Arts and Social Sciences, Irving K. Barber Faculty of (Okanagan)
DSpace
UBCO
Heschuk, Gabrielle
Master of Arts - MA
University of British Columbia
The financial importance of the tourism industry in BC is well known and continues to be supported by a number of tourism growth strategies at local and provincial levels that are aimed to increase economic profit further. However, in the pursuit of ever increasing economic gain, many believe the tourism industry also actively degrades the natural environment on which it is reliant, simultaneously increasing its vulnerability. Additionally, climate disasters are continuing to increase in prevalence, disrupting tourism industries and the destinations that they support. The objective of this research is to consider the relationship between continued tourism growth and the environment within the context of climate disasters. The approach considers resiliency and regenerative tourism models as a basis for sustainable community development in the City of Kelowna in British Columbia, Canada. This project uncovers destination-specific recovery, resiliency, sustainability and regenerative strategies. This project applied a community-engaged research approach within a case study context in order to collect data that was grounded in the communityâs experience. The research was completed in partnership with Tourism Kelowna, a not-for-profit tourism organization based in Kelowna, BC. This project worked directly on their 2022-2025 Destination Development Plan focusing on the second goal to foster the sustainable growth of the destination (Tourism Kelowna, n.d). Using this goal a collaborative research design was used to guide the research project which applies a qualitative, multi-method case study approach of Kelowna, BC using semi-structured interviews that follow a community-engaged research model. Industry and community key-informants were interviewed, to uncover destination specific recovery, resiliency, sustainability and regenerative strategies. These strategies were organized, translated and modified to fit into an accessible and tangible emergency management toolkit for Tourism Kelowna to provide their stakeholders. There are four main findings. Firstly, understanding the factors that increase a destinationâs vulnerability is essential in enhancing and implementing resiliency strategies. Secondly, leveraging tourismâs role in a community-based setting is vital to create sustainable and regenerative tourism strategies. Thirdly, there is a critical role that social capital has on building a resilient community. Lastly, tourism plays an important and vital role in emergency management.
Regenerative Tourism Within the Context of Climate Disasters by Gabrielle Heschuk B.A., The University of British Columbia, 2022 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS in THE COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES (Interdisciplinary Studies â Sustainability) THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Okanagan) April 2025 © Gabrielle Heschuk, 2025 ii The following individuals certify that they have read, and recommend to the College of Graduate Studies for acceptance, a thesis entitled: Regenerative Tourism Within the Context of Climate Disasters submitted by Gabrielle Heschuk in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Arts. Dr. Donna M. Senese, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Supervisor Dr. Kevin Hanna, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science Supervisory Committee Member Dr. Susan Frohlick, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Supervisory Committee Member Dr. John Janmaat, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences University Examiner iii Abstract The financial importance of the tourism industry in BC is well known and continues to be supported by a number of tourism growth strategies at local and provincial levels that are aimed to increase economic profit further. However, in the pursuit of ever increasing economic gain, many believe the tourism industry also actively degrades the natural environment on which it is reliant, simultaneously increasing its vulnerability. Additionally, climate disasters are continuing to increase in prevalence, disrupting tourism industries and the destinations that they support. The objective of this research is to consider the relationship between continued tourism growth and the environment within the context of climate disasters. The approach considers resiliency and regenerative tourism models as a basis for sustainable community development in the City of Kelowna in British Columbia, Canada. This project uncovers destination-specific recovery, resiliency, sustainability and regenerative strategies. This project applied a community-engaged research approach within a case study context in order to collect data that was grounded in the communityâs experience. The research was completed in partnership with Tourism Kelowna, a not-for-profit tourism organization based in Kelowna, BC. This project worked directly on their 2022-2025 Destination Development Plan focusing on the second goal to foster the sustainable growth of the destination (Tourism Kelowna, n.d). Using this goal a collaborative research design was used to guide the research project which applies a qualitative, multi-method case study approach of Kelowna, BC using semi-structured interviews that follow a community-engaged research model. Industry and community key-informants were interviewed, to uncover destination specific recovery, resiliency, sustainability and regenerative strategies. These strategies were organized, translated and modified to fit into an accessible and tangible emergency management toolkit for Tourism Kelowna to provide their stakeholders. There are four main findings. Firstly, understanding the factors that increase a destinationâs vulnerability is essential in enhancing and implementing resiliency strategies. Secondly, leveraging tourismâs role in a community-based setting is vital to create sustainable and regenerative tourism strategies. Thirdly, there is a critical role that social capital has on building a resilient community. Lastly, tourism plays an important and vital role in emergency management. iv Lay Summary For many communities, the tourism industry is an important and integral part of their cultural, social, and economic capital. While the industry generates opportunities and revenue, it also faces increasing risks due to climate change. Tourism relies on a healthy pristine environment, yet it is often a driver of environmental degradation. As climate disasters become more frequent and severe, tourism destinations face heightened vulnerability. Using Kelowna, BC as a case study and drawing on existing literature regarding tourism and the environment, tourism resiliency and regeneration, this project identifies locally specific recovery, resiliency, sustainability and regenerative strategies that the tourism industry can implement in the face of climate disasters. The results of this research project were used to create an emergency management toolkit for Tourism Kelowna and contributed to their 2022-2025 destination development plan. v Preface Regenerative Tourism Within the Context of Climate Disasters is an unpublished original work by Gabrielle Heschuk. This research was completed under the supervision of Dr. Donna Senese and members of the supervisory committee, Dr. Susan Frohlick and Dr. Kevin Hanna. This project was collaboratively completed with Tourism Kelowna over the course of three Mitacs accelerate Internships. IT number (it34893). The interview phase of the research project occurred between January 2024 and March 2024 and was approved by the UBC Behavioural Ethics Board. Certificate number (H32-00324). The use of generative artificial intelligence was not used for any aspects of this research project. vi Table of Contents Abstract ......................................................................................................................................... iii Lay Summary ............................................................................................................................... iv Preface .............................................................................................................................................v Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................... vi List of Tables ..................................................................................................................................x List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... xi List of Abbreviations .................................................................................................................. xii Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................... xiii Dedication ................................................................................................................................... xiv Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................1 1.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Research Objectives and Questions ................................................................................ 3 1.3 Research Questions and Phases of Research .................................................................. 7 1.4 The Study Area ............................................................................................................... 8 1.5 Thesis Structure ............................................................................................................ 12 Chapter 2: Literature Review .....................................................................................................13 2.1 Tourism and the Environment ...................................................................................... 13 2.1.1 Tourism, the environment and change .................................................................. 13 2.1.2 Tourism in the Context of Climate Change Disaster ............................................ 14 2.2 Resiliency ...................................................................................................................... 16 2.2.1 Initial Recovery ..................................................................................................... 16 vii 2.2.2 Tourism Resiliency and Social Economic Systems .............................................. 18 2.2.3 The Resiliency Cycle ............................................................................................ 19 2.2.4 Adaptation ............................................................................................................. 20 2.2.5 Vulnerability ......................................................................................................... 22 2.2.6 Resiliency as a Pathway for Regeneration ............................................................ 23 2.3 Regeneration ................................................................................................................. 24 2.3.1 Transformative Tourism and Regeneration .......................................................... 24 2.3.2 Regenerative Tourism ........................................................................................... 27 2.3.3 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 28 Chapter 3: Methods .....................................................................................................................29 3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 29 3.2 Research Strategy and Approach to Research .............................................................. 29 3.2.1 Theoretical Framework ......................................................................................... 32 3.2.2 Community Engaged Research Process ................................................................ 33 3.2.3 Auto-ethnographic Observations .......................................................................... 34 3.2.4 Researcher Positionality ........................................................................................ 39 3.3 Phases of Research ........................................................................................................ 41 3.4 Phase 1: Desktop Analysis of Secondary Sources to Conceptualize Framework ........ 42 3.5 Phase 2: Qualitative Interviews .................................................................................... 43 3.5.1 Sampling and Recruitment .................................................................................... 43 3.5.2 Interview Design ................................................................................................... 46 3.6 Phase 3: Transcription and Thematic Analysis ............................................................. 47 3.6.1 Synthesis and Dissemination of Data ................................................................... 48 viii 3.7 Ethics ............................................................................................................................. 48 Chapter 4: Results ........................................................................................................................51 4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 51 4.2 Results from the Secondary Source Analysis and Literature Review .......................... 51 4.2.1 Summary of Literature Review ............................................................................. 51 4.2.2 Conceptual Framework ......................................................................................... 53 4.3 Community Responses ................................................................................................. 54 4.4 Interview Results .......................................................................................................... 55 4.4.1 The Impacts of Climate Change and Climate Disasters on Tourism .................... 57 4.4.2 Factors that Increase Vulnerability to Climate Change and Climate Disasters .... 60 4.4.3 Navigating Destination Reputation ....................................................................... 63 4.4.4 Community Response to Disaster ......................................................................... 65 4.4.5 Short-term Recovery Strategies ............................................................................ 68 4.4.6 Long-term Resiliency and Adaptation Strategies ................................................. 71 4.4.7 Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism Strategies ............................................ 74 4.4.8 Barriers and Limitations to Resiliency and Sustainability .................................... 78 4.5 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 80 Chapter 5: Discussion ..................................................................................................................81 5.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 81 5.2 Understanding Destination Vulnerability in Relation to Enhancing Resiliency .......... 81 5.3 Leveraging Tourism for Sustainability and Regeneration ............................................ 83 5.4 Building Social Capital in the Destination Community ............................................... 85 5.5 Tourismâs Role in Emergency Management ................................................................ 86 ix 5.6 Main Conclusions ......................................................................................................... 87 Chapter 6: Conclusion .................................................................................................................89 6.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 89 6.2 Limitations .................................................................................................................... 90 6.3 Recommendations for Future Research ........................................................................ 91 6.4 Application to Tourism Kelowna .................................................................................. 92 References .....................................................................................................................................94 Appendices ..................................................................................................................................105 Appendix A Emergency Management Toolkit â Tourism Kelowna ...................................... 105 Appendix B Letter of Initial Contact ...................................................................................... 106 Appendix C Interview Informed Consent Form ..................................................................... 108 Appendix D Sample Interview Script ..................................................................................... 112 x List of Tables Table 1 : A Table with Participant Representation Scales ............................................................ 45 Table 2 : Table of Codes and Themes Used in NVivo Transcript Analysis ................................. 56 xi List of Figures Figure 1: Map of Kelowna, BC ....................................................................................................... 4 Figure 2: Location of Kelowna in British Columbia ...................................................................... 5 Figure 3: Map of Kelowna City Limits With Affected Area due to the McDougall Creek Forest Fire Shaded in Blue ......................................................................................................................... 6 Figure 4: Future Climate Projections for Kelowna, BC Based on Current Rates of GHG Emissions ..................................................................................................................................... 10 Figure 5: Graph Displaying Number of Hazards Occuring in Canada Over a 30 Year Period Between 1900 to 2020 ................................................................................................................. 15 Figure 6: Graph Illustrating the Increase in Frequency of Natural Disasters in Canada by Classification ................................................................................................................................ 15 Figure 7: Photo of Smoke From McDougall Creek Forest Fire .................................................. 36 Figure 8: Photo of Smoke Filling my Neighborhood ................................................................... 37 Figure 9: Photo of the Illuminating Mountain due to the McDougall Creek Forest Fire ............. 38 Figure 10: Photo of the Progression of the McDougall Creek Forest Fire .................................. 38 Figure 11: A Diagram to Illustrate the Conceptual Framework .................................................. 53 xii List of Abbreviations British Columbia, (BC) Canadian Dollar (CAD) Community Based Participatory Research, (CBPR) Destination Management Organization, (DMO) Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS) xiii Acknowledgements I would like to express my gratitude to Tourism Kelowna, Chris Lewis and the various key informants who contributed their time, insights, and expertise to this research. This project would not have been possible without the participation of those who shared their knowledge and experiences with me. A heartfelt thank you to my supervisor, Dr. Donna Senese, whose guidance, encouragement, and critical insights especially during uncertain times, have pushed me to expand my thinking and strengthened the depth and impact of this research. Dr. Senese provided unwavering support and showed me that there is resiliency in oneâs ability to pivot and to adjust to the changing environment. Dr. Susan Frohlick and Dr. Kevin Hanna, thank you for your additional guidance and support on this research project. Finally, to my friends and family for their ongoing encouragement and belief in my work. Thank you to my parents who despite being halfway across the world, never failed to offer their support and motivation. To my friends Zoe, Mikayla, Mia, Sofia and to Daniel, your unfailing support and belief in me has been a tremendous source of strength and a consistent source of motivation. Completing this masterâs thesis would not have been possible without these individuals. xiv Dedication To everyone involved in this project, whose support and encouragement helped me navigate the uncertainties of our changing climate and its impact on this research. 1 Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Overview The tourism industry contributed approximately 10.3% of the worldâs Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019 (Neufeld, 2020). While in British Columbia, tourismâs 7.4 billion Canadian dollar (CAD) contribution to the provincial GDP in 2019 significantly out earned all other industries, including traditional leaders in resource sectors such as oil and gas, contributing 4.8 billion CAD (Destination British Columbia, 2018). In 2018, tourism employed 130,000 people through the 19,748 tourism-related businesses in the province, generating $5.1 billion CAD in wages and salaries (Destination British Columbia, 2018). Tourism revenue and employment figures for the years 2020 and 2021 are anomalies of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the sudden downturn in travel gave way to an unprecedented economic loss for the province. After the pandemic, the world started slowly welcoming visitors back and opening its borders. By 2022, the travel and tourism sector contributed around 7.6% of the world's GDP, a 22% increase from 2021. In 2022, 22 million new jobs were added by the industry (World Travel & Tourism Council, 2022). However, despite these increases, the number of tourism jobs and tourismâs contribution to GDP are still below that of 2019. Natural and human-induced disasters, such as pandemics and disasters related to climate change, have long-term consequences for many sectors. The tourism industry is no exception. Pandemics and climate-related disasters can have major repercussions on the visitor economy by reducing visitor numbers and, in the long-term, pose a serious potential threat to the destination's reputation (Calgaro et al., 2013). In British Columbia, the financial importance of the tourism industry in BC is well known, and the industry continues to be supported by several tourism growth strategies at local and provincial levels aimed at further increasing economic profit. However, in the pursuit of ever-increasing economic gain, many believe the tourism industry also actively degrades the natural environment on which it is reliant, simultaneously increasing its vulnerability (Lein, 2016). Considering the many sectors that the tourism industry influences and affects, research that looks at how this industry can be sustained alongside ensuring environmental protection is extremely relevant and important (Hussain, 2021). 2 A balance in the relationship between destination development and environmental sustainability requires a complete paradigm shift to succeed. According to Pollock, uncovering destination-specific regeneration tourism models is crucial for the survival of the tourism industry to reduce vulnerability and increase its ability to thrive as a sector. Local consultation and implementation of regenerative tourism strategies is the most effective way to disrupt the dominant pro-growth paradigm (Pollock, 2019). As local tourism businesses control the development frameworks and models implemented within specific destinations, it is important to uncover the limitations and potential for implementing a regenerative tourism model that supports destination development and environmental sustainability within the local context. Climate disasters have disrupted the predictability of sustainable tourism planning. Often, sustainability efforts are not prioritized during a crisis, and resiliency becomes the focus. Espiner et al. (2017) argues that while resilience and sustainability planning share similar goals, resiliency planning is a more effective framework. This is because resiliency planning considers a destination's ability to adapt to a change, such as a climate disaster. It is evident that destinations cannot sustain themselves without a high level of resilience (Lew et al., 2015; Saarinen & Gill, 2019). Resiliency is defined as, âa measure of the persistence of systems and of their ability to absorb change and disturbance and still maintain the same relationships between populations or state variablesâ (Holling, 1973, p. 14). The concepts of vulnerability and adaptation are important to consider in the discussion of resiliency as they are both intrinsically linked to the concept and application of resilient strategies in community settings. In this research, understanding local vulnerability helps to build comprehension of how the community and its tourism industry is impacted by climate disaster. âVulnerability in tourism refers to the degree to which the industry is affected, distorted, and displaced by incidents related to risksâ (Derya Toksöz & Dalgıç, 2023, p. 195). Destination vulnerability can be increased by a multitude of factors, including geographic location (such as being in hazard-prone areas), lack of awareness or preparedness, inadequate disaster management framework, and unfamiliarity with evacuation routes (Bahadur et al., 2010; Derya Toksöz & Dalgıç, 2023). Visitors are also extremely vulnerable as they are unfamiliar and unconnected with the destination community and often depend on local infrastructure and 3 tourism businesses to provide emergency responses. This leads to an array of issues if the community is not prepared for a climate disaster including the destruction of a destinationâs reputation (Cradock-Henry & Fountain, 2020). Adaptation, on the other hand, is a system-level response to a climate disaster. This entails what the capacity is for a community to recover from a stressor such as a climate disaster. Adapting to a climate disaster and navigating the aftereffects on the community becomes crucial to the survival of the local tourism industry (Cradock-Henry et al., 2018; Becken, 2013). Regenerative tourism principles adopt a similar approach to resiliency thinking by focusing on recovering from disruptions like a climate disaster and creating systems that can withstand and renew themselves after a disaster. This includes a focus on implementing practices with the ultimate goal of creating communities that regenerate themselves. These two concepts work cohesively together, where resiliency aims to bounce back from disturbances, and regenerative tourism seeks to foster environments that become more sustainable, even in the face of climate disasters. By integrating principles of regeneration into tourism development, destinations can improve their capacity to withstand shocks, adapt to changing conditions, and thrive in the long term. 1.2 Research Objectives and Questions The objective of this research is to consider the relationship between continued tourism growth and the environment within the context of climate disasters. It also interrogates how communities respond to the demands for growth and the impacts of climate change disasters with resiliency strategies. The approach considers resiliency and regenerative tourism models as a basis for sustainable community development in the City of Kelowna in British Columbia, Canada. Kelowna is a mid-sized city with a long history of tourism, and many locals rely on this industry for their livelihood. (Figure 1 and Figure 2) Tourism Kelowna is a not-for-profit Destination Management Organization (DMO) based in Kelowna, BC. In 2022 the organization proposed a destination development plan with four main strategic goals: seasonality, destination management, internal excellence, and external engagement. The destination management goal seeks to foster sustainable growth of the destination (Tourism Kelowna, n.d). The focus of this 4 research is to understand how resiliency and regenerative tourism models might aid in achieving sustainable destination growth. The research uses a qualitative, multi-method case study approach of Kelowna, BC, using semi-structured interviews to create and implement goal number two, fostering the sustainable growth of the destination. Figure 1 Map of Kelowna, BC Note. Image Retrieved from Google Maps. (n.d). (Kelowna, BC city limits outlined in dotted red â Google Maps). Retrieved April, 12, 2025. 5 Figure 2 Location of Kelowna in British Columbia Note. Figure retrieved from Darcen Esau and Donna Senese (2024). Used with permission. It is important to note that the original timeline for the project encountered unforeseen delays and challenges due to the 2023 McDougall Creek interface forest fire that occurred in West Kelowna and Kelowna, BC, from August 15th to September 21st, 2023. (Figure 3) The interface fire and its aftermath created challenges for the local tourism industry, and the progression of the research resulted in a re-evaluation of the project goals as Tourism Kelowna turned its efforts towards providing recovery strategies and support to local tourism stakeholders. In consideration of these circumstances, Tourism Kelowna and I decided together that continued contact with individual tourism stakeholders for interviews per the original research plan during the disaster would be inappropriate and impractical. Most contact that Tourism Kelowna had with tourism stakeholders during this time was in regard to support in the aftermath of the fire. Due to this extenuating circumstance, and the vulnerability of the local stakeholders in the community, the projectâs original focus was re-evaluated and modified. The original focus was discovering strategies and tools to implement regenerative tourism strategies within Kelowna, BC. The fires of 2023 also created an opportunity to focus on the imminent need for an 6 understanding of tourism resilience and regeneration among tourism stakeholders in the study area. The project also shifted to an incorporation of an understanding of how recovery and resiliency become essential pathways to a regenerative tourism industry. For this project that aimed to research regenerative tourism strategies in Kelowna, BC, incorporating recovery and resilience strategies into the project was the responsible way forward. Figure 3 Map of Kelowna City Limits with Affected Area Due to the McDougall Creek Forest Fire Shaded in Blue Note. Image Retrieved from Google Maps. (n.d). (Kelowna, BC city limits outlined in dotted red with area affected by the McDougall creek forest fire shaded in blue â Google Maps). Retrieved April, 12, 2025. 