Banff Canmore Foundation (BCF) has partnered with Banff and Lake Louise Tourism (BLLT) and TruCash to help visitors connect with Banff and Lake Louise in a meaningful way and make a positive difference to the local community. The Banff Tourism Community Impact Program provides business travel delegates with pre-paid credit cards for use within the destination, with the program contributing the spend and BLLT topping this up. In addition to this, BLLT, in partnership with TruCash, will contribute a pre-determined donation amount to a local community organization based on the total balance on the cards. The program will decide on which one of 18 local charities funds will be donated to. View the list of charities in the below.
“This partnership is about deepening the connection between visitors and locals. Through contributing to local organizations, visitors can shift from a transactional to a more relational way of experiencing this destination and can amplify the positive impact of their time here. The funds generated will be put straight to use by innovative local groups working for the well-being and sustainability of our mountain communities.”
- Laurie Edward
BCF Executive Director
The card gives users the freedom to purchase any goods and services in an incredible selection of hotels, restaurants, and shops, and experience an array of activities in Banff and Lake Louise. The card cannot be used for online purchases; it can only be used in Banff and Lake Louise with Banff and Lake Louise merchants. The card is valid for nine months from the start of the program, allowing delegates usage flexibility. An Impact Report identifying the group’s positive impact will be generated within nine months of the program.
Two years in the making, the BTCIP has been piloted with three groups since September 2022. Ideation began in 2021 and development and testing took place in 2022. The BTCIP is something new and groundbreaking for Canada’s business events industry.
“The time is now to take next-level actions towards a more sustainable future. This program has been years in the making and is one step toward fostering long-term sustainability in Banff and Lake Louise. It’s ground-breaking for Canada’s business events industry. Nothing else like it exists,” said Kira Lu, Director, Business Events. “We’ve piloted it with three groups and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re excited to roll it out to the entire industry now.”
The launch of the Banff Tourism Community Impact Program closely follows the unveiling of the 10-Year Vision for Tourism for Banff and Lake Louise. The BTCIP will build on foundational pillars including environmental sustainability, community well-being, and economic prosperity.
Originally posted on Banff Canmore Foundation
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