The first of its kind for Canada’s business events industry, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism (BLLT) launched The Community Impact Program in early March to improve the long-term economic and social sustainability of Canada’s most visited national park—Banff National Park—and its surrounding communities.
“Being in a national park, we have to come with more innovative approach [to tourism] … to help improve the long-term economic and social sustainability of our destination,” explains Kira Lu, director of business events for BLLT. “In order to do that, we have partnered with our local nonprofit organization, Banff Canmore Community Foundation … [who will help] our business event delegates to connect with our destination in [a] more meaningful way.”
The program will provide delegates with a pre-paid credit card to use on goods and services in and around the Banff and Lake Louise area, with BLLT contributing a pre-determined donation amount to a local community organization based on the planned total balance of the card. While the card cannot be used for online purchases, it gives business event visitors the chance to connect and support local merchants and businesses.
“Business travelers are [not only] keen to gather and connect with each other, but also with nature,” Lu adds, emphasizing that the program will provide an opportunity for business visitors to experience Banff and Lake Louise on a deeper level that better connects them with both the local lands and the local people.