7 This multi-method research strategy was designed to progress in multiple phases. During the first phases an empirical theoretical approach was adopted in order to gather context in the study area and in the field of research (Flowerdew & Martin, 2005). During the first phase, an extensive literature review on selected topics of tourism, sustainability, regeneration, recovery and resiliency was conducted. Subsequent phases of the research involved the primary data collection, which adopted a humanist theoretical approach that values the knowledge and expertise of individuals (Aitken & Valentine, 2015) embedded in the community of interest. This entailed semi-structured interviews with key informants through a community-engaged research process. The information collected from these participants was used to uncover local recovery and resiliency strategies, and then subsequently, these were used to uncover pathways to regenerative tourism implementation. 1.3 Research Questions and Phases of Research 1) What is the relationship between climate disasters and tourism destinations? 2) Is there a role for the tourism industry in emergency management and the local community during and after a climate disaster? If so, what is that role? 3) Can local community engagement with the tourism industry at the local level support recovery from, and resiliency against, future climate disasters to create a more regenerative tourism industry? 4) Can tourism industry recovery and resiliency strategies at the local level lead to regeneration? To answer the research questions stated above, the research was conducted in a series of phases: 1. Phase I provides context for the study area and the research problem with a literature review and secondary data search to uncover and understand the links between environmental degradation and destination development. This phase of the research was revisited after the McDougall Creek forest, and an expanded literature review and secondary data search included a review of the literature and secondary source search on recovery, resilience and adaptation of the tourism industry following climate disaster. During the McDougall Creek forest fire, I also conducted ethnographic observations of 8 the community's response to the fires (myself included). From this first phase of the research a conceptual framework was created to identify resiliency, sustainability and regeneration strategies that can be implemented in Kelowna, BC in response to tourism growth, climate disasters, and other impacts of climate change. 2. Phase II involved conducting qualitative, semi-structured interviews with key informants. This phase, including the sampling design, was re-evaluated multiple times with Tourism Kelowna during the course of the McDougall Creek forest fire. Key informants were selected as the most appropriate participants for this study. The interviews were transcribed and coded using Nvivo software to identify emergent key themes and to synthesize the data collected with ethnographic observations. An inventory of local resiliency and regenerative tourism strategies was generated using thematic analysis. 3. Phase III of the research uses the results of the thematic analysis of the interviews and the ethnographic observations to evaluate where the case study results had filled the research gap that Phase I of the project, the literature review, had identified. The results from the interviews also contributed to an Emergency Management toolkit developed for the stakeholders at Tourism Kelowna. 1.4 The Study Area Kelowna, B.C. was chosen as the site for this case study on tourism resilience, sustainability and regeneration due to the local economyâs reliance on tourism-based revenue and in turn, the local tourism industryâs reliance on the natural environment to generate tourism visitation. Kelowna is a semi-arid climate that is located in the southern interior of British Columbia. It is the sixth largest city in BC, with a fast-growing metropolitan area. The physical landscape that Kelowna is surrounded with includes the Okanagan Lake, various mountain ranges (including Big White ski resort), vineyards, and other agricultural landscapes, making it a unique destination that combines the amenities and services of a city with environmental attractions. This makes Kelowna a popular year-round, four-season destination offering âhiking, biking, golfing, swimming, boating, and snow sportsâ (City of Kelowna, 2016, âVisit Kelownaâ) to over two million tourists annually. Additionally, it is situated amongst wineries, breweries, 9 distilleries, local art galleries and public markets to name a few cultural amenities. However, it is evident that âKelownaâs natural environment is a cornerstone of Kelownaâs identity, supporting the communityâs health, economy, and livability. Okanagan Lake, 27 creeks, 200 wetlands, and out natural areas provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals, including several species at riskâ (City of Kelowna, 2016, âNatural Environmentâ). These environmental and cultural assets shape Kelownaâs identity as a tourism destination. Considering this, the region has been highly susceptible to the effects of climate change. A climate atlas report done by the Climate Atlas of Canada created a table to show future predictions of anthropogenic climate conditions represented in weather conditions or in a number of days of a weather condition in Kelowna, BC, if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase at current rates as of July 2019. (Figure 4) Most notably, annual mean precipitation increasing, annual mean temperatures rising, the first instances of tropical nights (characterized by high temperatures at night), annual mean increase in very hot days (characterized by day reaching above 30 degrees Celsius), dates of the last spring frost occurring earlier, dates of the first fall frost occurring later, and lastly, annual mean frost-free days increasing all indicating a shorter, warmer winter season and a longer, hotter summer season (Climate Atlas of Canada, 2021). These anthropogenic climate conditions increase Kelownaâs vulnerability as the changing climate will pose inherent risk to the community. 10 Figure 4 Future Climate Projections for Kelowna, BC Based on Current Rate of GHG Emissions Note. From âRCP 8.5: High Carbon climate futureâ. Image Retrieved from Climate Atlas of Canada (2023). The McDougall Creek forest fire is an example of how climate change and the onset of climate disasters have directly affected the area, impacting the environment and the local tourism industry. The fire disaster was significantly disruptive to the tourism community as the fire burned from August 15th, 2023 to September 21st, 2023, in the midst of peak tourist visitation (Government of British Columbia, 2023). Kelowna is a mid-sized city that markets itself as a four-season destination having outdoor activities year-round. However, the summer months clearly remain the most critical among those four seasons. In 2018/2019, tourism added over $1 billion Canadian dollars to the GDP from tourism in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan (Tourism Kelowna, 2024). The value of tourism within the community extends beyond itâs direct GDP contribution. Although the main industries in Kelowna are healthcare, retail and construction, tourism remains a highly involved and influential sector interconnected with many aspects of Kelownaâs economy and identity. (Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, 2021). Tourism in Kelowna does not operate in isolation. It supports and is 11 supported by other industries such as agriculture, accommodation, food and beverage, retail, and outdoor recreation. For example, the local agriculture sector in Kelowna, BC, more specifically wineries and orchards, rely on visitation to generate revenue through product purchases, tastings, tours, educational experiences and other paid experiences that are unique to that business (Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, 2021). As Senese (2014) argues, the agriculture and wine industry in Kelowna, BC would not be viable without the support of the tourism industry. These agritourism experiences enhance the local economy and add to Kelownaâs identity as a tourism destination. Aside from these direct economic implications, tourism also indirectly influences other sectors such as infrastructure. As tourism promotes the destination attracting more visitors and future residents, there is an increase in infrastructure development around outdoor spaces, parks, restaurants, and cultural spaces (Tourism Kelowna, 2024). Additionally, visitor spending is often re-invested into other sectors of the economy. This is known as the tourism multiplier effect and is explained as âthe total sales, output, or other measure of economic benefits generated once the initial visitor spending has worked its way through the economyâ (Frechtling & Horváth, 1999, p.324). Tourism economic activity experiences a snowball effect where the initial tourism dollar spent transforms. The important role that tourism plays in Kelownaâs economic prosperity is demonstrated through its interdependent relationship across various industries and sectors related to tourism. This synergistic relationship shapes the destination's identity and highlights tourismâs economic impact. The most recent exit data for Kelowna and the Central Okanagan generated by Tourism Kelowna in 2021 indicate that motivation to visit the region remains tied to the natural environment among the majority of visitors. The most cited reasons for visiting the region include: sightseeing, winery touring, water based recreation, beaches, outdoor activities, farm to table food experiences, events, agricultural experiences, and golf (Tourism Kelowna, n.d.). Satisfaction with all of these activities not only requires a pristine environment, but also stresses the demand for local resources such as land, energy, and water. Some major environmental threats are exacerbated by tourism in Kelowna, such as biodiversity loss, water (lake) pollution and use, energy usage, land conversion, and, finally, climate disasters, such as the McDougall Creek forest fire (Sunlu, 2013). In sum, the regionâs reliance on tourism, and the pressures put on 12 the natural environment to provide tourism, all in the context of climate change made Kelowna, BC an appropriate choice for a case study. Kelownaâs reliance on tourism as an economic driver combined with its vulnerability to climate disasters and fragile environments make it an appropriate case study for examining tourism recovery, resiliency, sustainability and regeneration. Kelowna is considered a four-season destination attracting visitors year-round (Tourism Kelowna, n.d.). As the tourism industry continues to grow and evolve, balancing economic profitability, social and cultural well-being, and environmental sustainability is essential to the survival of the destination. 1.5 Thesis Structure This thesis is divided into six chapters. Chapter Two provides a summary of the current literature surrounding regenerative tourism as well as literature involving recovery, resiliency, and adaptation to climate disasters within a tourism context. Chapter Three contains the methodological and theoretical approach this research project used. Chapter Four includes the research results from the nine semi-structured interviews conducted with key informants as well as the themes that arose from these results. Chapter Five discusses these findings and positions them into the broader research context. Chapter Six concludes this research and summarizes the research process, findings and results. It also contains information regarding research limitations and recommendations for future research. 13 Chapter 2: Literature Review 2.1 Tourism and the Environment 2.1.1 Tourism, the environment and change The potential for environmental deterioration and destination vulnerability is not a new idea. More than 50 years ago the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) wrote that âhumanity's relationship with the biosphere will continue to deteriorate until a new international economic order is achieved, a new environmental ethic adopted, human populations stabilize, and sustainable modes of development become the rule rather than the exceptionâ (IUCN, 1980, p. 18). Tourism destinations relationship with the biosphere will simultaneously continue to deteriorate until sustainable tourism practices are enforced that prioritize the health of the biosphere and the destination. These ideas provide insight into many environmental issues that are yet to be resolved within different governments, industries, and businesses. The potential for environmental degradation due to tourism destination development has been examined for decades and especially since the advent of mass tourism in the mid 20th century which introduced a plethora of environmental vulnerabilities among destinations. As Plog (1974) wrote more than 50 years ago, âDestination areas carry with them the potential seeds of their own destruction, as they allow themselves to become more commercialized and lose their qualities which originally attracted touristsâ (p. 58). Following this, Butler first modeled the vulnerable relationship between tourism and the environment with, âA Tourism Area Cycle of Evolutionâ (Butler, 1980). Butlerâs model details six stages tourism area development, ending with five possible scenarios that determine whether the destination will be sustained through rejuvenation or end in decline. Butler introduced the idea of tourism carrying capacity and determined that exceeding destination carrying capacity is often associated with environmental degradation. When a destination becomes less appealing to tourists due to overuse, it may lead to a decrease in visitor numbers (Butler, 1980). As Butler explains, this creates a cycle in terms of the movement of visitors leaving one destination due to environmental degradation (created by tourism) to another in pursuit of more pristine healthy environments. While destinations will experience these stages at different rates, in most cases the outcome is likely to be similar (Butler, 1980). Butlerâs classic model has been reproduced and applied globally since 1980 and despite the foresight the model and its application has provided 14 for decades, environmentally sustainable tourism strategies that also ensure continued development and sustained livelihoods have yet to be successfully implemented anywhere. With little lasting progress over the last four and half decades, continued environmental degradation in destinations now occurs alongside overlapping and extreme risks of climate change. 2.1.2 Tourism in the Context of Climate Change Disaster More recently, the stressors of climate change have joined other degradations of destination environments exposing new vulnerabilities and extreme risks to communities and the industry that supports them (UNWTO, 2016). Catastrophic climate disasters have increased in propensity and create additional barriers and challenges to implementing local regenerative tourism strategies at the local level. (Figure 5 and Figure 6) âGlobally, losses from geo-climatic hazards events are increasing, driven in part by climate change, technological change, population growth, urbanisation, and political and economic instabilityâ (Cradock-Henry et al., 2018, p.2). Implementing sustainable tourism in a destination is no longer linear or predictable when climate disasters and hazards are introduced. âIf one thing is now abundantly clear, it is that local steady-state sustainable tourism is an archaic frame of thinking, and that greater attention must be paid to the complex socio-ecological systems within which sustainable tourism occursâ (Espiner et al., 2017, p. 1,388). Few businesses are able to respond to disasters while also implementing sustainable strategies. Often, sustainability efforts are overshadowed by resilience thinking and initial recovery efforts, especially in the context of climate disasters. However, resilience thinking parallels many sustainability initiatives, and as Espiner et al. (2017) argues, traditional sustainability models may not be as effective as planning through a resiliency lens because "sustainability emphasizes mitigation to prevent change, whereas resilience adapts to change by building in capacity" (p. 1,390). It is evident that destinations cannot sustain themselves without a high level of resilience (Lew et al., 2015; Saarinen & Gill, 2019). 15 Figure 5 Graph Displaying Number of Hazards Occurring in Canada Over a 30 Year Period Between 1900 to 2020 Note. Figured retrieved from Agrawal et al., (2021). ©2021 Canadian Journal of Emergency Management. Figure 6 Graph Illustrating the Increase in Frequency of Natural Disasters in Canada by Classification Note. Figured retrieved from Godsoe et al., (2019). ©2019 Springer, used with licensing permission. 16 Tourism stakeholders and businesses can no longer rely on a âbusiness as usualâ model to operate. The COVID-19 pandemic and the multitude of natural disasters that have followed prove this. âTraditional methods of forecasting and planning are no longer appropriate tools for coping in an increasingly unstable world, in which changes are necessary. Such methods have limited ability to predict survival or significant changes in the environment, both internal and externalâ (Awedyk & Niezgoda, 2018, p. 30). The idea of scenario planning introduced by Awedyk & Niezgoda outlines where potential disturbances to the tourism industry are indicated based on the region. This introduces the various risks and threats that may arise to then be able to plan and prepare for such disturbances. The risks and threats are based on historical events from the region, creating locally specific strategies to increase resiliency. This ideology parallels regenerative tourism discourse. A local tourism industry that is aligned with regenerative tourism practices where environmental protection, and the promotion of local identities are valued will make a more resilient system (Sharma & Tham, 2023). It is imperative that research considering strategies of recovery and resiliency of a tourism destination post climate disaster is included within a regenerative tourism model. 2.2 Resiliency 2.2.1 Initial Recovery After a climate disaster has occurred, a community enters a stage of recovery. This is a crucial step in the process of creating a resilient community. âCharacteristics of a system resilient to natural disasters would therefore include a focus on recovery as opposed to a singular concentration on resisting shocks, effective adaptation to disturbances as opposed to attempts at only risk mitigation, and an attribution of importance to local knowledge and cultureâ (Bahadur et al., 2010, p.7). Fountain and Cradock-Henry suggest that theâdisaster recovery process contains three phases â recovery of damaged infrastructure, marketing responses (revolving around communication and recovery marketing), and adaptations to the new systemâ (Fountain & Cradock-Henry, 2019, p. 33). The reputation of a destination is often impacted after a natural disaster as well. Restoring this image is crucial for the local tourism industry to withstand the long-term effects of a disaster. Fountain and Cradock-Henry suggest that tourism businesses do 17 not share enough information with tourists regarding emergency preparedness, evacuation information, and general disaster information as tourism operators attempt to maintain a positive destination image or do not have the information themselves. The lack of information dissemination could denigrate the destination image further if visitors are not adequately prepared for a disaster: âTourists are critical to the resilience of a tourism system because their decision to visit â or revisit â a destination post-disaster will have significant implications for its recovery trajectoryâ (Cradock-Henry & Fountain, 2020). Media coverage and representation of a destination during and after a disaster will have a large impact. This includes coverage on how the community and industry is responding to the event. âBy virtue of the power of the media and the tendency for negative images to linger, the recovery of destinations usually takes longer than the period required for the restoration of services to normalcyâ (Faulkner, 2001, p. 142). This emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and information about the disaster but also restoring visitors trust in the local tourism industry. This can be done through sharing real time footage and information but then ensuring visitors that the destination has adequate protocols in place to properly recover and restore themselves to then be equipped to welcome visitors. Media also has the potential to rebuild a destinationâs image. This includes ensuring positive images and news stories as âmedia monitoring should be an essential part of any crisis recovery planâ (Mair et al., 2014, p. 12). A finding from Cradock-Henry and Fountain was that domestic visitors are more likely than international visitors to be impacted by media representations and reputation than international visitors. For destinations that rely heavily on domestic visitors, it would be essential to consider that businesses receive adequate emergency preparedness information. Due to tourism businesses often being on the front lines when a disaster happens and easily accessible to the public, these businesses hold a responsibility to inform visitors and tourists of potential disasters or hazards that may occur. This also includes information regarding evacuation routes and resources available. Visitor centers are also responsible for communicating information to visitors. This will also increase visitor confidence (Derya Toksöz & Dalgıç, 2023). Climate disasters are unpredictable by nature, and therefore, responses to these disasters follow suit being extremely varied and unpredictable between industries. Every climate disaster is different and unique, this includes the scale and the type. Therefore, the responses will also be 18 unique. Media coverage usually occurs most frequently right when a disaster occurs but then slowly reduces in the days that follow. âThere was a sense that when a disaster strikes, initial media reports are more informative but as time goes by, the media need to find a story to keep the public's interest, and this is where sensationalism can ariseâ (Mair et al., 2014, p. 12). This lack of coverage overlooks the post-disaster recovery period of a destination and efforts being made by the community that possesses a risk in decreased consumer confidence. The transfer of knowledge and information between emergency managers to tourism organizations is critical for the recovery period of a destination. Good communication between stakeholders, media, government and DMOâs is essential. This ensures the same message is being reported to visitors and residents, reducing oversight and the exacerbation of news reports. âThere seems to be three main areas where communication is vital â from the emergency managers to stakeholders, between tourism stakeholders and from the destination to the tourism marketâ (Mair et al., 2014, p. 11). There is also research to suggest the importance of tourism businesses to have their own disaster management plan readily available. When a disaster occurs, the business will not only be prepared but the disaster management plan will also build trust with visitors. âEffective crisis and disaster management include three steps: (1) planning and preparedness activities before a crisis or disaster; (2) response to, or management of, a crisis or disaster as it occurs and (3) final resolution to a new or improved state after the crisis or disaster is overâ (Mair et al., 2014, p. 2). Communication and interconnectedness are two key findings in regards to the recovery of a destination. These aspects help to promote consumer confidence and reduce misperceptions. It is evident that even if a destination can recover physically, there may be a lasting effect on its reputation âRecovery marketing and communication management is generally focused on two main goals: changing perceptions of the destination caused by media reporting or destination damage; and restoring visitor confidence in the destinationâ (Fountain & Cradock-Henry, 2019, p.34). 2.2.2 Tourism Resiliency and Social Economic Systems In 1973, Holling described resilience as âa measure of the persistence of systems and of their ability to absorb change and disturbance and still maintain the same relationships between populations or state variablesââ (Holling, 1973, p. 14). Resilience thinking and implementation 19 transcends governments, industries and researchers as all can interpret and implement resilience within their own sector/discipline, âa powerful explanatory framework for understanding responses to challenges, and is now applied in diverse contexts and across fieldsâ (Cradock-Henry et al., 2018, p.4). The consensus amongst social and natural scientists is that studying resilience requires the adoption of cross-disciplinary and multidisciplinary methods, as âecological and social systems are highly integratedâ (Bahadur et al., 2010, p. 19). The study of tourism itself also requires cross and multi-disciplinary approaches as it relies heavily on human interaction while relying on the environment for its operations. âThe tourism SES [social ecological system] relies on human elements (tourism suppliers, host communities, tourists), environmental features (natural attractions, landscapes) and factors (peripherality, hazardscapes), and their interactionsâ (Cradock-Henry & Fountain, 2020). These SESâ are vulnerable to change and this is constant within these systems considering the multiple interactions between the social and ecological. A resilient SES would be one that can accommodate change and adapt accordingly. Resiliency as a concept can be used to understand the functions of the SES better. This is done by using resilience as a means to analyze the relationship between climate events and tourism. Assessing the far reaching effects that a climate disaster has on a community from social to environmental aspects is critical when considering a regenerative tourism approach (Awedyk & Niezgoda, 2018; Becken, 2013; Fiksel, 2006; Holladay, 2018). 2.2.3 The Resiliency Cycle Butlerâs âTourism Area Cycle of Evolutionâ Model was created initially to examine the various stages that a tourist destination experiences (Butler, 1980). âThe Resiliency Cycle Modelâ also known as âHollingâs Loopâ is an adaptation of Butlerâs model that recognizes the many different disturbances that a destination may experience as part of a never ending loop that provides a destination the potential to reorganize itself towards exploitation or conservation. The first phase of the loop (a) represents reorganization where renewal occurs after a destabilizing event. The second phase (r) is the exploitation phase where the social ecological systems develop structures and build various forms of human, social, natural and financial capital. The third conservation phase (K) âthe system becomes increasingly conservative and interconnected and therefore more stableâ (Cochrane, 2010, p. 176). While this stability is positive in a destination, a 20 system that is too rigid cannot adapt to disruption and a destabilizing event has the potential to disrupt the systems in place causing a âreleaseâ which is phase four. This release causes old cemented systems to require a change leading back to the first phase of reorganization. Hence a constant cycle as disturbances disrupt a system. Considering the tourism sector is a social-ecological system, this model is valuable when analyzing how a disturbance will affect a community that has a reliant tourism industry on the environment (Cochrane, 2010). 2.2.4 Adaptation âResilience is also closely linked to adaptation and vulnerability. When exposed to shocks or stresses, adaptation is required to reduce vulnerability; lowering a systemâs defenselessness or susceptibility to damage or disruption. Becoming more resilient entails reorganizing damaged or affected functions and processes and redistributing or reallocating resources in response to shocks and stressorsâ (Cradock-Henry et al., 2018, p. 5). The other processes that resiliency is linked to is important to consider how a destination reacts after a disaster. For the purpose of this research project, this understanding and application of resiliency will serve as the guiding definition when referring to resiliency. Becken discusses the concept of adaptive capacity, which is also important to understand within the context of resilience. A communityâs adaptive capacity is âthe collective ability to manage resilience, including preparing and planning for hazards, and recovering from themâ (Becken, 2013, p. 509). Adaptive capacity encompasses ideas of vulnerability recovery and resiliency. Thirty-four tourism businesses in the Queenstown Wanaka region in New Zealand/Aotearoa were used as a case study to understand the impacts of climate change on tourism sub-systems. This case study is useful for this projectâs study area because, similarly to Kelowna, the Wanaka region offers year-round tourism opportunities. Both are situated near lakes and mountains that attracts water activities and outdoor mountain activities such as hiking and skiing. Climate change is threatening both of these regions that rely heavily on predictable weather patterns and consistency in seasonality. âThe interviews confirmed that the climate through its manifestation as every-day weather or extreme events represents an important disturbance factor. The climate is not static, 21 and climate change can be interpreted as the slow changing variable that has the potential to irreversibly change the dynamics of the systemâ (Becken, 2013, p.515). Tourism businesses relationship to weather is complex and diverse as many outdoor tourism businesses rely on different weather patterns and events. More specifically different tourism sub-systems react differently to weather and climate events/patterns. The results from the interviews found factors that could decrease sensitivity to climate events and thus increase the resilience of some tourism businesses. Firstly, market diversification is important when dealing with varying weather conditions and potential climate events. âFor example, to accommodate various weather conditions, a jetboat operator provides various combinations of jet boat trips and guided walks with different levels of nature interpretation and wilderness experienceâ (Becken, 2013, p.518). Tourism sub-systems that are reliant on a particular climate are more vulnerable and at a higher risk to a changing climate and weather. Secondly, business operations also are impacted when a sub-system can react to a climatic disturbance. In particular, the results from the interviews found that having experienced regular staff opposed to seasonal staff is beneficial for responding to potential climate disturbances as there is more knowledge on the local environment and business operations (Becken, 2013). The seasonality of tourism staff increases vulnerability as new staff are not as educated on operational procedures during a disaster and may not be familiar with either the local area or the organization well enough (Faulkner, 2001). However, hiring seasonal staff may also increase resilience in regard to lowering operating costs. This results in a business determining what is a higher threat and or risk to their business (Becken, 2013). Thirdly, relationships with other tourism business operator may increase their resilience. Some tourism businesses have relationships with others that allow for alternative tourist activities/attractions when necessary. For example, in this case study of Queenstown, âOne scenic flight operator works closely with a scenic boat operator to pass on customers when necessaryâ (Becken, 2013, p. 520). The more connected businesses are to one another the more resilient they are. Lastly, the interviews showed that the more precarious a tourism business is to climate change threats, the more resilient they are as certain tourism operators may take climate change more seriously than others and therefore prepare in areas they see fit (Becken, 2013). 