Survey gauges Whitefish residents' attitudes toward tourism

A Whitefish tourism group is asking residents to take a survey that gauges attitudes toward visitation.

The survey is part of the Whitefish Sustainable Tourism Management Plan Committee's work to update its existing plan. The survey will be available for response from Aug. 1 to Sept. 15.

“We’re seeking broad participation in this important collection of data from our community,” said Brian Schott, chair of the 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 community members participated in conversations around the resort community's 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.

The committee gathered information from public meetings and worked with consultants and Explore Whitefish to create the tourism plan, which was approved by Whitefish City Council in September 2020.

Actions taken as a result of that plan include outreach efforts to reinforce positive visitor behaviors like recreating responsibly, leaving no trace, traveling safely around wildlife, and wildfire mitigation.

The important plan resulted in the "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 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 sustainablewhitefish.com. Links to the survey will also be sent in city water bills. Paper surveys can be picked up at City Hall.