Carbon offsetting in a tourism context: Whistler, BC.

Tourism related greenhouse gas emissions contribute to a warming climate, which will have significant consequences on many destinations. Addressing the emissions related to visitor travel is typically beyond the immediate control of the resort. However, the adoption of a visitor carbon-offsetting program is one emerging approach enabling destinations to address this challenge. The success of such a program ultimately depends on implementation by tourism organizations and participation by visitors. This study examined factors important to policy makers and tourism operators in developing, implementing and using carbon-offsetting programs, as well as visitors’ willingness to participate in them, using Whistler, British Columbia as a case study. Findings from key informant interviews with policy makers and tourism operators, and a broader visitor survey, identified a number of key factors that must be considered in the design and implementation of a successful visitor carbon-offsetting strategy.