IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit 2027

Wade Davis served as Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society (2000-2013) and Professor of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia (2014-2024). His 24 books, published in 23 languages, include the international bestsellers The Serpent and the Rainbow (1985), One River (1996), The Wayfinders (2007), and Into the Silence (2011), winner of the 2012 Samuel Johnson Prize, the top nonfiction award in the English language; recent books include Magdalena: River of Dreams (2020) and Beneath the Surface of Things (2024). One of 20 Honorary Members of the Explorers Club, Davis is the recipient of 12 honorary degrees, as well as the 2009 Gold Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, the 2011 Explorers Medal, the 2012 David Fairchild Medal for botanical exploration, the 2015 Centennial Medal of Harvard University, the 2017 Roy Chapman Andrews Society’s Distinguished Explorer Award, the 2017 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration, and the 2018 Mungo Park Medal from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. A Member of the Order of Canada, he became in 2018 an Honorary Citizen of Colombia.

As Vice President of Destination Stewardship, Vanessa leads Visit Tucson’s destination development, sustainability, and community engagement, along with leading the membership and visitor services departments. In 2023, she launched Visit Tucson’s sustainability initiative by participating in the GDS-Index sustainability benchmarking and earning a Green Business Certification through Local First Arizona. Prior to joining Visit Tucson, Vanessa served eight years as the Executive Director of the non-profit Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance, where she worked with elected officials, community leaders, and nonprofit partners in the shared pursuit of preserving southern Arizona’s rich natural and cultural heritage. In that role she also co-authored the nomination for the City of Tucson to be designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the first in the U.S. Vanessa earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Latin American Studies and Master of Science in Planning from the University of Arizona and maintains credentials as a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME).

Dr. Jennie Knopp is the Community and Science Director for Oceans North and was recently an Expedition Leader and Documentary Film Producer for National Geographic Pristine Seas during their expedition to northern Canada. Jennie has over 15 years experience working alongside Indigenous leaders and community members on marine and freshwater monitoring, biodiversity assessment, and stewardship. Jennie is currently working to support three Indigenous-led protected areas in Hudson Bay and James Bay with the Omuskego and Eeyou Cree and Nunavik Inuit. She has worked across all four Inuit regions in Inuit Nunangat in northern Canada. Jennie weaves her unique experiences and knowledge into considering the effects and benefits of tourism in northern Canada.

Rochelle works for Intrepid Travel, a tour operator offering small group adventure holidays in over 100 countries. Her role as Intrepid Travel’s Global B Corp Impact Manager is to help the company genuinely and actively embed and integrate sustainability reporting and positive impact into all aspects of the business. Rochelle has spent her career conducting consumer, economic, market, ESG and policy research and has held senior roles within the tourism sector, most recently focused on sustainability reporting and B Corp certification. Rochelle’s enjoys sharing practical tools and examples of how companies can shift towards more proactive sustainable behaviours and in supporting the evidence base for how businesses can benefit through adopting more sustainable and citizen-led practices. She is continually advocating for a more responsible travel industry that benefits both the people and places we visit. She is also the co-chair of the UK group Travel by B Corp, a Trustee of The Travel Foundation and a trained beekeeper.

Ching Hei Cheung (Chris) is a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Tourism Management program at Royal Roads University, where he is conducting thesis research focused on exploring place attachment and the impacts of landscape changes in Victoria’s Chinatown, with the goal of balancing cultural preservation and urban development. Before moving to Canada, Chris gained extensive experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, working in resorts, cruise line, and travel agencies across Hong Kong, China, and Australia. Currently, he contributes as a research assistant at Royal Roads University, further enhancing his skills in tourism research. Chris is the recipient of the Allan Cahoon Global Advancement and Diversity Award and holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Tourism Management from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, combining practical industry insights with academic expertise.

Dilan Ilhan is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria. A former Valedictorian of Victoria High School in Victoria, BC, Dilan was recognized with the Mayor’s Entrepreneurship Award in 2020 for her contributions to sustainability and student initiatives. Drawn to business during her high school years, she found a natural academic home at Gustavson. Combining her interest in languages with her business studies, Dilan earned a Language Certification in Mandarin during her first two years. She later joined the Commerce Students’ Society, where she led the Marketing Portfolio, playing a pivotal role in revitalizing the society post-pandemic and fostering student engagement. Now in her final year, she has completed a dual specialization in Service Management and International Business. Professionally, Dilan’s undergraduate journey includes diverse experiences within Vancouver Island’s tourism sector. Notably, she worked in Public Relations at The Butchart Gardens and, most recently, served as Public Engagement and Events Coordinator at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. In this role, she helped orchestrate the 35th Annual Art Gallery Paint-In presented by TD, which welcomed over 50,000 attendees. As she prepares to graduate in Spring 2025, Dilan looks forward to transitioning seamlessly into the professional arena, ready to apply her skills and experiences on a larger stage.

