What does the longer term maintain for tourism in Whistler, BC?

Whistler’s Village Stroll may be spookily quiet again with travel restrictions on COVID-19 in place, but it’s only a matter of time before visitors return in droves.

An upcoming Speaker Series event, hosted by the Whistler Institute (formerly known as the Whistler Learning Center), will examine the risks and challenges facing the return of visitors.

The virtual event on May 14, titled Tourism: Better Redevelopment, will be about regenerative tourism, said Suki Cheyne, executive director of the Whistler Institute.

“The topic of regenerative tourism has been around for some time, and this concept is:” How do we leave the place we have better than we found it? “Cheyne said.

“Before the pandemic, Whistler was feeling some of the effects of overtourism and the community had begun to raise concerns. During this time there is an opportunity to look ahead and see what we can do better. “

The event will include a panel discussion with Megan Epler Wood, Director of the International Sustainable Tourism Initiative. Rodney Payne, CEO of DestinationThink !; and Barrett Fisher, President and CEO of Tourism Whistler. Mayor Jack Crompton will chair the discussion.

“The idea is to look at some case studies and examples from other places in the world that have done a really good job with regenerative tourism and then learn from those experiences,” said Cheyne.

“And then we try to figure out what could work for Whistler, and this idea of ​​looking ahead, and what Whistler can do differently in the future.”

Participation in the session is free. Registration ends on May 12th at 11:30 p.m. For those interested, a discussion with Epler Wood about the “book club” follows.

Further information and registration can be found at whistlerinstitute.com/course/gp-tourism-bbb.

While the Whistler Institute was Founded in 2012 as a Whistler Learning CenterThe name change represents a new direction for the nonprofit Sea to Sky.

“The business plan [and] The organization’s activities have changed over this time, so we felt a name that better reflected the breadth and depth of the activities we are now doing was warranted, and the Whistler Institute really captures what we do and where we go in the future, ”said Cheyne.

While the institute has always focused on developing partnerships with educational institutions and educators, “we also look at developing programs,” said Cheyne, referring to recent initiatives such as the Indigenous and Intercultural Awareness course, a partnership with BCIT.

“We would also like to work with Vancouver Community College and BCIT to identify and develop the need for culinary programs in the area. Therefore we deal with the program development [along with hosting the ongoing speaker series events],” She said.

“Our vision is much broader than before [Whistler Institute] The name reflects it better. ”