The contribution of outdoor-based recreation opportunities to local economies: the economic impacts of rock-climbing to the Squamish region

The town of Squamish has identified rock climbing as a major component of its strategy for outdoor-recreation based tourism development. Despite its reputation as a leading rock-climbing destination, little information has been collected about the activity in general or about its specific economic contributions. This research estimates the economic impacts of rock climbing on the Squamish region as generated during the 2004 climbing season. To accomplish this goal, the research uses a combination of visitor monitoring, and visitor surveying to estimate the number of climbers who visited the area during the study period, characterize the expenditure patterns of these visitors, and estimate their collective visitor expenditures in Squamish. These figures are then used to estimate a total economic impact on the region. Based on the findings, considerations and challenges associated with climbing-related economic development are provided.