Highlights from the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative

Over the past two years, the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI) has contributed significantly to advancing sustainable tourism in British Columbia. Backed by a $3.3 million investment from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (TACS) through the Destination Development Fund, this two-year project was designed to help tourism businesses and communities prepare for and adapt to the realities of climate change.

The initiative was delivered through a collaborative partnership between TACS, Destination BC, Indigenous Tourism BC, and the six Regional Destination Management Organizations: Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region, and 4TVI. This collective effort reflects what is possible when government and industry partners share a vision for a sustainable, resilient future.

The initiative encompassed four key projects: supporting sustainability and adaptation planning for businesses, offering micro-grants to help implement those plans, building a shared data framework, and strengthening province-wide collaboration through networking and knowledge-sharing.

The goals of the BCTCRI were closely aligned with several key government priorities for tourism. At its core, the initiative was designed to ensure that BC’s tourism industry is better prepared for climate change, is equipped with standardized tools to track and improve sustainable practices and has a strong foundation for future climate adaptation planning.

As 2026 begins, this moment provides an opportunity to reflect on 2025 and the progress made through the BCTCRI, including the strong foundations it has helped establish for a more resilient visitor economy in BC.

Sustainable Tourism and Climate Adaptation Planning for Tourism Businesses Program

Through the Sustainable Tourism and Climate Adaptation Planning for Tourism Businesses Program, nearly 400 tourism businesses from across the province participated. Many of these businesses received customized one-on-one support to create sustainability and climate adaptation action plans tailored to their specific business needs. Audits and assessments were also conducted by qualified suppliers with deep sustainability subject-matter expertise. Approximately four out of every ten of these audits and assessments focused on energy reduction and transitions to clean energy.

One participating business shared their experience: “I am especially grateful for the time you took to meet with me, answer my questions, and ensure that we have a clear understanding of the options available. We are excited to implement the strategies outlined in the report as we move forward.”

Micro-Grant Program to Support Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation

To help participating businesses implement their action plans, a Micro-Grant Program was launched. It provided funding to eligible businesses for key sustainability and climate adaptation projects, building on the ones identified during their participation in the Sustainable Tourism and Climate Adaptation Planning Program. The program was quickly over-subscribed, and in total, over 150 businesses received combined micro-grant funding of approximately $1.9 million. Two case study videos were created that highlight the real-world impacts of this work. One features Locality Brewing and its innovative wastewater recycling project. The other profiles Fishpot Lake Resort and its transition to solar energy. Both offer compelling examples of how tourism businesses are taking action and can be viewed on Destination BC’s corporate YouTube channel.

Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Data Framework

Research and data development formed another key pillar of the initiative. This work focused on developing and implementing a Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Data Framework to support industry alignment with existing policies, consistent metrics, and shared data practices. Led by a dedicated Working Group, the framework was shaped through an exploratory scan of current practices, global performance measurement tools, and input from key partners and experts. The resulting framework offers a foundation for more coordinated, measurable action across BC’s tourism sector and provides a foundation for long-term strategic alignment. It enables shared understanding, supports consistent reporting, and offers practical tools to guide businesses and organizations in measuring and improving their efforts in sustainability and climate adaptation.

Through this work, over 570 tourism organizations were surveyed to inform the development of the Tourism Climate Adaptation & Sustainability Business Survey Report and a series of sub-provincial snapshot series reports. These findings were paired with the creation of a “How Do You Measure Up?” Guide, which defined key environmental sustainability and climate adaptation indicators and provided practical, actionable steps for tourism businesses.

The Tourism Climate Adaptation & Sustainability Business Survey will be conducted again in 2026 to continue tracking progress on key measures identified through the BCTCRI Data Framework. Sincere appreciation is extended to participating tourism businesses for their valuable contributions.

Community Destination Stewardship Initiative

The Community Destination Stewardship Initiative was designed to establish a province-wide network to support climate readiness and sustainability at the community level. It is open to BC-based Community Destination Management Organizations, municipal government staff, First Nations and First Nation Economic Development Corporations, and any community or community organization responsible for managing visitors to their destination.

Through this network, participants engaged in practical learning opportunities such as workshops, peer discussions, and other formats that help communities adopt sustainable tourism practices and prepare for climate-related challenges. It emphasizes peer-to-peer learning and supports communities in accessing tools, resources, and connections that build local tourism resilience and support sustainable development.

Since launching, the initiative has hosted eight online workshops with more than 250 participants, covering topics such as regenerative tourism, marketing, decarbonization, and more. Workshop recordings are available here. In January 2024, an online collaboration space launched on Microsoft Teams, connecting nearly 150 participants from across BC. Work is currently underway to re-envision this digital network for long-term success.

Recognition and Impact

The BCTCRI reflects the leadership, commitment, and action of BC’s tourism industry. Hundreds of businesses and organizations took part in sustainability planning, implemented climate adaptation projects, and contributed insights to help shape a stronger, more resilient visitor economy.

This collective effort shows what is possible when industry works together towards a shared approach to sustainability. The initiative received recognition across the tourism sector and beyond. It was awarded the Transformation Award at the 2024 X. Awards, was a finalist for the Change Maker category in the 2024 Skift IDEA Awards, and was nominated for both the 2025 BC Premier’s Awards for Innovation and Excellence and the 2024 X. Awards People’s Choice Award.

This recognition reflects the strength of the initiative’s design and the industry-wide leadership and action that made these achievements possible. By participating in the BCTCRI, tourism businesses and communities across the province are demonstrating that climate readiness is achievable, while setting a strong example for others.

Future Climate Readiness

While the initiative is now complete, its impact continues. The BCTCRI has equipped BC’s tourism industry with practical tools, shared knowledge, and strong networks that are inspiring ongoing action and progress on climate readiness.

The journey doesn’t end here. Building on these foundations, businesses and communities across BC are leading the way in advancing climate adaptation and sustainability efforts. Together, this momentum helps ensure BC remains a destination that thrives economically, socially, and environmentally in the face of climate change, now and into the future.