A Note of Impact
From the start, IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit in Victoria has been more than a conference. It’s a call to action — a gathering place for those reimagining what tourism can become when guided by collaboration, regeneration, and courage.
It was co-founded by Destination Greater Victoria, Synergy Enterprises, Starrboard Enterprises, and Tartanbond. The title “IMPACT” was chosen to convey the importance of tourism as an economic driver, as well as the large footprint it has on the environmental, social, and cultural fabric of a community and destination.
Each year, leaders from across tourism come together to share ideas, challenges, and solutions. They build relationships rooted in care for people, places, and planet. And they help lay the foundations for an industry that doesn’t just sustain, but restores, reconnects, and regenerates.
But the work doesn’t stop when the summit ends. In fact, that’s when it begins to take root.
IMPACT Sustainable Travel & Tourism Magazine is the voice of that movement. It is a space to document progress, challenge assumptions, and amplify the voices of those working to reshape the tourism industry from the ground up.
Within these digital pages, you’ll find stories of community leadership and the drive to systemic change.
Published twice a year, IMPACT Magazine reflects on the conversations, challenges, and ideas shared at the conference, while also looking ahead to what’s emerging.
Each issue will deepen key themes, spotlight stories of regeneration in action, and raise new questions to carry into future events. In doing so, it becomes both a record and a provocation, a space where tourism’s most pressing issues can be explored collaboratively, critically, and with purpose.
Because we are not waiting for the world to change. We are building the change, together.
Thank you for being part of the movement.
A Note of Impact
From the start, IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit in Victoria has been more than a conference. It’s a call to action — a gathering place for those reimagining what tourism can become when guided by collaboration, regeneration, and courage.
It was co-founded by Destination Greater Victoria, Synergy Enterprises, Starrboard Enterprises, and Tartanbond. The title “IMPACT” was chosen to convey the importance of tourism as an economic driver, as well as the large footprint it has on the environmental, social, and cultural fabric of a community and destination.
Each year, leaders from across tourism come together to share ideas, challenges, and solutions. They build relationships rooted in care for people, places, and planet. And they help lay the foundations for an industry that doesn’t just sustain, but restores, reconnects, and regenerates.
But the work doesn’t stop when the summit ends. In fact, that’s when it begins to take root.
IMPACT Sustainable Travel & Tourism Magazine is the voice of that movement. It is a space to document progress, challenge assumptions, and amplify the voices of those working to reshape the tourism industry from the ground up.
Within these digital pages, you’ll find stories of community leadership and the drive to systemic change.
Published twice a year, IMPACT Magazine reflects on the conversations, challenges, and ideas shared at the conference, while also looking ahead to what’s emerging.
Each issue will deepen key themes, spotlight stories of regeneration in action, and raise new questions to carry into future events. In doing so, it becomes both a record and a provocation, a space where tourism’s most pressing issues can be explored collaboratively, critically, and with purpose.
Because we are not waiting for the world to change. We are building the change, together.
Thank you for being part of the movement.
Features
The Luminous Glory of Light
For decades, water and climate expert Bob Sandford has urged Canadians to look closely at the changes unfolding across our landscapes, and to act with both urgency and hope. In this reflective piece, Sandford reminds us that light, even in times of uncertainty, can reveal the path toward renewal and responsibility.
Into the Path of Magic
Kevin Smith of Maple Leaf Adventures has built a model of small-ship travel rooted in respect for nature, for community, and for story. Through local partnerships and regenerative practices, his expedition company is helping to chart a different course for the industry.
Inspiring a Movement
From its first gathering on Vancouver Island to a national network of changemakers, IMPACT has become more than a conference. This retrospective celebrates nine years of collaboration, innovation, and the people who continue to move sustainable tourism forward.
Where Learning Leads the Journey
What began as an idea to bring educational tourism to Canada became a purpose-driven enterprise. From her first IMPACT conference to running a travel company guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Pam McGarel’s journey shows how community, courage, and connection can spark transformation.
Beyond the Ice
With the effects of a warming planet causing a decline in sea ice, polar bears have become a symbol of both wonder and warning. This story follows former IMPACT speaker Alysa McCall and the work of Polar Bears International as they strive to protect these resilient Arctic icons — and, through them, our shared climate future.
Inside Parkside
In the heart of Victoria, a boutique hotel is redefining what urban sustainability looks like. With a LEED Platinum design, a carbon neutral footprint, and a deep commitment to zero waste, Parkside Hotel & Spa proves that environmental leadership and commercial success can thrive side by side.
From Coast to Coast
As the IMPACT movement continues to evolve, regional gatherings across Canada are extending the conversation that began in Victoria. From Atlantic Canada to Ontario, these events are grounding global ideas in local realities and proving that regeneration grows stronger when it takes root in community.
The IMPACT Blog
On the IMPACT blog, we share deeper reflections, fresh ideas, and ongoing examples of how tourism can be a force for good. Read about our award winners, explore stories of innovation and collaboration from across the country, and discover how industry leaders are shaping a more sustainable future.
The Power of Partnership
Collaboration is at the heart of lasting change. The organizations and individuals who stand behind IMPACT demonstrate how shared vision, mutual trust, and long-term commitment can move sustainability from intention to meaningful, collective action.
The Power of Partnership
Collaboration is at the heart of lasting change. The organizations and individuals who stand behind IMPACT demonstrate how shared vision, mutual trust, and long-term commitment can move sustainability from intention to meaningful, collective action.
Interactive Poll
At the 2025 IMPACT Conference, we explored key strategies for building resilient destinations, improving business sustainability, and communicating to inspire collective action.
From your perspective, which approach do you believe will have the greatest impact over the next five years?
Reflections for 2026
As we look ahead to our annual gathering in Victoria in January 2026, we invite you to reflect on the following questions. Write down your thoughts and come to the summit ready for deep discussion.
Personal Reflection
When have I experienced real progress on an issue I care about?
What made that possible?
Organizational Reflection
Where is my organization or community excelling at turning shared vision into coordinated action?
Where are we stuck?
Collaborative Reflection
What can I bring to the table that might support someone else's goals for aligned actions?
The IMPACT Mission
Our dream is to create a legacy for regenerative tourism in Canada. In this journey, we pledge to engage those from all value sets with kindness and candour.
We will respect and honour the natural world and Indigenous lands on which we do business. We vow to create real change, to protect biodiversity and decarbonize tourism.
We will use the power of our collective voice to push the boundaries and find common good.
We will not wait for the world to change. We will change the world.
The IMPACT Mission
Our dream is to create a legacy for regenerative tourism in Canada. In this journey, we pledge to engage those from all value sets with kindness and candour.
We will respect and honour the natural world and Indigenous lands on which we do business. We vow to create real change, to protect biodiversity and decarbonize tourism.
We will use the power of our collective voice to push the boundaries and find common good.
We will not wait for the world to change. We will change the world.
Thank you to all our IMPACT sponsors
IMPACT is a conference and regional event series driving momentum towards sustainable and regenerative tourism around the world. We believe in the positive, sustainable growth of tourism as a key economic and environmental driver, benefiting each destination for years to come.
Summit Victoria, a Global Event, takes place January 25-28, 2026. If you haven't yet registered, please consider doing so today.
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
IMPACT Magazine is created by Jack Pine Publishing. Please reach out if you'd like to contribute to the magazine.
Cover Video: Cape Scott Provincial Park, c/o Destination British Columbia / Drone/Aerial DP: Zachary Moxley / Camera Operator: Kalum Ko