Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) | The UNWTO is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of reasonable, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. Take a look at the Resources & Data as a starting point for statistics and market intelligence reports. The eLibrary is also a free resource with broad coverage of tourism and related subject areas.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) | ITAC focuses on creating partnerships between associations, organizations, government departments and industry leaders from across Canada to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Canada and address the demand for development and marketing of authentic Indigenous experiences. Take a look at Canada’s Indigenous Tourism Sector: Insights and Economic Impacts document.
Hello BC | This website is an excellent information resource for BC-based Outdoor Adventure. Check out their social media hashtag #explorebc on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Tourism Industry Association of BC | A resource for the tourism industry in BC. Includes information on upcoming events and conferences, as well as advocacy and policy development.
Wilderness Tourism Association of BC | A non-profit organization dedicated to the sustainability and viability of wilderness tourism.
Adventure Tourism Coalition (ATC) | A BC organization that aims to create collaboration among adventure tourism sectors and support growing and robust rural economies. Take a look at the Resources and Information page.
Outdoor Recreation Council of BC | Advocate for access, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC promotes the responsible use of BC’s outdoors for public recreation while building bridges between diverse membership.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) | TOTA represents tourism industry throughout the region of Thompson Okanagan.
Destination Canada | Destination Canada (formerly the CTC) is a Crown corporation owned by the Government of Canada, that promotes Canada's tourism brand. Make sure to visit the Research page.
Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) | A national voluntary-sector organization serving parks and recreation professionals. Visit The Framework for Recreation in Canada pages.
Aventure Écotourisme Québec | A network of professional adventure tourism and ecotourism businesses in Quebec.
Sport-Specific Associations
- Alpine Club of Canada
- British Columbia Mountaineering Club
- British Columbia Snowmobile Federation
- Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC
- International Mountain Bicycling Association of Canada
- Mountain Bike Tourism Association
- PIKA - Pacific International Kayak Association
- Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia
- Whistler Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA)
International Associations
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) | US-based trade association for companies active in the outdoor recreation business. Check out the Research page.
Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) | The ATTA is a global network of adventure travel tour operators, destinations, and industry partners.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
BC Business | An online magazine with a focus on British Columbia, check out the Tourism and Culture section.
Explore Magazine | Canada's outdoor magazine. Features tips, techniques, and gear reviews for your next outdoor adventure. Published six times per year.
Get Out There Magazine | Get Out There is Canada’s most-widely distributed network of endurance sports and outdoor recreation publications, with editions serving distinct regional markets in every province.
Outpost Magazine | Global travel magazine that heavily features Canada. They promote thoughtful travel to like-minded travelers and adventurers.
Outside Magazine | A resource magazine for today's active lifestyle. Includes articles on travel destination tips, and hi-tech gear reviews. Published monthly.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Blogs & Discussion Forums
Blogs
Be Wild | Be Wild is an adventure tourism group that maintains a blog of travel guides and news.
Happiest Outdoors | Run by outdoor enthusiast, Taryn, the blog provides tips and advice for travellers and adventure seekers.
The Origin | An online booking and scheduling platform for those in the travel industry, check out the Outdoor Guide Resources for blog posts on trends and tips to become an adventure guide.
Advanced Outdoor Solutions | Founded by Kathleen Walsh, a 20-year veteran of the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, the blog covers trends, news, and advice.
Podcasts
Explore Magazine's Live the Adventure Podcast | This podcast delves deep into the outdoors. In each podcast, host David Webb interviews people passionate about adventure, environmental causes, community action, recreation, fitness and more
Outdoor Biz Podcast with Rick Saez | Inspiring stories and insights shared from the Outdoor Industry. Features conversations with Outdoor/Adventure Brand Founders and Leaders from Outdoor, Bike, Ski, Adventure Travel, Conservation, Industry Recruiters, Executives, and many others.
The Business of Adventure | Get a behind the scenes look at the latest technologies with April Peterson, owner of River Rock Outfitter and Ted Schubel, a Fredericksburg radio reporter, as they interview outdoor industry professionals and adventure junkies.
The Adventure Sports Podcast | With new podcasts twice a week, you’ll hear from athletes, adventurers, explorers, guides, authors, business owners, and many more who live their lives pursuing fulfillment through adventure and the outdoors.
Discussion Forums
Trip Advisor - Outdoors / Adventure Travel Forum | Over 4000 topics about outdoors and adventure travel. Users come together to discuss and exchange information related to travel pursuits based upon interests in Outdoors / Adventure activities and their locations.
Adventure Cycling Association Forum | Segmented by topic, this forum allows members to connect with others and find communities within their region.
Fodor’s Adventure Travel Forum | Users can search threads and posts for relevant topics and ask for advice and recommendations from other users.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.