Build a Stronger Tourism Business with Wander Sustainably

As a tourism operator or industry partner in Ontario’s Highlands, you know the value this region holds in its natural assets, strong sense of community, and its ability to create unforgettable experiences. 

This is where Wander Sustainably with Ontario’s Highlands comes in. This initiative from the Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is built specifically for operators like you. It’s about making practical, strategic choices that support your bottom line and help protect the region we all rely on.

Here’s how you can get involved—and why it matters.

Why Should You Care About Responsible Tourism?

Responsible tourism is a smart business move, one that creates better experiences for visitors, stronger relationships within your community, and long-term resilience for your business. Walking the sustainable talk with your business translates into:

• Lower overhead by reducing resource use
• More loyal, values-aligned customers
• Stronger partnerships with local stakeholders
• Improved employee satisfaction and retention
• Positive brand reputation that attracts attention and funding

OHTO’s Wander Sustainably initiative is your roadmap for making this happen, with support every step of the way.

Start Here: Watch the Webinar

Watch the on-demand 15-minute webinar to get the big picture. 

This webinar gives you a quick overview of the Wander Sustainably program, why it exists, and how tourism businesses across the region are already applying it. It’s a great companion to the course and perfect if you prefer to start by listening before diving in.

Next Up: Take the Wander Sustainably Course

Log in to the OHTO Member Portal and complete the Wander Sustainably with Ontario's Highlands course. 

This free, self-paced course is tailored to help operators understand and adopt sustainable practices that make sense for their business. Whether you’re running an accommodation, offering outdoor experiences, or operating a retail or food services business, this course breaks down responsible tourism into clear, doable steps.

Find the Wander Sustainably course in the Learner app inside the OHTO Member Portal.

Check In: Are You in Alignment with Wander Sustainably?

Responsible tourism isn’t just a buzzword. At OHTO, it’s grounded in three core values:

Next Up: Use the Wander Sustainably Toolkit

Download the Wander Sustainably Toolkit to guide your next moves. 

The toolkit offers a mix of branding guidance, marketing resources, and strategy tips to help you align your business with the region-wide vision. It’s also a great tool to help staff understand and champion sustainability from the inside out.

Use it to refresh your marketing, train your team, or plan your next sustainability initiative.

Level Up Together: Get Certified and Show Your Commitment

OHTO recently earned Bronze Level Sustainable Tourism Destination Certification from GreenStep —a national recognition that validates our shared commitment to responsible tourism. This certification strengthens the appeal of Ontario’s Highlands as a trusted, values-driven destination. 

You can also get certified as a Sustainable Business or Destination through GreenStep's certification programs, which are accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Certification with GreenStep also includes becoming a member and gaining access to resources and guides to help you adopt more sustainable tourism best practices.

Last Call: Review Your Operations Through this Lens

Ask yourself: Where can we do better? What small shifts could make a big difference? 

Need help figuring it out? Complete the Wander Sustainably Assessment that is offered in our course and you can book a free one-on-one consultation with OHTO’s Director of Industry Development to talk through your business goals and opportunities in sustainable tourism. Work through the course and complete the free Assessment in our Member Portal here.

Let’s Build a Sustainable Future Together

At the end of the day, the region’s long-term success as a tourism destination depends on the enduring vitality of its natural landscapes and the well-being of its communities. By choosing to Wander Sustainably with Ontario's Highlands, you’re helping shape a tourism industry that lasts—one that works for everyone.

Here’s your checklist to get started with Wander Sustainably:

1. Watch the webinar
2. Take the course
3. Download and use the toolkit
4. Promote your alignment with the region’s values
5. Complete the Assessment to go deeper