FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sustainable Tourism Resident Survey Launched Whitefish Sustainable Tourism Management Plan Committee to Update 2020 Plan WHITEFISH, Mont. (August 1, 2023) – The Whitefish Sustainable Tourism Management Plan (STMP) Committee has launched a Sustainable Tourism Resident Survey to gain insights into resident attitudes toward tourism as it works to update the existing plan. The survey will be available for response from August 1 to September 15. “We’re seeking broad participation in this important collection of data from our community,” said Brian Schott, chair of the STMP Committee. “The City of Whitefish has been a leader in tourism management in mountain towns. We recognize the complexity and importance of balancing the economic benefits of visitation while preserving our residents' way of life.” In 2017, Explore Whitefish, Whitefish stakeholders, and engaged community members participated in a robust dialogue around sustainability and how it can be incorporated into destination marketing and tourism management efforts. The committee was formed in 2018 as a volunteer committee of the City of Whitefish and in partnership with Explore Whitefish. Over the course of the next few years, the committee gathered information from public meetings. It worked with consultants and Explore Whitefish to create the STMP, which was approved by Whitefish City Council in September 2020. Explore Whitefish has taken action by identifying specific destination stewardship goals directly from the STMP. These include taking the lead on outreach segments to reinforce positive visitor behaviors, building awareness, and influencing visitor behavior related to areas like recreating responsibly, leaving no trace, traveling safely around wildlife, and wildfire mitigation. Additional focus is given to visitor education and stewardship messaging in the busy summer season. The important work done by the STMP resulted in the highly successful and recognized "Be a Friend of the Fish" tourism management program. “Explore Whitefish is committed to weaving the plan's tenets into our tourism management campaigns and operations,” said Julie Mullins, executive director of Explore Whitefish. “Our first priority is to the residents of Whitefish. We focus on being a responsible steward of our community, dedicated to beneficial tourism, balancing our economic and community sustainability while fiercely protecting our natural environment." This spring, City Council approved the formation of a new standing committee, tasked with updating the current plan. Committee members include Brian Schott (chair), Ella Kobelt (vice chair), Heather Cauffman, Liz Colley, Michelle Howke, Mariah Joos, Stephen Kane, Mark Pascoli, and Nick Polumbus. To take the resident survey, visit www.sustainablewhitefish.com. Links to the survey will also be sent in city water bills. Paper surveys can be picked up at City Hall.
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