A Silver Step Forward for Sustainable Tourism in Kawarthas Northumberland

Kawarthas Northumberland, January 19, 2026 – Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) has earned a Silver Destination Certification for Kawarthas Northumberland through GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Destination Standard (GSTDS), marking an important milestone in the region’s sustainability journey.

The Destination Certification is aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, placing Kawarthas Northumberland among a growing number of destinations across the province working to balance tourism growth with environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and community well-being.

As part of the certification process, RTO8 undertook a comprehensive assessment of the region’s sustainability performance, gathering extensive evidence across four key areas: destination management, environmental, socio-economic, natural and cultural. This evidence was independently audited by the GreenStep team to ensure Kawarthas Northumberland met the rigorous requirements for destination-level certification.

“Achieving Silver Certification is a major milestone that reflects meaningful progress and positions Kawarthas Northumberland as a leader in responsible, place-based tourism. We are proud to bring sustainable leadership to Kawarthas Northumberland through this achievement, alongside our new Sustainability Action Plan, which will help guide continuous improvement, strengthen the local visitor economy, and ensure our destination continues to thrive for generations to come,” says Brenda Wood, Executive Director of Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8).

Sustainable destination development plays a critical role in ensuring tourism delivers long-term value, protecting the landscapes and cultural assets that attract visitors, while supporting local businesses, residents, and workers. As traveller demand increasingly shifts toward more intentional and sustainable travel experiences, this designation creates new opportunities for Kawarthas Northumberland’s visitor economy to grow in a way that is resilient, competitive, and community-focused.

“This Silver Destination Certification reinforces what we are seeing clearly in our marketing data and visitor behaviour – travellers are actively seeking destinations that align with their values. In Peterborough County and across The Kawarthas, sustainability is not a trend; it’s a commitment to protecting the land, water, culture, and communities that make this place Naturally Unforgettable. This designation strengthens our ability to attract high-value, values-driven visitors, supports local businesses, and ensures tourism growth delivers long-term economic benefits while preserving the sense of place that keeps people coming back,” says Tracie Bertrand, General Manager of Tourism and Communications for Peterborough County. 

Certification is just one step along the path to strengthening sustainability across Kawarthas Northumberland. Building on this milestone, RTO8’s three-year Sustainability Action Plan and 2030 Pledge will guide action-driven improvement across the region; helping to measure, monitor, and enhance sustainability performance while supporting tourism operators and communities in adapting to evolving visitor expectations.

The Sustainability Action Plan can be viewed on the RTO8 website: www.rto8.com/sustainability-action-plan/ 

“We are pleased to recognize the Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism Region as a Silver Certified Sustainable Tourism Destination, an achievement made possible through region-wide collaboration and led by RTO8, demonstrating measurable progress in sustainable tourism practices,” states Angela Nagy, CEO & President GreenStep. “This designation represents an important milestone in the region’s journey, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening destination stewardship across Kawarthas Northumberland through the implementation of a three-year action plan.”

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