Industry Leaders Band Together to Make a Change

The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) recently held its first ever Sustainability is Responsibility (SIR) Summit from May 24 through May 26 in Bodø, Norway. A main priority of USTOA is to unite the industry under the common goal of making a positive impact to ensure the preservation of human, natural, and cultural capital in destinations across the globe. It was particularly meaningful to host the Summit in one of the regions in Norway most vulnerable to climate change.

In partnership with Visit Norway and facilitation from Malcolm Preston, former PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Global Head of Sustainability Services, and Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares, USTOA was able to bring nine industry leader panelists and twenty-two member delegates to the Thon Hotel Nordlys to promote discussion on driving sustainability through the supply chain and navigating the internal challenges of a sustainability journey.

Guest speaker Wawa Gatheru spoke to attendees about her background as an environmental justice advocate and founder of Black Girl Environmentalist. She shared the sustainable impact businesses have on both a global and local scale and how organizations have the power to educate consumers on leading a more sustainable path. She ended her discussion by inspiring the audience to reframe the climate crisis as an opportunity to create a future to be proud of.  

Along with panel discussions, attendees participated in breakout sessions and had the opportunity to visit several local sites that practice and promote sustainable acts. Activities on the itinerary included visiting the KRAFT Sustainability Centre for a presentation on sustainability projects in cities around Bodø and exploring Salmon Centre to learn about aquaculture in small Norwegian communities. The group also set sail aboard The Brim Explorer, a hybrid electric ferry, to explore The Arctic Hideaway, where attendees learned about energy positive communities, and to visit one of the most sustainable fish farms in the world.

As USTOA looks forward 50 years throughout this anniversary year, the insights gained at the Summit will be a guide to make conscious sustainable efforts for all of us in the tour and travel industry. I am already looking forward to the next Summit.