Park Metropolis Chamber Bureau Says Social Justice is A part of Sustainable Tourism

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The Park City Chamber Bureau and other local leaders have signed the Utah Compact on Racial Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion. The Chamber Office says social equity is part of sustainable tourism in Park City.

The Utah Covenant on Racial Justice, Diversity and Inclusion not only affirms that all human beings are created equal, but also sets out five anti-racist principles and actions that signatories commit to.

The points of recognition and action, investment, public order and listening, engagement and “movement, no moment”, first published last December, form the basis for positive action and progress in the state.

This week, the Park City Chamber Bureau joined a growing list of signatories that included Park City Mayor Andy Beerman, Heber Mayor Kelleen Potter, and Summit County Manager Tom Fisher.

Jennifer Wesselhoff, CEO of the Chamber Office, said Governor Spencer Cox’s words last December about how progress on these issues requires action convinced her and the Board of Directors of the Chamber Office to sign up.

“I think Governor Cox said it really well when he talked about it [how] Progress just doesn’t happen, it requires foresight, commitment and conscious action, ”says Wesselhoff. “Our board felt that this would be a deliberate move if we could join the pact to really focus on equal opportunities and be successful for our employees as well as our businesses, our residents and our visitors Show commitment to social justice. ”

According to Wesselhoff, the signing of the contract by the chamber office does not mean that local companies also have to register – the decision is up to the individual business owners – but they encourage participation.

She adds that the Chamber Office believes that social justice is an essential element of sustainable tourism, which works hand in hand with the goals of a thriving economy, positive visitor experience and environmental stewardship.

“A healthy and valued workforce is part of this vision of sustainable tourism and an inviting, hospitable community in which we welcome visitors from all over the world of different races and ethnicities to our community,” says Wesselhoff. “It’s just an essence of the direction we want to go in terms of sustainable tourism management and marketing.”

Wesselhoff admits that simply signing up for the contract does little to change anything, but says that work has to start somewhere.

“This is really just the first step in thinking about how we can encourage these kinds of things both in our own organizations and to do the same when they feel compelled to do it,” she says.

If you are interested in reading the Utah Compact on Racial Justice, Diversity and Inclusion, or are interested in becoming a signatory, click here.