The Value of WTA Membership

The Benefits of Membership

In order to have a strong and sustainable wilderness tourism industry we need to have a robust industry organization with independent funding.  We can only achieve our goals of protecting the land and water resources that support our businesses, and securing access to high quality opportunities and experiences if we have a strong member base of wilderness tourism operators from every area of the province. 

As a member of the WTA you support a dynamic organization representing the collective interests and concerns of BC's wilderness or nature based tourism industry. The primary role of the WTA is to provide leadership and advocacy on issues that are important to its members.  This allows our members to continue to pursue their business interests.  There are hundreds of nature based tourism businesses in BC who use our wilderness recreational resources and the WTA is the only organization, which represents their interests and concerns. Destination Marketing Organizations can't provide this service nor should they.

Perhaps the most substantial benefit of belonging to WTA is knowing that you belong to an organization that you can call on when needed.  In today's operating environment this is becoming more often than not.

By becoming a WTA Member not only do you help to protect your investment - protecting the land and water resources that support your businesses, and securing access to high quality opportunities and experiences, but you also have access to the resources of the WTA including:

1. Effective advocacy, lobbying and information exchange on issues facing operators and the greater industry. 
2. Representation in industry organizations and on issues of importance to our sector including official representation in the Government/Industry Committees, Forums and planning processes.
3. The opportunity to inform and shape industry policies, standards and best practices.
4. Expert advice and/or assistance on your issues of concern such as land use conflicts, tenure security, liability and operating practices.
5. Access to industry research, reports and marketing studies.
6. Regular and informative newsletters, bulletins and updates via email.
7. Industry promotion including a listing on the WTA website that 'hot links' to your business website, and an opportunity to advertise on our consumer website: Be Wild in BC at preferred member rates. (Note: we are currently in the process of redeveloping our Be Wild in BC website to make it more interactive and relevant for your existing and potential customers.)
8. Subscription to the WTA members listserv, which provides regular briefings and updates and easy access to other members.
9. Health and Dental Plan for members and employees of member companies
10. Travel Insurance Program providing comprehensive coverage for adventure tourism holidays (trip cancellation and emergency medical) that members can offer to their clients. 
11. The WTA is also currently looking at offering a group liability insurance program for members as well as a Blanket Security Agreement (group performance bond) for land tenure improvements.

Membership Rates

Business - Annual fee: $300.

Discounted Business - Annual fee: $150.  Business membership rate is reduced by 50% for members who also belong to a sector association that is a member of WTA (e.g. BC Fishing Resorts & Outfitters Association, BC Guest Ranchers' Association, BC River Outfitters Association, Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC, Guide Outfitters Association of BC, and Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC).  

Sector Association - Annual fee: $1000.  Industry/activity sector associations such as the BC Fishing Resorts & Outfitters Association, BC Guest Ranchers Association, BC River Outfitters Association, Guide Outfitters Association of BC, and Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC, etc..   

Industry Associate - Annual fee: - $300. Regional and City DMOs, consultants, industry suppliers, hotels, colleges and universities, etc.  

Membership Application

To validate your membership, please return with your payment, the completed membership application. Members will need to pledge to comply with the code of conduct and the constitution and bylaws.

Print the Membership Application form

PDF Format; File Size 224KB

Read/Print the WTA Constitution and Bylaws

PDF Format; File Size 248KB

Code of Conduct for BC's Wilderness Tourism Operators

A comprehensive document, which outlines the guidelines qualified members will practice is available here for display and printing.

PDF Format; 5 Pages; File Size 208k

Mailing address:

Box 423
Cumberland, BC, Canada V0R 1S0
Phone 250-336-2862   Fax 250-336-2861
Email: admin@wilderness-tourism.bc.ca