Îles de la Madeleine, May 21st, 2026 — Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine is proud to announce that the Magdalen Islands destination has achieved GreenStep Gold certification, an international recognition highlighting the destination's commitment to sustainable tourism development aligned with the values of the community.
Awarded following a rigorous evaluation process based on 117 criteria recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), this certification acknowledges the efforts made by the destination to integrate best practices in governance, protection of natural and cultural environments, local socioeconomic benefits, and responsible tourism development.
“Achieving Gold designation through the GreenStep Destination Certification reflects a collective commitment to sustainability that goes far beyond any single initiative. For the Magdalen Islands, this commitment extends to local businesses, organizations, and public institutions. Congratulations to the entire Magdalen Islands community that contributed to this achievement,” said Angela Nagy, CEO of GreenStep.
While this certification represents an important milestone, the desire to develop tourism in harmony with the environment and the community has been present in the Magdalen Islands for many years. As early as 2004-2005, an extensive consultation process conducted as part of the Framework Policy for Tourism Development in the archipelago helped establish foundations that remain fully relevant today. This vision was notably based on the desire for tourism development to:
• contribute to quality of life and benefit the entire community;
• showcase and preserve the richness and uniqueness of the physical environment;
• promote local identity, culture, and the maritime and island way of life;
• complement the territory's other economic activities.
This certification is the result of several months of data collection, analysis, and validation carried out in collaboration with numerous stakeholders. Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine would like to warmly thank the tourism businesses, municipalities, organizations, institutions, and regional partners who contributed to the evaluation process.
The GreenStep certification process indeed requires concrete, measurable evidence demonstrating the actions a destination has implemented to meet high international standards in sustainable tourism.
“This recognition reflects significant collective work and confirms the desire to develop the destination in harmony with the living environment and the people who call it home. It also demonstrates the mobilization of partners who agreed to contribute to this demanding process,” said Michel Bonato, General Manager of Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine.
Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine also reminds that this certification is not an end goal, but rather a foundation for continuing discussions and actions aimed at maximizing the positive impacts of tourism in the region.
Over the coming weeks, a workshop will be held with GreenStep, community partners, and collaborators currently involved in updating the destination's tourism strategy. This meeting will help identify priority areas on which to focus collective efforts and develop an evolving action plan.
The discussions and findings resulting from this process will also contribute to the next tourism strategy for the Magdalen Islands by integrating directions adapted to the realities and priorities of the territory.
About Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine
Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine brings together tourism stakeholders and community partners to foster tourism development in harmony with the territory and the people who live there, while ensuring an authentic and high-quality visitor experience.
About GreenStep
Founded in Canada in 2008, GreenStep helps organizations measure and reduce their carbon footprint while improving their sustainability performance. As a technology-driven consulting firm, GreenStep combines digital tools and expertise to offer services such as GHG measurement, sustainability and carbon neutrality strategies, action planning, and certifications. GreenStep has supported more than 6,000 businesses across North America in identifying opportunities to become more sustainable, while generating savings and meeting the growing demand for responsible practices. GreenStep is certified Climate Neutral, Living Wage, and B Corp. Learn more: www.GreenStep.ca
