background.html dataacquisition.html methodology.html spatialanalysis.html discussion.html conclusion.html references.html

Background

 

With breath-taking views, pristine scenery, and mountainous topography, is it no surprise that British Columbia is clearly rich with opportunity. Tourism is booming and the ski industry is thriving.

Tourism Policy
For the first time in B.C.’s history, the provincial tourism industry reached $10 billion in annual revenue. In response to an average annual increase of approximately 10%, the council of tourism has decided to implement new policies to identity and protect the interests of forest management and development in B.C. Strong emphasis will be placed on the tourism marketplace in order to compete in the expanding global tourism marketplace. Implementing these new policies will not only enhance tourism, but also work closely with environmentalist to enforce sustainable development. See the figure at the bottom of this page exhibiting the growth of the British Columbian tourism industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ski Industry Trends
2007-2008 was an excellent season for Canada’s ski industry; local sales of season passes significantly increased and there was a 15 percent increase in the overall skier visits, according to Canadian Ski Council (Reuters 2008). The past five years reflects an enormous expansion in the ski industry. The B.C. ski industry in particular is experiencing major expansion all over the province. Revelstoke Mountain Resort successfully opened last season after undergoing an upgrade costing over a billion dollars (Reuters 2008). Three resorts are currently under major renovations and multiple projects are waiting for approval. 

International Market
B.C.’s world famous scenery draws not only locals but international visitors as well. The largest percentage of international tourists come from the United States and British tourists are the second largest percentage of international tourists. The Vancouver Sun claims the province’s ski hills choked with Brits and Americans has significantly fuelled the ski industry (Reuters 2008). Highest percentage of traveling skiers and riders are of higher income and these are the tourists who invest in holiday properties in B.C. Ski resort real-estate alone produces enormous profit for the province.

Ski Industry Outlook
Despite the recent global economic downfall, ski resort operators claim the snow is what primary factor in determining the success of a ski season. A weaker Canadian dollar and lower gasoline prices can actually draw more visitors. The number of American tourists, in particular, is expected to increase as long as the Canadian dollar remains weak.   

Another driving factor of the ski industry is the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Hosting the winter Olympics will help to put B.C.’s ski destinations on the map and enhance tourism in general. With the increasing numbers of skiers and riders, locals will begin to search for alternative ski resort locations that offer less chaotic facilities.

After reviewing current trends and future predictions, it is clear that a market demand exists for a ski resort. Southern B.C. presents numerous opportunities, making it the perfect region to perform a spatial analysis on suitable area for the development of a ski resort.

Silver Summits Criteria

Protecting and respecting B.C.’s natural environment is an essential goal. The criteria for Silver Summits entails carefully chosen variables that work to protect the surrounding environment, for rivers and lakes are excluded from suitable land as well as watersheds with a designated buffer zone. Native Indian reserves are also taken into consideration and are also excluded from suitable land.