Park City Joins Global Tourism Sustainability Alliance

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Park City, Utah, has joined The Collective, a global alliance of nearly 30 destinations committed to transforming tourism into a force for environmental and social good. The move strengthens the city’s long-standing sustainability strategy and aligns it with international leaders like Copenhagen, Queenstown, and Banff.

“The Collective brings together destinations facing similar sustainability challenges and opportunities,” said Sarah Berry, Global Director of The Collective. “Park City’s inclusion reflects its leadership in community-based tourism and climate action.”

A Framework for Global Tourism Solutions

The Collective focuses on climate action, biodiversity protection, cultural preservation, and community resilience. Member destinations collaborate on scalable solutions, sharing knowledge and best practices to address issues like over-tourism and resource strain.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, tourism contributes about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the urgency of alliances like The Collective to align industry growth with climate goals.

Park City’s Sustainability Track Record

Park City has been at the forefront of U.S. tourism sustainability. Its Sustainable Tourism Plan—anchored in five stewardship principles—drives more than 80 ongoing initiatives. Notable efforts include:

  • Nation’s first public e-assist bike share program, reducing car dependency and emissions.
  • Free year-round public transit, expanding accessibility while lowering traffic congestion.
  • Community-driven stewardship, where residents and local businesses adopt eco-friendly practices, from local sourcing to waste reduction.

Why Global Collaboration Matters

Membership in The Collective gives Park City access to co-created strategies and resources that amplify its impact. With global tourism expected to reach 1.8 billion international arrivals by 2030, collaboration is essential for balancing growth with sustainability.

By leveraging its role in this alliance, Park City can influence how other North American destinations integrate sustainability into tourism development. The city plans to expand its sustainability efforts through knowledge-sharing and innovation with global peers.

Environment + Energy Leader