Recreation and Tourism Management

News Stories

Jackie Oncescu headshot

Vancouver Island University hosts provincial recreation conference

November 5, 2024

The summit brings industry experts from across Canada to Nanaimo The future of recreation in rural communities and small cities is the topic of a provincial conference happening at Vancouver Island University (VIU) November 13 and 14. Hosted by VIU’s World Leisure Centre of Excellence, the Rural Recreation Summit features sessions by experts in risk management, leisure education, social... Read more


A mountain biker takes in the views on a sunny day

VIU researcher studying social and economic impacts of trail systems in Cowichan Valley

December 7, 2023

The research includes a public survey online now until the end of December. How, when and for what purpose people use trails in the Cowichan Valley region is the subject of a Vancouver Island University (VIU) researcher’s latest project. Aggie Weighill is a VIU Tourism and Recreation Management professor and director of the World Leisure Centre of Excellence (WLCE). In partnership with the... Read more


A wildfire burns near a road

Expert Q&A: Be wildfire ready

August 22, 2023

Jenn Houtby-Ferguson shares some tips Recreation and Tourism Management Professor Jenn Houtby-Ferguson is currently doing her doctoral work on emergency readiness and risk communications for the tourism and hospitality industries. She’s a delegate with the Canadian Red Cross and has supported responses to emergency scenarios ranging from wildfires to floods to COVID-19 across Canada. She has also... Read more


Dr. Aggie Weighill

How are extreme weather events affecting tourism across Canada?

July 24, 2023

As Canadians grapple with floods and wildfire smoke amidst the height of the summer travel season, VIU Recreation and Tourism Professor Dr. Aggie Weighill recently spoke on CBC Radio’s Cross Country Checkup about how extreme weather events are affecting tourism across Canada this year.  Listen here:  https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-13-cross-country-checkup/clip/15999136-full-episode-how-... Read more


VIU Professor Dr. Aggie Weighill picture

VIU Professor Studies How Pandemic Affected Recreation Programming in the Yukon

September 14, 2021

Dr. Aggie Weighill is participating in a two-phase research project that aims to develop a more resilient, post-pandemic model of recreation delivery. How people view the role and importance of physical activity in the well-being and social togetherness of their community is a question that Vancouver Island University (VIU) Recreation and Tourism Professor Dr. Aggie Weighill is looking to answer... Read more


VIU Professor Assesses Leisure in the Time of a Pandemic

VIU Professor Assesses Leisure in the Time of a Pandemic

January 26, 2021

EXPERT COMMENTARY: VIU Recreation and Tourism Professor Joanne Schroeder says the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of access to leisure activities as an investment in the long-term health and well-being of communities. The urgent need to stop people from gathering in close proximity to one another to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus took away or severely restricted most forms... Read more


VIU Shed Your Threads So Children Can Play

VIU Teams Up With Community Partners to Ensure All Children Can Play

February 19, 2020

Collection boxes have been set up around Nanaimo to gather gently used sports equipment and clothing for a community Swap Meet and Fun Fair that will be held on Saturday, March 21 at VIU to level the playing field for youth. A $12,000 Community Wellness grant from Island Health will help get gently used recreational clothing, runners and sports equipment into the hands of children who otherwise... Read more