Forest fires, work disruptions burn the Bottom Line of tourist operators
Jasper’s Tourism Industry Faces Challenges After Wildfires
Despite facing significant challenges after a wild natural fire broke out last summer, Jasper’s tourism industry is slowly recovering. Tyler Riopel, CEO of Tourism Jasper, mentioned that about a fifth of the city’s overnight accommodations were destroyed in the fire. However, the number of visitors to Jasper this summer remains consistent with previous years, a small victory for the city.
While there has been a decrease in overall tourism due to the loss of accommodations, the available spots are almost fully booked. Riopel anticipates that the demand for accommodations will continue to be high as the city rebuilds. Visitors also seem to be spending less in shops and attractions, but it’s unclear if this is a widespread trend.
Despite the challenges, there is still plenty to do in Jasper National Park. With over a thousand kilometers of hiking trails, white water ramps, the Skytram Gondola, and boat cruises on Maligne Lake, tourists can still enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Parks Canada has also worked to create fire forests that visitors can explore, adding to the unique experience of visiting Jasper.
As the city continues to recover, other tourist operators in areas affected by wildfires are also feeling the impact. Roy Anderson, acting CEO of the Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters, mentioned that many companies have suffered significant financial losses due to cancellations and disruptions caused by the fires.
While the current focus is on rebuilding and recovery, there are calls for discussions with government officials on how to better deal with fire areas in the future. Anderson highlighted the need for proactive measures to prevent future disruptions to the tourism industry.
Overall, the tourism industry in Jasper and other affected areas is slowly recovering from the impact of last year’s wildfires. While challenges remain, there is optimism for the future as communities work together to rebuild and adapt to the changing landscape.
