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Candidates push visitor education, eco-focused tourism and clearer visitor limits to protect Avalon
Summary
Across forums candidates said tourism is Avalon’s economic backbone but urged more visitor education, eco-tourism incentives, beach cleanups, and possible cruise-ship limits to protect island infrastructure and environment.
Candidates across council and mayoral forums repeatedly stressed that tourism funds Avalon’s services but also strains island infrastructure. Brie Bussard advocated “eco-driven tourism” and incentives such as hotel discounts tied to volunteer cleanups; multiple candidates said clearer messaging and on-the-ground ambassadors are needed so visitors understand island rules.
Some candidates suggested specific operational measures: limiting the number of cruise ships per week, placing ambassadors or code enforcement at the docks to instruct visitors, and better signage explaining island constraints (landfill capacity, smoking bans). “We should have them read other things out too… this is an island. You know? It’s different from the mainland,” Romero said during council questioning, urging transparent visitor guidance.
