The Value of WTA 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, but you also have access to the resources of the WTA including:

Membership Benefits:

• Representation on issues of importance to our industry including official representation in the government/industry committees, forums and planning processes including commercial access and operation on BC Crown Lands and Parks, and the planning and management of land and resources.
• The opportunity to inform and shape WTA and industry policies, standards and best practices.
• Expert advice and/or assistance on your issues of concern such as land use conflicts, tenure security, liability and operating practices. Access to research.
• Industry promotion including a listing on the WTA website and www.bewildinbc.com, that hotlinks to your business website, and an opportunity to advertise in our Be Wild in BC magazine and website at preferred member rates.
• Subscription to the WTA members email list, which provides regular briefings, updates and industry news, as well as easy access to other members through our member listserv.
• The ability to form networks with other operators gaining marketing and sales advice and advantage, and operating knowledge applicable to your business from others.
• Participation in the AGM (with the right to vote) and other industry meetings and events.
• Representation in the broader tourism industry through WTA's membership in the Council of Tourism Associations of BC.

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Wilderness Tourism Association Membership Categories and Rates

• Businesses - The annual fee structure is comprised of the following different involvement levels:
  • Bronze Level Membership - $300* - Includes access to services, links, and inclusion of directory. Total Value worth $300.
  • Silver Level Membership - $600 - Includes the Bronze level membership benefits, plus advertising on Be Wild In BC website (featured positioning in association with BeWildinbc.com section pages) valued at $300/year. Total Value worth $600.
  • Gold Level Membership - $1000 - Includes the Bronze level membership benefits, plus our complete Be Wild In BC marketing package (exclusive positioning on Bewildinbc.com homepage - valued at $420/year, plus advertorial coverage on your company published on Bewildinbc.com and other sites - valued at $500/year), Patagonia jacket with WTA logo - valued at $100. Total Value worth $1620.
  • The Bronze Level business membership can be reduced by 50% (i.e. $150) if a member also belongs to a sector association (that is a member of WTA - BC Commercial Snowmobile Operators Assoc., BC River Outfitters Assoc., Guide Outfitters Assoc. of BC, and HeliCat Canada Assoc.).
• Sector Associations - BC Guest Ranchers Association, HeliCat Canada, BC River Outfitters Association, Guide Outfitters Association of BC, etc. Annual fees - $1000.
• Industry Associate - Regional and City DMOs, consultants, industry suppliers, hotels, colleges and universities, etc. Annual fees - $300.
• WTA Supporters (Non-Voting) - consultants, guides, member clients, public individuals, government agencies etc. Annual fees - $100.