector leaders that have already committed to participation in the Impact Network program. 

Explore Waterloo Region members who join the Impact Network, offered by SWR, will participate in this program that tracks and collects emissions data. This data will help attract events and visitors by enabling them to make informed decisions based on sustainability metrics. It will also support efforts to reduce emissions and highlight organizations committed to understanding their environmental impact and adopting sustainable practices. Thanks to support from Explore Waterloo Region, members of the Impact Network are available at a subsidized rate, making sustainability more accessible to all their members.

“This partnership is an industry-leading movement that brings together community leaders for sustainable tourism sectors, including business events, sport, group tours, and leisure sectors,” said Tova Davidson, Executive Director of SWR. “With Little Mushroom Catering and The Walper Hotel being the first to join the program, and the incredible visionary leadership of Explore Waterloo Region to help our community attract more visitors, we are excited to create a sustainable transformation in this community that is unmatched in Canada. ”

The Walper Hotel was the first member to take part in this initiative through the Explore Waterloo Region partnership, joining existing Impact Network member Little Mushroom Catering. The Walper Hotel is a cornerstone of Kitchener, located right at the hub of the city. Sustainability has always been part of its DNA and is evident in the 2015-2015 makeover of the building. The revamp features preserved historic crown moulding to LED lighting, temperature control technology, and locally sourced guest room supplies. Hear from Laura Meikle, General Manager of The Walper Hotel, on why they are taking action:

“We are so excited to begin this journey with Sustainable Waterloo and Explore Waterloo Region as the first hotel partner.  We believe sustainability practices are not only good for the planet but makes good business sense.  We are committed to be better corporate citizens and neighbours and look forward to learning more and being better, each day, every day!  We believe by doing so, we will have a competitive edge and win more business”.

The initial group of organizations participating in this initiative with Explore Waterloo Region include hotels, festivals, tour operators, and sports/recreation facilities. These leaders are now part of a sector movement of 14 organizations that drive a culture of sustainability, support emissions reduction through comprehensive measurement and reporting, and provide valuable resources to enhance sustainability knowledge among members and stakeholders. 

As the demand for sustainable operations continues to rise in these sectors, SWR and Explore Waterloo Region are dedicated to advancing these crucial areas through our collaborative initiative. Together, both SWR and Explore Waterloo Region are committed to driving positive environmental change and supporting our community in building a greener, more sustainable future. 

Lead the way in the tourism sector including business events, sport, group tours, and leisure sectors by becoming a leader in sustainability!  Reach out today to get involved in adopting green operating practices and achieving emissions reductions.