This document provides a summary of Rising Tides, a Regenerative Tourism Strategy for the Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor (the Strategy) that was completed in 2023. It celebrates the strengths, reflects the potential and identifies priorities of the 13 UNESCO sites in Atlantic Canada. The Strategy is based on the results of a comprehensive engagement process, which was undertaken within the context of a 10-year vision and implementation plan. As part of the implementation, the Partners will continue to refine the Strategy and determine shared priorities and how to move forward together.
The Strategy aligns with many guiding lights, including: UNESCO operational guidelines for Biosphere Regions, Global Geoparks and World Heritage Sites; United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Calls to Action; federal, provincial, regional, local and site specific strategies and plans. It also incorporates frameworks and principles provided by Destination Canada, including a regenerative approach to tourism, Wealth & Wellbeing framework, and a focus on high value(s) guests (HVGs).
These sites contribute to and support celebration, preservation and restoration of cultural, ecological, and intangible heritage at the local, regional, national and international levels. Each UNESCO-designated site is managed as multi-stakeholder partnerships involving communities (place-based (e.g., municipalities) and nonplace-based (e.g., 2SLGBTQ+)) non-profit organisations, Indigenous Peoples, academia, government and industry partners. At their core, these sites are recognised by UNESCO because of their ability to foster local sustainable development by ensuring the vitality of local people, businesses, community, and the environment.
The Strategy recognises that tourism opportunities, market-readiness, and the ability to host visitors varies throughout the 13 UNESCO sites in Atlantic Canada. Building capacity and enhancing foundational elements at each site will help the Corridor to thrive. Through well-invested Corridor initiatives, the sites can increase the value of tourism and create a positive impact for peace, prosperity and the planet.
Implementation will be championed through a governance structure that merges the expertise and capacity of UNESCO site managers and tourism leadership, working together with local communities to implement the Strategy.
At the core of this Strategy lies the understanding that the Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor will be built on, with, and through meaningful relationships while recognizing the true history of the Indigenous Peoples that have occupied these ancestral lands since time immemorial. Every initiative and action undertaken includes the intention to foster genuine connections and partnerships between project partners, sites, communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and people, businesses, and other partners.
Like the ripples in a pond that emanate from a dropped stone, this Strategy is about realising the fullest potential of the Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor and Destination Canada’s Tourism Corridor Strategy Program. By building on efforts in 13 UNESCO sites, the Strategy aims to create a rippling effect that extends far beyond these sites to support thriving human and environmental communities.
This document provides a summary of Rising Tides, a Regenerative Tourism Strategy for the Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor (the Strategy) that was completed in 2023. It celebrates the strengths, reflects the potential and identifies priorities of the 13 UNESCO sites in Atlantic Canada. The Strategy is based on the results of a comprehensive engagement process, which was undertaken within the context of a 10-year vision and implementation plan. As part of the implementation, the Partners will continue to refine the Strategy and determine shared priorities and how to move forward together.
The Strategy aligns with many guiding lights, including: UNESCO operational guidelines for Biosphere Regions, Global Geoparks and World Heritage Sites; United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Calls to Action; federal, provincial, regional, local and site specific strategies and plans. It also incorporates frameworks and principles provided by Destination Canada, including a regenerative approach to tourism, Wealth & Wellbeing framework, and a focus on high value(s) guests (HVGs).
These sites contribute to and support celebration, preservation and restoration of cultural, ecological, and intangible heritage at the local, regional, national and international levels. Each UNESCO-designated site is managed as multi-stakeholder partnerships involving communities (place-based (e.g., municipalities) and nonplace-based (e.g., 2SLGBTQ+)) non-profit organisations, Indigenous Peoples, academia, government and industry partners. At their core, these sites are recognised by UNESCO because of their ability to foster local sustainable development by ensuring the vitality of local people, businesses, community, and the environment.
The Strategy recognises that tourism opportunities, market-readiness, and the ability to host visitors varies throughout the 13 UNESCO sites in Atlantic Canada. Building capacity and enhancing foundational elements at each site will help the Corridor to thrive. Through well-invested Corridor initiatives, the sites can increase the value of tourism and create a positive impact for peace, prosperity and the planet.
Implementation will be championed through a governance structure that merges the expertise and capacity of UNESCO site managers and tourism leadership, working together with local communities to implement the Strategy.
At the core of this Strategy lies the understanding that the Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor will be built on, with, and through meaningful relationships while recognizing the true history of the Indigenous Peoples that have occupied these ancestral lands since time immemorial. Every initiative and action undertaken includes the intention to foster genuine connections and partnerships between project partners, sites, communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and people, businesses, and other partners.
Like the ripples in a pond that emanate from a dropped stone, this Strategy is about realising the fullest potential of the Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor and Destination Canada’s Tourism Corridor Strategy Program. By building on efforts in 13 UNESCO sites, the Strategy aims to create a rippling effect that extends far beyond these sites to support thriving human and environmental communities.
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