The ATC believes the development of adventure tourism can be a positive way forward for creating economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable communities in BC.
A Contributor to British Columbia
Adventure tourism is a cornerstone of the traveller experience and a significant contributor to British Columbia and British Columbians.
- Over $3.2 billion in direct annual visitor spending.
- Supporting over 32,000 BC families in communities across the province.
- Propels 2,200 businesses and employment opportunities.
- Provides social benefits to BC residents including improved health and well-being, educational opportunities, environmental stewardship, improved backcountry access, and enhanced emergency response.
Resource and Adventure: Opportunities for Rural BC Economies
BC’s natural resource industry has played a vital role in providing access to wilderness areas in BC. As direct relationships between the natural resource industry and adventure tourism industry continue to grow, sustainable development in rural economies that balances development of both industries can help small communities across BC thrive.
The ATC recognizes that the adventure tourism sector is well positioned to support communities in rural BC as they transition from traditional dependence on resource extraction to a more diversified model that includes adventure tourism development. This diversified model, in which both industries coexist by way of sustainable management and development, can improve the economic stability of rural BC communities.
Working with Indigenous Communities
The ATC is committed to building strong relationships with Indigenous communities across BC and working directly with Indigenous Tourism BC for sustainable tourism development across the province. The ATC supports the United Nations Declaration of the Right of Indigenous Peoples and Bill 41-2019: Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act adopted by the Government of British Columbia.
The ATC will encourage and promote partnerships with Indigenous communities and businesses to support reconciliation, economic development, employment, protection of wildlife, and environmental management.
