Tourism is like a snowfall

During a blizzard, there is a lot going on…. Streets are crowded….waiting time is longer….there is cleanup to be done Tourism is very high  lots of visitors  crowded streets  longer waits for restaurants  overbooked flights and hotels  Cleanup to be done after Ex: Winter Olympics

During normal snowfalls, things are steady…. Tourism’s peak season / high season June to August

When it snows sometimes or sporadically…. Tourism’s off-peak season  Some tourists  No real strain on the region

No snowfall… Tourism’s low season

The future looks bright

Increased discretionary income Increased amount of leisure time Higher education Technology Healthier people Travel promotions and marketing stimulate interest

Challenges Facing Tourism

o War & Political Unrest 9/11 terrorist threats safety & security o Pandemics SARSH1N1 World Issues

Surface o Highway and road maintenance o Rising gas prices o Car rentals should offer smaller, fuel-efficient cars o Trains expensive to maintain / government providing capital Air o High competition because of deregulation o Merging of airlines (United and Continental) o Rising fuel costs; security issues… Cruise o overcome myths of cruising o focus on empty-nesters and baby boomers o change meals to match health trends Transportation

Changing trends o Facilities to meet needs of people with disabilities, older clients… o Eco-friendly Accommodations

o Taxes o Fluctuating currency rates o Recession… Economic Conditions

o Parks Canada has to balance needs of tourists with need to preserve parks Sustainable Tourism

o Children of the ‘information age’ o Sophisticated, educated travellers / aware of the market and the competition o Two thirds of travellers make arrangements on the internet o Changing travel patterns – from planning far in advance to last-minute trips Technology