Klahoose Wilderness Resort, an eco-tourism destination in Desolation Sound, has been recognized with silver certification from GreenStep Sustainable Tourism, which is North America’s largest certification program for the tourism and hospitality industry.
“We are immensely proud to receive the silver certification from GreenStep Sustainable Tourism,” stated Ron Buchhorn, chairman of the board – Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation (QXMC), in a media release. “This recognition reinforces our steadfast commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Klahoose territory through sustainable tourism.
“As a business that is 100 per cent Indigenous-owned by the Klahoose First Nation, we are committed to protecting the environment and its people, while welcoming visitors to the territory. We are grateful to our team members and partners, whose hard work and dedication have made this achievement possible.”
Buchhorn stated that Klahoose will continue its journey towards even greater sustainability, as they demonstrate continued improvements in sustainable performance to support and improve its grading.
“We look forward to welcoming guests seeking an eco-conscious and authentic Indigenous experience at Klahoose Wilderness Resort,” stated Buchhorn.
This significant achievement reflects Klahoose Wilderness Resort's commitment to sustainability, conservation, and responsible tourism practices on lands of the lands of the toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) people, the release stated. The certification represents a major milestone in the resort's ongoing efforts to minimize its ecological footprint and contribute positively to the surrounding environment and local community, according to the release.
To receive silver certification, Klahoose Wilderness Resort had to meet specific standards after one-on-one assessment was completed by a GreenStep assessor. The process compared the resorts’ practices against a set of criteria that are Global Sustainable Tourism Council – recognized and aligned with the United Nations sustainable development goals, according to the release.
"GreenStep offers our congratulations to Klahoose Wilderness Resort for achieving GreenStep sustainable tourism certification,” stated Jennifer Burling, director of sustainable tourism. “Klahoose has successfully measured the sustainability performance of their operations against 87 globally recognized criteria, and had their results verified by a GreenStep assessor. The process resulted in team building, knowledge sharing, and a detailed action plan towards continuous improvement in support of the sustainable development of the resort in the coming years. We look forward to following along on their journey as Klahoose Wilderness Resort progresses and demonstrates leadership in sustainable tourism.”
By obtaining the silver certification, Klahoose Wilderness Resort has demonstrated exceptional dedication to implementing sustainable practices across its facilities, tours, and transportation, the release stated. Guests visiting the resort can now have peace of mind knowing that they are contributing to a more sustainable and responsible form of tourism, according to the release.
Klahoose Wilderness Resort's achievement of silver certification underscores its dedication to sustainable tourism practices, the release stated. The resort remains steadfast in its commitment to continually improve its sustainability efforts and with ongoing planning with strive for higher certifications in the future, according to the release.
GreenStep Sustainable Tourism assesses and certifies tourism businesses based on their sustainability practices, and aims to promote responsible tourism and provide travellers with reliable information about environmentally conscious travel options.
Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation is the Klahoose First Nations Economic Development Corporation tasked with growing Klahoose’s role in business, management, sustainable development and opportunities in the traditional territory.
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