The past nine years as a co-founder of Victoria’s IMPACT Sustainability Travel and Tourism Conference have encompassed an unforgettable journey, transforming not only the industry’s perspectives on sustainability, but also supporting the growth of a national movement for regenerative tourism across Canada.

What began in 2018 as a bold vision — to align Canadian tourism leaders, community stakeholders, and destinations behind actionable ideals of economic, social, and environmental sustainability — quickly grew to embody a collaborative, solutions-driven gathering, continuously refined and enriched by diverse voices. We quickly learned we were not alone with our concerns, but our voices needed to become louder.

IMPACT provided the stage to raise our voices, to make more noise.

Each year, the conference has welcomed an outstanding roster of keynote speakers whose thought leadership and passion have inspired delegates to push boundaries.

A long-time powerful voice, Robert Sandford, Chair of Water and Climate Security at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health is renowned for his work on climate resiliency, and he challenged participants to keep momentum flowing toward a truly regenerative tourism industry. He is the one speaker we have invited back every year and his first words continue to resonate: “We are on the cusp of a great change that recognizes history, culture and nature. The potential for Canada is staggering. We can become a global leader, an epicentre of hope. It’s a transformation not just for tourism, but for all of Canada.”

Elizabeth Becker agreed to be our honorary chair, guiding us to think deeply about what sustainability really means, while identifying as communities what is important to all of us to sustain. Her thoughtful and wise words inspired us to move from sustainable to regenerative tourism.

Tourism industry leaders such as ITAC’s Keith Henry and Terese Ryder, Tourism Cares Greg Takahara and sustainable tourism pioneer, Celes Davar have stood at the forefront of the event, fostering the exchange of ideas on destination stewardship and sustainable growth, ensuring there is an Indigenous and multicultural lens on all we share.

The international stage echoed at IMPACT, as well, with thought leaders like Adam Burke (Los Angeles Tourism Association), Glenn Jampol and Karen Lewis, (ecotourism pioneers from Costa Rica), Paul Kelly (Faite Ireland), Mikey Sadowski (Intrepid Travel), and Jordan’s Muna Huddad, sharing global perspectives and tangible solutions, from climate action to inclusive tourism development. They reminded us why the movement we are inspiring is so important not only for our country but for the world.

A hallmark of the conference has been its celebration of sustainable innovation, with spotlights on local and national organizations that embody leadership in climate-conscious operations, Indigenous tourism, and circular economy practices. The “Dose of Innovation” sessions highlighted success stories and case studies, while the fast-paced 7-minute solutions format allowed diverse voices to quickly share climate solutions primed for immediate implementation.

Here we show that sustainability crosses all industries and can only get stronger with collaboration and education.

Among the most significant achievements of IMPACT's evolution has been the creation and support of Regional Events, designed to take the magic and momentum of Victoria’s Summit to destinations all across Canada. The inaugural IMPACT Sustainability Travel Tourism—Ontario Regional Event in Kingston in 2023 stands out as a prime example, demonstrating how the conference model can foster best practices, inspire collaboration, and deliver tangible resources and tools at the local level.

Thanks to the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario’s commitment to sustainable tourism, Ontario’s regional IMPACT is going strong and heading into its 4th year. Atlantic Canada hopes to follow its example, hosting its inaugural IMPACT Sustainable Travel & Tourism Atlantic Canada regional event in 2025.

This expansion was never just a metric of growth — it was a fulfillment of our long-held dream that regions and destinations across Canada and globally would adopt our model of bringing inspiration and thought leadership, as well as resources and tools, to help create a more sustainable and regenerative tourism industry globally.

IMPACT’s greatest legacy is perhaps its role as a catalyst—a gathering where the seeds of collaboration and community-building have been sown, grown, and now beginning to thrive across the country. With the ongoing evolution of the IMPACT SUMMIT Victoria—a truly global event—every January, and the uptake of Regional Events, the movement toward more sustainable tourism continues to accelerate.

The conference’s story is one of audacious vision, tireless work, and an unwavering belief in the power of collective action to create lasting change.