“To inspire the world to experience Whistler time after time.” Tourism Whistler's mission
Description
In 1979 Tourism Whistler - legally known as the Whistler Resort Association - was established as an non-profit member-based marketing and sales organization.
Tourism Whistler represents more than 7,000 members, including hotels, restaurants, activity operators and retail shops. In addition to this, the organization operates the Whistler Conference Centre, the Whistler Golf Club, and the Whistler Visitor Centre, as well as Coast Mountain Reservations.
On the 12-member Board of Directors, the various sector interests are represented by five appointees and seven elected individuals.
Highlights
- Conserve Energy
When leaving the hotel room, turn off the air conditioning, heat, lights, TV and radio - Conserve Water
Participate in hotel linen programs - Park the Car
Whistler Village's restaurants, shops, ski lifts, etc. are located within walking distance - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Participate in recycling programs. Use a reusable items - Tread Lightly
Stay on established trails when hiking to avoid disturbing plants and wildlife
environmental protection
being local - authentic experiences
giving back
cultural commitment
Tourism Whistler Initiatives
As Whistler’s Tourism Bureau and operators of Whistler Official Central Reservations, Tourism Whistler shares the community’s dedication to the environment. The following are a small sample of the programs underway at Tourism Whistler.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Employee Awareness
- Paper Reduction
- Green Meetings
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
With the goal of Central Reservations becoming carbon neutral in the future, Tourism Whistler is currently developing a strategy for reducing these emissions, where possible, and purchasing high-quality carbon offsets for emissions that cannot be avoided. In addition to this it is developing an inventory of the greenhouse gas emissions of its corporate operations and services.
Employee Awareness
A green committee, which was established by Tourism Whistler, regularly meets in order to develop and implement green strategies within the workplace. These green strategies include the promoting of recycling and composting in the Tourism Whistler offices, as well as utilizing technology so employees can share information electronically, which therefore reduces the amount of used paper. Employees of Whistler regularly attend community events such as Pitch In Day, Salmon Counting and more.
Paper Reduction
At Tourism Whistler recycled paper is used for all printed advertising, marketing materials and brochures.
Green Meetings
As a leader in environmental sustainability Whistler Conference Centre offers to work with meeting planners to bring elements of sustainability, environmental awareness and Corporate Social Responsibility to their conference.
Community Initiatives
At Whistler many community groups, volunteer organizations and associations are actively working on educating the public and protecting the wildlife and land that everybody is there to enjoy. In addition to this guests can check out the event listings for local outings, lecture series and fundraisers – everyone is always welcome to attend.
- Whistler2020
- LCNDES
- Whistler Green
- PFCPP
- AWARE
- WORCA
- Whistler Museum & Archives
- FCREP
Whistler 2020
Whistler 2020 is the shared vision of the community and the plan for continued success to the year 2020, as well as an ambitious step on the journey towards a sustainable future. Moreover it is long-term, comprehensive, community-developed, community-implemented and action-focused.
Lower Cheakamus Neighbourhood District Energy System
Lower Cheakamus Neighbourhood District Energy System is an in-progress project which will provide the space and hot water needs of all of the dwellings in the new Lower Cheakamus neighbourhood. Whistler Tourism will employ the energy for the dwellings from „waste“ energy from its wastewater treatment plant. Current estimates of potential greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reductions versus typical construction are 60 to 70 per cent.
Whistler Green
With energy efficiency standing as a cornerstone Whistler has developed a ‘green’ building standard and associated checklist,. Whistler Green homes will set a new standard for residential construction and serve as a model for the community.
Partners For Climate Protection Program Partners
As the first community in Canada to have completed the final milestone in the Partners for Climate Protection Program (PCP), developed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, Whistler was recognized as an environmental leader in the country.
Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment
The mandate of the membership organization AWARE is to improve the quality of life by protecting Whistler’s natural heritage. Each summer, AWARE presents the Whistler Environmental Business (WEB) Awards to highlight and encourage local leaders in environmental stewardship and promote sustainable business practices.
Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association
WORCA is dedicated to maintaining Whistler’s bike trails and promote sustainable trail building. They sponsor trail maintenance programs and educate riders on the importance of preserving and maintaining the trails while riding.
Whistler Museum & Archives
The Whistler Museum takes an active role in the cultural and natural stewardship of Whistler and the surrounding area.
The Fitzsimmons Creek Renewable Energy Project
Open in late fall 2009 and producing power for Christmas, Whistler Blackcomb’s brand new hydro electric initiative, The Fitzsimmons Creek Renewable Energy Project, will generate 33 gigawatt hours of electricity every year – enough electricity to power the entire resort’s operations, including over 300 snow guns, 38 ski lifts and 17 restaurants among other facilities.