Banff & Lake Louise Tourism (BLLT) announced today the launch of a first-of-its-kind program for Canada’s business events industry. The Community Impact Program, a new innovative initiative enhancing business events, is designed to help improve the long-term economic and social sustainability of Canada’s first and most visited national park.
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism has partnered with the non-profit, Banff Canmore Community Foundation (BCCF), to help business event delegates connect with Banff and Lake Louise in a meaningful way and make a positive difference in the local community. The program provides delegates with a pre-paid credit card to use within the destination, with the program contributing the bulk of the spend and BLLT topping it up. Additionally, BLLT will contribute a pre-determined donation amount to a local community organization based on the total balance on the cards. The program will decide on one of 18 local charities to donate the funds to.
The card gives users the freedom to purchase any goods and services in an incredible selection of hotels, restaurants, and shops, and experience an array of activities in Banff and Lake Louise. The card cannot be used for online purchases; it can only be used with Banff and Lake Louise merchants. The card is valid for nine months from the start of the program, allowing delegates flexibility in usage. Any group may participate in the program.
“The time is now to take next-level actions towards a more sustainable future. This program has been years in the making and is one step toward fostering long-term sustainability in Banff and Lake Louise. It’s ground-breaking for Canada’s business events industry. Nothing else like it exists,” said Kira Lu, Director, Business Events. “We’ve piloted it with three groups and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re excited to roll it out to the entire industry now.”
“This partnership is about deepening the connection between visitors and locals,” says Banff Canmore Community Foundation’s Laurie Edward. “Through contributing to local organizations, visitors can shift from a transactional to a more relational way of experiencing this destination and can amplify the positive impact of their time here. The funds generated will be put straight to use by innovative local groups working for the well-being and sustainability of our mountain communities.”
“I love the charity component of this initiative and the flexibility of being able to spend the pre-paid card on something meaningful to me. I purchased attire from a retailer and every time I wear it, it evokes the fond memories of my trip to Banff and all it has to offer our clients,” said Julia O’Grady, Owner, ITM Events.
While sustainability has been a topic in the business events industry for decades, the demand for destinations and venues to incorporate sustainability measures into business events is a growing priority according to a 2022 report from Global Business Travel Association and Cvent.
The launch of the Community Impact Program closely follows the unveiling of the 10-Year Vision for Tourism for Banff and Lake Louise. The Community Impact Program will build on foundational pillars including environmental sustainability, community well-being, and economic prosperity.
Other initiatives in Banff and Lake Louise indicate a steadfast commitment to sustainability:
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has been purchasing green power since 1999 through an agreement with the Canadian Eco-Logo-certified Canadian Hydro Developers. Currently, 50 per cent of the property’s electrical needs are met by a blend of wind and run-of-river electricity generation. Learn more
The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity has been awarded a certification score of 4 Green Keys out of 5 from the Hotel Association of Canada. The Centre’s principal meeting facility (Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation) is engineered to be one of the greenest meeting facilities in Canada attaining a LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold designation.
For every room night at a Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts property, a $2 nightly contribution is made to the EcoStay Forestry Initiative. To date, Deer Lodge and Buffalo Mountain Lodge have offset the equivalent of 832 car trips across North America.
Mount Norquay became the first ski resort in Canada to be powered by 100% renewable power in April 2021, demonstrating a commitment to safe, clean, and green energy.
The Town of Banff, Parks Canada, and Banff & Lake Louise Tourism collaborated on a campaign in 2022, which successfully encouraged transit use around the park. Ridership on Roam Public Transit’s Route 1, the town’s top tourist transit route, was up 18 per cent compared with 2019.
With spectacular mountain vistas in every direction, Banff and Lake Louise create the perfect backdrop for any meeting or gathering. There are many ways to connect and network with peers whilst connecting with nature. From formal galas in castles, rustic campsite dinners and heart-pumping team-building activities to delectable dining experiences, Banff National Park has it all.
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