22 2.2.5 Vulnerability Resilience and vulnerability are intrinsically linked but are different epistemologically. When a community is seen are more vulnerable due to a variety of factors, they will simultaneously become less resilient in the face of a climate crisis (Bahadur et al., 2010). âVulnerability in tourism refers to the degree to which the industry is affected, distorted, and displaced by incidents related to risksâ (Derya Toksöz & Dalgıç, 2023, p. 195). Understanding what these factors are will help to conceptualize how to make a community more resilient. Subsequently, proactive planning and strategies aimed at reducing risks and enhancing resiliency will contribute to a less vulnerable tourism industry (Becken & Khazai, 2017). As I previously discussed, sustaining a tourism industry that relies on a healthy pristine environment while simultaneously exploiting it for economic profit is a multifaceted challenge. When discussing climate disasters and resiliency, this issue persists as most tourism destinations that are seen as desirable due to an environmental attraction, such as being located near mountains or a coast, are often the busiest. This desirability consequently leaves the destination, residents and visitors extremely vulnerable to natural disasters (Cradock-Henry & Fountain, 2020). There are multiple other reasons as to why the tourism industry is considered vulnerable. As mentioned, tourism destinations are often located in a hazard-prone area. Secondly, the industry tends to have a lack of knowledge and perception on hazards and disasters. Thirdly, vulnerability assessments for tourism businesses are lacking. Lastly, the local tourism industry is often not integrated into the disaster management of the community and, therefore, disconnected and not involved in decision making (Becken & Khazai, 2017). Cradock-Henry and Fountain made similar claims and paralleled this thinking with small to medium scale destinations. Cradock-Henry and Fountain suggest that smaller to medium scale businesses are more vulnerable to natural disasters as they are ill-prepared due to a number of factors including: a lack of knowledge and education; a lack of experience with prior disasters may also increase vulnerability; and, a lack of collaboration and interconnectedness with other tourism businesses that increases vulnerability. These claims are supported by the ideology that many of the small to medium sized tourism businesses that operate seasonally focus on day to day operations while they are open. There is less emphasis on focusing on longevity and preparedness for the following years as their focus is profitability in order to keep their business running. This results 23 in businesses dealing with a disaster as it happens and responding as it occurs rather than preparing for the inevitable (Cradock-Henry & Fountain, 2020). The volatility of the industry based on these factors places tourism businesses in a high-risk position. External factors such as a climate disaster or the COVID-19 pandemic that cannot be controlled are unpredictable, increasing vulnerability (Derya Toksöz & Dalgıç, 2023). Tourists are also vulnerable to natural disasters when traveling due to being outside of their usual physical and social environment. This is due to many aspects such as unfamiliarity with the area, language barriers, no family or friend support systems, and reliance on public transport rather than their own vehicle. Conversely, a less vulnerable tourist would be considered as a resilient tourist defined as, âan individual outside their usual social and physical environment who is able to demonstrate control and coherence in the face of a disaster event by negotiating and adapting to adverse circumstances and situationsâ (Cradock-Henry & Fountain, 2020). Vulnerability refers to the assessment of humans and their responses to a hazard or a disaster and how it will affect them. However, resilience thinking assesses an entire system entangled with the natural environment and how the system will be impacted and or how it will impact a community (Becken & Khazai, 2017). 2.2.6 Resiliency as a Pathway for Regeneration Recovery and resiliency strategies implemented within a community have a chance to include sustainable strategies that will promote a pathway to regeneration. This will over time create a more resilient and sustainable destination (Saarinen & Gill, 2019). This will be determined by how a community responds to a disaster. âDisasters often are associated with a window of opportunity for regeneration, recreation, and re-imaginationâ (Cradock-Henry et al., 2018, p.5). This is because disasters disrupt a system, in this case the SES of tourism. Whether the community has the ability to return to normal or not there is an opportunity to re-invent how the system operates. âConceptually, such a relationship of resilience dynamics is often captured with reference to the adaptive cycle, consisting of four phases: exploitation; conservation; release; and reorganization. Typically, this involves long periods of growth, maturation, and stability followed by rapid destruction, in which the existing equilibrium is disturbed. Following a 24 disturbance, a period of reorganization follows during which the system regenerates and recoversâ (Cradock-Henry et al., 2018, p.5). As mentioned, the potentials and possibilities for regeneration after a climate disaster are distinct. However, much like sustainability or regeneration, in resiliency literature, there are no indicators or clear understanding of how to empirically measure resiliency. Rather it will be assessed by understanding the key terms that make an SES more resilient and sustainable as mentioned in previously in the literature. This includes information on what makes a destination vulnerable environmentally, what are the initial recovery strategies, what resiliency strategies can be implemented for medium term goals and eventually what are sustainable strategies that can be implemented that lead to a regenerative tourism destination that can absorb the shocks and stressors of climate change and climate disasters without extreme disruption. An important component in any resilient and sustainable SES is memory. âThe capacity for learning connotes adaptive management implying that a resilient SES is a learning system that incorporates previous experiences into current action and thus has memory. Learning ability at individual livelihood and system levels is crucial for building resilienceâ (Ifejika Speranza et al., 2014, p. 114). While the capacity for a destination to learn and regenerate from a disaster is evident, how this is executed relies on initial responses of recovery and resiliency and continued efforts in implementing a regenerative tourism model. 2.3 Regeneration 2.3.1 Transformative Tourism and Regeneration Amongst the scholarship that has developed since early writing on tourism and the environment, there have been calls for a complete and transformative paradigm shift on the tourism industryâs relationship with tourists, destinations and the environment. The need for a change in the tourism industry has remained prominent in the literature since 1974 with an evolving anti-growth tourism lexicon such as sustainable tourism, resiliency tourism, and transformative tourism (Buckley, 2012; Lew, 2013; Calgaro et al., 2013). Classically, sustainable tourism is thought to involve an understanding that the tourism industry âproduces direct local impacts on air, water, soil and biota; and indirect impacts from manufacture and transport of material itemsâ (Buckley, 2012, p. 532). Considering these effects, it is crucial for the tourism 25 industry to adopt conservation efforts and to not solely promote economic growth (Buckley, 2012). Resilient tourism promotes planning for environmental and social changes that may occur due to tourism (Lew, 2013). âOverdevelopment and the pursuit of short-term economic gains, as well as pollution and environmental degradation of non-renewable resources also threaten the highly manicured images and longevity of tourism destinations and host communities, particularly those whose appeal depends on pristine natural environmentsâ (Calgaro et al., 2013, p. 341). These threats result in the need for resiliency planning to modify destinations for climate change events such as natural disasters or a reduction in natural resources (Lew, 2013). Transformative tourism considers visitor interactions with destination environments that catalyze positive effect. Often, this involves reproducing environmentally sustainable initiatives. âNew conscious consumers demand products and services that are based on their new worldviews and values of social and environmental justiceâ (UNWTO, 2016, p. 12). However, despite efforts made by tourists to travel more consciously in an attempt to âtransformâ the tourism industry and tourists themselves, such efforts have not been enough to change the dominant growth paradigm. The UNWTO (2016) argues that, âthe economic growth paradigm, based on the extraction of planetary resources, has been the gold standard of success for centuries, but our planet cannot survive more growth and remain unaffectedâ (p. 20). Radical transformation within the tourism industry requires changes at the local level to be made that reflect less profit-driven motives and instead to reflect a need for environmentally sustainable business models (UNWTO, 2016). The COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption it imposed on tourism, opened an unprecedented opportunity to re-evaluate how the tourism industry is operated (Cheer, 2020). The ânormalcyâ of pre-pandemic tourism that prioritized economic revenue and environmental destruction is not a sustainable approach to tourism and it is not something to aim to get back to (Ateljevic, 2020). The dominant growth paradigm of the tourism industry is creating barriers to environmental protection and rejuvenation (Brouder, 2016; Pollock, 2019). A holistic and regenerative approach to tourism has the potential to shift perspectives by changing the focus and main motivator of the industry to make it more sustainable and increase the longevity of destinations. This includes an adaptation of current models and frameworks within the industry 26 and changes in environmental policy. Part of this shift comes with creating new goals for the industry that are less focused on economic profit and more focused on environmental protection. This requires asking different questions and creating different ideologies of what a successful industry looks like (Ateljevic, 2020; Pollock, 2019). Hussain (2021) argues that, âachieving a truly regenerative tourism model requires a shift in our conscious travel paradigm, with creative, adaptive, and resilient destinationsâ (p.6). The pathway towards a shifting paradigm to one that supports de-growth is through regenerative tourism implementation. Regeneration in the context of tourism provides insight as to how the paradigm of environmental protection and economic revenue can simultaneously thrive. This implementation includes complete destination re-development in a regenerative mindset, removing unsustainable tourism practices, and focusing on the local community. âOperationally, regenerative approaches acknowledge the existence of new alternative or post-capitalism economies/markets that focus beyond growth and profitâ (Duxbury et al., 2020, p. 3). Engagement with local community members within a tourist destination has the power to shift tourism growth paradigms into a regenerative tourism de-growth paradigm. âThe pandemic context has accelerated a widespread rethinking and re-envisioning of the foundations and intentions of tourism, and the need to reorient its courseâperceived and promoted as a shift from âthe mass tourist eraâ to âthe new local-first eraââ(Duxbury et al., 2020, p. 15). Engaging local community members to implement regenerative tourism models and strategies creates this shift in paradigm. At the local level, âpro-growth governance models can be disrupted by engaged local stakeholdersâ (Brouder, 2016, p. 443). This is done by creating destination specific regeneration tourism models to create a more holistic less economically driven tourism industry. Due to the nature of the tourism industry and its motivators, decisions at the local level need to be made (Hussain, 2021). The uniqueness of each destination requires unique solutions and implementation strategies (Pollock, 2019). Considering the multiple synergies between tourism industries and communities, researching sustainable tourism practices that ensure environmental protection is extremely important as, Hussain states: âthe health of the tourism industry will ultimately be determined by the health of destinations and the tolerance and level of welcoming of the host communityâ (Hussain, 2021, p.6). A balance in the relationship between destination development and 27 environmental sustainability requires a complete paradigm shift to suceed. Uncovering destination specific regeneration tourism models are crucial for the survival of the tourism industry to reduce vulnerability and to increase the ability to thrive as a sector. Local consultation and implementation of regenerative tourism strategies is the most effective way in which to disrupt the dominant pro-growth paradigm. The objective is about transforming the entire system rather than just simply disturbing it, by implementing regenerative tourism models within the local context (Pollock, 2019). Key informants play a vital role in uncovering what these strategies are. They have unique expertise and knowledge within the industry and understand the profound impact that tourism has on a community (McKenna and Main 2013). 2.3.2 Regenerative Tourism Regenerative tourism is yet to have a single determined definition, where Bellato et al., (2022) provides a working compilation: âRegenerative tourism is a transformational approach that aims to fulfill the potential of tourism places to flourish and create net positive effects through increasing the regenerative capacity of human societies and ecosystemsâ (p. 1,034). For this research project, Bellato et al.âs definition will serve as the guiding definition when referring to regenerative tourism. Other researchers have concluded that regenerative tourism should not have a single definition but rather it should be understood as a concept that can be adapted and modified to destination needs and goals that adopt a holistic view. As Sharma and Tham (2023) explain, âEach destination has its own contextual unique attributes and local community needs that will require adaptation and a range of stakeholders to work together in order to deliver desired regenerative tourism goalsâ (p. 20). Regenerative tourism can be all encompassing for destination development, as it considers the simultaneous balance of social-economic, environmental and climatic impacts. In this perspective, the visitor, the environment and the destination community are all part of a symbiotic and interconnected ecosystem: âRegenerative tourism aims to mimic nature more closely by becoming symbiotic; when one benefits others benefit, creating a win-win situationâ (Hussain & Haley, 2022). An important part of regenerative tourism is the promotion of visitor agency that enhances visitor experience by ensuring there is a meaningful connection between the visitor and the environment. This relationship will foster respect and connection to enhance an idea of 28 regenerative travel behaviour (Dredge, 2022; Sharma & Tham, 2023). âThe regenerative tourism paradigm has the capacity to drive the visitor economy and promote the holistic understanding of the tourism system that integrates people, places and practicesâ (Sharma & Tham, 2023, p. 17). Overall, regenerative tourism advocates for a tourism system that promotes environmental protection, visitor agency, and connection with the destination. 2.3.3 Conclusion This literature review summarized what is known regarding research in tourism and the environment, tourism sustainability, tourism life cycles, tourism resiliency, tourism sustainability and lastly regeneration. The conceptual framework developed throughout this literature review considers 1) tourism's relationship to the local environment; 2) how climate disasters impact tourism and the local community; 3) tourism's role in disaster management; 4) what recovery and resiliency strategies can be leveraged into a pathway for regeneration. Considering this literature review, this research project aims to answer the research questions outlined in Chapter One while also addressing the research gap in knowledge. The gaps identified include tourismâs role in a disaster setting; how a community can best leverage this resource and create an industry that considers climate disaster management within their operations; and lastly investigating the idea that antifragility proposes regeneration will leave the system/destination in a better place than it was before. 29 Chapter 3: Methods 3.1 Introduction This chapter outlines the methods used to investigate the research questions posed in Chapter 1. This chapter starts by addressing the research strategy that provides a comprehensive overview of how the research project was conducted. This starts with the research approach and the theoretical framework that was used to guide and ground the research. To contextualize the research, the chapter also discusses researcher positionality along with biases that should be considered. Ethnographic observations were conducted following the disruption of the McDougall Creek forest fire. Following this, the research design and methods are described in the order in which they were conducted. Lastly, ethical considerations are discussed. 3.2 Research Strategy and Approach to Research The research employs an exploratory multi-methods qualitative case study strategy and adopts a community-engaged research approach. A case study explores a phenomenon that is occurring in a real-world context which is why adopting a community-engaged research approach is appropriate for this project. A case study is used across disciplines to enhance understanding of complex situations and contexts (Yin, 2014). Engaging with local community members ensures the research is contextually relevant to Kelowna. âAn exploratory case study takes a very broad look at the phenomenon being investigated with a purpose to gather relevant information to build a description of what is âgoing onââ (Bouma et al., 2019, p. 111). I investigated and attempted to gather insight into regenerative tourism and community resiliency to understand the role that tourism plays within a disaster recovery setting and how this can contribute to a more regenerative tourism industry. Multiple methods of qualitative investigation are used to effectively answer the research questions in order to enhance comprehension of those research questions (Clifford et al., 2010). Various methods of data collection were used within the case study including: a desktop analysis of secondary sources to provide situational context; ethnographic observations during the climatic hazard itself and semi-structured interviews with experts in the field. Qualitative methods, which take a lived-experience approach and that focus on the individual rather than on generalized social trends, and value individual voices, were deemed most appropriate to this 30 exploratory research (Bouma et al., 2019). Understanding the cultural and social implications of climate disasters for the tourism landscape is of central importance to the objectives of the research, therefore, it was vital to include a variety of community voices. This research strategy involved adopting a case study approach where âthe single case or entity is studied for a period of time and the results recordedâ (Bouma et al., 2019, p. 110). This case study follows the six elements of a case study design as outlined by Yin (2014): the plan; the design; preparation; data collections; analysis; and, reporting. The tourist community of Kelowna, BC is used as the case study to investigate the relationship between important variables of interest (Bouma et al., 2019): continued destination development, environmental sustainability and regenerative tourism. Kelowna is ideal as a case study of tourism regeneration in the age of climate disasters as it is dependent on tourism and continued economic growth. It is also dependent on a pristine natural and rural environment for tourism. Additionally, it has been experiencing climate change disasters that impact the tourism industry and the natural environment that it relies on. Lastly, Tourism Kelownaâs destination development plan allows for the practical application of this case study. The case study is situated within the context of Tourism Kelownaâs destination development plan and the communityâs ongoing struggles with climate change induced hazards. The 2023 McDougall Creek forest fire occurred in Kelowna, BC during the field research phase of the project. The experience of this fire event resulted in the addition of tourism recovery and resiliency to the variables investigated in the case study. I adopted a community-engaged research approach to co-create the research outcomes with Tourism Kelowna and encourage collaboration processes for sustainable and resilient, community-based tourism (Okazaki, 2008) with Tourism Kelowna and the local tourism community. Community-engaged geographic research is well poised to help unravel intractable problems with research that is intentionally supported by the community (Robinson and Hawthorne, 2016) while the co-creation of research problems, questions and design encourage outcomes that best suit community needs (Cradock-Henry and Fountain, 2019). Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is used for social action and change (Holkup et al. 2004) and âaffirms the value of communitiesâ experiential knowledge and stresses a collaborative processâ (Leung 2004, p. 500). 31 For the purpose of this research, community members refers to residents, tourism stakeholders and key informants of the tourism industry who are not only impacted by tourism but also contribute to the tourism industry in Kelowna, BC. Before the McDougall creek forest fire community was considered as the residents and tourism operators whose daily lives were shaped and impacted by tourism and visitor activity. After the McDougall creek forest fire, the idea of community expanded to include key informants who are representatives of local, provincial and regional tourism organizations. While not all of the key informants live in Kelowna, BC, they are considered community members as their work influences the local tourism industry and how it operates. A sense of community among different tourism entities emerged from the fires with a collective goal of recovering the destination. This was especially evident during the McDougall creek forest fire as resources and information across the local, provincial and regional tourism industry was exchanged and promoted, making all of these organizations integral to the broader tourism community. Community members in regard to this research are not only considered by geographic proximity, but through their shared responsibility and involvement in the destinationâs environmental, social and economic well-being. Throughout the research, the term community evolved as the research evolved. CBPR should be relevant to the community where the research occurs and using key informants ensures that relevance. In this research, key informants share expertise based on professional experience in community resiliency and are also local residents. The involvement of key informants â(a) ensures that the research topic comes from, or reflects, a major concern of the local community; (b) enhances the relevance and application of the research data by all partners involvedâ (Israel et al. 2005, p. 1464). The key informants involved in this research provide differing levels of expertise in various areas related to Kelownaâs tourism industry. However, McKenna and Main discuss a critique regarding using key informants, ârecognizing that key informants provide rich data but not expecting their subjective experiences to match those of general community members (even if they are community members themselves)â (p. 118). This critique is important to consider when I reflect on the research and, therefore, I will discuss the critique in subsequent chapters. 32 3.2.1 Theoretical Framework Theoretically, this research combines empiricism and humanism which is appropriate to the interdisciplinary nature of tourism and the required phases of the research (Phillimore & Goodson, 2010). Individuals involved in tourism and the tourism industry differ in their experience, perspectives and views of tourism. Tourism research is multi-disciplinary as it draws upon knowledge and methodologies from multiple approaches and disciplines rather than having its own unique or singular theoretical framework. âWhile tourism rightly constitutes a domain of study, at the moment it lacks the level of theoretical underpinning which would allow it to become a disciplineâ (Phillimore & Goodson, 2010, p. 47). Tourism studies âstarted life elsewhere and was then stretched or contextualized to provide a tourism dimensionâ (Phillimore & Goodson, 2010, p. 47). An empirical theoretical approach was also adopted during the first phases of the research project that revolved around observational data that provided important context. Empiricism is rooted in scientific inquiry highlighting that âalthough empiricism can take several different forms, they all give epistemological primacy to evidence from experienceâ¦The appeal of such a view lies in the thought that we can only be sure of what we can carefully observeâ (Flowerdew & Martin, 2013, p. 16). Considering this, an empirical approach was adopted to gather data through an extensive desktop analysis of secondary sources to produce a literature review outlining the main concepts and themes surrounding this topic. The project relied on past research and observations made to gain insight and a baseline understanding of the gap in knowledge regarding the role that tourism plays within a community during a climate disaster. Secondly, the research involved gathering data using ethnographic methods from systematically observing how the community responded to the McDougall Creek forest fire, and, from uncovering the various complex relationships between community, government and tourism. Based on these empirical observations, inductive reasoning was used in support of the exploratory research project. This project is also grounded within a community-engaged research process that is inter-disciplinary. Community-engaged research values the unique and personal experiences of participants using people-centered methodologies that âtake a more empirical approach developed by humanist geographers to explicate and explore the geographical experience of 33 individuals and communities, in particular places and timesâ (Aitken & Valentine, 2015, p. 355). These methodologies include, âparticipant observation, in-depth interviewing and group based approaches â supplemented with the interpretive reading of texts, images and cultural practices and critical reflection on their own involvement in the research process itself as a âparticipantâ in the world being studiedâ (Aitken & Valentine, 2015, p. 336) The people-centered, qualitative methodology utilized includes semi-structured interviews. More specifically, key informants from the tourism community participated in open-ended semi-structured interviews where their experiences and personal knowledge provided in-depth insights into participant perspectives and lived experiences. A humanist approach values the variability of knowledge that occurs when interviewing participants of different backgrounds and expertise and as Aitken and Valentine state: theoretical approach âgave geographers the opportunity to reassert the importance of human experienceâ (Aitken & Valentine, 2015, p. 334). 