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In response to the evolving dynamics of tourism and community development, the Whitefish Sustainable Tourism Management Plan committee is set to host a workshop aimed at updating its strategies to better reflect the current trends affecting the area. Scheduled for April 3, from 6-8 p.m. at the Whitefish City Hall, this initiative marks a critical step towards aligning the town’s tourism management with the latest shifts in visitation patterns, demographic changes, and economic pressures witnessed since the plan’s inception.

Significant changes, including accelerated population growth in Flathead County, soaring housing prices, and widespread workforce shortages, have reshaped the context in which Whitefish’s tourism operates. Moreover, the fluctuating visitor numbers in the post-pandemic period underscore the need for a fresh approach to sustainable tourism management that can accommodate these new realities.

The committee’s decision to revisit the Sustainable Tourism Management Plan is partly driven by the insights gained from a comprehensive community survey conducted last fall, which engaged nearly 1,000 respondents. This survey highlighted the primary concerns of the Whitefish community regarding tourism’s impact, laying the groundwork for the forthcoming planning workshop.

Brian Schott, the committee chair, emphasized the importance of community involvement in the revision process, inviting a diverse array of participants to contribute their ideas and perspectives. The workshop is designed to be an interactive platform where residents, business owners, and other stakeholders can engage in discussions, partake in hands-on activities, and offer input on potential policy directions and sustainable tourism practices for the next five years.

Following the workshop, the committee plans to release a draft of the updated Sustainable Tourism Management Plan in May, with the final version expected to be adopted in June. This revised plan will serve as a foundation for introducing new programs, securing funding for community projects, and enhancing coordination with both state agencies and local organizations. Through this comprehensive and inclusive approach, Whitefish aims to forge a path toward sustainable tourism that respects the needs and aspirations of its residents while accommodating visitors in a responsible and equitable manner.

The post Whitefish to revise tourism plan amid changing trends appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

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