Ensuring Economic Viability

Our Priorities are the five key areas around which we focus our efforts to achieve the Vision.

In 2020, tourism remains the primary economic driver of Whistler’s ongoing success. To build and stabilize customer visits, the resort has successfully expanded into ventures that complement tourism and that move the resort community toward sustainability. The resort community partners have tracked external trends such as changing demographics, climate change, globalization, emerging resorts and growing competition, along with other tourism trends that influence the economy and Whistler’s attractiveness as a destination resort.

By looking forward and outward, we have been able to positively influence and adapt to these trends, and successfully retain existing markets while capturing new and emerging tourist markets, providing increased destination visits throughout the year. Whistler’s resilience and ongoing success is supported by partnerships, leading technology and an educated workforce. Whistler positively affects the lives of visitors, promoting meaningful and vibrant experiences and offerings that are aligned with the resort community’s values and commitment to sustainability.

Diverse recreation opportunities continue to be the heart of the resort experience. Whistler Blackcomb’s long-term strategy has been successfully implemented, contributing significantly to the local economy and well-being of the community. The two mountains continue to be a mecca for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking.

There are a host of other reasons to come and visit Whistler year-round: from numerous festivals, events, and arts and cultural activities that keep Whistler vibrant and animated, to professional development programs, spa and wellness retreats, lifelong learning opportunities, eco-tours, summer camps and cooking seminars. The Whistler Conference Centre, the Athlete Development Centre and the Whistler Centre for Sustainability have attracted new markets that return on a regular basis, complemented by a range of accommodations and top-of-the line communications technology... download the entire Vision Document

Why a Tourism Economy?

Why is Whistler focusing on a tourism economy when traditional economic development principles promote diversification across sectors, and when certain global trends appear to be moving in a direction contrary to our tourism focus? There are fundamental reasons why a tourism economy is the right decision for Whistler. Whistler is very different from traditional communities because it was designed specifically as a destination resort and has many specialized tourism amenities. Economic diversification that undermines the value of these amenities and natural surroundings could irreversibly destroy our tourism economic base. Our tourism focus provides us with strong incentives to protect the environment and community health and vibrancy that both residents and visitors enjoy.