The
International Selkirk Loop is a significant
travel destination, a roadway coursing through
beautiful scenery and remarkable recreational
opportunities in Northern Idaho, Eastern
Washington, and southeast British Columbia.
The Northern Idaho portion passes right through
Boundary County.Officials of the International Selkirk Loop have recently completed an online traveler survey that provides valuable information for the member communities and businesses of the scenic Loop region. The survey asked thousands of travelers a variety of questions concerning interests while visiting the area, their planning preferences, and also surveyed spending habits related to the economic impacts this All American Road Scenic Byway brings to the region.
The results of the survey not only provide the International Selkirk Loop with the demographics of travelers visiting the area, but also provides them with insight as to how to support those travelers interests to encourage them to stay in the area longer.
“The information we have gathered is exciting,” says Stephanie Sims, Executive Director of the International Selkirk Loop. “We have found that travelers are staying longer, modes of travel around the loop have changed, as well as some emerging interests in activities that we have not seen on previous surveys.”
Knowing who the International Selkirk Loop is marketing to has been key to their past success and will again dictate any necessary changes to their marketing strategy.
The Results
Our travelers are well-educated, affluent baby boomers between the ages of 40-69, 50% of whom are planning to spend 3-5 days traveling the Loop. They are a web-based travel culture; 94% are accustomed to booking accommodations online, and 40% of them plan their trips two months or less prior to departure. This survey group (5,371 people) spent over $4,860,000.00 while visiting the area.
Predominantly a rubber tire market with emergent modes of travel trends in
bicycle and motorcycling touring. Fuel costs may
be a factor, although RV travel remained at 10%,
which is the same as an earlier survey.
Accommodations in Bed and Breakfasts and in
cabins are now equal to hotels and motels.Hiking continues to be the most popular activity for travelers looking to visit the area, and the International Selkirk Loop's hiking maps are some of the top items requested from area businesses. Wildlife viewing has always been a popular activity for travelers, however this survey showed an increased interest in bird watching. Another emerging activity that we have not seen before is an increased interest in museums, cultural, and historical sites.
About the International Selkirk Loop
The International Selkirk Loop is a 280-mile (450-km) scenic drive encircling the Selkirk Mountains in northeast Washington, northern Idaho and southeast British Columbia. The Loop was established in 1999 as a non-profit corporation designated to enhance the local economy through the promotion of tourism along its route.
For more information on the International Selkirk Loop, and to join the Loop organization, visit www.selkirkloop.org