Climate change impacts and adaptation

Socio-Economic Analysis of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation for the Québec Tourism Industry

Duration 

2010-2012

Director

Michel Archambault, PhD, Project Director, Transat Chair in Tourism, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

Team

Kate Germain, Research Professional, Transat Chair in Tourism
Stéphanie Bleau, MSc, Research Professional, Transat Chair in Tourism

Expert Contributors

Sylvie Blangy, Research Associate, Interaction, Ecology and Society Department, Center for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology-National Center for Scientific Research, France
Daniel Scott, Researcher and Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo

Coordination

Ouranos Consortium

Partners

• Québec Ski Areas Association (ASSQ)
• Association of Québec Campground Operators (Camping Québec)
• Québec Golf Course Owners Association (ATGQ)
• Local Development Centre of Antoine-Labelle (CLD Antoine-Labelle)
• Local Development Centre for the Laurentians (CLD Laurentides)
• Local Development Centre for the Pays-d’en-Haut region (CLD Pays-d’en-Haut)
• Québec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (FCMQ)
• Quebec Ministère du Tourisme (MTO)
• Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (SEPAQ)
• Tourism Eastern Townships (ATRCE)
• Tourisme Laurentides (ATRL)

The Chair is conducting the study "Climate change: Analyzing socio-economic impacts and adaptation strategies for the Quebec tourism industry" with the help of a research grant from Natural Resources Canada. This project, which is being coordinated by the Ouranos consortium, is an initiative of the Regional Adaptation Collaborative – Quebec (RCA). Tourism and recreation is one of the seven activities targeted by the RCA. Focussing on two pilot regions, the Laurentians and the Eastern Townships, the Chair's study examines the sectors of downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, camping, golf, themed attractions and national parks in the Parcs Québec network. A program committee made up of representatives from the various partner organizations is responsible for shaping and achieving the goals of this research.

Project objectives

• Assess the potential impacts of climate change on the number of participants in outdoor recreation activities (skiing, golf, camping, snowmobiling and parks) in two of Quebec's key tourist regions (the Laurentians and the Eastern Townships), creating scenarios for 2020 and 2050.
• Estimate the economic impacts of these climate change scenarios on these sectors of activity.
• Identify the climate issues and perceptions of local tourism stakeholders.
• Formulate appropriate adaptation strategies for the sectors under study.
• Define and recommend feasible mechanisms, measures and policies for ensuring that tourism businesses participate in implementing the appropriate adaptation strategies in the industry and various sectors of activity.

To consult the project

Resume of the final report (in french)

Analysis of Socioeconomic Impacts and Adaptation to Climate Change by Quebec’s Tourism Industry (Presentation at the International Conference on Tourism, Climate Change and Sustainability - Bournemouth - UK)

Final report (in french)

Ouranos (2010), Learning to Adapt to Climate Change, 126p.
For more information about the Ouranos consortium, visit the Website: www.ouranos.ca.