Since last spring, three key players in the Eastern Townships have been working on a sustainable tourism project that is the only one of its kind in Quebec.
The SADC+CAE de l’Estrie, Destination Sherbrooke and Tourisme Cantons de l’Est have partnered with sustainable tourism experts to offer support tailored to the realities of local businesses. The experience of the SADC+CAE with very small enterprises (VSEs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has enabled us to develop a service offer in alignment with specific needs and objectives.
Business cohorts
The project involves support in the form of cohorts tailored to the realities of different tourism businesses, in order to develop their skills in responsible and sustainable tourism. The pathways will be addressed to tourist attractions, accommodations and festivals/events. This support will enable tourism businesses in the Eastern Townships to meet the growing expectations of visitors, and is made possible thanks to funding from SADCE+CAE de l’Estrie, Destination Sherbrooke and Tourisme Cantons de l’Est in order to facilitate access to the program.
Program objectives
According to Isabelle Charlebois, General Manager of Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est, “For visitors, responsible and sustainable tourism is no longer just one criterion among others; it has become fundamental to the experience they want to have at their destination. It’s important to provide adequate support to tourism businesses in the Eastern Townships so that they remain leaders in this field. Their active involvement is essential in ensuring that the region is recognized as a destination for responsible, sustainable tourism.”
First GreenStep certification cohort
“On Wednesday, November 1, participants in the first cohort toward GreenStep certification met at Domaine Howard for the first workshop in a series of seven gatherings. A total of 18 regional attractions will take part in this rigorous ‘summit journey,’ which will end in February 2024 and is supported by the firm ADDERE Service-Conseil,” said Réal jr Desautels, General Manager of the Centre d’aide aux entreprises Memphrémagog and Project Manager for the SADC+CAE de l’Estrie.
Bleu Lavande
Escapades Memphrémagog
Au Diable Vert
Vignoble de l’Orpailleur
UNION LIBRE cidre & vin
Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook
Parc Découverte Nature
ASTROLab du Parc du Mont Mégantic
Hébergement aux Cinq sens
Mont Ste-Cécile
Camping Aventure Mégantic Inc.
La Corporation Ski & Golf Mont-Orford
Bromont Montagne d’Expérience
Centre culturel et du patrimoine Uplands
Le Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises
Le Spa Eastman
Le musée de l’Ingéniosité J. Armand Bombardier
PLEIN AIR SUTTON / MTB
Inspiring leaders
“This undertaking by our key attractions will help raise awareness and educate as well as inspire other businesses—and, we hope, other regions—to engage in more adaptive and sustainable tourism management in order to ensure access to our riches, culture and heritage for future generations,” said Denis Bernier, General Manager of Destination Sherbrooke.