Expedition was retained by the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) to complete an Economic Value of Tourism Study based on Destination BC’s Value of Tourism Model. Our team worked closely with local business owners to collect and analyze key tourism data.
The project involved working with a diverse group of stakeholders, including the RDBN, District of Fort St. James, District of Houston, District of Vanderhoof, Town of Smithers, Village of Burns Lake, Village of Fraser Lake, Village of Granisle, Village of Telkwa, and nearly 150 accommodation businesses throughout the region ranging from brand name hotels to backcountry lodges. By tailoring our survey implementation and support services to the differing needs of the accommodation businesses, we were successful in implementing the Model and facilitating win-win solutions with this diverse group of partners.
The project quantified the economic value of tourism for the region in order to support future tourism planning, development and marketing.
The study went further than most Value of Tourism studies by combining the quantified value of tourism findings with research on the social and economic benefits of tourism and existing tourism-related planning to develop a compelling case for investment in the tourism sector.
The Value of Tourism Model had never been implemented in an area as large or remote as the RDBN before. Over the course of the project, unique challenges were overcome by the consultant team and the Client, which led to successful implementation.
Photo Credits: Northern BC Tourism