Revelstoke, BC, Canada

The Revelstoke Tourism Action Committee was formed by tourism interests and stakeholders in April of 1995, with approximately 21 participants "signed on" in support of establishing the Committee. The community received copies of the Charter for Sustainable Tourism in July 1995. Community development processes had achieved low levels of tourism sector participation. The Commmittee saw building participation levels, and multi-sectoral alliances as a critical first step.

The geographic area established by the Committee for tourism planning is from Glacier National Park east boundary to Shelter Bay in the South, the community of Malakwa to the West, and Mica Dam/Kinbasket to the North.

A Community Tourism Action Plan workshop was organized by the committee and held November 15-16, 1995, provided by the Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture. Participants in the workshop included representatives from front and back country commercial operations, accommodations, attractions, motorized/mechanized and non motorized products, recreation groups, BC Parks and Parks Canada government representatives, as well as the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Commission, Community Skills Centre and the City. It is important to note that all seats, including government representatives, were invited as active equal participants, rather than resource or responsible agencies - this enabled a cooperative planning environment.

The workshop was a success, and the group reviewed major tourism assets and concerns in the community, identifying some specific goals, including the need for a sustainable tourism strategy. The participants also identified the distinct need to establish an ongoing forum, developing industry participation and voicing sustainable tourism ideals in community initiatives.

A newsletter distributed and adopted by the committee, outlined both the Tourism Industry Association of Canada Code of Ethics for Sustainable Tourism and the Charter for Sustainable Tourism. Also included in the newsletter was the Revelstoke Community Vision Statement, adopted in 1994. It is reprinted here for your consideration.

For further information on the evolution of the Vision Statement, and the "Mountain Town with a Vision" Project send a message to J. Feick at the University of Calgary or mail us and we will forward for you.

Revelstoke Vision Statement

"Revelstoke will be a leader in achieving a sustainable community by balancing environmental, social, and economic values within a local, regional, and global context.

Building on its rich heritage and natural beauty this historic mountain community will pursue quality and excellence. Revelstoke will be seen as vibrant, healthy, clean, hospitable, resilient and forward-thinking. It will be committed to exercising its rights with respect to decisions affecting the North Columbia Mountain Region. Community priorities include: opportunities for youth; economic growth and stability; environmental citizenship; personal safety and security; a responsible and caring social support system; a first-class education system; local access to life-long learning; spiritual and cultural values; and diverse forms of recreation.

All residents and visitors shall have access to the opportunities afforded by this community." May 10, 1994

Based on these materials and examples, the Tourism Action Policy and Planning committee developed the following criteria to be utilized in any and all tourism planning initiatives. This Code of Ethics was adopted by the interests in April of 1996.

Code of Ethics - Revelstoke Tourism Action Committee

We commit to develop and promote tourism governed by the following guidelines:

1) Specific endeavours will be ecologically compatible;

2) Social and environmental responsibility will be demonstrated;

3) Resource base will be sustained;

4) Will contribute to natural, cultural and human values;

5) That members work together with mutual respect and efficient cooperation with each other and other agencies;

6) The quality criteria for both preservation and capacity of the tourism destination will be jointly determined with the local community and guided by principles of sustainable development;

7) Promote environmentally compatible tourism management systems.

The Revelstoke Tourism Action Committee, in cooperation with the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Commission and Community Skills Centre developed a sustainable tourism strategy, finalized in the spring of 1997. Skill development is underway. A Tourism coordinator has been hired to assist in implementation - more details are to follow soon.

On October 28th, a meeting of draft land use recommendations in the community brought forward a crowd of approximately 400. The questions on the draft strategy focused on the Forestry Issues. Two tourism operators stood to speak - the first was "booed" from the floor. A subsequent speaker suggested that tourism "newcomers" leave town. We continue to work on sustainable tourism, from both an environmentally sound perspective, and a community acceptance perspective.

Updated October 30, 1997.