When Tourisme Laval launched its 2007-2012 strategic planning, the organization confirmed its role as active promoter of green tourism, and placed sustainable development at the heart of all its promotion and development actions, thus taking upon the responsibility of becoming a model for its members and partners.

A conclusive diagnostic towards a greener and more responsible future  diagnostic

In 2007, in order to establish a strong benchmark for its upcoming actions, Tourisme Laval asked Neuvaction (a Québec company helping organizations to maximize their environmental, social and economic performance in a sustainable development perspective) for a diagnostic. Tourisme Laval got a great score of 5 on a possibility of 6, an impressive result that reinforced its desire to become the leader of the tourist industry in terms of sustainable development. Since then an action plan has been in the works, a plan that will ensure that Tourisme Laval will obtain a perfect score.

Responsible and concerted actions

Tourisme Laval is working closely with experts from the City of Laval, known to be at the forefront of innovation with regard to environmental solutions, as well as with specialists that put their expertise to the service of Laval’s tourist industry.

Training is where to start

In the course of 2008 Tourisme Laval has played an essential role in mobilizing its members and ensuring the communication of knowledge by adding a training session and workshop on how to integrate and apply sustainable development principles in the organization of a green event. Tourisme Laval’s employees also attended a similar training session.

Two eco-friendly events for Tourisme Laval in 2008

In 2008 Tourisme Laval claimed its commitment towards sustainable development loud and clear by organizing two important eco-friendly events.

The first of these events was the Soirée Reconnaissance.. During this particular evening, 93% of organic matters and recyclable material were collected for compost or recycling, and thanks to the participation of the Tablée des chefs, all food surplus were given to the Centre de bénévolat de Laval.

In September, Tourisme Laval was the host of the first eco-friendly annual golf tournament of Québec’ tourism industry. The tournament was organized in collaboration with the specialists of Thèm Concept. The event was a great success with 46 % of the golfers that carpooled, goods bought locally for the most part, a recycling rate of 92.3%, and the planting of 90 trees as compensation for green house gas the event generated.

Tools to organize environmentally-friendly events…

Keeping in line with its commitment towards sustainable development, Tourisme Laval has added a Green Guide to its Web site. This guide provides event and meeting planners with useful advice and tips, a list of various suppliers offering environmentally-friendly services. It also contains convincing testimonials from members and clients that have successful organized green events.