3.2.2 Community-Engaged Research Process â[Community-based participatory research] begins with a research topic of importance to the community and has the aim of combining knowledge with action and achieving social change to improve health outcomes and eliminate health disparitiesâ (Caine & Mill, 2016, p. 14). I used community-engaged research was utilized to ensure that the project and the anticipated results were grounded within the community. Community-engaged research considers a âcollaborative approach to research that equitably involves all partners in the research process and recognizes the unique strengths that each bringsâ (Caine & Mill, 2016, p.14). Firstly, the research question and research strategy were co-designed and developed with Tourism Kelowna to ensure that the research project would benefit the community and the organization mutually. Secondly, Tourism Kelowna guided the participant selection process. After local stakeholders were not considered to be ethical choices for participants, Tourism Kelowna assisted in contacting key informants in the tourism industry to participate in the semi-structured interviews. Lastly, the results of the research project were translated into a tangible and accessible emergency management toolkit. This toolkit was provided to Tourism Kelowna and tailored for tourism stakeholders. Considering this approach, in my initial research design I intended to use local tourism stakeholders as the participants for this project. Their local knowledge, expertise and direct 34 involvement in the local community and tourism landscape would make this selection of participants beneficial to the project. Tourism Kelowna assisted in this phase by placing an invitation to participate in the research study to their monthly newsletter. After the newsletter had been published for a month there were no responses or interest in participation from local stakeholders. Considering the lack of interest in participating, a different sampling technique was being discussed. At this exact moment the McDougall Creek forest fire occurred. During this time, Tourism Kelowna turned their efforts into fire relief and recovery, providing information and aid to the community. Given the tourism communityâs vulnerability during this time, and in consultation with Tourism Kelowna, I decided to pivot the sampling design of the study to interview key informants in the tourism industry. This change was made with ethical considerations in mind. Key informants differ from local tourism stakeholders in terms of their roles, perspectives and levels of expertise within the tourism community. Key informants of the tourism industry are individuals who are tourism industry leaders such as employees at destination management organizations (DMOâs), policy makers, sustainability experts, and tourism associations directors and C.E.Oâs. While key informants may also be considered members of the community as referenced in Section 3.2.1, their roles place them at a greater distance from the direct impacts of the fires on their daily operations of their business and personal livelihoods (McKenna and Main 2013). Local tourism stakeholders are impacted by the seasonal and daily fluctuations and volatility of the tourism industry. They face immediate challenges such as economic hardship when a climate disaster occurs that halts their businessâ ability to operate. However, while key informants may be impacted by the fires like other community members, their roles in the tourism industry are considered less impacted by these volatilities. Overall, key informants are valuable participants in community-engaged research as they hold valuable knowledge about their own work and specified knowledge within the community (McKenna and Main 2013). 3.2.3 Auto-ethnographic Observations An ethnography was conducted as a part of the research adopting a humanist approach. Being present during the time of the fire provided a contextual understanding of how the community, the city of Kelowna and the province of British Columbia responded initially to the 35 fires as well as the continuous recovery efforts that have been made. Experiencing the fires influenced my decision to re-evaluate my research objectives. Outside of the realms of a researcher, I personally experienced the emotional and psychological impact of the fire. As a community member I saw the importance of putting more resources into fire recovery and resiliency strategies and as a researcher I saw the necessary pivot in my projectâs objectives to be necessary. This prompted the start of auto-ethnographic observations during and after the course of the McDougall Creek forest fire. âAutoethnography is an approach to research and writing that seeks to describe and systematically analyze (graphy) personal experience (auto) in order to understand cultural experience (ethno)â (Ellis et al., 2011, p. 273). This is a qualitative approach to research that combines personal experience with cultural and social analysis to âillustrate facets of cultural experienceâ (Ellis et al., 2011, p. 276). This method allows for reflection on my own lived experience as a resident while embedding community knowledge into the project. Ethnography revolves around participant observation. As Herbert states, âTo engage a groupâs lived experience is to engage its full sensuality â the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and tactile sensations that bring a way of life to lifeâ (p. 552). As a resident in Kelowna during the time of the wildfires I witnessed how the community responded. Various recovery efforts were put into place; emergency shelters were created in peopleâs homes, air bnbâs and/or businesses; emergency food donation centers were established; and, businesses opened up their doors to provide free food and shelter. Amongst these emergency recovery efforts, I was also able to talk with various neighborâs and community members and, in doing so, took note of the emotion and distress in their comments. My personal experiences navigating the McDougall Creek forest fire directly influenced the research project as it forced a re-evaluation and shift in research objectives and questions as well as how my primary data would be collected, evaluated and then presented. This approach to auto-ethnographic research is considered reflexive. âReflexive, dyadic interviews focus on the interactively produced meanings and emotional dynamics of the interview itself. Though the focus is on the participant and her or his story, the words, thoughts, and feelings of the re-searcher also are considered, e.g., personal motivation for doing a project, knowledge of the topics discussed, emotional responses to an 36 interview, and ways in which the interviewer may have been changed by the process of interviewing. Even though the researcher's experience isn't the main focus, personal reflection adds context and layers to the story being told about participantsâ (Ellis et al., 2011, p. 278). I was able to gather this observational data whilst the fires were occurring in Kelowna which was extremely valuable. Ethnography differs from other qualitative methods such as interviews as, âit involves an engagement of the researcherâs senses and emotionsâ (Herbert, 2000, p. 552). I engaged with this research method by drawing from my own lived experience as a community member that was directly impacted by the fire. I walked through my neighborhood daily, taking notes and pictures of the atmosphere as well as how people were responding and interacting with one another. These observations became an important part of my data, offering insight into the atmosphere of uncertainty and the informal information networks that were created. Figures 7 and 8 show the atmosphere in my neighborhood when the fire first broke out. Figure 7 Photo of Smoke From McDougall Creek Forest Fire Note Photo taken by author, Gabrielle Heschuk. Photo is taken in Kelowna at the end of my street looking towards West Kelowna and the smoke emitted from Day 1 of the McDougall Creek forest fire. 37 Figure 8 Photo of Smoke Filling my Neighborhood Note Photo taken by author, Gabrielle Heschuk. The view from my house looking at my neighborhood start to fill with smoke. Neighbors checked in on one another, shared updates about evacuation zones and offered support where needed. There was a sense of anxiety in the air, amplified by the dark smoky skies and neighbors spoke of having emergency bags packed. However, this atmosphere also seemed to strengthen a collective sense of responsibility and community. As the days progressed, the fire could be seen across the lake illuminating the mountain and creating a spectacle from our neighborhood. Figures 9 and 10 were taken from our neighborhood looking at West Kelowna. 38 Figure 9 Photo of the Illuminating Mountain due to the McDougall Creek Forest Fire Note Photo taken by author, Gabrielle Heschuk. This was taken in my neighborhood looking towards West Kelowna. Figure 10 Photo of the Progression of the McDougall Creek Forest Fire Note Photo taken by Gabrielle Heschuk. This was taken a little further south and a day after figure 10 to show the progression of the fire and the spectacle it was creating. 39 During this time, I was also monitoring Tourism Kelownaâs website as they had an emergency webpage regarding important emergency information, including current environmental conditions, evacuation zones, resources available in different communities and where to go for a variety of services. As the smoke started to lift, I noticed a gradual shift, people began to rely less on their neighbors for updates and there was less of a sense of collective community in the neighborhood. While Tourism Kelownaâs emergency webpage for the McDougall Creek fire was still up, updates and new information stopped. These observations helped to shape my understanding of the community responses to a disaster and how they intersect with the research project. This produced insights into the importance and urgency of including aspects of fire recovery and resiliency into the research project. Climate disasters are predicted to increase in frequency and these events directly impact a communityâs tourism industry (Fountain & Cradock-Henry, 2020). This approach to research aligns with community-engaged research as it fosters engagement between myself as the researcher and the community members as participants while acknowledging my positionality. Similarly, to a community-engaged research approach, auto-ethnography was ongoing in this research process. Ethnography was embedded throughout the entire research process which allowed for a continuous reflexive engagement with the disaster and the aftermath of the events that occurred in response (Ellis et al., 2011). My dual position as both a community member and a researcher allowed for my observations and experiences to be utilized within this research project. My observations and experiences informed and influenced the development of the semi-structured interview questions by capturing the lived experiences of the community while simultaneously being grounded within the academic literature. Overall, my ethnographic observations during the McDougall Creek fire contributed to the research project's increase in scope. 3.2.4 Researcher Positionality As a researcher, it is important that I reflect on my positionality within this project and acknowledge my personal biases that may affect the research process. Positionality considers the researcher's race, gender, sociocultural background, political views, nationality, and life experiences and how all of these factors influence the research process (Holmes, 2020). 40 Reflecting upon these culturally ascribed and pre-determined biases is important because, âreflexivity informs positionality. It requires an explicit self-consciousness and self-assessment by the researcher about their views and positions and how these might, may, or have, directly or indirectly influenced the design, execution, and interpretation of the research data findingsâ. (Holmes, 2020, p. 2). My positionality will impact the execution of the research and the interpretation of the results and the research process. However, utilizing a reflexive approach where I can identify biases may in turn result in a reduction in bias (Holmes, 2020; Rowe, 2014). My background has significantly shaped this research. I am a graduate student at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, studying sustainability within the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies program. My undergraduate degree in geography deepened my passion for human-environment interactions, particularly in tourism. I am a Canadian citizen born in Calgary, Alberta. However, at two years old my family and I moved to Quito, Ecuador. This move sparked the want and need to travel within my family, which resulted in us living in four different countries over the course of 16 years including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore. Growing up as a traveller influenced my perspective on tourism and its profound impact on the destination it supports. I experienced firsthand both the opportunities and challenges that tourism provides. These experiences shaped my curiosity and passion for understanding the complexities of continuing to support tourism destinations while simultaneously wanting to protect the natural environment. I witnessed firsthand how the most valued destinations often relied on fragile ecosystems, fueling my interest in sustainable and regenerative tourism strategies. My professional experience further informed this research. Working at Tourism Kelownaâs visitor center provided insights into the local tourism landscape and the role of Destination Management Organizations. Through a Mitacs Accelerate internship, I contributed to their 2022-2025 destination development plan that subsequently influenced and shaped the research projectâs focus. Alongside the influence of my childhood and past work experiences that have shaped my positionality, experiencing the McDougall Creek forest fire during my research project 41 profoundly impacted and influenced the direction that the project undertook. The fires had a direct impact on how I consumed tourism and services in the community. 3.3 Phases of Research There are three phases to the research strategy. Phase I provides context for the study area and the research problem with a thorough literature review and secondary data search to uncover and understand the links between environmental degradation and destination development. This phase of the research was revisited after the McDougall Creek forest and an expanded literature review and secondary data search included research on recovery, resiliency and adaptation of the tourism industry following a climate disaster. During the McDougall Creek forest fire, ethnographic observations were conducted to document how the community, including myself, responded to the fires. These observations contributed to the knowledge on the disasterâs immediate impact on tourism and community resilience. Based on the literature review, a conceptual framework was developed to identify resiliency and sustainability strategies that can be implemented in Kelowna, BC in response to tourism growth, climate disasters, and other impacts of climate change. Phase II involved participant selection and conducting the qualitative semi-structured interviews with key informants. The sampling technique evolved in response to the McDougall Creek forest fire. Key informants were selected as the most appropriate participants for this study. Phase III involved thematic analysis of the qualitative data collected through the interviews. This involved transcribing and coding the interview transcripts in order to allow key themes to emerge from the responses while maintaining a structured analytical approach. The NVivo software was used to synthesize the data collected and generated an inventory of local resiliency and regenerative tourism strategies according to the codes. This identified the research gap in knowledge and contributed to an emergency management disaster toolkit developed for the stakeholders at Tourism Kelowna. (Appendix A) 42 3.4 Phase 1: Desktop Analysis of Secondary Sources to Conceptualize Framework The first phase of the research began with an extensive review of secondary sources including the current academic literature of sustainable and regenerative tourism. The purpose of reviewing secondary data is to, âhelp in the formulation of a research project, help to identify gaps in understanding, provide a justification for the choice of areas, groups or case studies for research and demonstrate the importance of the field in which a project is setâ (Clifford et al., 2010, p. 75). Establishing a foundational understanding of the current literature on sustainable and regenerative tourism was critical in order to narrow down the research topic and start to identify knowledge gaps in the literature. After the McDougal Creek forest fire, the literature review was expanded as the scope of the project shifted. This extended to researching recovery and resiliency strategies in tourism post climate disaster after the McDougall Creek forest fire. Building on the foundation of sustainable and regenerative tourism, the desktop analysis then extended to examine literature on climate disaster recovery and resiliency. Specifically, literature surrounding community and economic recovery within a context of climate disasters was researched to discover how these disturbances impact tourist destinations. It was determined that while the tourism industry is directly impacted and often on the front lines of a disaster, the industryâs involvement goes unnoticed. As a result, the industryâs valuable expertise about the destination is not fully leveraged or utilized in community recovery efforts. Examining the literature review done after the McDougall Creek forest fire, helped to identify the major threats to the industry, the vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities specific to Kelowna, BC. The desktop analysis of secondary sources served as the foundation to the framework that guided the rest of the research project. A conceptual framework was built out of the review of secondary sources to establish what is known and where there is a gap in knowledge. Independent variables were identified as: climate change and or climate disasters, and tourism. The dependent variables were identified as: resiliency tourism strategies, and sustainability and regenerative tourism strategies. Additionally, the framework includes variables that either act as barriers to implementing these resiliency and sustainability strategies or enhance the capacity to 43 implement them. Identifying these additional variables addresses the knowledge gap and guided the subsequent phases of this research project. An ethnography was also conducted after this phase was re-visited in regard to the McDougall creek forest fire with the change in the scope of the project and the research objectives. Direct observations were made about the impacts that the fires had on the local community and how the local community members responded. This phase provided the baseline information needed to develop appropriate research questions, conduct semi-structured interviews with key informants, inform the data collection methods, and create a toolkit for tourism stakeholders after a climate disaster. 3.5 Phase 2: Qualitative Interviews 3.5.1 Sampling and Recruitment This research project used a purposive sampling technique during the recruitment phase of this project. Purposive sampling âinvolves identification and selection of individuals or groups of individuals that are proficient and well-informed with a phenomenon of interestâ (Etikan, Musa, and Alkassim 2016, p. 2). Participants for this research project were intentionally selected based on their expertise and experience within the tourism industry. Key informants are considered experts in their field, which is why they were the most appropriate choice for participants for this study. (Bouma et al., 2019; Clifford et al., 2010). This type of purposive sampling is referred to as expert sampling. This type of sampling does not require a set number of participants and includes participants who are willing and able to participate and communicate their experiences in a knowledgeable and reflective manner (Etikan, Musa, and Alkassim 2016). This was beneficial considering the change in research scope and lack of stakeholder participation interest after the McDougall Creek forest fire. As Bouma et al., (2019) summarizes purposive sampling âis very appropriate for case study and qualitative approachesâ¦â (p. 140). The purposive sampling technique was used to select key informants with relevant expertise and knowledge in the tourism industry that would be able to meaningfully contribute to the research. Key informants were selected through a process of âon-site recruitmentâ which occurs when potential participants are approached and invited to participate in the research study at an event that is relevant to the research focus (Clifford et al., 2010). This occurred at two 44 separate tourism conferences: (1) the International Symposium for Destination Stewardship conference in Gatineau, Quebec and (2) the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit in Penticton, British Columbia. These two conferences gathered various tourism industry leaders and experts from the region that could potentially provide valuable insights to the research project. Considering the scope of the research project only participants from Kelowna, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism region as well as the province of British Columbia were approached and invited to participate. While the sample is not representative of any particular group or interest in tourism or the environment, the key informants involved in this research project engaged with a range of tourism sectors and represent various levels of the tourism landscape, ranging from local, provincial, and region scales and include both private and public sectors. For the purpose of this project, local refers to Kelowna and or the Okanagan region, provincial refers to British Columbia and regional refers to Canada. (Figure _) The purposive sample was designed to capture a diversity of representation within the local tourism landscape. For example, participants roles ranged from delivering sustainable tourism services at the local level, to informing provincial tourism strategy and policy development, and contributing to regional destination management. The participants are all connected to the local tourism industry through their work in tourism related businesses, destination management organizations and public sectors that influence the tourism landscape. 45 Table 1 A Table with Participant Representation Scales Note To protect participant anonymity and confidentiality within UBCâs ethics TPCs guidelines, identifying details have been removed and replaced with labels that reflect a generalization of the participants sector, scale, and role while avoiding identifying information. 46 Tourism Kelowna also facilitated participant recruitment from their data base of tourism partners in the community. Tourism Kelowna assisted in contacting key informants from their network of tourism partners within the community. This is also a form of expert sampling (a type of purposive sampling) where participants were chosen based on their expertise in the industry and their involvement in the tourism industry in Kelowna BC or the Okanagan area. All participants were sent a letter of initial contact (Appendix B) and an interview informed consent form(Appendix C), prior to the interview taking place. This included a statement explaining the research project, sample interview questions, and consent forms that were to be signed and returned prior to the interview. 3.5.2 Interview Design Interview questions were designed in accordance with the research questions outlined in Chapter 1 and were informed by the conceptual framework for regenerative tourism and recovery and resiliency strategies that was developed in the review of secondary sources. The interview questions were developed to interrogate these concepts and answer the research questions posed in semi structured interviews. Considering community-engaged research methods, the interview questions were also collaboratively designed with Tourism Kelowna to ensure relevance to the 2022-2025 destination development plan. From the purposive sampling techniques used, nine participants responded with their interest and willingness to participate. From January 2024 to March 2024, nine semi-structured interviews took place with key informants from the tourism industry. The participants selected were reviewed and approved by Tourism Kelowna. The voluntary participation was conducted over UBC licensed Zoom account on Zoomâs Canadian servers. Each interview lasted around one hour in duration. Semi-structured interviews are an interview style that allows for both structure and flexibility (Hay, 2016). This is because the interviews are guided by a pre-determined set of questions, but participants are not required to answer every question. There is flexibility if they want to elaborate more on certain topics, and the interviewer can also introduce new questions (outside of the pre-determined questions) based on the flow of the conversation. Semi-structured interviews provide an opportunity for the researcher to engage in purposeful conversations with 47 local experts to elicit locally specific context from the participants. âAlthough the interviewer prepares a list of predetermined questions, semi-structured interviews unfold in a conversational manner offering participants the chance to explore issues they feel are importantâ (Clifford et al., 2010, p. 103). Semi-structured interviews were chosen as the most appropriate mode of interviewing in order to consider the range of themes and multitude of research questions to be answered. Semi-structured interviews were useful when speaking to key informants of different backgrounds and experience as some participants chose to spend longer on certain questions than others. This provided an array of detail on varying subjects and thus a range of results from slightly differing responses between each interview. 3.6 Phase 3: Transcription and Thematic Analysis The process of transcribing and coding the interview data followed the five suggested steps outline by Hay: 1) develop preliminary coding system 2) Prepare the transcripts for analysis 3) Ascribe codes to text 4) Retrieve similarly coded text 5) Review the data by themes (Hay, 2016). 1. Develop preliminary coding system: The preliminary codebook was created after the literature review was conducted. This resulted in the identification of key themes that emerged throughout the research (Hay, 2016). This started the coding process and facilitated the organization and analysis of the data. 2. Prepare the transcripts for analysis: Once there was a list of preliminary codes, the interviews were transcribed and de-identified. This was done by labelling the key informantâs transcripts as a number with their sector (private or public) and scale of representation to limit identifiers. Eg. Key Informant #1 â Private, local, DMO representative. These transcripts were then placed into the UBC licensed copy of the Nvivo software, which is a qualitative data analysis software. 3. Ascribe codes to text: An open coding approach was adopted by using the preliminary codebook to examine and derive information from the transcripts. This process involves the researcher reading the transcript and attaching codes where relevant. This process of coding is exploratory as it is flexible and inductive, allowing the researcher to identify key concepts and themes that emerge from the transcripts (Braun & Clarke, 2022). As the 48 coding process continued, new concepts emerged that were not in the preliminary codebook and these are referred to as open codes. This type of coding allows for analysis of the interview data as themes emerge from the transcripts. In semi-structured interviews where participants responses will vary, open coding is needed to consider the varying knowledge and information shared (Flowerdew & Martin, 2005). This process often required 4. Retrieve similarly coded text: After all nine transcripts were coded, patterns and themes started to emerge as similarly coded texts were grouped together. 5. Review the data by themes: The preliminary codes and the open codes were then grouped together where there were similarities. After organizing and sorting the data into groups, eight themes were identified; 1) The Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism; 2) Factors that Increase Vulnerability; 3) Navigating Destination Reputation Post Climate Disaster; 4) Community Responses to Disaster; 5) Short-term Recovery Strategies; 6) Long-term Resiliency and Adaptation Strategies; 7) Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism Strategies; 8) Barriers and Limitations to Resiliency and Sustainability. These themes helped to generate an inventory of local resiliency and regenerative tourism strategies according to the codes. 3.6.1 Synthesis and Dissemination of Data Once key themes emerged using the UBC licensed copy of the Nvivo software, these results helped to answer the research question stated in Chapter 1 and identify the gaps in knowledge regarding the role that tourism businesses play in emergency management. Additionally, the results were translated into an emergency management toolkit for Tourism Kelowna. This includes tangible, and accessible recovery, resiliency and sustainability strategies for local tourism stakeholders. This toolkit contributed to their 2022-2025 strategic destination development plan, under goal two, fostering the sustainable growth of the destination. 