Action plan for responsible and sustainable tourism: $30 million to propel the tourism of tomorrow

Québec City, February 25, 2021. - The Minister of Tourism, Caroline Proulx, today unveiled the Action Plan for Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, which aims to strengthen Quebec's position as one of the world's leading tourist destinations focused on sustainable development.

With a budget of $30 million, this action plan will stimulate and support the adoption of innovative, sustainable practices by businesses and other key players in the tourism sector. The aim is to accelerate the transition to greener, more resilient tourism that is closer to people and communities.

It is structured around five areas of intervention:

• Supporting the transition to a circular economy ($6 million);
• Promote sustainable transportation ($7.5 million);
• Develop nature and adventure tourism with an ecotourism approach ($1.5 million);
• Promoting tourism that benefits people and respects communities ($7 million);
• Help businesses adapt and innovate in the face of climate change ($8 million).

More than just a trend, responsible and sustainable tourism represents the global tourism of the future. Thanks to this plan, Quebec is committed to :

• to find concrete solutions to environmental challenges;
• ensure that local populations benefit from the positive spin-offs of tourism;
• to meet the expectations of an increasingly environmentally conscious clientele looking for authentic tourist experiences.

Quote:
"Thanks to its natural riches, committed communities and expertise, Quebec has everything it takes to become a major destination for responsible, sustainable tourism. To cope with the effects of climate change on the tourism industry, and to meet the needs of a clientele eager to enjoy more human experiences while minimizing its ecological footprint, we need to take significant action now. The current health crisis is hurting our industry, but it can serve as a springboard for a tourism revival that takes greater account of the environment and communities. Responsible, sustainable tourism will not only make our destination more durable and competitive, it will also benefit all Quebecers. This action plan gives businesses and communities the means to accelerate the shift towards the tourism of tomorrow, and I'm convinced that they will join the movement."

Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism

Highlights :

• The financial assistance, totalling $30 million, will run until 2025.
• Sustainable tourism is tourism that is ecologically and economically viable over the long term, as well as socially and ethically just. Responsible tourism refers to a context in which tourists avoid actions that could have negative effects on the natural and human environment of the places they visit.
• Québec has many assets to reinforce its status as a destination focused on responsible and sustainable tourism. For example:
  • a grandiose natural environment accessible through 27 Quebec national parks, a Quebec and Canadian marine park, and more than 180 large regional and municipal parks;
  • a 1,100-kilometer river, tens of thousands of rivers and 3.6 million bodies of freshwater;
  • 12,000 kilometers of bicycle lanes;
  • distinctive, authentic and welcoming regions, as well as 11 aboriginal nations with rich teachings and cultures to share;
  • a world-renowned cultural scene;
  • dynamic entrepreneurs and a booming innovation ecosystem.

To consult:
Measures in the 2020-2025 Action Plan for Responsible and Sustainable Tourism
2020-2025 action plan for responsible and sustainable tourism

Source:
Sandra O'Connor
Director of Communications
and Press Attaché
Office of the Minister of Tourism
Tel: 514 820-0095
E-mail: [email protected]

For further information, please contact
Jean-Manuel Téotonio
Media Relations Manager
Communications Department
Ministry of Tourism
Tel.: 418 643-5959, ext. 3488