Benefits of SKOA & WTA Collaboration

The decision to team with the WTA for the formation of the SKOA was strategic. Beyond the two organizations having similar interests regarding advocacy, stewardship, and leadership within the wilderness tourism sector, this collaboration enables SKOA to leverage the WTA’s expertise in many areas, while minimizing administrative functions and costs.

SKOA Benefits:
– SKOA will identify issues that are specific to the sea kayaking sector and create action plans to address, leveraging the WTA resources where appropriate
– SKOA can create protocols that the industry deems necessary such as those developed in 2020 Covid-19
– In the event of a crisis (i.e. an incident such as a collision between a boat or marine mammal and a kayak) SKOA will be able to leverage the expertise and resources of the WTA
– As the organization grows, the pursuit of sector specific marketing, project grants, and other areas beneficial to members will be identified

WTA Benefits:
– WTA is actively addressing the tourism specific issues including forestry stewardship, pipelines, land tenure, and open-net salmon farms
– WTA has lobbyist status for direct communication with Government
– WTA has representation in tourism organizations such as the Adventure Tourism Coalition of BC
– WTA has ongoing advocacy and communication with the broader range of wilderness tourism operators in BC identifying common issues and opportunities

As this collaboration model is new for both the SKOA and the WTA, the initial time frame for this collaboration is one year after with both organizations will reassess the benefits and determine the future direction.

*Note about fees: No additional fee over and above the WTA membership fee is required for 2021. This fee structure will be reassessed in twelve months. If you are experiencing financial challenges due to Covid and would still like to join please contact the WTA for options.