Tourism Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability Business Survey Report
The first-ever province-wide Tourism Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability Business Survey was successful, with more than 550 tourism businesses participating between January 21 and February 21, 2025.
The results provide baseline data on a common set of measures that will track sustainable practices and climate adaptation initiatives across the tourism industry in BC.
Key findings across three priority areas:
Emissions
Tourism-related GHG emissions represent 3.1% of total industry emissions in BC
40% of tourism businesses have invested in energy management
Transportation accounts for 68% of tourism-related emissions, primarily from domestic air travel and ground vehicle fuel consumption
Waste Management
17% of tourism businesses have performed waste audits in the past two years
40% have invested in waste management practices like reducing single-use plastics and food waste diversion
Climate Adaptation
27% of tourism businesses feel prepared for natural events like wildfires, floods, and droughts
64% have invested in climate adaptation measures, with 17% participating in FireSmarting programs