Building Champions in Sustainable Tourism Survey

Survey Introduction

In 2022, RTO3, Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association (HHBRTA) embarked on a journey of sustainability, by pursuing GreenStep Sustainable Tourism certification of the Hamilton Halton Brant tourism region. This ongoing process is led by HHBRTA and supported through a newly created Destination Sustainability Stakeholder Committee (DSSC), made up of business owners, organizations, local government staff, and community members from across the region who are working towards a common goal of improving awareness and positive contributions towards social, economic, natural, cultural, and environmental sustainability in tourism. RTO3’s newly adopted Destination Sustainability Action Plan aligns with our commitment to mobilize our Regional Tourism Strategy, working collaboratively with our regional partners and stakeholders to strengthen understanding, appreciation, and action toward regional destination development.

As part of this process, we (RTO3) want to engage and seek input from tourism businesses and stakeholders across our region to:

Measure how well our tourism businesses are doing across aspects of sustainability (e.g. waste management, energy efficiency, supporting biodiversity, local purchasing, etc.)
Identify existing champions of sustainability
Understand where you need support to implement sustainability solutions

This work is incredibly important, as we continue on our journey towards becoming a more sustainable tourism destination. Your responses will be used to inform policies and program development at RTO3, local tourism destination organizations you work with, and broader regional business community supports.

This survey will take approximately ten minutes to complete. Your personal information will be kept strictly confidential - any published results will be anonymously aggregated.

Regional Experience Package Giveaway - Free Entry Upon Survey Completion

As a token of our appreciation, RTO3 - Hamilton Halton Brant is excited to present an exclusive Regional Experience Package that highlights the charm and beauty of our local community. By completing the survey, you will not only contribute to the future of sustainable tourism in our region but also enter a chance to win an unforgettable getaway for two. The prize includes:

A luxurious 2-night stay at The Barracks Inn, a stunning boutique hotel that exudes both historic charm and modern comfort.
Dinner at Pearle Hospitality's renowned Ancaster Mill, known for its exquisite farm-to-table dining experience.
Regional attraction vouchers and a gas card to explore the myriad of exciting experiences that Hamilton Halton Brant has to offer.

In addition, the winner of this prize will receive a free, 1:1 consult with a GreenStep Advisor, tools to measure your sustainability performance, a detailed sustainability scorecard report, and a one-year membership to the GreenStep Member Hub!

The total value of the prize for two is $1150.00 and has no cash value.

A. Demographics

Start Survey

1.First and Last Name(Required.)

2.Email Address(Required.)

3.Name of Business / Organization(Required.)

4.Business Title / Position

5.City / Territory of Business Address(Required.)

6.Type of business(Required.)

7.Size of Business
If you are an accommodation provider, please select your size based on the number of rooms. For all other businesses, select your size based on your number of full time equivalent employees (FTEs).

Small
(1 - 10 rooms, or 1-5 FTEs)

Medium
(11 - 100 rooms, or 6 - 50 FTEs)

Large
(101+ rooms, or 51+ FTEs)

8.Is your business open/operational year-round?

Yes

Other (please specify)

B. Our current state

10.Have you received funding to implement sustainability solutions within your business? (e.g. incentives for installing energy-saving equipment, retrofit programs, business support, etc.)(Required.)

Yes

If yes, what was the name of the funding or support you received?

11.Please select any and all actions you have taken related to social, economic, cultural and natural sustainability:(Required.)

We have and use a local and sustainable purchasing policy.

We educate visitors on how to respect our local natural and cultural assets while they travel throughout the community and region (e.g. leave no trace).

We provide monetary or in-kind donations towards enhancing and protecting our local cultural heritage (e.g., arts, music, festivals, social support).

We provide monetary or in-kind donations towards enhancing and protecting our natural ecosystem and/or biodiversity (e.g., environmental restoration, wildlife conservation, invasive species management, etc.).

Our marketing materials are available in multiple formats for those with diverse abilities (e.g. audio, visual, tactile, etc.).

I have not taken any actions.

Please provide details about any social, economic, natural or cultural sustainability actions you have taken (these can be related to any action you have checked off as part of this question, or others not listed).

12.Please select any and all actions you have taken related to environmental sustainability:(Required.)

We have installed energy efficient equipment and technology (e.g. LED lights, Energy Star equipment, renewable energy, etc.).

We have installed water efficient equipment and technology (e.g. low-flow toilets, showerheads, tap aerators, irrigation techniques, etc.).

We recycle all of the following materials: paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and hazardous waste.

We measure and report our business Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

We are actively working to reduce our business GHG emissions (e.g. upgrading or retrofitting old equipment and appliances, switching from gas to electric vehicles or equipment, using and properly setting programmable HVAC systems, timers, sensors, etc.).

We offer less carbon intensive transportation options for visitors (e.g. bike rentals, EV Charging stations, shuttle service, etc.).

We provide bike parking for customers and staff.

We comply with all wastewater treatment laws and regulations.

We have not taken any action.

Please provide details about any other environmental sustainability actions you have taken.

C. Common Challenges & Obstacles

13.What challenges have you faced when trying to implement sustainability solutions at your business? Check all that apply.(Required.)

Cost.

I don’t know where to start/improve.

I don’t have time.

Not important to guests/customers.

Not important to business staff/owners.

Supporting infrastructure does not exist (e.g. recycling depots, commercial composting, local suppliers).

We have not tried to implement sustainability solutions.

None.

Please add any additional comments here:

D. Ways we can support

16.Are there any other topics of interest where we could offer support to help you enhance your knowledge and growth in sustainable tourism?

17.Do you currently integrate your sustainability values into your marketing and messaging?

Yes - to staff and guests

Yes - to staff only

Yes - to guests only

Please share any other details about how you are sharing your message (e.g. during onboarding of staff, on-site signage, page on website, etc.)

18.Would you be open to mentoring other regional tourism businesses and stakeholders based on your experience in sustainability?

Yes

19.Do you have any other feedback or comments you would like to provide? (e.g. ideas and opportunities, business strengths & practices not yet shared, challenges, barriers, questions, support needed, etc.)

20.Do you want to receive communication regarding RTO3 Hamilton Halton Brant programs and initiatives related to tourism development?

Yes, sign me up!

No, thank you.

21.Check the box below to be entered to win the 2-Night Regional Getaway for Two (We will notify the winner by email).

Enter giveaway