Supporting destinations on their stewardship journey
An internationally recognized stewardship expert, Kyla has dedicated the past decade of her career to advancing environmental justice and climate action in the sustainable tourism industry. Her groundbreaking initiatives support destinations on their stewardship journey, earning both national and international acclaim.
ABOUT KYLA
Kyla works with diverse communities and destinations around the world to support the creation of a healthier and more sustainable tourism industry.
From Afro-Indigenous operators in Panama to women artisans in Uganda, Kyla works alongside stakeholders and destination managers to ensure that an equal degree of protection, fair and meaningful participation, and the recognition of local knowledge are integrated into development frameworks. Along the way, she has the pleasure of supporting destinations at all stages of their stewardship journey to take the first step toward a better future and advancing sustainable tourism.
Her work has been recognized by the UNWTO, Tourism Association of Canada, and has received the International Regenerative Travel award.
WHAT IS REGENERATIVE TOURISM?
The regenerative approach to development aims to restore and revitalize ecosystems, cultures, and economies while providing meaningful and authentic experiences for residents and travelers alike. The practice of regeneration is dynamic and its interpretation and application may change over time and between places.
Kyla employs regenerative approaches in her work, guided by the following key principles:
1. Connecting people and their place in deep, purposeful, and meaningful relationship
2. Putting that shared purpose into action by developing hosting experiences and infrastructure that are enlivened by local story, learning and care
3. Working in a manner that grows capacity for flourishing and resilience among people, businesses, communities, and ecologies creating sustainable tourism.
Pioneering Climate Action in Canada’s Tourism Sector
In April 2022, 4VI demonstrated remarkable leadership by signing the Glasgow Declaration, marking a commitment to climate action. Following this, Kyla and the Synergy Enterprises team led a groundbreaking destination carbon audit, making 4VI the first major North American tourism organization to undertake such a comprehensive assessment. This audit paved the way for the development and implementation of an ambitious Climate Action Plan.
Empowering Ugandan women through climate conscious fashion
In Bigodi, Uganda, where 90% of rural women rely on farming for income, Seeds and Stories, a women-led social enterprise, addresses the effects of climate change and unsustainable farming practices. Through circular fashion, it promotes gender equality, community development, and environmental regeneration.
Supporting Indigenous Entrepreneurship through podcasting
Indigenous Voices of Vancouver Island is a pioneering limited edition podcast series spotlighting Indigenous entrepreneurs in the island’s tourism sector. Available on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, this project serves as a compelling case study, showcasing the transformative power of podcasting in advancing Indigenous tourism.
Unveiling Opportunities: First Impressions Assessment Program for Rural Communities
In the midst of economic shifts, numerous rural and remote communities on Vancouver Island are embracing tourism as a means of fostering growth and community welfare. However, a common challenge they face is the lack of capacity to identify and execute tourism projects effectively. This case study examines the efficacy of the First Impressions Assessment program, a valuable service tailored for these communities, offering practical insights and feedback for tourism planning and development. Notably, its success in rural communities stemmed from its low cost and minimal staff capacity requirements.
Advancing Gender Equality in Vancouver Island’s Tourism Industry
In her capacity as Director of Sustainability at 4VI, Kyla collaborated with the Women of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality to examine the status of gender equity within Vancouver Island’s tourism sector. This study not only identified prevailing challenges but also proposed practical solutions to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
~ Margaret Mead
