Welcome Message
Hello and welcome! I am Dr. Farhad Moghimehfar, and I am passionate about sustainable tourism. My work focuses on finding ways to boost rural development across British Columbia, making sure our communities thrive while protecting our natural and cultural heritage.
About Dr. Farhad Moghimehfar
I am the BC Regional Innovation Chair in Tourism and Sustainable Rural Development at Vancouver Island University (VIU). My role involves leading research and initiatives that aim to create sustainable tourism practices that benefit both the environment and the people who live in rural areas.
Our Mission
Our mission is to lead research that promotes sustainable and regenerative tourism, which is key to building resilient rural communities. We focus on approaches that:
- Support Local Economies: By encouraging tourism that brings income to local businesses and creates jobs for residents.
- Preserve Cultural Heritage: By promoting tourism that respects and celebrates the unique traditions and history of our rural areas.
- Protect Natural Environments: By ensuring that tourism activities do not harm the natural landscapes and ecosystems that make our region beautiful.
Our Vision
Our vision is to become a leading research hub that helps rural regions in British Columbia develop tourism in a way that is both sustainable and regenerative. We aim to:
- Empower Communities: By providing them with the tools and knowledge to manage tourism in ways that are beneficial and sustainable.
- Foster Innovation: By exploring new and creative approaches to tourism that meet the needs of the present without compromising the future.
- Promote Collaboration: By working with local communities, businesses, and governments to create tourism strategies that are inclusive and effective.
At VIU, we believe that sustainable and regenerative tourism is not just about minimizing harm, but about actively improving the environment and the well-being of our communities. Join us in our journey to make rural British Columbia a model for sustainable tourism development.