3.7 Ethics The ethical considerations in this research project are multifaceted due to many components. Firstly, the research project involved human participants which necessitates an 49 institutional ethical review to be approved by the UBC Behavioral Research Ethics Board (BREB) before proceeding with the project. The research project was classified as minimal risk under the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS). This indicates that the research posed no significant risk to the participantâs well-being. Secondly, the unexpected McDougall Creek forest fire caused a necessary pause and reconsideration of the project. The projectâs scope was broadened to include aspects of recovery and resiliency in relation to forest fires. This also prompted a shift in the participants in the semi-structured interviews from stakeholders to key informants. This decision was made with ethical considerations in mind surrounding the sensitivity at that time. While this ultimately would have resulted in different research results, interviewing key informants provided a unique and applicable result database without compromising the well-being of the participants. Engaging with key informants in the tourism industry provided valuable insights across different expertise and experience. All interviews were conducted using the TCPS: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans guidelines to ensure that the project was BREB approved throughout the entire research project. The research study involved low participant vulnerability as they were informed of the potential benefits and foreseeable risks of the research when contacted to participate voluntarily. Participants were key informants who were aware of what the research study entailed prior to volunteering and consenting to participate. Participants were made aware of the topics in multiple ways, in the letter of initial contact, the letter of consent, and verbally before and during the interviews. In order to assure confidentiality as per the TCPS guidelines, participants were made aware of what information would be collected. This involved providing the topics of discussion and some sample questions to be included in the letter of initial contact and the letter of consent. In order to protect participants' confidentiality further, coded information was used when collecting, using, and storing data. This involved replacing participants' identifying information with a code number. Participants were also made aware that their responses would be documented, and audio recorded for research purposes but would not have identifying information attached to their responses. Participants also had the opportunity to not answer any questions and could stop the interview at any point. The purpose of this research study is to fulfill the requirements for a masterâs thesis in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies program. Additionally, this research project was funded by a 50 Mitacs Accelerate Internship grant through Tourism Kelowna and Mitacs. This funding provided a partnership between myself and Tourism Kelowna where the research project would be of reciprocal benefit. The results from the research contributed to their 2022-2025 Destination Development Plan under goals number two, fostering the sustainable growth of the destination. The original research project objectives were still accounted for and included in the final report `prior to the changes made after the McDougal creek forest fire. However, the project's broadened scope benefited Tourism Kelowna by providing a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of the tourism industry landscape post-climate disaster. It allowed for various recovery and resiliency strategies that had been thoroughly researched to be identified. This also allowed for the implementation of these strategies to be demonstrated through an emergency management toolkit provided to Tourism Kelowna. Additionally, it sought to identify pathways for regeneration, acknowledging the interconnectedness of recovery, resiliency, and regenerative tourism. The adjustments made aligned with the original projectâs goals but also considered the unique circumstances brought on by the McDougall Creek forest fire. By including the critical concepts of recovery and resiliency, the final project submitted to Tourism Kelowna provided deeper insights and more locally specific recommendations that were a valuable resource to the organization. 51 Chapter 4: Results 4.1 Introduction This chapter explores findings from the four phases of this research. Firstly, results from the secondary source analysis provide a baseline of knowledge and a conceptual framework to explore and apply sustainable and regenerative tourism and establish the reliance of the tourism industry on healthy environments. Secondly, results of ethnographic observations of the tourism community response to the McDougall Creek forest fire are presented along with a second secondary source review of risks and vulnerability of the tourism sector to climate disasters. Lastly findings from a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with tourism decision makers are presented. The results of the research are presented during this chapter and discussed further in Chapter 5. 4.2 Results from the Secondary Source Analysis and Literature Review The secondary source analysis and literature review examine the relationship between environmental degradation and destination development. Additionally, the review examines how climate disasters impact the tourism industry and the community that it supports. The review is divided among five important areas of concern that emerged from the secondary sources: the relationship between tourism and the environment; the value of tourism life cycles; tourism sustainability and resilience and lastly tourism regeneration within the context of the tourism environment and the post climate disaster environment. 4.2.1 Summary of Literature Review The literature emphasizes the need for a transformative paradigm shift in tourism to address the inherently vulnerable relationship between destinations and the environments that support them (Buckley, 2012; Lew, 2013; Calgaro et al., 2013). Sustainable tourism requires destinations to implement regenerative models that reduce environmental vulnerabilities and promote sustainability. Disrupting the dominant growth paradigm through tangible strategies in individual businesses is critical for systemic change (Pollock, 2019). This paradigm shift prioritizes environmentally sustainable and socially responsible tourism experiences over profit-driven motives. Key informants in the tourism industry play a vital role by providing unique 52 insights into the limitations and potentials for sustainable tourism strategies (McKenna & Main, 2013). Butlerâs "Tourism Area Cycle of Evolution" model describes six stages of tourism destination development and highlights potential outcomes, including rejuvenation or decline. Decline occurs when destinations exceed their carrying capacities, leading to environmental degradation and reduced visitor numbers. This model critiques destinations that degrade their natural environments to support tourism, while emphasizing the importance of implementing sustainable tourism strategies. Additionally, âHollingâs loop" illustrates how destinations respond to disturbances, such as climate disasters, by re-organizing and adapting to increase resiliency. These models demonstrate the necessity of implementing strategies that promote sustainable and regenerative tourism while addressing the vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change and natural disasters. Tourism resilience is increasingly critical as climate change impacts destinations. Resilient social-ecological systems (SES) are able to adapt to disturbances, while maintaining their functionality (Becken, 2013). Climate disasters interrupt sustainable tourism strategies, requiring resilience planning that emphasizes adaptation (Espiner et al., 2017). Effective strategies for increasing resilience include market diversification, collaboration among stakeholders, scenario planning, and enhanced knowledge of climate threats (Becken, 2013; Awedyk & Niezgoda, 2018; Sharma & Tham, 2023). Collaborative communication among tourism organizations and emergency management is vital for effective recovery. (Fountain & Cradock-Henry, 2019). Regeneration emphasizes recovery and adaptation post-disaster, transforming tourism systems into more resilient and sustainable entities (Saarinen & Gill, 2019). Disturbances offer opportunities for reinvention and reflection within destinations. By investing in regenerative initiatives, stakeholders can reduce environmental impacts, align recovery with resiliency strategies, and foster positive tourism experiences (Cradock-Henry et al., 2018). This approach understands that recovery and resiliency are essential pathways to a more sustainable and regenerative tourism industry. 53 4.2.2 Conceptual Framework Figure 11 A Diagram to Illustrate the Conceptual Framework Key concepts and variables forlocally specific regneerativetourism models are developedLiterature review conducted on (1)Tourism and the Envrionment (2)Sustainable Tourism (3)Regenerative Tourism McDougallCreek ForestFireResearch problem identifiedin partnership with tourismKelowna:How does destinationdevelopment coesist withinthe context of climatechange Additional literature review conducted toinclude recovery, resiliency and adaptation toclimate disasters within tourism ladnscapes.An Emergency Management Toolkit,accompanies by an executive summary, wasdelivered to Tourism Kelowna. It presents theresearch findings in a concise, practical, andaccessible format. Project re-evaluated to iunclude the impacts ofclimate disaster on tourism Local stakeholders are identified askey participants and invited byTourism Kelowna to participate insemi-structured interviewsParticipants re-evaluated, and key informantsfrom the tourism industry are selected incollaboration with Tourism Kelowna. Interview questions are developed fromliterature review findings to address knowledgegaps and explore relationships betweenidentified variables, tailored for key informants. Variables are determined:Independent varibles: (1) Climatechange + Climate Disasters (2)TourismDependent Variables: (1) ResileincyStrategeis (2) Sustainability andRegenerative StrategiesSemi-structured interviews are conducted andthe transcripts are transcribed, coded andsynthesized using NVivo softwareUnderstanding the relationshipsbetween these variables will fill the gapin knowledge How and what affects (1) resielincystrategies (2) Sustainability andregenerative Strategeis Results from the semi-structured interviews determined 8 themes thatemerged: 1) The Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism; 2) Factors thatIncrease Vulnerability; 3) Navigating Destination Reputation Post ClimateDisaster; 4) Community Responses to Disaster; 5) Short-term RecoveryStrategies; 6) Long-term Resiliency and Adaptation Strategies; 7)Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism Strategies; 8) Barriers andLimitations to Resiliency and SustainabilityThe results from the literature review and semi-structured interviewsidentified short-term recovery strategies, medium-term resiliencystrategies, and long-term sustainable and regenerative strategies, allcontributing to a more resilient destination in the face of climatedisasters. Furthermore, the research addressed the knowledgegapregarding tourismâs critical role in climate emergencies, emphasizing itsimportance to the overall health of the destination. 54 4.3 Community Responses The McDougall Creek forest fire disrupted the research process similarly to the way in which it disrupted the tourism industry in Kelowna, BC. Many local businesses, community members and destination management organizations responded in a variety of ways in response to the disaster. These responses are important to consider for this research project as it highlights why the tourism industry plays a vital role in contributing to emergency response messaging and strategies during and after the fires. Firstly, Destination British Columbia laid out the specific regions and cities of BC that were directly impacted by the wildfires and the highway closures. The areas that were affected included: Kelowna and area, Southern Okanagan area, Similkameen, Shuswap area, West coast, West Kootenays, and Cariboo area (Destination British Columbia, 2023). Providing the exact location of the affected areas ensured visitor safety and also provided information regarding where else in the province visitors could go to encourage tourism elsewhere. Another destination management organization that provided important messaging during and after the fires was Tourism Kelowna, as they showcased the far reaching community response to the wildfires by listing all of the efforts that individual businesses were doing in an attempt to help the local community recover from the wildfire. This included having lists of businesses that opened up their properties for people in need of a place to stay to camp or bring their RVâs. As well, they created lists of donation centers where to drop off or pick up resources for the community and another list of different restaurants that made meals for evacuees (Tourism Kelowna, 2023). Tourism Kelowna also provided constant and real time updates on the wildfire situation and travel bans for the Province and the Kelowna area. This consisted of having a camera outside of their visitor center that showed the conditions of the area in real time. This was important as the travel ban was lifted August 23, 2023 but the province stayed in a state of emergency until September 14th, 2023 (Tourism Kelowna, 2023). There were also responses made by the tourism industry members after the fires in an attempt to restore the visitor economy and highlight the importance of restoring confidence in visitors and residents in the community. Firstly, Destination British Columbia created a campaign titled, âHelp BC Recover by Exploring BC now!â This was one of the many marketing campaigns made by DMOâs in an attempt to support the local tourism industry while still addressing the wildfires that are occurring. This specific campaign called for domestic visitors in 55 BC and Alberta, and also visitors from Washington State, to travel to BC and specifically visit businesses affected and impacted by the wildfires and highway closures (Destination British Columbia, 2023). There was a new series of âDine Aroundâ which aimed to specifically and directly support the restaurants that were affected in BC by offering food specials and highlighting the importance of supporting these businesses directly as soon as the province was no longer under a state of emergency (Destination British Columbia, 2023). The state of emergency started August 18th, 2023 and ended September 14th, 2023 (Government of British Columbia, 2023). Wine growers BC had another response to the wildfires which encouraged visitors to âFall for BC Wineâ. As the state of emergency ended just as the summer season was coming to a close for the province, Wine growers BC encouraged people to buy BC wine as well as visit the local wineries in the province during the upcoming fall season to combat the sudden downturn in visitor number that were experienced during the wildfires (Wines of British Columbia, 2023). While all of these adaptations and campaigns made by the province and local businesses are strategies of immediate recovery, many tourism businesses within the province are still dealing with repercussions of the wildfires and the closures that they brought (CTV News Vancouver, 2023). 4.4 Interview Results In phase 5 of the research, I conducted open-ended interviews with nine key informants in the tourism industry. These participants were chosen using a purposive sampling technique that would represent a variety of decision making roles in the tourism industry from private and public sectors at local, provincial and regional scales. For the purpose of protecting the participants identity while demonstrating the diversity of perspectives, each interviewee is referred to by a label that reflects their sector (private or public), scale of representation (local, provincial or regional) and organization type. This sample provided diverse responses that contribute to answering the four research questions: 1) What is the relationship between climate disasters and tourism destinations? 2) Is there a role for the tourism industry in emergency management and the local community during and after a climate disaster? If so, what is that role? 3) Can local community engagement with the tourism industry at the local level support recovery from, and resiliency against, future climate disasters to create a more regenerative tourism 56 industry? 4) Can tourism industry recovery and resiliency strategies at the local level lead to regeneration? These research questions, along with the findings from the literature review were used to formulate the interview questions. Participants were provided a sample of interview questions prior to their semi-structure interview. After the interviews were conducted, using Nvivo, a qualitative data analysis software, an inductive thematic analysis identified 34 distinct themes. (Figure 2) While some codes were predetermined from the conceptual framework developed out of the literature review (preliminary codes) conducted in phase one, other codes arose from an iterative inductive reading of the transcripts (open codes). These codes were then sorted and organized into 8 themes: 1) The impacts of climate change on tourism; 2) Factors that increase vulnerability; 3) Navigating destination reputation post climate disaster; 4) Community responses to disaster; 5) Short-term recovery strategies; 6) Long-term resiliency and adaptation strategies; 7) Sustainability and regenerative tourism strategies; 8) Barriers and limitations to resiliency and sustainability. Table 2 Table of Codes and Themes Used in NVivo Transcript Analysis Theme Code Preliminary Code Open Code Climate change impacts Climate disaster prevalence x Weather Impacting Visitor Numbers x Climate Change x What increases vulnerability Vulnerability factors x Reducing vulnerability x Business Vulnerability x Transportation x Lasting COVID Effects x Navigating destination reputation post climate disaster Reduction in consumer confidence x Public perception x Visitor numbers x 57 Theme Code Preliminary Code Open Code Community responses to disasters Community responses x Tourismâs role in emergency responses x Role of Destination Marketing Organizations x Government x Short-term recovery strategies Recovery Strategies x Role of Media x Marketing x Communication x Long-term resiliency and adaptation strategies Resiliency strategies x Adaptation Strategies x Emergency Planning x Interconnectedness x Staffing x Shoulder Season x Diversification x Extending Stays x Regenerative and sustainability strategies Importance of Tourism in Community development x Regenerative Examples/strategies x Sustainability strategies x Indigenous knowledge x Barriers to resiliency and sustainability Financial barriers x Sustainability challenges x Disconnect of Advantages of Sustainability x Note The codes are organized by column based on whether they were a preliminary code or an open code and then color coordinated 4.4.1 The Impacts of Climate Change and Climate Disasters on Tourism Overwhelmingly, the interviews reveal a belief that the changing climate is causing an increase is climate disasters that, in turn, negatively impact the tourism industry in Kelowna, BC. The one question that had most consensus from all nine participants was about whether or not 58 climate change is impacting the tourism industry. All nine participants answered with a definitive âyesâ and proceeded to explain why this is the case. âSo it's absolutely impacting tourism. And not only our brand but the visitor experience that we can offer when people comeâ â Key Informant #5 â Public, regional, DMO representative. âOnce again I think that disasters have been happening for a long time, but they're just becoming more frequent now and they seem to be having a bigger effect on business and the flow of travelersâ â Key Informant #4 â Private, local, DMO representative. One of the main concerns cited by the respondents was the disruption that a climate disaster causes. While a disaster may only last for 2 weeks, the repercussions extend far beyond that point especially in terms of long term financial hardship for businesses that are then forced to make budget cuts that impact services and activities provided or laying off staff. This results in visitor uncertainty that can influence their decision to stay and their decision to return. âA shifting climate is impacting the tourism industry in Kelowna. And I don't want to talk about any specific disaster, but rather look at it from the big picture, because it doesn't matter if it's a forest fire, heat wave, cold snap. The common thread across all of these disasters is that it prevents tourism businesses from operating, or it is a deterrent from visitors coming to a destination.â â Key Informant #9 â Private, local, tourism consultant. Throughout its long tourism history, Kelowna has typically been a summer destination with the majority of the tourism businesses operating during a short period between May and September. When businesses expect a certain number of visitors during a certain period of time, it puts them in a vulnerable and risky position where their expectations may not be met. The lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as continued threats of climate disasters have started to cost tourism operators (especially hotels and restaurants) revenue when their margins for making profit are slim. Tourism operators will have fewer days to generate revenue which adds to their challenges as a business. There are added stressors on top of generating revenue to keep their doors open and their staff paid. One key informant suggested that the largest impact of climate disasters on seasonal tourism is economic loss and an example in Tofino, British Columbia was used to exemplify the extent of the that impact: 59 âWe saw what happened in Tofino and Ucluelet, and they did a specific study that showed when they had the wild fire that ultimately then shut down access into Ucluelet and Tofino, other than logging roads or back roads, some of which were private. They experienced over a 2 week period and about a 44 million dollar impact to the visitor economy.â â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. This vulnerability stems from the local tourism industryâs high dependence on the natural environment. The two biggest seasons for Kelowna are Summer surrounding wine, golf and lake activities and following that is winter due to the Big White Ski resort. Both of these seasons are highly reliant on good weather and a predictable environmental condition. These seasons also offer short operating windows for tourism business operators to make their money. âSo, the more you depend on the environment for your tourism experience, or what creates your competitive advantage. So, if you're a restaurant on the lake and it is smoking noggin and you cannot see the lake. That's going impact your competitive advantageâ â Key Informant #9 â Private, local, tourism consultant. Another important theme highlighted the major influence weather and air quality have on visitor numbers. Forest fire smoke is a major deterrent to visitors. Two key informants suggested that visitors were less likely to be deterred by the risk associated with the actual fires themselves and more deterred by the long lasting smoke negatively impacting their decision to visit a destination. âPeople in their heads will say I'm going to stay away from the Okanagan because it's wildfire season between May and September, so why would I want to book there?â â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. International visitors are particularly vulnerable because they often plan and book their trips one to several years in advance, making them more susceptible to the growing uncertainty surrounding the future climate conditions of the destination. When travelling internationally, there is a higher financial investment, longer planning periods and less flexibility in regard to their travel plans. âBut it's very difficult when you have people traveling from the likes of Australia or somewhere in the U.S, etc. Once you've cancelled that, they've cancelled their flights and everything else.â - Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. 60 âWe saw that same situation play out with the COVID-19 pandemic where an organization like Whistler was very severely disrupted because their main clientele was international clients. So, swap out COVID-19 for a drought. Or if you're in the summer season, forest fires and those international travelers aren't going to be choosing to go to that premium resort and pay that premium price because of that environmental risk.â - Key Informant #9 â Private, local, tourism consultant. International labor is also impacted and makes a business more vulnerable to a disaster when hiring foreign labor. Recruitment and retention become a challenge when there is a perceived risk. Potential employees may not want to have the uncertainty that comes with working in a destination that experiences climate disasters. âAnd that same challenge may be reflected on the employee side. International labor is not going to go work at that resort because they may perceive this resort as having a high risk or being likely to have less bikeable or skiable days. Etc.â â Key Informant #9 â Private, local, tourism consultant. The impacts of climate change and climate disaster on a destination include financial barriers, visitor retention, loss of consumer confidence and loss of labour. These issues will persist as climate change continues to impact destinations and the businesses involved. Recovery, resiliency, adaptation, and, ultimately, sustainability and regeneration strategies are needed in order to reduce the risks and vulnerabilities associated with the threat of climate change. 4.4.2 Factors that Increase Vulnerability to Climate Change and Climate Disasters Climate change and climate disasters pose a major threat to the tourism industry and there are certain factors outlined in the interviews that increase a community or a businessâs vulnerability. As Cradock-Henry and Fountain mentioned, small to medium sized tourism destinations are more vulnerable compared to larger destinations. (Cradock-Henry & Fountain, 2020) and interview responses highlight this claim. Definitionally, a small-sized business has fewer than 100 employees, a medium sized business has between 100 and 500 employees and a large business has more than 500 employees (Statistics Canada, 2022). These smaller businesses 61 have increased vulnerability due to limited access to resources necessary when recovering from climate events. This vulnerability may be due to having fewer employees or insufficient funding available to access resources. As a result, smaller sized businesses experience additional challenges outside of the immediate impacts of a climate disaster. âThey're trying to keep their doors open. They're trying to generate revenue. They're trying to work hard to ensure that they can keep their clientele, or you know, their visitors. And so, their day-to-day existence is all about trying to control expenses, trying to generate revenue, keep their staff, effectively market, execute on whatever they're offering.â â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. This lack of resources also impacts other areas of business vulnerability. The interviews revealed that many businesses either cannot access insurance coverage for their business due to cost or lack of manpower to apply for insurance. It was also revealed that many insurance companies will not cover certain businesses for wildfire or other natural disasters if they are deemed too risky due to location. There is also funding or grants available to businesses from the local, provincial and federal government after a disaster, however, similarly to insurance coverage, often times the application process can be time consuming and onerous for a small business owner. âThere can be a lot of unconsidered factors when trying to access that funding, whether it means paying it back by a certain time, submitting a paper traill or documentation as part of your application that demonstrates how that funding was used, or even navigating that grant application process can be extremely challenging for a business, especially when there's tight deadlines.â â Key Informant #9 â Private, local, tourism consultant. Similarly, visitors are no longer booking far in advance with the onset of increased climate disasters and unpredictable weather. This decreases tourism businesses ability to prepare for visitor numbers and their demands. âOne of the bigger effects that we've seen in the last [year] and I mentioned this previously, too, is that people book more last minute now, because they want to see, âare the sky's going to be clear?â They don't want to travel if it's smoky and so that has an effect on numbers and (is) harder to predict.â â Key Informant #4 â Private, local, DMO representative. 62 There is an increase in last minute booking as perceived risk is too high to book far in advance when the environmental conditions are unknown. This includes the international visitor market as not only are visitors less inclined to book far in advance due to the reasons mentioned, they are less likely to book last minute due to high cost as well. This impacts tourism operatorâs ability to prepare. âSo, it becomes even more challenging to accurately predict how much you need to purchase, because you don't want to over purchase, and then have to sell at a loss. But at the same time, you don't want to under purchase, and then all of a sudden have this demand, but no supply, because that is also lost revenue opportunitiesâ â Key Informant #9 â Private, local, tourism consultant. The COVID-19 pandemic has created long lasting vulnerability within businesses. The unpredictability of the pandemic saw great economic loss and certain business closures as there was little to no warning of the effects that the pandemic would have on visitorâs numbers as well as consumer confidence in a destination. âMaybe it was accelerated by Covid, but people aren't booking a year in advance necessarily anymoreâ¦â - Key Informant #4 â Private, local, DMO representative. Lastly, businesses with weaker connections to their community are more susceptible to vulnerabilities. They have fewer resources and cannot depend on the support of other community members. Their efforts to restore the visitor economy would be more isolated rather than part of a coordinated and community led effort. When challenges are not addressed collectively, resources and ideas become limited, making recovery more difficult. Recognizing and addressing these vulnerabilities is essential when developing strategies to increase resiliency and sustainability within the tourism industry. âWhen you have community members that you can rely on and work together and collaborate with, there's often times more resilience in response to a climate disaster, it becomes a more coordinated effort. There's better communication channels and people are able to really understand where overlaps are occurring. So, if there is a challenge that is shared, even if it's between unlikely tourism operators because the tourism network is so diverse in operators, when there are overlaps, there may be an opportunity to share resources or leverage actions to have these exponential impacts whether it's taken alone versus as an entire destination. So, the 63 community can also be a really big piece in reducing vulnerability.â - Key Informant #9 â Private, local, tourism consultant. 