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PQBTA launches survey, community engagement process for long-term tourism vision

Parksville and Qualicum Beach residents can fill out survey on tourism’s impact
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Parksville and Qualicum Beach are a mecca for tourists looking for myriad experiences, from the beach to the rainforest to fine dining and full-service spa experiences. (@juliiathompson photo, courtesy PQBTA)

The Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association is asking local residents to help define the long-term vision for tourism in the region.

The PQBTA has launched a survey for residents as well as a process of community engagement designed to help the region set and reach collective goals while ensuring that tourism visitation brings a holistic benefit to businesses, residents, visitors, and the environment well into the future.

All residents will have the opportunity to be heard, says Blain Sepos, executive director at PQBTA. “(The) PQBTA is coordinating several immediate opportunities to engage in conversations about tourism from local points of view,” he noted. “The input will influence the resulting vision, goals, and long-term strategy in light of the larger trends shaping the tourism industry and visitor behaviour.

“This strategic planning process represents a modern approach to tourism planning.”

In recent years, many tourism destinations in B.C. and globally have begun measuring the value of tourism according to the triple bottom line, which includes environmental, social, and economic measures. Making sure that all residents and the environment benefit from tourism’s success is a vital outcome.

The PQBTA is working with international tourism agency and consultancy Destination Think to lead the strategic planning process. Destination Think is headquartered in Vancouver and specializes in destination marketing and management. The company has more than a decade of experience working with tourism destinations across the globe in areas including research, strategic planning, place branding, and promotion.

This planning project kicks off with a week of focused engagement starting Feb. 6, 2023. During that week, PQBTA and Destination Think will host a community listening session and other outreach activities. The listening session will be open to the public, and PQBTA will provide further details as they become available. Other activities will include interviews, workshops, and focus groups with tourism operators, local government leaders, First Nations, and other stakeholders.

Parksville Qualicum Beach residents are also invited to complete a short survey asking about their perceptions of tourism’s impacts on the place they live and their hopes for the future. Residents can complete the survey at https://survey.givingopinions.ca/c308PQB.