The Results Are In! BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative Sustainability & Resiliency Measures
Baseline Data Reveals the Climate and Sustainability Journey of the Tourism Industry in BC
As Earth Month comes to a close this April, it’s a time to reflect on the sustainability progress made and the shared commitment across BC’s tourism industry to building a more resilient, climate-ready future. As part of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI), the first-ever province-wide Tourism Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability Business Survey was a success. Thank you to the more than 550 tourism businesses that participated between January 21 and February 21, 2025.
The survey results are in, and they provide critical baseline data on a common set of measures that will track sustainable practices and climate adaptation initiatives across the tourism industry in BC. As the industry continues to adapt to climate change, this data will help identify priority areas, track progress, and share success stories that inspire collective action.
Tourism Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability Business Survey Report
The full Tourism Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability Business Survey report is now available on the BCTCRI Sustainability & Climate Adaptation Data Framework webpage. Below are a few highlights of key findings across three priority areas:
Emissions
- Tourism-related GHG emissions represent 3.1% of total industry emissions in BC
- 40% of tourism businesses have invested in energy management
- Transportation accounts for 68% of tourism-related emissions, primarily from domestic air travel and ground vehicle fuel consumption
Waste Management
- 17% of tourism businesses have performed waste audits in the past two years
- 40% have invested in waste management practices like reducing single-use plastics and food waste diversion
Climate Adaptation
- 27% of tourism businesses feel prepared for natural events like wildfires, floods, and droughts
- 64% have invested in climate adaptation measures, with 17% participating in FireSmarting programs
These findings highlight clear opportunities for action. Whether it’s improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, or preparing for climate-related risks, every step taken by tourism businesses helps build a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable tourism industry in BC.
Tourism businesses across BC can use the new How Do You Measure Up? Guide to take meaningful steps toward greater sustainability. The guide summarizes efforts across the tourism industry in BC on key environmental sustainability and climate resiliency indicators — including emissions, waste, and climate adaptation — and provides practical actions that businesses can take to measure and track their sustainability performance. Whether tourism businesses are just getting started with their sustainability journey or building on existing initiatives, the guide offers helpful support at every stage:
• Measure First: You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Learn how to conduct simple audits to understand where you stand.
• Set Goals: Turn baseline data into clear, achievable targets.
• Implement Changes: Explore cost-effective solutions that fit your business needs.
• Track Progress: Continue measuring to document your improvements.
Across BC, tourism businesses are taking meaningful action toward sustainability. Some examples featured in the guide include: Mountain Man Adventure Tours reduced fuel use by 80% by transitioning to high-efficiency snowmobiles. The Fairmont Pacific Rim achieved Single-Use Plastic Free Certification after thoroughly measuring and managing plastic use throughout the guest journey. Noble Ridge Vineyard reduced its irrigation needs by 15% through soil improvement and water conservation practices.
The How Do You Measure Up? Guide and other additional resources are available for download on the BCTCRI Sustainability & Climate Adaptation Data Framework webpage.
Tourism businesses in BC can also join the free BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN) for customized support on their sustainability journey.
BCTCRI Partners
The BCTCRI is a province wide initiative developed and delivered in collaboration with the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, Destination BC, Indigenous Tourism BC, and the six Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMOs)—the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region, and 4TVI. Planning is underway to shape the future of the BCTCRI, with a continued focus on strengthening climate readiness and long-term sustainability for tourism operators and organizations in BC.
