Stewardship

Certifications and Programs

Tourism Kelowna is recognized through several stewardship initiatives, each with its own standards and activities. Our organization must show evidence of how our team achieves or works towards reaching those standards.

We are proud to have certification through the following programs, which further Tourism Kelowna's commitment to stewardship, encourage responsible travel, and create a positive benefit in our community.

Biosphere Certified 

Biosphere is the international system worldwide for applying continuous improvement processes. It is connected in real time with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets and with indicators developed with the UN-SDSN.

Created by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), Biosphere is the unique sustainability management and certification methodology for companies and destinations, where their sustainable efforts are connected, publicly valued, and guaranteed with universally recognized criteria.

Rainbow Registered

Rainbow Registered is a national Canadian accreditation for 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly businesses and organizations. When you see a Rainbow Registered symbol, you know the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure 2SLGBTQIA+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.

Platinum Certified

Through GreenStep Solutions Sustainable Tourism Program

Sustainable Tourism is delivered by GreenStep Solutions, an award-winning sustainability consulting firm and Certified B Corporation established in 2008. GreenStep has helped over 3,000 businesses measure and improve their sustainability performance. Sustainable Tourism provides globally recognized assessment and certification programs for tourism businesses, operators, and destinations.

Participated in the GDS Index

The GDS-Index is not a certification or a label. It is a trusted performance improvement programme that assesses and accelerates a destination’s progress on its regenerative journey. It measures, benchmarks, and enhances the sustainability strategies, action plans, and initiatives of more than 100 destination management organizations, municipal authorities, and tourism supply chains.