Message from the Co-Chairs
A Conference Like No Other
Welcome to Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and our first International Summit on Sustainable Tourism!
Invitees to this conference are a very special group of people. This gathering will bring together tourism industry leaders and award winners of national and international renown to build a vibrant and viable model for sustainable tourism that will serve in both their professional lives and in the Canadian tourism industry as a whole.
Sustainable tourism actively fosters appreciation and stewardship of the natural, cultural and historic resources and special places by local residents, the tourism industry, governments and visitors. It's an approach that will continue to help secure a sustainable future for our people and culture, our economy and environment.
Building on the knowledge and perspectives of those people involved in the most important trends, opportunities and challenges in sustainable tourism today, you will contribute to ways of advancing sustainable tourism through collective action. The confluence of many perspectives and focus on what motivates travellers will make this summit unique and rewarding for all participants. We hope you will leave with valuable insights and, most importantly, new connections with like-minded sustainable tourism leaders.
Sharing perspectives and building alliances will be the hallmark of this unique experience. Together we can be a part of positioning Canada as a leader in sustainable tourism and as a premiere destination for travellers who value cultural, economic and environmental sustainability.
Stan Cook Jr.
Colleen Kennedy
Invitees to this conference are a very special group of people. This gathering will bring together tourism industry leaders and award winners of national and international renown to build a vibrant and viable model for sustainable tourism that will serve in both their professional lives and in the Canadian tourism industry as a whole.
Sustainable tourism actively fosters appreciation and stewardship of the natural, cultural and historic resources and special places by local residents, the tourism industry, governments and visitors. It's an approach that will continue to help secure a sustainable future for our people and culture, our economy and environment.
Building on the knowledge and perspectives of those people involved in the most important trends, opportunities and challenges in sustainable tourism today, you will contribute to ways of advancing sustainable tourism through collective action. The confluence of many perspectives and focus on what motivates travellers will make this summit unique and rewarding for all participants. We hope you will leave with valuable insights and, most importantly, new connections with like-minded sustainable tourism leaders.
Sharing perspectives and building alliances will be the hallmark of this unique experience. Together we can be a part of positioning Canada as a leader in sustainable tourism and as a premiere destination for travellers who value cultural, economic and environmental sustainability.
Stan Cook Jr.
Colleen Kennedy
Stan Cook Jr.
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(larger version)
Stan Cook Jr.
Stan Cook is the father of 2 lads (6&5) and co-owner of Stan Cook Sea Kayak Adventures and Cook's Coastal Walks in Cape Broyle NL. Currently Chair of GMIST, the Canadian Tourism Commission's Product Innovation and Enhancement Committee and the Adventure Tourism Association of NL, and a board member of Marine Atlantic, Stan is also Past Chair of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador.
Colleen Kennedy
(larger version)
(larger version)
Colleen Kennedy
Colleen Kennedy is the Executive Director of the Gros Morne Cooperating Association, which is now acting as the proponent for GMIST. Colleen has been involved in and has extensive knowledge of tourism and sustainable development. Within the past 14 years Colleen has been the driving force behind several projects, including the Nature Based Tourism Partnership with Europe, Gros Morne Gatherings and the Western Newfoundland Destination Marketing Organization. She is also a member of several organizations such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Board, the regional Rural Secretariat (as co-chair), the provincial Rural Secretariat and the RED Ochre Regional Economic Development Board (as past chair). She lives with her husband, daughter and dog in Rocky Harbour.
