-Pros and Cons of Tofino Tourism-

P o s i t i v e  T o u r i s m  I m p a c t s :

The following list highlights the themes derived from over 400 comments about the benefits of tourism to Tofino. These were posted in the Tofino Tourism Master Plan for 2020. 

1. Diversity

Cultural diversity, people’s excitement and energy, and events

  • Tofino hosted over 600,000 visitors in 2018 which is approximately 300 visitors per every 1 resident (InterVISTAS, 2019 p.28).

2. Growing Economy

Employment and business opportunities

  • Tourism in Tofino employs nearly 2,700 direct jobs in the industry, with over 1,200 of those jobs being in the accommodation sector. This accounts for more than $60 million in direct wages (InterVISTAS, 2019 p.27).

3. Community Life

More access to activities, culinary offerings, and events

  • “66.1% of Visitors spend money at local restaurants, food trucks, and coffee shops” (InterVISTAS, February 2019 p.17).
  • Tofino Market for locals to showcase their artisan wares, crafts, upcycled creations, fresh food and drinks, and live entertainment for locals and tourists.

4. Natural Environment 

Awareness, protection, and sustainability of the Tofino environment

  • Permits when tourists and locals are in the Pacific Rim National Park
  • There are monthly Tsunami drills. There is also signage posted on every beach highlighting essential ocean information. Road signage for people to follow in case of an evacuation. Tons of businesses also give out informative Coast Smart brochures. This is funded through tourism and helps improve the safety of tourists (some who have never seen or been in the ocean).

5. Improving Infrastructure

Improving town infrastructure from tourism funding opportunities and taxes

  • Tofino generates $57 million in taxes from tourism activities which contributes to the federal, provincial, and municipal levels (InterVISTAS, 2019 p.7).
  • Building more washrooms, adding showers, accessible ramps, and paved walkways.

Reference – InterVISTAS Consulting Inc. (2019). Visitor Intercept Survey Results – Tofino, BC.

N e g a t i v e  T o u r i s m  I m p a c t s :

1. Affordability

Affordability of goods and services in general, affordability of housing,
seasonality of employment, lack of economic diversity.

2. Infrastructure

Utilities and natural resources overloaded with a focus on the
water/sewage as well as amenities such as natural areas or parking spaces at peak times

3. Community Life

Crowding especially in the peak season, loss of community feel, transient population/absentee landlords/crime, inappropriate look and feel of some operations

  • “About half felt that tourism, although a good livelihood for tourism business owners, does not give back to the community, and the sense of place is in jeopardy”.
  • There is increasing concern over second homes being illegally used as accommodations and staff housing. “There is currently no regulation to limit the number of beds in vacation homes. It is estimated that 40% of housing in Tofino is second homes. 46% percent of all properties (not just residential) have a mailing address outside of Tofino for the property tax bill. There is also a concern that B&B and second homes are providing tourist accommodation but not contributing taxes”.

4. Environmental

Garbage/litter, lack of environmental sustainability, development of natural areas, and wildlife protection.

  • Surfrider Foundation is a crew of people who work with residents to help clean up beaches around Tofino. Tons of tourists garbage and waste is left behind daily in parking lots, in town, and on beaches. This is a huge concern for land animals and marine life.

5. Seasonality

Hard for businesses to stay open in the off-season