Explore Whitefish releases latest information for "Friend of the Fish" campaign

The Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau has released more information regarding its “Be a Friend of the Fish” tourism campaign.

Also known as Explore Whitefish, several key pillars of the sustainable tourism campaign have been released including the “Be a Friend of the Fish” community values, an online sustainable tourism training program geared towards service industry professionals, as well as a checklist embodying the community values to guide visitors towards destination stewardship.

The community values were designed to address key areas of focus to enhance community livability in Whitefish, based on the sustainable tourism management plan which was recently adopted by the City of Whitefish and Explore Whitefish. Visitors and locals are encouraged to read the storyline behind the community values at WanderLightlyWhitefish.com. The six main tenants of the community values are — 1. Take it Slow. Enjoy the Ride, 2. Show Respect and Kindness, 3. Recreate Responsibly, 4. Be a Steward of the Land, 5. Fuel our Local Businesses, 6. Help us Stay Healthy.

The 20-minute online sustainable tourism training is designed to equip local service industry professionals with knowledge to promote destination stewardship amongst visitors and recommend responsible activities.

“This training is all about recognizing that we all have a role in being stewards of our community and environment,” said Dylan Boyle, Executive Director of Explore Whitefish. “We are excited to support front line workers who interact with visitors every day, playing a key role in education.”

Viewers will also have access to a toolkit filled with resources to aid conversations around the Going-to-the-Sun Road ticketed entry system, City of Whitefish Climate Action Plan, and car rental shortages, for example.

Anyone can access the free online training by visiting the “Be a Friend of The Fish” Business Resources page on Explorewhitefish.com/members.

Previewed in the training is also the “Be a Friend of The Fish” Checklist, which is a resource intended to inspire visitors and locals alike to practice principles such as putting out a campfire completely, bring a bag for toilet paper and trash to leave no trace, show mutual respect for all people and be kind to workers.

The full checklist will be distributed ahead of peak summer visitation to local businesses, and included in reservation confirmations, in an effort to arm visitors with a tool that gives tangible suggestions to enhance both social and environmental sustainability during their stay.

For more information visit WanderLightlyWhitefish.com and the “Be a Friend of The Fish” Business Resources page on ExploreWhitefish.com/members.