Member Spotlight: Wickaninnish Inn
Located between the rainforest and the sea, the Wickaninnish Inn celebrates its rich heritage through attentive hospitality and the spirit of adventure. Wickaninnish Inn is certified Gold with GreenStep Sustainable Tourism. Continue reading to learn more about their journey towards sustainability:
Tell us a bit about your business. What makes you different?
The Wickaninnish Inn has been dedicated to upholding the highest environmental standards since its opening in 1996. Preserving the area’s natural integrity was paramount to the McDiarmid family even before building the Inn, as they had moved to Tofino in the 1950s for its natural beauty. Even with the construction of the Inn, extra efforts were made to preserve the land and use recycled and reclaimed wood. Upon opening the Inn in 1996, a “Green Committee” (now Sustainability Committee) was created to continue to focus on best environmental practices at the Inn.
Why is sustainability important to you/your business?
The Wickaninnish Inn is dedicated to the journey toward sustainable tourism because it is the right thing to do. We are committed to maintaining the highest environmental practices while delivering value to our guests, a safe workplace for our employees, and a lasting legacy for our families and community.
Why did you join GreenStep Sustainable Tourism?
We recognize Sustainable Tourism is one of the world’s most credible sustainability certifications for tourism businesses. It has helped our sustainability journey by providing the Inn valuable feedback on their practices, a framework for measuring their progress, and expertise and advice on enhancing their sustainability efforts.
What sustainability related projects, policies or initiatives do you most want travelers to know about?
The Wickaninnish Inn has implemented several initiatives to minimize its environmental impact. These include a Bike to Work Program, the removal of single-use plastics at The Pointe Restaurant, EV chargers for guests, compost and recycling programs, water fountains in the lobbies, and a partnership with Soap for Hope to recycle gently used guest room amenities. Additionally, their Sustainability Committee has developed a three-year strategy based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
What are some goals and/or actions you plan to take in the future to further increase the sustainability of your business?
As of April 2023, The Wickaninnish Inn has been Biosphere Certified and is continuously working on each SDG; while they are all important and interrelated, SDG 8, SDG 12 and SDG 17 are more relevant than ever to the Wickaninnish Inn. For the next 3 years, The Wickaninnish Inn’s sustainability strategy will be focusing on renewable energy, responsible consumption, infrastructure efficiency and environmental leadership.
To learn more about Wickaninnish Inn – visit: www.wickinn.com
