As prepared for the Annual General Meeting March 31, 2026
2025 MRDT Stakeholder Survey
Tourism Fernie’ s Annual MRDT Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey, a requirement of the Province of BC, was sent to 188 stakeholders in Tourism Fernie’ s industry database. The survey, managed by The Web Advisors, took place in spring of 2025 for submission to the Province by May 31, 2025. The survey had a 28 % response rate. Key results, insights and observations are detailed below.
A Few Open Responses About Tourism & Sustainability in Fernie
• Sustainability is key. There is the potential for a significant increase in tourism and recreation over the coming decade, so we need to be acutely aware of how to manage our natural assets to ensure the ongoing health of the world around us.
• We get asked a lot:“ what is there to do beside mountain biking, ski, fish, golf?” Families with kids are rejected by Fernie, no indoor playground, no bowling alley, no water park.
• A more efficient and affordable Transportation service to Fernie from Calgary. More transportation services for guests staying in Fernie. The taxi service is way to overpriced and an uber service would be invaluable.
• Housing for ski bums and low-income earners / seasonal workers.
• Shoulder season occupancy growth.
• Investment we are seeing some hopeful signs, but we need much more.
• Find a way to Tax the Tourist while showing the residents the benefits to their quality of life. No tourism means a town like Sparwood!
• Find the right balance of community and tourism always. The community should always come first; they are the human experience that tourist experience so happy community happy tourists.
• A vibrant downtown should only allow businesses to assist in tourism. Presently 2nd Ave has 2 Dr. offices, 2 pharmacy, 2 dentist office and an engineering office taking away of what could be storefronts attracting visitors and locals to shop / dine / experience. Could Tourism Fernie pressure the city to limit what can go downtown?
• Developing / promoting attractions that are not outdoor adventure based to level-load the visitor volumes throughout the year. Namely a large conference centre could attract thousands of people in the rainy spring and fall seasons. This allows for growth without adding additional pressure to the outdoor adventure assets.
• More locals, visitors, and businesses need to know how much the town benefits from our trail network. Fernie is well behind outdoor rec giants like Cumberland, Squamish, even Rossland when it comes to supported trail crew. I have no affiliation with the Fernie Trails Alliance, but mine and most of the businesses in Fernie directly benefit from their work. The FTA needs a greater spotlight and membership drive from Tourism Fernie.
• I think Tourism Fernie does an exemplary job attracting visitors to our town. My concerns revolve more around our infrastructure and amenities and customer service being capable of providing an exemplary visitor experience. I am looking forward to the expansion of the Fox, Best Western and the new Base Camp. I appreciate Tourism Fernie and all its staff and Board. Thanks for all you do.
Report for 12 month fiscal period of January – December, 2025 13