by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 10:25 AM ET, Thu February 5, 2026
The Parkside Hotel & Spa in Victoria celebrated last week when General Manager Trina White was honoured with a 2026 IMPACT Award.
The annual award, also bestowed on Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia. The award recognizes innovators in the tourism industry who are thought leaders and stewards of the environment and sustainability.
The ceremony was held at the Victoria Conference Centre during the 2026 IMPACT Sustainability Travel and Tourism Conference.
Trina White, GM of The Parkside Hotel & Spa (Photo Credit: The Parkside Hotel & Spa)"I am truly humbled to receive this recognition," says White. "My commitment to sustainable tourism began early, during my years as a hiking and adventure guide, where I developed a deep connection to nature and a lasting respect for the landscapes we are so fortunate to share."
In her acceptance speech, White spoke of her early years, hitchhiking to Tofino to take part in anti-clear-cutting protests. White drew cheers and laughs from the crowd as she vowed to continue her work within the hospitality industry before she retires in the future and returns to tying herself to trees.
The hotel, which hosted the conference’s closing reception, is a leader in sustainable hospitality practices. According to a statement to media, under White's leadership The Parkside Hotel & Spa has achieved notable sustainability milestones, including reaching a 92 percent waste diversion rate, earning Biosphere Certification in 2022, and becoming Beyond Green's first urban hotel. The hotel is also a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, aligning operations with global climate science and a shared commitment to reduce emissions and achieve Net Zero before 2050.
Through a partnership with Veritree, Coastal Kelp and the Sechelt First Nations, The Parkside helps restore kelp forests in British Columbia by planting one kelp for every stay and ten kelp when guests opt out of housekeeping.
In 2025, The Parkside expanded the Happy Trails map series by partnering with Sierra Club BC to create a new map highlighting local ecosystems, offering guests walkable, bikeable, and day-trip options to explore and appreciate the region's natural beauty.
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