THE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM STRATEGY
As a result of the engagement process and alignment with Fernie’ s Tourism Master Plan, the Project Committee developed the following strategic focus areas and primary actions to move forward with for the sustainable tourism strategy to be executed by Tourism Fernie in partnership with a variety of stakeholders.
Goals
• Support and manage locations where visitation and usage are impacting the sense of community or natural environment and support resiliency, sustainability, and remarkable experiences.
• Develop and enhance Fernie’ s visitor and recreation infrastructure, amenities, tourism assets and experiences.
• Ensure collaboration, stakeholder support and financing for project success.
• Grow visitors into year-round economic and community contributors.
Strategic Sustainable Management Focus Areas:
User Etiquette, Education & Communications
Maintenance, Resources & Responsibility
Infrastructure, Amenities & The Experience
DRAFT
Data, Capacity & Managing Impacts
Monitoring & Enforcement
Land-Use / Mgnt & Conservation
Priority Action Recommendations:
• XploreSMART – A consistent education and communication initiative to address user awareness, safety, behaviours / etiquette. Focused on priority locations in collaboration with stakeholders. Uses best practices / partnering with: AdventureSmart, WildsafeBC, Leave No Trace, FireSmart and others o Signage: § Trailheads / parking areas / staging areas § River access points o Online & Collateral Information( brochures, info in travel guides, etc) § Visitor Centres § Travel / local websites, social media channels § DMOs – ie. Tourism Fernie § Camping / Parks areas
• AmbassadorsWILD – An engagement, monitoring, maintenance and data capture program to track use and impacts, support user education, manage facilities and a positive experience for all. Best practices from BC Parks and National Parks programs and volunteer host programs. Focused on key locations with high volume users.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Engagement – On-going collaboration of core stakeholders to support project development and execution. Collaboration is essential in confirming priorities, data, capacities, funding, resources, execution, communications and approvals. Stakeholders include: Government of BC and its Ministries, RDEK, Municipalities, Non-Profit Organizations, Ktunaxa Nation, community members, businesses, sponsors, funders, educational institutions and more.
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