Editor:
In the recent editorial, “Watering the Coast,” the author asks, “how do we incorporate water conservation into tourism plans?” Water conservation is part of Sunshine Coast Tourism’s strategic plans. Let’s shed some light on tourism and water usage.
Facts:
• Visitors aren’t the “big water users” they are often claimed to be. In a recent report, SCRD staff overlaid water usage data with long weekends throughout the year, and there was no correlation to increased water usage. During the recent Art Crawl, a huge draw for tourists, water usage was lower on Saturday, Oct 22 than the entire week prior.
• Our tourism season extends well into all four seasons. Sechelt STR occupancy rates are still very high at 78% for October. Again, the recent reduction in water usage does not correlate with visitor volume.
• Not all tourists arriving on the Sunshine Coast use the Chapman water system. Many popular areas, like Gibsons Landing and Egmont, greatly contribute to the entire region’s tourism economy with no impact on Chapman water.
Tourism Plans:
• Water conservation is part of tourism plans. The 10-year Sunshine Coast Destination Development Strategy, created in 2018, clearly articulates support and action for environmental protection and stewardship, including water conservation initiatives for visitors and industry.
• Sunshine Coast Tourism is actively educating visitors to adopt water conservation efforts, practice Leave No Trace and wildlife safety, and choose greener transportation.
• Sunshine Coast Tourism works with local businesses to support them in building more sustainable operations, including water conservation practices. For more information about these initiatives: https://sunshinecoastcanada.com/sustainable/
Let’s work together with informed strategies. You can help by sharing our water conservation tips with your visiting friends and family - they are pinned to our social media channels and our website.
Sincerely,
Annie Wise, Executive Director
Sunshine Coast Tourism
