Regional DMO’s Launch Traveler Responsibility Pledge
Popularity of the Lake Tahoe-Truckee region continues to grow as individuals and groups seek recreation amenities and outdoor spaces that the Sierra is known for. To protect and preserve vulnerable ecosystems and residential communities, regional visitor bureaus have joined forces to focus on educational tactics that reinforce the importance of
mindful, responsible travel.
To encourage stewardship and offer specific actions that visitors + residents can take to help protect Lake Tahoe, surrounding communities, wildlife and the environment, a new Traveler Responsibility Pledge launched today, in recognition of Earth Day. Composed of six tenets that align with primary sustainability initiatives of the region, the pledge outlines actions we can do to immediately reduce our travel related impacts. Please share with your friends and guests, and stay tuned to our newsletter and website in coming weeks for a partner toolkit where you can download these assets.
The Pledge: Why Now?
“The Traveler Responsibility Pledge was developed so visitors can enjoy the unique culture and natural beauty of our region responsibly,” said Andy Chapman, president and CEO of the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau. “Lake Tahoe has always been a popular destination and as more people continue to visit or call the Sierra ‘home,’ it is important for them to appreciate locals’ expectations so they can help leave it better than they found it.”
“The six elements of the pledge will be helpful for guests experiencing outdoor environments for the first time – to recognize what personal responsibility looks like and the importance of making a positive impact on the mountain communities they visit,” continued Jeffrey Hentz, CEO of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association.
“Our role in tourism is shifting to help educate our guests on becoming conscious of their impacts and encouraging them to become an ambassador for the region,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “This effort to shift behavior is paramount and will require ongoing collaboration between visitors and locals.”
Local leaders and organizations who have made significant contributions to the preservation of the Sierra will help encourage participation and commitment to the Traveler Responsibility Pledge. Ongoing work to take care of the local environment will be highlighted and voluntourism opportunities will be regularly shared across regional digital channels.
[ TAKE THE PLEDGE ]
Actionable Ways to Protect Lake Tahoe
The six pledge commitments are brought to life with actionable steps that demonstrate stewardship across the basin. Find tips, events and more on the GoTahoeNorth blog >> here.
Looking for ways to get involved and events to participate in? Visit the GoTahoeNorth event calendar >> here.
Community clean-up days will be noted on the NLTRA event calendar >> here.
North Lake Tahoe’s Stewardship Superstars
Sherry McConkey starts with youth, Jeremy Jones takes it to the top… in the spirit of Earth Day, meet five community stewards for whom environmental preservation, education, and awareness are ingrained in their being.
You will notice common themes in each conversation: We are all accountable. There is no act too small. Working collaboratively makes all the difference. Let their words remind us that we’re all stewards of this planet. Divisiveness only widens the gap between digress and progress. Read the interviews here.
