Tourism Vancouver has appointed a tourism energy specialist to ensure its carbon footprint is kept in check, a position believed to be a world first among destination marketing and management organizations.
The role is being funded through a BC Hydro sponsorship. Its mandate will be to guide member hotels, restaurants and attractions in energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.
The organization said the specialist’s role would enable Tourism Vancouver to support Vancouver’s Greenest City Action Plan and goal to be the world’s “greenest” city by 2020.
Paul Vallee, Tourism Vancouver’s executive vice-president, said, “As the destination marketing and management organization for Vancouver, respect and stewardship of our spectacular natural setting is important to us.
“Our new tourism energy specialist position helps to ensure we’re conscious of our environmental footprint while doing our job to position Vancouver as one of the top destinations worldwide.”
After a wide search, Vancouver-based Gwendal Castellan was hired to fill the new role.
Prior to joining Tourism Vancouver, Castellan worked as a certified energy adviser and thermographer for CityGreen.
He was previously executive director of the Stanley Park Bike Festival and vice-president of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (now HUB). He also produced and directed a film documenting his journey cycling from Patagonia to the Northwest Territories.
His role at Tourism Vancouver will include working with businesses to identify conservation opportunities, striving to make Tourism Vancouver an energy conservation champion and supporting Vancouver’s “Spectacular by Nature” slogan.
