Results from the 2024 Residents Talk Tourism survey show that two-thirds of Revelstoke residents appreciate tourism’s role in the community. Taniell Hamilton, the sustainability manager for Tourism Revelstoke, shared these findings during a city meeting.
The survey, which is conducted every two years, gathered input from 571 locals, including both long-term and seasonal residents. The latest survey was available online from May 25 through December 31, 2024.
The majority of respondents were aged between 25 and 44, with many working in tourism. Other common fields included healthcare, construction, and education. Interestingly, 108 people responded in the “other” category, prompting questions from local officials.
One highlight from the survey was the rise in quality of life ratings, which jumped from 7.55 in 2022 to 8.15 in 2024. Hamilton was surprised by this increase, especially given that 48% of residents felt quality of life was declining just two years ago. In the latest survey, 40% reported that things are improving.
Most residents see tourism benefiting the local economy, but many expressed concerns. Hamilton noted that people feel tourism is not providing better wages or job growth. Additionally, there are worries about its environmental impacts. "They don’t see it helping to protect natural ecosystems or reducing its carbon footprint," she said.
Despite these issues, 63% of residents believe tourism enhances their quality of life, while 64% value the contributions of visitors. Notably, 69% reported feeling positive about their interactions with tourists.
Seasonality also shaped opinions. Respondents were divided about winter and summer tourism, with views split on whether there are too many visitors during these seasons. However, over 60% felt that spring and fall attract a good number of tourists.
Looking ahead, there’s curiosity about how these sentiments may shift, especially given current global events. Hamilton noted that while vocal critics often gain attention, the overall positive sentiment from the survey was encouraging.
For more in-depth information about the Residents Talk Tourism survey results, visit Destination Revelstoke.
Adding depth to these findings, experts emphasize the importance of balancing tourism with community needs. For instance, recent studies suggest that engaging locals in tourism planning can enhance both community satisfaction and the visitor experience. Local governments are increasingly using feedback to shape tourism strategies, highlighting how vital resident opinions are in fostering sustainable tourism.
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