VALUE OF TOURISM to Quadra Island
You may have asked yourself, what does tourism bring to Quadra Island, besides longer ferry line-ups in the summer, and unfamiliar faces in the grocery store line-up? In an attempt to answer that question from an economic viewpoint, a survey was conducted this summer of accommodation providers on the island.
The study used Tourism BC’s “Value of Tourism” model to survey the region’s commercial accommodation sector. This included resorts, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, campgrounds / RV parks, but not marinas. The questionnaire gathered data from accommodation businesses which were asked to provide a snapshot of their 2008 performance data. Tourism BC Research & Planning then quantified the data and applied local indicators to generate an estimate of the visitor volume and direct expenditures in tourism on Quadra Island.
Overall results found that a total of 84,800 people visited Quadra Island in the study period, 2008. 37,800 visitors stayed in commercial accommodation, an additional 6,800 people spent time visiting friends and relatives, with an additional 40,200 people passing through the community as day visitors. Based on the total visitation and factoring in average length of stay and average total spent per visitor per trip, the “Annual Direct Visitor Expenditures” on Quadra Island was $12,380,000.
Walcan is the largest year-round employer on Quadra Island; however the tourism industry employs the highest number of people on a seasonal basis. The tourism industry provides direct employment for staff at various resorts, accommodation providers, tour providers, and restaurants. As well, visitors access the goods and services of groups such as artists and healing arts practitioners. Lastly, visitors use and support other businesses such as vehicle repair shops, the gas station, bookstore, and grocery stores.
The results of this survey confirm that tourism is a big contributor to the local island economy. With diminishing employment options in the area, tourism presents an opportunity to share our island with visitors who appreciate the natural beauty and friendliness of our community, while providing income for many local residents.
The project was initiated by the Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce, while Tourism BC provided the analysis model for this report.
The Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the folks who took time out of their busy season to complete the survey.
A summary and the complete report is available here.