Tourism Squamish is asking Squamish-area residents to share their perspectives on tourism. This online survey, which is open for public participation from June 16-July 7, is a more detailed version of a similar survey undertaken by Tourism Squamish in April 2021.
Like last year’s survey, residents who complete the questionnaire can enter a draw to win 1 of 10 local tourism experience prizes. This year’s survey, however, is different in that it asks residents more detailed questions about their perspectives on the benefits and challenges of tourism in Squamish.
It also asks residents to write in their ideas for solutions to those challenges.
Last year’s survey found that almost 90% of residents either strongly agreed or somewhat agreed with the statement “tourism is good for Squamish.”
While most appreciated the positive impacts of tourism for the community, residents were concerned about some negative impacts. Traffic, parking and resident accessibility to natural spaces were some of the key challenges highlighted by respondents.
“This year, we want to build on that knowledge by asking very specific questions about these issues,” says Tourism Squamish Executive Director, Lesley Weeks. “For instance, if parking is a problem, in which areas in Squamish have residents experienced that problem? What could be done to fix the problem? The goal is to give us as much information as possible in order to work proactively with the District of Squamish and other agencies to tackle issues and find solutions”.
This survey is the first part of a two-phase study that Tourism Squamish has commissioned in 2022. The second part, an identical survey of residents, will be open for resident participation in the fall. “By asking residents about their views on the benefits and challenges of tourism in Squamish before and after the peak season, we hope to get a better understanding of how different levels of tourism activity affect resident sentiment,” says Heather Kawaguchi, Tourism Squamish Director of Member Relations, “Like last year, we are excited to offer some amazing local tourism experiences as prizes for those who participate.
