Perceptions of self-drive tourists along the Alaska-Canada border toward the increased security requirements of the western hemisphere travel initiative

Abstract

This study explores the attitudes and feelings of self-drive tourists who cross the Alaska-Canada border about the increased security requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), and how such attitudes and feelings may impact the tourism industry in this region. Results of a 2007 survey suggest that implementation of passport requirements will have little effect on tourism in the region. Although the WHTI is a polarizing issue with a sizeable proportion of opponents, many travelers showed support for the initiative. It appears that the price of fuel, especially in northwestern Canada, is more likely to have a negative impact on tourism than will passport requirements.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2008 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Palso, Nicholas. 2009. Perceptions of self-drive tourists along the Alaska-Canada border toward the increased security requirements of the western hemisphere travel initiative. In: Klenosky, David B.; Fisher, Cherie LeBlanc, eds. Proceedings of the 2008 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 2008 March 30 - April 1; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-42. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 224-228.