4.4.3 Navigating Destination Reputation Consumer uncertainty is also affecting the industry as there is a decrease in confidence in the destination. This may reduce the number of visitors going to a destination and may impact the destinationâs reputation. Consumer confidence dropping due to an increase in perceived risk is a major contributor to a decrease in visitor numbers during and after a climate disaster. Another issue surrounding consumer confidence involves visitors experiencing poor weather and environmental conditions during a trip and that experience has consequences on their perception of the destination and the likelihood of their return. As mentioned in Section 4.4.2, Kelowna is mostly a summer destination and persistent threats of wildfires and poor weather conditions have repercussions on the destinationâs reputation. âPeople in their heads will say I'm going to stay away from the Okanagan because it's wildfire season between May and September, âSo why would I want to book there?ââ â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. Visitors not only face risks when travelling to destinations impacted by the hazards of climate change but are also discouraged by government-mandated road closures and restricted access to the destinations themselves. This significantly hinders tourism businesses ability to operate and generate revenue while simultaneously affecting visitorâs ability to create a positive tourism experience and participate in the visitor economy. One key informant describes this visitor deterrence phenomenon as multi-pronged considering the scope of impact that a natural disaster can have. Using the McDougall Creek forest fire that occurred in August of 2023 as the prime example, a state of emergency was declared by local authorities and later confirmed provincially and federally. This state of emergency was necessary as it ensured the Kelowna area had space for evacuees, safe evacuations routes and received adequate help and resources that the city needed to fight the fires. However, many participants suggested that the repercussions of the state of emergency being declared and the travel ban occurring for multiple days were very negative. Those acts by the government created pernicious issues for the tourism industry that lasted the rest of the busy season. 64 âWe saw travel ban come into place so that automatically made people to have to cancel, but also individuals were cancelling for the rest of the summerâ¦â - Key Informant #3 â Private, regional, tourism organization representative. There was an emphasis on ensuring that the same messaging that people are receiving about a travel ban due to fires continues after the fire has been put out to encourage people to travel to that region shortly after to support the local economy and businesses that people rely on. The messaging and media images of wildfire continuing to burn will only decrease consumer confidence in a destination. Instead, the tourism industry suggests encouraging visitors to travel to a destination after a disaster to reclaim their reputation. Local government needs to work with local businesses to collaborate together on how to restore confidence in their visitors as a means to recover their image and reputation. The tourism industry alone cannot promote the province after a disaster, whereas if the local government ensure visitors that it is safe to travel, there will be more incentive. âThere was no consultation. So, I do think, creating a culture of consultation between different levels of government and the tourism sector, or really any other sectorâ¦â â Key Informant #6 â Private, local, tourism consultant. Media has a strong influence on destination brand, visitor confidence and regional travel choice. The images and messaging that potential visitors receive have the potential to either convince or deter them to travel to a destination. Many visitors rely on the media to understand the current conditions of the area and whether or not it is safe to travel and if the weather will be favourable. âThe media has an effect. particularly with out of province visitors. People just don't know the specifics of the region enough to know if there's a disaster going on in one specific area, how far reaching is that? And is it still safe?... What I think is becoming more of a long-term impact is the recurring smoke. So, I think people are not necessarily afraid that there's going to be a fire at the exact same time in the place that they're going to because they realize it doesn't work like that necessarily. But the smoke is so far reaching and so common.â â Key Informant #3 â Private, regional, tourism organization representative. The role of media and what strategies to implement within this market will be discussed further in section 4.4.5. Ensuring positive destination reputation can improve visitor retention 65 and promote the visitor economy thus increasing all aspects that come with an increase in tourism such as financial gain and community development. Safety of residents and visitors is the first priority, but shortly after a disaster is it equally as important to ensure the visitor economy and the local economy can rebound from the economic hardships it may face during a closure period. Instilling confidence in the visitor market that a destination is safe and welcoming visitors is key for restoring a destinations reputation. âYou want to give communities confidence that it's safe for people to visit, and that they want to welcome visitors again. And part of that is getting decision makers, the premier, local MLAs Cabinet Ministers, members of Parliament through their media and communication channels to talk about what's happening in their communities, and that it is safe, and that it's a good time to travel. There is value there that here are some of the things that people are experiencing, etc., that helps from a credibility perspective as well, and makes people infinitely more inclined to want to travel again.â â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. 4.4.4 Community Response to Disaster The local community plays a vital role in the post disaster recovery of a destination. Considering Kelownaâs reliance on tourism as a major economic driver, its role as an emergency response entity is extremely important yet undervalued. It is essential for residents to recognize the value of tourism, not only in supporting the local economy and fostering community development but also in contributing to emergency response efforts. An impact that was outlined includes the threat to residentâs perception on tourism and visitors as it is suggested that their tolerance will start to diminish during a climate disaster. There is growing concern that appropriate resource allocation would be skewed when visitors are taken into account during a climate disaster. However, it is critical and vital to the health of the community that residents understand the value that tourism brings to a community and also that they participate in these activities and services as well. âSo when you think about the tourism industry. It's made up of multiple sub sectors from restaurants and hotels, experiences. And those particular restaurants and the nature based activities, those are just as much part of residence experiences of the place as it is for visitors, 66 and so those businesses are a major part of what makes a community in general, and so their role in helping people to enjoy the place they live in and protect is super important.â â Key Informant # 3. Secondly, the role of tourism in a disaster response setting partially lies in working with other community entities such as the government and media outlets to ensure accurate, adequate and real time information is being provided to residents and visitors while also supporting the local communityâs recovery. Interview participants reiterated the importance of building relationships between local emergency support services, regional health authorities such as Interior Health, and tourism businesses. There were many examples of community responses to the fires that highlighted the importance of an interconnected community but also showed the role and value that tourism businesses provide in an emergency situation. When an emergency occurs unless it is province wide, the response starts at the community level. Destination management organizations often facilitate finding accommodation for evacuees, directing people to shelter areas, and where to get food and water at nearby restaurants that are providing free meals. The various tourism businesses in the community provided these resources to their community members such as a hotel room, a meal or simply a place to rest during a time of hardship. âThe biggest adaptation was a vast improvement in communication, and, so, there was a lot of collaboration, Interior health, the City of Kelowna, they involved us, you know we hadn't really been involved until the 2003 fires, when all of a sudden, we had to be a major partner at the table to help with evacuees, and we ended up being a coordinator of the hotels to who has rooms. We forwarded that to the emergency services group, and they would then disperse to people who were signing in at the centers. So, at that point, then everybody realized how interconnected the communication needed to be. â Key Informant #1 â Private, local, DMO representative. All of these various community members work together and have to collaborate in order to ensure the safety of the residents and visitors. Continued communication and collaboration is extremely important in a disaster setting. 67 âBecause when there is an emergency, unless it's provincial, wide, like a pandemic, it's usually confined to a region or a community, and the response starts at the community level. So many of the community destination marketing management organizations (â¦), have had to build relationships with emergency support at the local level to help on the ground, direct people find resources for displaced residents and visitors, etc.â â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. The federal, provincial and media play a vital role in how visitors conceptualize what is going on in a community. Ensuring the correct messaging is going out is critical as media can play a big role in sensationalizing a situation. This is where the role of destination management organizations was highlighted in the interviews as being important to ensure safety messaging and allocating resources but also reducing fear mongering around the destination. Their main role in a crisis situation is communication and this is where the aspect of community interconnectedness can assist. Part of this includes more communication between destination management organizations and local government. Ensuring that the tourism sector and the destination management organizations get a seat at the table during a time of crisis. Their expertise and knowledge of the area and the community provide valuable information when dealing with a disaster. âTourism was never really factored in, it's focused on residents. So, we've had to do a lot of work over the course of the last five, six years, to ensure that transient visitors to our province, of which there could be tens of thousands at any given time, especially during the peak season are also looked after.â â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. Lastly, many participants highlighted the importance of not only working with all entities of a local community after a disaster but expanding past the city limits and ensuring that other cities in the province were not negatively affected. The province had a negative reputation during this time and other areas in the Okanagan that did not have a travel ban were being affected by poor visitor numbers. This was due to the perception that it was not safe to travel anywhere near the McDougall Creek forest fire. It remains vital to the tourism industry that other areas in the province that are not affected can still benefit and see economic and community growth. 68 âA state of emergency is called by the province, and as a consequence, it means that you could shut down an entire region with the right intent, and that is to get more help or achieve the next level of help and resources from government to fight that fire. But as a consequence, the whole region, or in some cases the whole province is under the perception that there's a wildfire and people can't visit, and so they stay away.â â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. Communities caring for other communities in the province helps with overall resilience as the destination as a whole will have a better reputation. This relationship is reciprocal in terms of proving resources and support to destinations who have experienced a disaster and then simultaneously, sending visitors to other destinations nearby in the province to experience tourism if the affected destination cannot temporally accommodate for them. This ensures that visitors can remain confident in the destination as a whole. 4.4.5 Short-term Recovery Strategies Participants outlined two major short-term recovery strategies post climate disaster including managing media messaging and controlling marketing surrounding the destination during and shortly after a disaster. The main response from the participants when asked about recovery surrounded the notion that after a disaster it is imperative to the health of the destination to regain consumer confidence and attempt to bring back the visitor economy in a timely, effective and most importantly safe manner. Media messaging plays an important role in the effectiveness of recovery strategies in a destination. âas a sector, we've been lobbying to try and train the media to understand the importance and implications of what they do and that if they could be more descriptive and specific about exactly what is happening, where it would help in so many ways with the reality and the recoveryâ â Key Informant #7 â Public, provincial, DMO representative. Many participants explained that media coverage slows down significantly after a disaster has been resolved as there are new stories that require attention and coverage. However, this lack of continued coverage prevents positive images of the destination recovering and being open to visitors. This in turn prolongs the negative effects of the disaster in regard to the impacted visitor economy. Advocating for specific and purposeful media messaging where the 69 exact boundary and area of the wildfire is crucial. Additionally, it is important to include the areas nearby that are not impacted or affected to ensure visitors are still traveling to those destinations and supporting those visitor economies. âmedia has a sensationalized view of what they're portraying of a community, and it's quite often not accurate. They'll take one shot that's horrible or horrifying for people to see, and they'll play it over and over again, and really, it's, one area half an hour out of town that's got nothing to do with that community.â â Key Informant #5 â Public, regional, DMO representative. Part of this recovery effort has fallen to the responsibility of the destination management organizations and their media channels. This is part of the marketing efforts to reinstate consumer confidence. These initiatives that the DMOâs in the Okanagan have implemented are a means to control the messaging such as having cameraâs in the community that are live to show what the weather and environmental conditions are on a day to day basis 24 hours a day. Tourism Kelowna has a camera outside of the visitor center that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week so that visitors can be informed about what the conditions are at an exact time. This camera creates a level of credibility with the destination management organization as well as the destination itself. Visitors are able to see for themselves what the conditions are like without having to be there physically or rely on previous media stories that may no longer be accurate to the current conditions. âIt's reaching them on a personal level as a community or regional destination marketing and management organization with up to date, real time information on what's actually happening on the ground and what they might experience in a destination. So, there's that personal touch that's needed, because that's where your credibility is.â â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. Travel Penticton is a local destination marketing organization in the Okanagan, and they had a similar initiative where social media outlets kept their channels up to date on real time footage of the weather and environmental conditions of the destination through videos on a daily basis. This live footage not only improves visitor and consumer confidence, but it is also shifting the sole responsibility of reporting from the media companies to the destination marketing organizations. This allows them to influence the narrative that is being created about a destination and ensure potential visitors are well informed about the current conditions. There 70 were also examples that participants provided where social media personnel were hired shortly after a disaster had run its course to show the conditions of the destination. It is important to note that this was initiated with sensitivity in mind after states of emergency were called off and the disaster was no longer a threat to the community. âa campaign that that Travel Penticton launched a number of years ago, and many communities have followed, and they called it hashtag Realtime, and what they showed was on a daily basis, even while a fire was threatening the community or in the Okanagan, they would show daily through social media images of Pentictonâ¦â â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. Once a destination is no longer under threat of a disaster and has started to enter the recovery stage, it is important to market the destination in a sensitive and timely manner. One participant outlined the importance of targeting domestic and regional markets. This will provide a better likelihood of booking and interaction with the destination rather than targeting international markets where it is more expensive and time consuming to travel to the destination. âonce you're in the recovery stage, its being nimble with messaging to target markets where you know that people can act fairly quickly to re book accommodation or book a trip, etc. It's a little harder in the long haul markets.â â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. Marketing can also target the shoulder seasons as a potential time to encourage visitors to travel to a destination. If a disaster has occurred during the peak visitor season, DMOâs can also use their marketing budget and efforts to promote other seasons and events occurring at different times of the year. If more tourists come during the shoulder seasons rather than the short summer peak season, the tourism industry overtime will become less volatile and more reliable to the business owners and operators. âas a regional DMO, I don't think we advertise in the summer anymore, ever and we'll advertise spring and fall and winter, and so, this will also push people more into those shoulder seasonsâ â Key Informant #8 â Private, local, DMO representative. All of these initiatives take into consideration the importance of the tourism sector being involved in the response and recovery process of a destination after a disaster. This parallels the 71 previous sections where the interview results highlighted the importance of the tourism sectorâs involvement in the overall emergency response management of a destination. âSo I do think, creating a culture of consultation between different levels of government and the tourism sector, or really any other sector, but really the visitor economy is the one that's going to be most impacted that I think, [is] a key tactic that needs to be employed. I'm sure I know the local region is ready to collaborate, it's just getting the government to do that.â â Key Informant #6 â Private, local, tourism consultant. 4.4.6 Long-term Resiliency and Adaptation Strategies The interviews revealed four main adaptation strategies that the tourism industry can implement in response to dealing with natural disasters long term. These strategies include increasing the community interconnectedness, diversification, and seasonal dispersion, as well as increasing long-term staffing and overall staff education. Long-term staffing refers to businesses that are able to retain staff members for an extended period of time that are considered well-versed in business operations. These strategies all have similar goals to promote the destination and improve the visitor economy through strategies that reduce the industry volatility and vulnerability in the face of climate change and the increasing prevalence of climate events. Community interconnectedness was an important resiliency strategy mentioned throughout the interviews as it builds social capital. This was in regard to all aspects of a community from residents, to businesses to government. The more connected and involved a community is to one another, the more resilient they are to a disaster as they can work together, and problem solve using resources across industries and government. âWhen you have community members that you can rely on and work together and collaborate with, there's often times more resilience in response to a climate disaster, it becomes a more coordinated effort. There are better communication channels, and people are able to really understand where overlaps are occurring. So, if there is a challenge that is shared, even if it's between unlikely tourism operators. Because the tourism network is so diverse in operators, when there are overlaps, there may be opportunity to share resources or leverage actions to have these exponential impacts whether it's taken alone versus as an entire destination.â â Key Informant #9 â Private, local, tourism consultant. 72 Another form of interconnectedness is in regard to across different communities around a province or region. Different destinations can work together to promote each other when a disaster has occurred to ensure the region continues to uphold a positive destination image and the visitor economy has an opportunity to thrive. âwith tourism and the media, a whole region can get blanketed with one disaster right? And so, if each individual place and businesses are aware of where it's so safe to go to, then they can kind of cross, promote each other.â â Key Informant #3 â Private, regional, tourism organization representative. Lastly, tourism businesses can benefit from partnering with other local businesses in the region. This can look like two tourism operators that sell different services at different times of the year working together so that their staff and revenue have stability year round. Diversification within the context of a more resilient tourism industry is in regard to market diversification where a business may expand their products and services to reach a more diverse audience for a longer period of time. This includes businesses increasing their services. âfor example, ski resorts putting in more summer and fall activities, because if they start to lose snow, then they can have other activities to balance out their income throughout the year.â â Key Informant #3 â Private, regional, tourism organization representative. Some of the adaptation strategies that businesses adopted during COVID as a means to continue to make revenue could be used and implemented during times of disaster. âdiversification of their business, making components virtual, offering retail goods virtually online as opposed to just onsite, even restaurants offering meals to go for deliveryâ¦â â Key Informant #5 â Public, regional, DMO representative. Interview participants highlighted season dispersion as a short term recovery tool, by emphasizing the importance of promoting and planning for activities and services during the should season. Developing this strategy into a long-term resiliency strategy would require more planning in regard to the local tourism industry adjusting their business models accordingly. For the Okanagan this would be advocating for tourism in the spring and fall since the summer months are the busiest with visitor numbers followed closely by the winter months as a result of the ski resorts in the region bringing in tourists. 73 âthey can't operate as they used to, and they need to change, adapt to the new reality and operate differently and that's also true in terms of dispersion right when they're looking at seasonal dispersion. They know that they can't rely on the summer, therefore they need to build out their shoulder seasons or their winter season, or even big white implementing mountain biking and hiking and not being so reliant upon winter and ski and snow, but if they can do spring and fall and potentially summer activities that gives them a whole other revenue stream that makes them more sustainable, economically viable throughout the year.â â Key Informant #5 â Public, regional, DMO representative. Tapping into the shoulder season can decrease a businessâs vulnerability to the effects of climate change as they are not reliant on one season having their ideal weather conditions. The last resiliency strategy that was mentioned throughout the interviews was in regard to increasing the number of long term staff that tourism businesses have. Due to the seasonality of the tourism industry in Kelowna and the Okanagan in general, staff is often hired seasonally during the summer and then laid off for the rest of the year. This is also the case for the winter months for staff hired to work at the ski resorts. If you have product and services that are offered year round, you can have long term staff that is reliable and well educated on your business operations. The volatility of the industry is reduced, and this increases employment security which may be more attractive to potential staff. Long term staff is also more educated and well versed in business operations that would be an advantage during times of uncertainty and disaster. One key informant spoke to the vulnerability that comes with the tourism industryâs seasonality and hiring staff accordingly. In particular in regard to a climate disaster disrupting the businesses ability to operate and keep their doors open. âyou see more businesses closing down and it makes for less interest in the industry. So it exacerbates the workforce shortage, [as] people are afraid to open up businesses and afraid to work in the industryâ¦â â Key Informant #3 â Private, regional, tourism organization representative. For businesses that canât offer year round product and services and donât require long term staff could partner with another organization that operates during a different season to ensure employment year round. 74 These strategies are not mutually exclusive as the more implemented, the more resilient the business will be. One participant spoke to the two resiliency strategies regarding extending visitor stays into the shoulder season while simultaneously keeping staff for the long term. âremove some of the summer emphasis and push it to the shoulders to try and give them a little bit more sustainability that helps with staffing too right. So, the staff are more likely to stay and not move, and reduce that revolving door of staffing, which is a huge cost to hire. So there were lots of reasons to do that.â â Key Informant #1 â Private, local, DMO representative. There were also some community examples provided in the interviews of local businesses in the Okanagan implementing more than one of these resiliency strategies and how it has positively impacted their business outcome. This particular example looks at extending the visitor season into those shoulder seasons as well as diversifying their product. âif you look at another ski resort specifically in the Thompson Okanagan, or related to skiing, I should say you take a place like Sun Peaks that has great winter product and a tremendous resort that's usually one of the first in the province to open for skiing, but in the summertime, they've got festivals and events, they've got golf, you know, hiking, a lot of activity to keep people returning or to get people to return to Sun Peaks and keep people tethered to that resort.â â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. Another example of a business that has implemented more than one resiliency strategy is in regard to a Heli-ski company that has diversified their product to extend into the shoulder seasons as well as keeping employing long term staff rather than seasonal staff. âThey're normally a Heli ski company and they have a number of lodges somewhere in the range of 18 or 19 around the province, and they predominantly welcome people from all over the world for Heli skiing and in the Bugaboos and the Caribou mountains and the Rockies, etc., meanwhile they're very much pushing summer product because they've got these beautiful lodges. They do heli-hiking in the summertime so that their guides are kept busy and on staff.â â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. 4.4.7 Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism Strategies Many key informants discussed regenerative tourism as a philosophy and a way of approaching tourism utilizing sustainable strategies. Sustainability and regeneration were not two 75 distinct ideologies but rather they work collectively to improve the environmental, social and cultural sustainability of the destination. This requires a holistic approach to tourism that improves aspects of a destination that make it unique. As a reoccurring theme in all the interviews, participants highlighted the continued importance of tourismâs involvement in the community in all aspects from recovery to resiliency to sustainability of the destination. This was mentioned in previous sections and was reiterated when asked about the overall sustainability of the destination after a climate disaster. Communication and involving the tourism industry at all levels was deemed as an important aspect of responding and dealing with a climate disaster. This includes the aftermath when attempting to rebuild aspects of the tourism industry in a more sustainable manner. âdestination management is cooperative, and we all want to help each other cause we all know that if Kelowna doesn't succeed, you know, then and it's not good for the province and so we all have a different mentality about cooperation and collaboration around stewardship and it's a really helpful environment if we have the facilitated opportunity to learn more and to do better.