Windfarms & Tourism

In areas where tourism is an important part of the local economy, the possibility of a new windfarm may

raise questions about possible negative impacts on local tourism. A windfarm may be perceived as:

· a complement or an enhancement to tourism for those interested in wind technology;

· an opportunity for the community to build awareness and education around clean energy; and

· furnishing the landscape with new architectural and heritage values.

In other cases, a windfarm may be perceived as having an adverse impact to the local tourism industry
by

deterring visitors.

In 2001, a poll in Victoria, Australia, showed that 94% of respondents described wind turbines as

“interesting” and 74% as “graceful”. A subsequent survey showed that 36% of respondents were more

likely to visit a coastal area if it had a windfarm, while 55% said it would make no difference. Only 8% of

respondents said it would deter them from visiting.

Do windfarms attract tourists?

It is found in such places as Scotland, Australia, California, Denmark, and Sweden that installation of
wind

turbines increases tourism, providing evidence that most people see them as attractive additions to land
and

seascapes. From Scotland to New Zealand, and from California to the Greek Isles, people pay to visit
wind

turbines and be photographed with them.

Some tourists are casual observers who stop at roadside displays or interpretive centres; others pay to

participate in organized tours. In Esperance, Australia, tourist numbers have not declined although

windfarms have been in operation in the region for more than twenty years.

Utility scale wind energy is relatively new for most Canadians but we can look to the long-term
experience

overseas. However, we need to remain aware of differences; our perceptions of environmental values
may
differ.

Tourism overseas

There are 6,000 wind turbines in Denmark, which are used for marketing tourism. Hotels, guesthouses,
and

campsites may use wind turbines to promote “green tourism”. This is particularly targeted towards the

German market, where the public is known to have a high level of interest in both environmental issues
and

in new technology.

In a Scottish study, 43% of respondents said a windfarm would have a positive effect on their inclination
to

visit the Argyll area, an area of high landscape value. About the same proportion of respondents said it

would make no difference, while less than 8% felt that it would have a negative effect.

Nine out of ten tourists visiting some of Scotland’s top beauty spots say the presence of windfarms
makes

no difference to the enjoyment of their holiday. Twice as many people would return to an area because
of

the presence of a windfarm than would stay away, according to a poll carried out by MORI Scotland.

Public perception

Research from a wide range of sources consistently shows that public support for wind power is
between

70% and 80%. While U.S. studies are limited, the East Haven Wind Farm / Institute for Rural Tourism

issued an October 2003 report on their survey regarding tourism impacts of proposed East Haven Wind

Farm, downloadable at www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpweringamerica/ne_issues_yard.asp

Further information on public attitudes to wind energy can be found at www.bwea.org/re/surveys.html .

Community wind development can never guarantee total community acceptance or financial support.

However, it does offer a means to take full advantage of wind’s attributes. Wind developers bear an

obligation to inform the public how they are using this public resource responsibly. Setting up visitors’

centres or even simple signs that provide basic information about the windfarm and what it does can
accomplish this.