Courtenay, BC – (January 16, 2024)
Following a lengthy and detailed application process, the Old House Hotel’s efforts to create a culture of sustainability have earned the organization a” Biosphere Sustainable Certification” from the globally recognized Responsible Tourism Institute.
The Biosphere Sustainable management program utilizes 17 Sustainable Development Goals which, under the principles and objectives of the United Nations, seek to end poverty and hunger, realize the human rights of all, achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources.
According to Courtenay’s Old House Hotel General Manager David Rooper, their commitment was sparked two years ago at the IMPACT Conference, an International Sustainability-focused Tourism gathering held yearly in Victoria, BC. He said, “The learning and positive energy shared among the delegates and presenters were so motivating, I committed to the program and assigned a team to start the certification journey. They did a tremendous job of documenting our efforts and providing the evidence required.” Some of the Old House efforts support recycling, reduction of plastic, empowerment of women, community projects, greener energy solutions, and restoration of our local Estuary wetlands, to name a few.
“While our hotel culture naturally embraces a sustainable mission, we found that through the Biosphere Program, we were not only able to track a phenomenal amount of work we were doing, but also to see how we can do so much more. To that end, our sustainability Leaders are in the process of pursuing a 2024 Sustainability Business Plan with more exciting ideas we look forward to implementing.”
He continued, “Anyone can visit our portal and review the work we are doing. I’m proud to mention that our team has earned us high marks within our hotel category. But more importantly, this effort is more about getting as many tourism-related businesses and destinations to join the effort as possible. I am very impressed by the number of Vancouver Island organizations that have achieved certification or who are committed to the process.” As an example, the Destination Marketing Organization for the Comox Valley, 4VI, has embraced this program to guide the area’s present and future tourism planning.
Rooper concluded, “I truly believe we can all create a better world by working toward the 17 Sustainability Goals that so clearly point us all toward doing our best in key areas of our personal and work lives.”
OLD HOUSE HOTEL/www.oldhousehotel.com
We gratefully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the unceded, traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation peoples who in times past, referred to themselves as Sahtloot, Sasltla, Leeksun, Puntledge, Cha’chae, and Tat’poos.
One of Vancouver Island’s most comfortable and welcoming stay experiences, the Old House Hotel has it all: location; spacious, individually designed suites; inviting amenities such as kitchenettes and fireplaces; full-service spa; Locals Restaurant four-star dining experience; and “boutiquey” extras. The Old House is an all-suite hotel comprised of two West-Coast-inspired buildings – Maple and Cedar – set along the scenic Courtenay River Estuary. Its central location is a huge plus, located in the Comox Valley, just a few blocks from downtown Courtenay and within a short drive from the Comox International Airport, beaches, hiking, golfing, Mount Washington which features amazing activities all year long and countless other adventures.