|
|
Baseline Data Reveals the Climate and Sustainability Journey of the Tourism Industry in BC
|
|
TIABC & 4TVI/Peter O'Hara
|
|
The results are in! Download the survey report.
|
|
Tourism Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability Business Survey Report
|
|
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.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
How Do You Measure Up? Guide
|
|
The new How Do You Measure Up? 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.
|
|
|
Tourism businesses across BC can use this new guide to take meaningful steps toward greater sustainability.
|
|
|
|
|
It begins with measuring first, recognizing that effective management starts with measurement, and simple audits can help determine where a business currently stands. From there, baseline data can be used to set goals, turning insights into clear, achievable targets. Businesses can then implement changes by exploring cost-effective solutions that fit their business needs. To build momentum over time, businesses are encouraged to track progress through ongoing measurement, helping to demonstrate improvements and inform future actions.
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 Sustainability & Climate Adaptation Data Framework
|
|
As part of the BCTCRI, the Sustainability & Climate Adaptation Data Framework was developed to provide strategic direction for industry alignment with policies and practices, and common metrics and data collection methods in the areas of sustainability and climate adaptation. Measuring sustainability is an essential part of the collective efforts in BC to meet climate action targets and build climate change resilience.
|
|
|
|
|
The BCTCRI was created through a provincial partnership with Destination BC, the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, BC’s 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—and
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC).
|
|
|
Planning is underway to shape the future of the BCTCRI, with a continued focus on strengthening climate readiness and long-term sustainability across BC’s tourism industry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
