Tourism resorts and sustainability: A comparative study of the public policy techniques of Whistler, British Columbia and Queenstown, New Zealand

Tourism resorts rely on their natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere to attract visitors. Therefore, the concept and application of sustainability principles is a very pertinent issue. This research is a comparative study between the resort towns of Whistler, British Columbia, and Queenstown, New Zealand. Both share similar attributes in regard to amenities offered and demographic traits. However, Whistler has received numerous accolades for its commitment to sustainability principles.;The purpose of this research is to review the governance structures and tools used to implement sustainability initiatives in both areas, and to assess their perceived effectiveness by various stakeholders of each resort.;Interviews were conducted in both Whistler and Queenstown with key tourism stakeholders. The interview objectives in Whistler were to determine the successes and challenges of developing their community sustainability plan, Whistler 2020. In Queenstown, the interviews focused on outlining the future vision of Queenstown and the potential obstacles to that vision. Stakeholders also commented on the effectiveness of the Resource Management Act 1991, and the environmental accreditation scheme, Qualmark Green, for promoting sustainability principles.;The results show that the adoption by Whistler of a systems based approach to sustainability through 'the Natural Step' has provided an effective platform to implement and achieve sustainability principles. Although Queenstown is in the process of implementing a community sustainability plan, it has not been as widely embraced and quickly achieved due to the ad hoc nature of its implementation and the statutory limitations imposed on the Queenstown Lakes District Council.