WTA Resources

WTA Policies and Positions - The WTA prepared this policy and positions document in 2009 to help members formulate responses to issues in order to protect resources and values that support sustainable wilderness tourism.

WTA Code of Conduct - In the spirit of environmental stewardship, wilderness tourism operators are adopting practices that will ensure the sustainability of the industry and the natural/cultural environment on which wilderness tourism depends.

Tourism Operators Guidebook - The guidebook provides useful information to individuals who are considering starting an Adventure Tourism operation and AT operators who would like to identify interests and address land security issues.  Summary document; full document available for members of the WTA (contact us for a copy of this guidebook).

Towards Greater Tenure Security for Commercial Recreation Operators - A comprehensive report, which looks at resolving the issues regarding operator security (i.e. tenure taking, compensation, and land rights parity), which in turn affect investor security and the overall health of the industry.

Nature Based Tourism Study with TBC - This report describes the characteristics of commercial nature-based tourism in British Columbia including a summary of the economic impacts.

Strategy For Forests - This report was developed in partnership with COTA from research and consultation undertaken in 2006/2007.

Tourism Zonation System - The WTA, in partnership with Ethos Environmental, developed an innovative land zonation system to protect a high quality tourism experience in BC.

Parliament of Canada - Members of the Cabinet, Parliamentary Secretaries and Opposition Party Critics

BC Government Directory

Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Innovation

Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations

BC Parks

NRO Adventure Tourism Site

BC Environmental Assessment Office

Land Use Planning Policies and Guides

Forest Acts and Regulations

Crown Land Allocation Applications and Decisions

Wildlife Guidelines for Backcountry Tourism/Commercial Recreation in British Columbia

Statutes and Consolidated Regulations of British Columbia

Auditor General of British Columbia

BC's Tourism Strategy: Gaining the Edge

In addition to our core mandate of working to protect BC’s wilderness landscapes, marine areas and intact functioning ecosystems, and secure access to wilderness tourism opportunities, the WTA offers additional services and benefits to our members.  These services are identified below.

Marketing and Promotion - The WTA is in a unique position to promote members and non-members of the Nature based tourism sector.  The WTA owns and operates the Be Wild in BC brand including a website, which is currently under development.  Contact us for information about marketing opportunities.

Insurance and Benefits - as part of our member services, the WTA offers a group benefits program and a travel insurance program. 

WTA Health and Dental Plan - The WTA has partnered with Manulife to offer members and employees of member companies access to an extended health and dental plan. The Association Health & Dental Plan offers 8 distinct plan choices which features prescription drug coverage, dental, hospital, vision, EHC and AD&D. The Association health and dental plan protects you and your employees against routine and unexpected health care expenses by filling in the gaps left by their provincial health insurance plan.  For more information on this insurance or to purchase a plan, click here. 

The WTA is also pursuing a group liability insurance policy as well as a group bonding policy for land tenure performance guarantees. Contact us for more information.

Green Tourism Certification - The WTA is working with Green Tourism Canada to develop a BC (and Canada) green (or sustainable) certification program for tourism operations.  We can help facilitate the certification of our member businesses.  Several of our members are already certified under this program.  Contact us for more information.

Carbon Calculator - The WTA is working with Gobi Carbon Management Solutions and can offer WTA discounted rates on their great carbon calculators (GobiSOFT). Contact us for more information.

Tourism/Business Consulting - The WTA staff and members have a significant depth and breadth of knowledge about the tourism industry and operating successful businesses.  We offer consulting and analysis services for just about any area or topic in tourism.  Contact us for a consulting profile and rates.