â â Key Informant #7 â Public, provincial, DMO representative. Indigenous knowledge and practices are key strategies when implementing sustainable strategies to the destination. This parallels the ideology that the tourism industry should have more involvement in these decisions as well. Using their knowledge and involving their voices into the decision making process is valuable. The value that many Indigenous groups associate with the land that tourism operates on can be adopted to place more importance on protection and conservation. âthe way they operate and their approach to caring for the land and having the be personified I think it speaks to the resiliency of that operation, and how it will be sustainable for years to come because of their approachâ â Key Informant #5 â Public, regional, DMO representative. Some of this implementation is promoting the notion for visitors to treat a destination like they are a resident. Showing care and respect for the environment and community that comprise a destination. This is in the form of educating visitors on the history of the destination and the importance of sustainable tourism to preserve the environment that they interact with while here. This education can also be communicated to local stakeholders and tourism operators, ensuring 76 that they understand the importance of protecting a destination in order to continue their operations successfully. Without an attractive environment, visitor numbers will decrease. Educating individual business operators on the importance and benefits of operating a more sustainable businesses is extremely valuable. When discussing the individual tourism operators here in the Okanagan one key informant mentioned the importance of considering the residents are part of the solution. âThose [tourism businesses] are just as much part of residence experiences of the place as it is for visitors, and so those businesses are a major part of what makes a community a community in general, and so their role in helping people to enjoy the place they live in and protect is super important. And so if those businesses can cater to the people that live there and ensure that they're protecting the place that they are operating in, they're going to be building their own resilience because they're going to keep the place healthy, that they operate in, and the people that live in the place happy.â â Key Informant #3 â Private, regional, tourism organization representative. As mentioned in Section, 4.4.5 a resiliency strategy mentioned was tapping into and promoting the visitation from more local regional markets. This is simultaneously a sustainability strategy as these visitors have less distance to travel and are therefore considered more reliable and additionally cause less environmental stress. After a disaster, advertising and marketing towards domestic visitors is key as they are able to get to the destination in a timely manner to help support the recovery of a destination. âWhen you have that local domestic tourism market, it adds resilience to your business operations because your customer segments are more diversified. So, you may not be able to charge as high of premiums, but typically that revenue is more reliable.â â Key Informant #9 â Private, local, tourism consultant. There are two main benefits that businesses receive as an immediate response to their sustainability efforts. Firstly, with the appropriate retrofits, businesses can save energy and as a result save money to reduce business expenses. This includes small changes that businesses can implement depending on their operations. âBut if we're really looking at what's the role of the tourism sector within Kelowna, I think. Starting on the let's do less bad, let's find ways to use less energy, use less water, use less 77 ecosystems and habitat, produce less wasteâ¦ And then we sort of start moving into the do more good. So let's create more habitats, let's capture rainwater, let's use solar energy, let's start tapping into circular economy principles supporting the local economy making sure that our supply chains are as local as possible and as sustainable as possibleâ¦â â Key Informant #6 â Private, local, tourism consultant. Secondly, the credibility and reputation that businesses can advertise promoting that they are sustainable can make them more attractive and desirable to visitors and consumers. One key informant discussed a hotel implementing more sustainable strategies within their operations and receiving an additional star on a booking website as a result of this. âLooking at the traveler market. There is that growing demand both from employees and from consumers on demand for sustainable travel.â â Key Informant #9 â Private, local, tourism consultant. This credibility expands to potential employees that want to be associated with a business that promotes regeneration rather than destruction. Finding employees that align with these sustainability goals is crucial when attempting to create a regenerative tourism industry. âSo having that sustainability team that engages in all operational areas and engages at all levels of the businesses hierarchy from frontline employees all the way up to senior managers is really critical for creating that change to transition to more sustainable operations.â â Key Informant #9 â Private, local, tourism consultant. Additionally, in the long term these sustainability strategies will theoretically increase the longevity of the tourism destination. When discussing regenerative tourism, the key informants mentioned that it should be a way of approaching tourism, and how business operators view their role in the community. âregenerative approach to tourism, where you think of tourism as part of a whole ecosystem and it's just one component, and it has to interact and work alongside many other components.â â Key Informant #5 â Public, regional, DMO representative. When regeneration as a philosophy is integrated into a community it increases resilience. There is more integration and community members prioritize creating positive change and ensuring all components of the community are accounted for. 78 âregeneration as a concept is as a philosophy about giving back to your community, being part of the community â¦ So if you've got a community that is resilient, it doesn't really matter too much what kind of emergency that comes along, whether it be environmental whether it be social, you've got more resources around you if you're a well connected community.â â Key Informant #8 â Private, local, DMO representative. Regenerative tourism has a unique opportunity to showcase a destination in a manner that is sustainable while also benefitting the local community. This is a key component of the regenerative philosophy when applied to tourism. Some of the main aspects of regenerative tourism include being community-driven, providing unique tourism experiences to that destination and lastly, creating positive environmental impacts. These are implemented at the community level locally within individual tourism businesses but also more collectively within system of government and destination management organizations. Tourism is part of a larger ecosystem in a community. Educating community members on the importance of adopting this systems approach to tourism will be a key component in promoting regenerative tourism strategies at the local level. 4.4.8 Barriers and Limitations to Resiliency and Sustainability The main barriers to implementing resiliency and sustainability strategies include lack of sources and time, the financial burden that is assumed and lastly the disconnect that businesses experience of the potential benefits. Firstly, hiring staff and then retaining staff that can lead the sustainability initiatives for a business is difficult when the industry is volatile and seasonal. There is not enough time or resource allocation to address this while simultaneously attempting to keep a business profitable. Another challenge with smaller businesses is that they have more barriers that larger businesses do not experience. This is problematic when the majority of a local tourism industry is made up of these smaller businesses with less resources and less support. Even if there is an understanding of the importance, it comes down to financial and social barriers. âThey don't have the resources, they don't know what to do or where to start and you know, most of the businesses in the tourism sector between 80 and 90% are really small 79 businesses, and some are sole proprietors.â â Key Informant #2 â Private, provincial, tourism association representative. A suggestion was to lean into support systems through the local destination management organizations. Supporting small local tourism businesses in their sustainability efforts. âSo perhaps that's a role even for a DMO destination development, is it to understand what tools exist with those other support associations and link the businesses to them. They all know climate and sustainability, and the things that they should be doing to go green. But getting it done is toughâ â Key Informant #1 â Private, local, DMO representative. Another barrier is the disconnect between tourism businesses understanding that sustainability can lead to a more resilient and regenerative tourism industry that is better equipped to deal with disaster. âI think right away after big emergencies happen people have this kind of moment of you know, epiphany, that something needs to be done, but then they get back into kind of their daily business grind, and it falls to the wayside.â â Key Informant #4 â Private, local, DMO representative. Due to tourism businesses having shorter operating windows, their focus is making enough profit during this time to sustain them throughout the rest of the year. There is a disconnect in understanding how sustainability strategies can benefit them during this short amount of time. This is especially the case with climate disasters and this disruption causes a more reduced operating window. âtheir biggest concern is financial recovery, first and foremost possibly a little bit of resilience.â â Key Informant #6 â Private, local, tourism consultant. Key informants reiterated the importance of understanding that many of these tourism businesses main priority lie in making profit and creating revenue to keep their business open and their staff employed. Sustainability is not their first priority. This is extremely important to understand when attempting to change the way the industry is operated as profit will always be the first priority for businesses. Uncovering how to simultaneously ensure businesses keep their profit margins up while also implementing important resiliency and sustainability strategies. âEconomic viability is still the number one priority. People are in business to make money bottom line if they can do that and help the environment at the same time, or, you know, 80 contribute to the value of the community absolutely, but it's not the priority for sure.â â Key Informant #5 â Public, regional, DMO representative. 4.5 Summary The primary research discussed in this chapter showcase the results of the literature review as well as the results from the nine semi-structured interviews conducted with key informants from the tourism industry in Kelowna, British Columbia. The themes discussed include; 1) The impacts of Climate Change on Tourism; 2) Factors that Increase Vulnerability; 3) Navigating Destination Reputation Post Climate Disaster; 4) Community Responses to Disaster; 5) Short-term Recovery Strategies; 6) Long-term Resiliency and Adaptation Strategies; 7) Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism Strategies; 8) Barriers and Limitations to Resiliency and Sustainability. The results and themes will be further discussed in Chapter Five. 81 Chapter 5: Discussion 5.1 Overview This research explores the impact of climate disasters on tourism industries and asks how recovery and resiliency strategies can lead to more regenerative tourism destination using a mixed methods case study approach in Kelowna, British Columbia. This project was designed collaboratively with Tourism Kelowna to operationalise their 2022-2025 Destination Development Plan. The Destination Development Plan guided the questions asked in semi-structured interviews with key industry expert informants. Throughout the research project, I attempted to answer the four research questions outlined in chapter one: 1) What is the relationship between climate disasters and tourism destinations?; 2) Is there a role for the tourism industry in emergency management and the local community during and after a climate disaster? If so, what is that role?; 3) Can local community engagement with the tourism industry at the local level support recovery from, and resiliency against, future climate disasters to create a more regenerative tourism industry?; 4) Can tourism industry recovery and resiliency strategies at the local level lead to regeneration? The results, including the conclusions drawn from the literature review and the semi-structured interviews, will be discussed further in this chapter. There are four main discussion points; 1) Understanding destination vulnerability in relation to enhancing resiliency; 2) Leveraging tourism for sustainability and regeneration; 3) The critical role that building social capital has on a resilient community; 4) Tourismâs role in emergency management. Each discussion point will show what was found in the literature review results and then how the interview results added to what is known. 5.2 Understanding Destination Vulnerability in Relation to Enhancing Resiliency The vulnerability of the tourism industry is multifaceted and complex considering its reliance and dependence on the environment, yet it continues to deteriorate the ecosystem that supports it (Hussain, 2021). When a community is seen as more vulnerable due to a variety of factors, they will simultaneously become less resilient in the face of a climate crisis (Bahadur et al., 2010). Not only does this relationship impact the destination, but the increasing prevalence of climate disasters is creating a more hostile and volatile industry (Cradock-Henry & Fountain, 2020). Understanding what makes specific tourism industries vulnerable is necessary to answer 82 the research questions posed by providing the localized context required to create recovery and resiliency strategies. Deep localised understanding of industry vulnerability also provides context as to why strategies to increase resiliency are important. The literature review highlights factors that increase a destinations vulnerability, including often being located in a hazard-prone area, the industry's lack of knowledge and perception on hazards and disasters, the lack of vulnerability assessments and the size of the business as small to medium sized businesses experience more vulnerability (Cradock-Henry & Fountain, 2020). Most notably, however, the local tourism industry is often not integrated into the disaster management of the community and therefore, disconnected and not involved in decision making (Becken & Khazai, 2017). The interview results highlighted the destination specific vulnerabilities that Kelowna, BC faces: 1) Increase in environmental degradation and climate disasters deterring visitors; 2) Small to medium sized businesses in Kelowna, BC have less access to resources, less staff and less funding; 3) Negative destination reputation due to media which decreases consumer confidence; 4) Unpredictability in booking patterns which creates uncertainty in business planning. This unpredictability includes an increase in cancellations, last minute visitors and less international visitors; 5) Prolonged decline in visitor numbers due to government-mandated closures or poor weather conditions; 6) Weaker community connections, which decreases support and increases vulnerability. Many of these vulnerabilities are closely tied to financial constraints and cause financial burdens. Understanding the vulnerabilities that Kelowna, BC experiences as a tourism destination is crucial in reducing risk and implementing localized recovery and resiliency strategies. The literature review outlined various strategies that decrease vulnerability. The interview results echoed these findings. Firstly, identifying destination specific risk factors will help community members proactively plan for themselves and advocate for the development of policies that decrease their vulnerability. Secondly, diversification within business models to adapt to a changing and unpredictable climate. Thirdly, increasing long terms staffing and overall staff education. Fourthly, enhancing communication channels within the community to ensure a coordinated response to a disaster. This includes involving local tourism stakeholders and businesses, DMOâs, local, provincial and regional governments during and after a disaster. Local 83 government in this case study is the City of Kelowna and the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Lastly, developing government-backed grants or subsidies that are specifically aimed at assisting small to medium sized tourism businesses that may lack resources to invest in disaster preparedness. Access to this can be assisted through policymakers establishing partnerships between DMOâs, emergency management entities and local government. This may entail emergency management funds being integrated into tourism development strategies. Providing this kind of financial support and incentives for proactive disaster management also addresses potential barriers to resilience and sustainability discussed in the interview results. The interview results highlighted a gap in knowledge regarding the multi-faceted role that DMOâs have within a community. While the literature emphasizes the critical role that DMOs play as key sources of information for visitors, the interview results revealed their crucial role during emergency situations. Tourism Kelowna exemplifies this by leveraging a 24/7 livestream weather camera and providing real-time updates on current destination conditions. This is occurring during and after a climate disaster. Other DMOâs and local stakeholders can adopt similar strategies by developing their own media-driven approaches to managing and protecting destination reputation. 5.3 Leveraging Tourism for Sustainability and Regeneration The literature results found that as climate change intensifies and climate disasters become more frequent, the tourism industry faces growing vulnerability (Cradock-Henry et al., 2018). In response, sustainability and regeneration have emerged as essential frameworks for building resilience (Espiner et al., 2017). The literature results define regenerative tourism as a framework for approaching tourism in a holistic and regenerative way in order to positively contribute to a destination environmentally, economically and socially (Brouder, 2016; Duxbury et al., 2020). Regeneration in the context of tourism provides insight as to how the paradigm of environmental protection and economic revenue can simultaneously thrive. This implementation includes complete destination re-development in a regenerative mindset, removing unsustainable tourism practices, and focusing on the local community (Ateljevic, 2020; Pollock, 2019). 84 While the literature results understand regenerative tourism as a fixed framework, the interview results indicate that regeneration is understood as an ideological approach, rather than a fixed set of actions. Participants discussed regenerative tourism as a philosophy and a way of approaching tourism utilizing sustainable strategies. There is a separation between how regenerative tourism is conceptualized in the literature versus how it is understood in practice. This discrepancy in understanding could be due to the nuance of the term or the conflated understanding between sustainability and regeneration. This critique is important to acknowledge as some strategies outlined in the literature results differ from those in the interview results. Both the results from the literature review and the results from the interview outline these similar regenerative tourism strategies. Participants highlighted the continued importance of tourismâs involvement in the community in all aspects from recovery, resiliency, sustainability and regeneration. Advocating and ensuring that local government and DMOâs play a role in policy development, regulations and initiating large-scale change within the local tourism industry. Working with local DMOâs on their sustainability plan and their goals can provide the opportunity to influence this plan while also providing operational guidance to local stakeholders. In both the literature and the interview results, there was a consensus that an important part of regenerative tourism is the promotion of visitor agency that enhances the visitor experience by ensuring there is a meaningful connection between the visitor and the environment. This relationship will foster respect and connection to enhance an idea of regenerative travel behaviour (Dredge, 2022; Sharma & Tham, 2023). Indigenous knowledge and practices highlight the value in promoting a more holistic understanding of the local environment. Partnering and collaborating with the Syilx Okanagan Nation Alliance in order to support, promote, participate and include Indigenous led tourism projects that incorporate environmental stewardship. The interview results revealed tangible and accessible regenerative tourism strategies. For this case study, one of the strategies is partnering with another tourism operator that operates during a different time of year with like-minded sustainability goals. This not only extends the operating season for both operators, but it also diversifies the service produced to reduce reliance on peak-season tourism. This has the potential to create a positive tourist experience as the 85 visitor is offered more than one service over a longer period of time. This also may encourage a longer duration stay which the interview results mentioned as a sustainability strategy. Another strategy is supporting and partnering with local companies that are promoting sustainability initiatives. This can be a partnership with local conservation groups, or signing up with a sustainability consulting firm such as GreenStep Solutions. Working with other like-minded business operators that want to promote regenerative tourism starts to shift the industryâs motivations. The interview results found that visitors are encouraged by sustainability initiatives and want to support and promote those businesses. The results also found that there is credibility from a sustainable business model. Using this, businesses can leverage this model towards a regenerative approach and promote their business where their operations create positive impacts for the community and the environment. Lastly, leveraging the destinations unique environment, culture and community is a valuable regenerative tool. Creating unique experiences that visitors want to participate in that they canât experience elsewhere allows for the creation of a regenerative experience that promotes environmental sustainability and cultural appreciation. There is control over how the experience impacts the environment, what the visitors are informed on and how it is impacting the community. 5.4 Building Social Capital in the Destination Community The literature results discussed the important role that tourism plays within a community. It pointed to the economic benefits while also addressing some potential environmental and cultural benefits that tourism has on a destination. The term social capital emerged from the interview results. These results emphasized the critical role that social capital has in fostering a resilient and sustainable tourism industry. Social capital âis defined as a collective asset in the form of shared norms, values, beliefs, trust, networks, social relations, and institutions that facilitate cooperation and collective action for mutual benefitsâ (Bhandari & Yasunobu, 2009, p. 480). In the context of tourism, the industry relies on the positive identity of the destination that is made up of the collective norms, values and relationships that the community has. Building tourismâs social capital is important for the tourism industry but is simultaneously beneficial for the local community. This is because when locals view tourism as an integral part of the community, a reciprocal relationship occurs. One in which tourism contributes to local well-86 being by providing services, resources, economic prosperity, infrastructure, job retention etc. and in turn, the community support strengthens the tourism industry by providing more business and interaction with the operator. The interview results also revealed that many negative perceptions of tourism stem from concerns over environmental degradation, particularly during peak seasons. To mitigate these concerns, tourism operators can encourage community-engagement by providing incentives for locals to engage in the tourism industry. This can include ensuring the operating hours are catering to residents in the area. Seasonal market diversification and operating during the off-season. Financial incentives such as a local discount given to those living in Kelowna, BC. Increasing the industryâs social capital increases their resiliency as support from the local community can reduce volatility. They are no longer only relying on visitors interacting with their services but instead relying on a more diversified market. It can encourage local tourism businesses to operate in a more sustainable and/or regenerative way when community members advocate for the protection of their home. This research fills the gap in knowledge regarding how building social capital within a tourism destination by increasing community involvement fosters a sense of shared responsibility for destination well-being. 5.5 Tourismâs Role in Emergency Management The literature results suggest that tourism plays a critical yet often overlooked role in emergency management, particularly during and after climate disasters. The tourism industry is on the front lines of emergency response, providing essential services such as shelter, food, water, and support to both residents and visitors. However, once the immediate crisis subsides, the contributions of tourism businesses tend to be forgotten, resulting in their exclusion from emergency management policies and the decision-making process (Cradock-Henry & Fountain, 2020; Derya Toksöz & Dalgıç, 2023). The transfer of knowledge and information between emergency managers to tourism organizations are critical for the recovery period of a destination. Communication between stakeholders, media, government and DMOâs are essential. This ensures the same message is being reported to visitors and residents, reducing oversight and the exacerbation of news reports (Mair et al., 2014). 87 Findings from the interviews highlight the gap in knowledge regarding the need for tourism stakeholders and DMOâs to be integrated into emergency management systems, ensuring they have a voice in policy development and resource allocation. For Kelowna, this would involve formal collaboration between the local government, DMOâs, and tourism operators to create a more cohesive and resilient emergency response framework that is rooted in both lived experience and industry knowledge. A community that values tourism must also support tourism businesses in times of crisis. As discussed earlier, recognizing tourismâs economic and social contributions is key to fostering a resilient industry. Emergency management plans need to include dedicated resources and funding for tourism operators to help them recover from the disaster. Additionally, a successful emergency response positively influences visitor perceptions of a destination. When tourism businesses and local governments collaborate effectively, it reassures potential visitors that the destination is equipped to handle a crisis and capable of recovering in a timely manner encouraging tourist retention. Short term recommendations include establishing clear communication protocols and integrating tourism stakeholders into emergency response plans. This may entail the City of Kelowna providing more opportunity throughout the year for stakeholders to involve themselves by contributing to emergency management documents or attending emergency training workshops. This would be assisted through local DMOâs like tourism Kelowna to provide that clear communication channel. Long-term recommendations include implementing policy frameworks that mandate collaboration between local tourism entities and the cityâs emergency response team. 5.6 Main Conclusions Four major conclusions can be drawn from this study. Firstly, understanding the factors that increase a destinations vulnerability is essential in enhancing and implementing resiliency strategies. Secondly, leveraging tourismâs role in a community-based setting is vital to create sustainable and regenerative tourism strategies. Thirdly, building social capital has a critical role to play in a resilient community. Lastly, tourism plays an important and vital role in emergency management. This research fills a critical gap in knowledge by emphasizing the need to formally include tourism in emergency management planning. When tourism is valued, resources are 88 allocated appropriately, resiliency strategies are effectively implemented, and sustainability can be prioritized. This, in turn, leads to reduced environmental degradation, stronger social capital, and a more resilient tourism industry capable of withstanding climate-related challenges. 