Introduction

Understanding that every purchase has far-reaching effects – from economic, social, cultural, and environmental implications – social procurement aims to bring intentional and positive value through the existing procurement of goods and services. While tourism is a powerful economic driver, social procurement recognizes its different impacts to communities: the movement addresses challenges and encourages members to consider positive social and community impact alongside price, quality, and environmental factors.

When businesses partner with social enterprises, they can drive innovation and maximize social value.

Destination Vancouver and other members in the tourism industry have advanced their social procurement journey to help create healthy, vibrant communities. In 2022, Destination Vancouver and Buy Social Canada conducted a social procurement survey with organizations across Destination Vancouver’s membership. The report helped establish a baseline of social procurement activities in the Vancouver tourism sector, provided a more complete story of the positive impacts of tourism, and helped guide the recommendations outlined in the 2023 Guide to Social Procurement in Tourism, Hospitality, and Events.

Sponsored by Destination Vancouver, Buy Social Canada’s Guide to Social Procurement in Tourism, Hospitality and Events shares actionable steps to create a powerful and positive ripple effect in communities.

Social procurement has the potential to create meaningful change.