CAMPBELL RIVER WHALE WATCHING

We understand the unique needs of the wilderness tourism industry. From new tourism ventures to established tourism operations — the WTA is here to help.

What Motivates Us

Wilderness landscapes and ecosystems are the foundation of the world-renowned “Super, Natural British Columbia” tourism brand. Although not all travellers experience BC’s pristine wilderness spaces firsthand, they are drawn to visit because of its wilderness reputation. In order to create a sustainable and flourishing tourism industry in British Columbia, we need to prioritize healthy and thriving natural environments.

As much of the world’s true wilderness areas are disappearing, the demand for wilderness-based tourism has increased. This trend has raised the economic value of BC’s intact landscapes and it has encouraged operators to grow and develop new offerings — this, of course, comes with its own set of challenges.

The WTA exists to help protect the lands and waters in which our businesses and livelihoods depend, and to help tourism operators continue to grow responsibly and sustainably, and with respect for the carrying capacity of surrounding environments.

Maple Leaf Adventures - Windy Bay Native Smiles in Traditional Straw Hat

MAPLE LEAF ADVENTURES / KEVIN SMITH

EAGLE WING TOURS

Benefits of Membership

Advocacy

✓ We amplify the voices of wilderness tourism operators to ensure your values, concerns and challenges are represented at the right tables
✓ We cover sector specific issues including forestry stewardship, pipelines, mining, land tenure, and open-net salmon farms
✓ Request a letter of support. Rest assured you belong to an organization you can call on when needed
Marketing

✓ Features on our social media channels, blog, website, and monthly promotional newsletter
✓ Participate in paid advertising campaigns throughout the year, with the goals of seasonal and geographic dispersion
✓ Cross-promotion with other members through curated travel itineraries
Industry Advice

✓ Stay in the loop on the latest policies and practices that could impact your wilderness tourism business
✓ Receive a members-only quarterly update from our Executive Director with industry news and useful insights
✓ Participate in panel discussions with topics driven by member input
Community

✓ Align yourself with an environmentally and socially credible non-profit organization — all members are approved to uphold community standards
✓ Join a community of like-minded industry leaders with decades of operational experience
✓ Contribute to projects and initiatives that have a positive impact on the well-being of the land, wildlife and people of BC
Exclusive Member Resources

✓ Gain access to the WTA Membership Resource Hub, containing dozens of pre-researched grant opportunities chosen with WTA members in mind
✓ Quickly and efficiently access information on climate change and other topics
✓ Access resources and tools to help your organization thrive

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Annual Membership Fees

*This fee is determined by your number of employees

$50 - Guides & Students
$250 - Self-Employed
$450 - Small Business (2-50 employees)
$775 - Medium Business (51-100 employees)
$1500 - Large Business (100+ employees)
*This fee is determined by your annual membership revenues
$450 - Small (revenues <$75,000)
$1500 - Medium (revenues $75,000 - $150,000)
$3000 - Large (revenues >$150,000)
*This fee is determined by your annual budget
$775 - Small (Budget <$500K)
$2,000 - Medium (Budget $500K-$3.9M)
$5,500 - Large (Budget >$4M)

Questions?

We’re happy to chat. Send us an email at admin@wilderness-tourism.bc.ca and we will get back to you shortly.

Ready to join a community of eco-tourism leaders and industry professionals?

Apply Now