FDU Vancouver MHMS Program Coordinator Weighs in on Summer Resident Tourism Behaviour on CBC News as Destination BC’s Scholar-in-Residence
As travel patterns continue to evolve across British Columbia, understanding the factors influencing tourism has never been more important. Recently, FDU Vancouver Master of Hospitality Management Studies (MHMS) Program Coordinator Jarrett Bachman shared his insights with CBC News discussing Destination BC’s latest quarterly Resident Perception of Tourism Survey.
In addition to leading the MHMS program at FDU Vancouver, Bachman serves as a scholar-in-residence at Destination BC, where he contributes research and industry expertise that help inform conversations about tourism across the province.
The survey found that rising transportation and fuel costs are among the biggest barriers for British Columbians for overnight travel within British Columbia this summer. Financial concerns continue to shape travel decisions, encouraging many residents to reconsider how, when, and where they travel.
Speaking with CBC, Bachman explained that while economic pressures are influencing travel behaviour, they have not diminished British Columbians’ interest in exploring their own province.
“British Columbians still want to travel, but they’re being more thoughtful about how they plan and budget for their trips,” he noted, pointing to trends such as choosing destinations closer to home, travelling during weekdays instead of weekends, and making other adjustments to manage costs.
These changing travel habits reflect the resilience of B.C.’s tourism sector. According to Destination BC, residents continue to play a significant role in supporting local tourism, accounting for approximately 58% of overnight domestic visits and 56% of domestic visitor spending within the province.
For students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism, these findings offer valuable insight into how consumer behaviour responds to economic conditions. Understanding evolving travel preferences helps future industry leaders develop strategies that create meaningful guest experiences while adapting to changing market realities.
At FDU Vancouver, the Master of Hospitality Management Studies program emphasizes the connection between academic learning and real-world industry developments. Faculty members like Jarrett Bachman bring current research, professional experience, and industry partnerships into the classroom, helping students better understand the trends shaping the future of hospitality and tourism.
Bachman’s contribution to the discussion surrounding Destination BC’s latest survey highlights the importance of research-informed leadership and demonstrates how FDU Vancouver faculty continue to engage with the issues impacting the hospitality industry today.
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About Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Vancouver Campus
Since 2007, FDU Vancouver has shaped professionals in British Columbia through personal, global and transformational education. As a comprehensive not-for-profit university, FDU Vancouver delivers industry-aligned undergraduate and graduate education in business, health, hospitality and tourism, humanities and information tech. Learn more about FDU Vancouver’s Master of Hospitality Management Studies at fdu.edu/vancouver-mhms
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