Treska was born and raised in Victoria. After school she pursued a career in hospitality on the West Coast in Tofino and then with Canada Post in leadership on the North Island and Sunshine Coast. It was always her goal to return to Victoria and give back to the city she loves. In 2019 she was able to make the switch from corporate to non-profit and she hasn’t looked back since. Bringing her love of people, strong communication skills and a passion to serve our community, Treska has found her place at the Seed. When not at work she can be found exploring this beautiful island we call home, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Guilherme (Gui) Alves Ferreira is currently taking the Applied Tourism and Hospitality Management Post-Degree Program at Camosun College, while also working at Chateau Victoria Hotel as a Front Desk Agent. Originally from Brazil, they have had the opportunity to work in the tourism industry in ski resorts in the United States for three seasons and also at Walt Disney World doing their International College Program, which developed into the desire to build their career in hospitality.

Sarah Fallavollita is the Destination Stewardship & Sustainability Specialist at Destination Greater Victoria, with a wealth of knowledge in business and sustainability. With a background in clothing and textile sustainability, Sarah has a passion for the circular economy, holding a particular interest in waste reduction, reuse, and repair practices. Sarah has championed these interests through her involvement as the Regional Coordinator for Fashion Revolution on Vancouver Island for three years along with her role on the Board of Directors for SUPPLY Victoria Creative Reuse Centre for two years and counting. During her role at Destination Greater Victoria beginning in 2023, Sarah has gained extensive knowledge of the tourism industry, specifically in the areas of sustainability and regeneration. Sarah holds a BBA in Business & Sustainability from Royal Roads University and a Certificate in Regenerative Tourism Management from the GDS Movement.

First elected in a by-election in 2008, and re-elected five times since, Spencer Chandra Herbert has deep roots in Vancouver’s vibrant West End community. As an MLA, Spencer has stood up for renters facing illegal evictions, worked to reduce homelessness by founding Vancouver’s Rent Bank and led the successful fight to explicitly protect transgender people in BC’s Human Rights Code. Spencer knows how special the West End community is and how important it is to the people who live there. He considers it an honour to work with, and stand up for, West Enders and Coal Harbour residents every day and fight for the issues that matter to them. Spencer led the Rental Housing Task Force established in 2018 by Premier John Horgan and has served as deputy speaker of the Legislature since December 2020. Spencer was named Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport following the 2024 provincial election.

Rosie Poirier is a marine scientist, underwater photographer and an artist. She works as Director of Impact with The ConvergenceI where she works in the sustainability sector, developing resources and tools for industry to meet their sustainability targets. With The Convergence, she works at the junction of non-profits and industry,... Read more

Taniell is the Destination and Sustainability Manager for Tourism Revelstoke and is responsible for the implementation of the community’s destination management plan. She holds an advanced certificate in Strategic Energy Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainability Studies. Taniell’s experience spans a variety of different roles, including Sustainability Consultant, Program... Read more

As Director, Economics and Corporate Initiatives, with the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, Wendy is known for establishing enduring partnerships and establishing critical operational linkages between key partners and organizations across BC and other areas. As part of her role, Wendy leads the Ministry’s team responsible for... Read more

Chef Nakano’s career has spanned over 25 years and he has led the culinary teams at globally recognized companies like Rosewood, Shangri-La and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. Chef has prioritized sustainability throughout his tenure and supports local growers, producers, ranchers and fishers wherever possible. Chef now calls the Inn at... Read more

As the director of buildings at GreenBiz Group James brings his passion and expertise in sustainable buildings to the mission of accelerating the just transition to a clean economy. For 15 years James has pushed the building industry to accelerate the creation of healthy, carbon-free beautiful spaces for all people... Read more

Tourism Jasper, the official marketing organization for Jasper and Jasper National Park, showcases Jasper as it really is: an awe-inspiring and authentic Rocky Mountain destination full of charm and adventure. As CEO, Tyler is dedicated to ensuring the organization delivers on this promise and the entire community benefits from the... Read more