Saturday, November 9, 2024 One year ago, Gatineau, Quebec, became the stage for a pioneering event: the International Symposium on Destination Stewardship. This gathering brought together industry leaders, thinkers, and practitioners to challenge traditional tourism models and embrace a “regenerative approach.” Over three insightful days, the Symposium examined how tourism could extend its impact beyond conventional success metrics to include meaningful contributions to people, communities, nature, and the economy.
This approach encouraged attendees to consider tourism as an interconnected system that balances economic success with environmental and social responsibility. As we revisit the discussions and ideas from that inaugural event, it’s clear that the Symposium’s questions and insights continue to resonate deeply. Among the attendees was Mary Sayewich, Director of Strategy and Project Management at Ottawa Tourism, who discovered a shared mission with Jean-François Archambault, the General Director of La Tablée des Chefs.
Archambault’s organization is dedicated to diverting surplus food from hospitality venues to local community groups in need. Inspired by his work, Sayewich proposed a groundbreaking partnership with Ottawa Tourism to scale La Tablée’s efforts city-wide, transforming a series of individual initiatives into a structured, impactful program. This collaboration tapped into Sayewich’s strategic expertise and Archambault’s network within .