89 Chapter 6: Conclusion 6.1 Overview This research set out to consider the relationship between continued tourism growth and the environment within the context of climate disasters. It interrogated how communities respond to the demands for growth and the impacts of climate change disasters. This research fills a gap in scholarly knowledge on strategies pertaining to recovery, resiliency, sustainability and regeneration before during and after a climate disaster by recognizing the importance of the tourism industryâs involvement in emergency response. An Emergency Management Toolkit was created with accessible and tangible strategies from the research findings that local stakeholders can implement. This gap emphasizes the importance of involving the tourism industry in emergency response management before, during and after a climate disaster. The individuals in the tourism industry have localized industry expertise as well as community knowledge that is valuable during a climate disaster. The literature review findings outlined broad frameworks for recovery, resiliency, sustainability and regeneration and this research added to what is known by providing a localized, community-engaged application of these terms. This qualitative case study using community-engaged research utilized local key informants within the tourism industry to uncover destination specific responses to a climate disaster and how to leverage these into creating a more sustainable and regenerative tourism industry. The results from the research study revealed that the tourism industry is involved at all stages of a destination recovery after a climate disaster. This includes during the disaster providing resources and services for local community members that have been impacted, as well as responding and implementing various short-term, medium-term, and long term strategies after the disaster has run its course. Short-term recovery efforts include media management, destination image recovery, collaboration between local government and destination marketing organizations. Medium-term resiliency strategies involve seasonal dispersion, market diversification, and community development and connection. Long-term sustainability and regeneration strategies include, offerings unique destination specific experiences, transfer of knowledge to stakeholders and visitors, local and regional visitation, consistent communication, and working with local sustainability consulting organizations. 90 The McDougall Creek forest fire significantly influenced this research. While the wildfire presented logistical and methodological challenges, it also enriched the project in a variety of ways. Firstly, it allowed for ethnographic observations to be employed and provided more depth and detail to the case study considering the fire directly impacted the community being studied. The research captured the communityâs responses as they unfolded and integrated these insights into the results, strengthening the case study. The wildfire also reinforced the importance of regenerative tourism by exposing the vulnerabilities of a tourism industry that is heavily reliant on the natural environment. 6.2 Limitations The research project was met with many challenges and limitations due to the disruption that the McDougall Creek forest fire caused. There was an immediate pause on business operations and day to day activities as the community focused on recovering and responding to the aftermath of the fire. This caused a major pause and delay in regular business operations which subsequently caused a pause in my research project from progressing during this time. The community as well as this research project had to show perseverance and resiliency as changes and adaptations were being made. The interface of the fire and its aftermath created challenges for the local tourism industry and the progression of the research which resulted in a re-evaluation of the projects goals. As the Destination Management Organization for Kelowna, Tourism Kelowna turned its efforts into providing recovery strategies and necessary support to local tourism stakeholders that were vulnerable. In consideration of these circumstances, it was collectively decided by Tourism Kelowna, my supervisor, Donna Senese, and I that for this project that aims to research regenerative tourism strategies in Kelowna, BC, it would be irresponsible to ignore the importance of incorporating recovery and resilience strategies into the project. Prior to the McDougall Creek forest fire, I had planned to interview local tourism stakeholders. However, the disaster made continued contact with individual tourism stakeholders for interviews, per the original research plan, inappropriate and impractical. Most contact that Tourism Kelowna had with tourism stakeholders during this time was in regard to support in the aftermath of the fire. Due to this extenuating circumstance, and the vulnerability of the local 91 stakeholders in the community, the project's original focus was re-evaluated and modified. This led to the project utilizing the expertise of key informants. Although these were valued participants, it prevented the opinions and expertise of local stakeholders into the conversation. This potentially limited the research results regarding targeted and specific local strategies. The re-evaluation led to a small sample size. This limits the amount of data and information collected, potentially increasing bias within the research results. There are also limitations to consider when conducting semi-structured interviews. Firstly, there can be interviewer and participant bias. Depending on how the questions are asked and interpreted, the interview results may differ. There are also limitations regarding a gap in participant representation. Considering the sample size and the participants, there are perspectives that may not have been captured meaning the findings may not fully reflect all of the potential perspectives (Clifford et al., 2010). Lastly, the research found in the literature review emphasized the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge when considering a regenerative tourism industry. While this was considered and Indigenous key informants were contacted to participate in the semi-structured interviews, there was no uptake. This research project lacks Indigenous knowledge within the research results. 6.3 Recommendations for Future Research Climate disasters will continue to impact communities and the destinations that support them. This project provides grounds for further research to be conducted in regard to tourismâs role in emergency management planning. The research project uncovered that the tourism industry and its various players have a vital role in a destinationâs ability to recover and become more resilient to a disaster. Further research can be conducted to investigate how to mobilize these findings and ensure tourism representation within decision making settings. Additionally, a future research project would benefit from incorporating local tourism stakeholderâs knowledge into the project. Stakeholders can advocate for what resources and services would be most beneficial for recovering from a climate disaster and how this can be leveraged into resiliency strategies that lead to a more sustainable industry. This also addresses 92 some of the limitations in the semi-structured interviews conducted, as there is an opportunity to capture more perspectives surrounding this research topic. Lastly, Indigenous representation can be included in a future research project to create more holistic and well-diversified strategies that include all aspects of the community. This can be leveraged further to get all aspects of communities, such as residents to understand the value of tourism. 6.4 Application to Tourism Kelowna The results from this research project aimed to contribute to Tourism Kelownaâs second goal of destination management, which is to foster the sustainable growth of the destination (Tourism Kelowna, n.d). During the research project, aspects of disaster management were introduced to include recovery and resiliency strategies into the research results. As discussed, these concepts are intrinsically linked to strategies surrounding the sustainability of the destination. The application of these strategies will be dependent on the individual tourism business and their capacity. First, the recovery and resiliency strategies targeted towards individual businesses operations such as market diversification, shoulder season expansion, and educating visitors on environmental protection can be implemented at the local level within individual stakeholder businesses where applicable. Whereas some of the larger adaptation and mitigation strategies such as involving tourism within local government, promoting sustainable strategies by providing resources and funding should be implemented within larger entities such as Tourism Kelowna. These results have been adapted and summarized into a compact, tangible and readily available toolkit format to improve the research results accessibility among the intended recipients. There are various tools and strategies within this toolkit that individual stakeholders can access. 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Sage Publications, Inc. 105 Appendices Appendix A Emergency Management Toolkit â Tourism Kelowna 1234EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TOOLKITUnderstanding vulnerability, recovery, resiliency, sustainability and regenerationEnvironmental Economic SocialEnvironmental dependency Reliance on seasonal activity Short operating windowPoor weather orenvironmental conditions What Makes a Business VulnerableShort-term Recovery ToolsLimited resourcesDifficulty securing insuranceto mediate the impacts ofnatural disastersDifficulty accessing disasterrecovery funding Lasting challenges fromCOVID-19Foreign labour shortagesdue to perceived risk Provide real-time footage of environmental conditions through live cameras or media coverage(QFRXUaJH visitors to stay informed and up to date with current conditions Promote the shoulder seasons through advertisement and events )RVWHUFollaboration between local government and tourism businesses &RPPXQiFaWHWKHiPSRUWaQFHRIUHVtoring Hconomic prosperity WRWKH destination after a disasterFocus on domestic and regional markets Medium-term Resiliency Tools3URPRWHVeasonal diYHUViIiFaWiRQanddevelopPHQWRI yearround activitiesUnderstand environmental conditions of neighbouring communities to UHdirect visitors elsewhere during a time of crisis Partner with other local tourism businesses to ensure iQGXVWU\u0003stability Collaborate with neighbouring communities WR cross promotH destinations Hire long term staff WRHQVXUHFRQWiQXiW'iYHUViI\u0003PaUNHWRIIHUiQJVWRaWWUaFWaEURaGHUUaQJHRIYiViWRUVUnpredictability in visitor patterns Reliance on foreign labour Disconnected IURP community Consumer uncertainty Negative destination reputationLasting effects of travel bans Promote travel and participation in tourist activity after a disasterConsistent and efficient messaging within communityContribute to media messaging WKaWKiJKOiJKWVthe destination and iWV current conditionsParticipate in decision-making at the local authority levelWRSUiRUiWi]H tourism involvementEGXFaWHUesidents aERXWthe value of tourism and HQFRXUaJH their involvement within the industry 3URPRWHFommunicatiRQ and collaboraWiRQamong community members Offer unique experiences that VKRZFaVHWhe destinationVnatural environment aQGKiJKOiJKWiWVGiVWiQFWiYHaSSHaOZiWKiQWKHFRPPXQiW\u0003Understand that tourism is part of a larger ecosystem within a community Educate community members aERXW the importance of promoting regenerative tourism strategies Work with local sustainability consulting organizations WRGHYHORS individualized business plans Encourage local and regional visitation Implement sustainable practices to reduce costs through energy and resource efficiency Establish sustainability teams within businesses to prioritize HQYiURQPHQWaOaQGVXVWaiQaEiOiW\u0003iQiWiaWiYHV Long-term Sustainability and Regenerative Strategies0aiQWaiQconsistent communication at all levels of the tourism industry to ensure alignment with broader community goals Incorporate Indigenous knowledge and practices Educate visitors to respect and care for the destination Ensure employees understand and are aligned with WKHGHVWiQaWiRQVsustainability goals Created by Gabrielle HeschukThe University of British Columbia In Collaboration with Tourism KelownaFunding by Mitacs Accelerate106 Appendix B Letter of Initial Contact Proposed Email Subject: Invitation for an interview about regenerative tourism strategies in Kelowna, BC. Discussion involves destination development, environmental sustainability, resiliency and recovery. Proposed Body: Dear (name), My name is Gabrielle Heschuk, I am a Masterâs student in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies program under the Sustainability Theme at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus (UBCO). I am also a Mitacs research intern at Tourism Kelowna as the Co-Investigator of a research project that examines the possibilities and limits of sustainable destination development in the context of Kelowna, BC. The project will be completed with an aim to create regenerative tourism strategies for local Kelowna tourism businesses. In light of the recent McDougall Creek forest fire that severely impacted the local tourism industry, we have broadened the scope of the research to assess tourism recovery and resiliency as a pathway to regeneration. I am contacting you today as you may be able to contribute to this research project with your experience and expertise in the tourism industry. The purpose of this research project is to assist Tourism Kelowna in its 2022-2025 strategic destination development plan which contains four strategic goals. More specifically, the project aims to create deliverable strategies to implement within goal number two, fostering the sustainable growth of the destination. There is also a personal interest in this research which may resonate with many of you. As someone who grew up travelling and experiencing tourism around the world, it was difficult not to notice the environmental degradation that occurs due to the very industry that provided those opportunities and experiences to me. The tourism industry is a vital and important contributor to regional economic development and sustenance, however its vulnerability increases as environmental degradation becomes more prevalent in tourismâs path. Issues such as climate change and natural disasters are also threatening the tourism industry and the livelihoods it supports. Regenerative tourism involves implementing locally specific, tangible tourism strategies for the longevity of the destinations that support environmental protection as well as destination development. The uniqueness of each destination requires unique solutions and implementation strategies. The McDougall Creek forest fire revealed the urgency of considering recovery and resiliency in the pursuit of regenerative tourism. Exploring how the tourism industry in Kelowna, BC has responded to the fires will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of what strategies helped with recovery and resiliency and also contribute to a regenerative tourism destination. I hope that you are willing to share your experience and expertise and contribute to this research study. Your identity in this research will remain confidential through various protection 107 measures put in place and participation in this study is entirely voluntary. Please read below for more detailed information on the interview process and email gheschuk@student.ubc.ca to schedule a phone or a UBC Licensed Zoom interview. The interview process: 1. There will be a one hour interview set up after you contact Gabrielle Heschuk at gheschuk@student.ubc.ca explaining your interest. A number of themes related to local tourism will be addressed in the interviews: rates and scales of destination development, environmental impacts of tourism; conceptualization of tourism and environmental sustainability; indicators of tourism sustainability and regeneration; obstacles and potentials of regenerative models of tourism and adaptation of the industry to the demands of climate change. The interviews will occur over a UBC licensed zoom account on zoomâs Canadian servers. You will have the option to skip any questions that you do not want to answer by simply saying "pass" or "skip" or another identifiable word. You will also have the opportunity to stop the interview at any point should you no longer wish to participate. With your permission, your responses will be recorded, but any direct identifiers will be replaced with a code for confidentiality purposes. 2. The purpose of this study is to provide data on how to implement locally specific regenerative tourism strategies within Kelowna, BC using the expertise of local tourism stakeholders. Insights that are gained from the interviews will be used to assist Tourism Kelowna in their 2022-2025 destination development plan and well as provide participants the opportunity to think about regenerative tourism within their capacity. Participating in this research study will expose participants to research at UBCO. The results from this study may also be used in a published academic journal. As mentioned, confidentiality will be applied here as well in order to protect participants. 3. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the researchers directly: The principal investigator for this study is Donna M. Senese PhD, Associate Professor Geography, Community, Culture and Global Studies (donna.sense@ubc.ca). The Co-Investigator is Gabrielle Heschuk, Graduate Student, Master of Arts (gheschuk@student.ubc.ca). If you are interested, please schedule an interview by emailing: gheschuk@student.ubc.ca 108 Appendix C Interview Informed Consent Form Regenerative Tourism Strategies Within the Context of Climate Disasters Principal Investigator: Donna M. Senese PhD, Associate Professor Geography, Community, Culture and Global Studies (donna.senese@ubc.ca). Co-Investigator: Gabrielle Heschuk, Graduate Student, Master of Arts (gheschuk@mail.ubc.ca) Purpose of the Research: The financial importance of the tourism industry in British Columbia (BC) is well known but many believe this industry also actively degrades the natural environment on which it is reliant, increasing its vulnerability. Climate disasters are also impacting the local tourism industry and creating additional barriers to implementing regenerative tourism. Using Kelowna, BC as a case study, research will be conducted with the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus (UBCO) and Tourism Kelowna in a Mitacs Accelerate internship with the Co-investigator of the project, Gabrielle Heschuk and under the supervision of the principal investigator, Donna Senese. This research will be in the form of semi-structured interviews with key informants to uncover the various recovery and resiliency strategies that can lead a pathway to regeneration. Results from this will contribute to Tourism Kelownaâs 2022-2025 destination development plan and to the Co-investigatorâs Masterâs thesis. The results from the interviews may also be submitted for publication in an academic journal. What you will be asked to do in the research: During the research study it is important to know that your participation is entirely voluntary before, during, and after the research study. If you decide to consent to participate in the research study, the Co-investigator will set up an interview with you by a UBC licensed zoom account. The interview will last approximately one hour in duration. The interview will also be audio recorded to be transcribed for research purposes. You have the option of skipping any questions that you do not want to answer by simply saying "pass" or "skip" or another identifiable word. You will also have the right to stop the interview at any point should you no longer wish to participate. You will be made aware that your responses will be recorded at the beginning of the interview, but any direct identifiers will be replaced with a code for confidentiality purposes. It is anticipated that interview themes will include: rates and scales of destination development, and environmental impacts of tourism; conceptualization of tourism and environmental sustainability; indicators of sustainability and regeneration; obstacles and potentials of regenerative models of tourism and adaptation of the industry to the demands of climate change. Some of the sample questions that may be asked are listed below: 1. Are there any sustainability initiatives that you have implemented in your business? 2. If so, what are they and how many do you have? 109 3. Do you see the benefits of implementing sustainable initiatives in your operations such as replacing gas motor vehicles to electric vehicles? 4. Are you open to implementing and investing in more sustainable practices in your business operations if it will be more cost effective? Potential Risks: The research study is considered low risk research. If members choose to participate, the questions being asked during the interviews will be about tourism and sustainability, topics that participants are aware of and experience in their operations or their business on a day to day basis. Participants may experience heightened levels of stress when discussing the environment and climate change as these issues may affect their businesses directly. However, the purpose of these interviews is to provide tangible strategies to implement more sustainable practices within local tourism stakeholders and to ultimately find solutions to these issues that are being discussed. Knowledge of this may alleviate some of the stress that may potentially be caused. Potential Benefits: The benefits of the research study involve creating locally specific tangible regenerative tourism strategies that can be implemented within tourism businesses in Kelowna, BC. The interviews may also allow for participants to reflect on their business operations and their sustainability efforts. The research study will be conducted by the Co-investigator in partnership with Tourism Kelowna as part of the Mitacs Accelerate internship. This will provide applicable strategies that Tourism Kelowna can implement in their destination development strategy under goal number two, fostering the sustainable growth of the destination. The findings will be reported to Tourism Kelowna to implement within the report Study Results: After the research study has taken place, if the participant would like a copy of the report that will be given to Tourism Kelowna with the findings, they can request for the document in the interview process or email gheschuk@mail.ubc.ca. Confidentiality: The identity of the research participants will be protected as their consent forms that they sign will be stored in a password protected, encrypted secured computer and on the FIPPA compliant UBC Onedrive storage system. During the interviews, direct identifiers will be replaced with a code. After the interview, the data that will be stored includes, the audio recordings from the interviews. This data will be transcribed and temporarily stored on the qualitative data analysis software, Nvivo for the purpose of data organization. The digital files that contain the audio recordings and the transcription from the Nvivo software will be stored using the FIPPA compliant UBC Onedrive data storage. These digital files will be password protected, encrypted, and only accessed through a secure computer or laptop. The files will not be downloaded onto an 110 unsecured computer or laptop. Hard copies of the audio recording, transcription or other confidential study documents will only be stored at the Principle-investigatorâs office at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus in a secured and locked filing cabinet. These will be held here for five years and then destroyed to ensure confidentiality. Funding: This research has received funding from the Mitacs Accelerate Internship program. Contact for information about the study: Should you have any further questions or comments regarding this research or your participation, please contact one of the investigators, either Donna Senese, primary investigator (donna.senese@ubc.ca) or Gabrielle Heschuk, Co-investigator (gheschuk@mail.ubc.ca). Contact for concerns about the rights of research subjects: For information regarding concerns or complaints about your rights as a research participant you may contact the Research Participant Complaint Line at the UBC Office of Research Services through their telephone number at (604-822-8581) or through their email at (ors@ors.ubc.ca). You may also contact the Office of Research Services Okanagan Campus at their telephone number at (250-807-9412) or through their email at (ResearchOffice.UBCO@ubc.ca). Use the study number to refer to this research: (H23-00324) Consent: Should you choose to participate in this research study your participation is entirely voluntary. You may choose not to answer any questions that you do not want to. You also have the right to withdraw your participation at any point before during or after the interview process. If you chose to withdraw during or after the research study, your data will be removed from the results. The Co-investigator, Gabrielle Heschuk will contact you within one week of you expressing a want to withdraw to confirm your official withdrawal. Signatures: I _____________________________(please print), consent to participate in this study conducted by Donna Senese, and Gabrielle Heschuk. I have understood the nature of this study and wish to participate. My signature below indicates my consent and that I have received a copy of this consent form for my own records. _______________________________ ___________________________ Participant Date 111 _______________________________ ____________________________ Researcher I consent to have my interview responses audio recorded for future transcription. Yes _ No __ ___________________________________________________________ Participant Signature Date Do you consent to being re-contacted by email if further information is needed for this research project? By selecting âI agreeâ below, you consent to be re-contacted. If you do not agree, you may still participate in the interview, and we hope you will. 0 I agree. 0 I do not agree. Regards, Gabrielle Heschuk Graduate Student, Master of Arts University of British Columbia Okanagan 112 Appendix D Sample Interview Script Sample of Semi-Structured Interview Questions Regenerative Tourism Strategies Within the Context of Climate Disasters Principal Investigator: Donna M. Senese PhD, Associate Professor Geography, Community, Culture and Global Studies (donna.senese@ubc.ca). Co-Investigator: Gabrielle Heschuk, Graduate Student, Master of Arts (gheschuk@mail.ubc.ca) The semi-structured interviews will occur over a duration of approximately one hour. The purpose of these interviews are to gather information regarding what the limitations and possibilities are of implementing local regenerative tourism strategies in Kelowna BC. The purpose of semi-structured interviews are to allow for open ended questions that values the knowledge and opinions of the individual participants. The structure of the interview includes: an introduction of the Co-investigator/interviewer; a reminder of their voluntary and consenting participation in the research study; Co-investigator will proceed with semi-structured interview after introductions are made; after the interview, the participant will be asked if they want a copy of the transcript and the final report. The participant may skip any question they do not want to answer by saying âskipâ, âpassâ or another identifiable word. The participant may also stop the interview at any point and have their responses withdrawn from the study by saying âI no longer want to participate in this studyâ or another identifiable sentence. Semi-structured Interview: Introduction to participant and topic of climate change: â¢ What is your business/workplace and how does it contribute to the tourism industry in Kelowna, BC? â¢ Are climate disasters affecting the tourism industry in Kelowna, BC. And if so, how? â¢ What are some examples of how climate change and climate disasters have impacted the community? â¢ What are some of the challenges that businesses face because of these disasters? o In addition to that what are some of the challenges that businesses face in implementing sustainable tourism initiatives that would encourage them and help them be more resilient to climate disasters. What are some of the challenges or barriers to businesses? Vulnerability and Resiliency: 113 â¢ What makes a tourism business more vulnerable to the effects of climate change and or climate disasters? â¢ Is there evidence of adaptation within the local community after the 2023 fires? o Are there notable changes in infrastructure, community engagement, or emergency response systems? â¢ What do you know about fire recovery and resiliency strategies? o Have you notices any of these being implemented in the community after the 2023 McDougall Creek fire? Recovery and Resiliency Tools: â¢ Market diversification o Are tourism businesses collaborating with each other to ensure market diversification in the event of another climate disaster? â¢ Media and marketing strategies o Is there evidence of initial media coverage after the fires affecting the tourism industry? Are there long term effects on visitor numbers? o What are the main marketing strategies being used to promote the destination after the fires? â¢ Interconnectedness o Have tourism businesses collaborated with local authorities to develop plans for more effective fire recovery in the future? o Are tourism businesses collaborating with each other to ensure market diversification in the event of another climate disaster? â¢ Investment in regenerative tourism practices § Do you know of nay or are there programs, initiatives, or marketing targeted towards promoting regenerative tourism to support the local tourism industry post-fire? â¢ Relationships o Are tourism businesses collaborating with local authorities to develop a more comprehensive disaster management plan? o What role does tourism play in the overall resilience of the community following a climate disaster such as the 2023 fires? Regeneration and Resiliency: â¢ What are some examples of sustainable initiates that business in Kelowna have implemented that has helped their overall resiliency? â¢ Is sustainability a priority to businesses? Does this differ between smaller and larger businesses at all? o If so why and how can the tourism sector promote sustainability across all sizes of businesses? 114 â¢ In what way is the tourism sector promoting regenerative tourism practices, in the context of the 2023 fires? Closing remarks â¢ Thank participant for participating â¢ Ask if they want a copy of transcript and final report â¢ Remind them of their voluntary participation and that they may be contacted to participate in a focus group
Thesis/Dissertation
eng
Interdisciplinary Studies
Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Graduate
Senese, Donna
Regenerative tourism within the context of climate disasters
Text