A Message from BCHA President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett
Dear Accommodation Community,

As we celebrated International Women's Day yesterday, we would like to reflect on the contribution of women in our industry and our resolve to support women in the workforce, the leaders of tomorrow, diversity and inclusion, and our pride as an industry to be leading many other sectors. Women’s voices on the front line of service excellence, in the heart of the house, in middle management, as leaders and at the board table are so important. The BC Hotel Association is committed, as a leading industry association to set the example of partnerships, collaboration and education delivering support and encouragement for our industry to continue to be proud of our role as industry leaders with diversity and inclusion. 
 
In November of 2020 we signed our commitment to the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada: 50-30 Challenge, working to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace. We encourage you to sign up or learn more below about this important initiative. This commitment is imbedded in our strategic plan and board mandate.
 
Tomorrow, I am pleased to be joining the WORTH IT! Leadership Journeys of Inspiring Women hosted by the WORTH Association. The panel of women will share their personal stories & challenges they’ve faced on the path to leadership, as well as their outlook ahead.
 
This week we have been proud and busy delivering the first virtual Tourism & Hospitality conference in partnership with TIABC. The contribution and learnings from industry leaders from around the globe has contributed greatly at a time when we need strength to work together and look to a plan to restart our travel economy. The need to collaborate to ensure the federal and provincial government understand the dire nature of this economic disaster for our industry has never been greater. It is clear – we are all in this together, our goal it to ensure as many businesses as possible survive in order to once again provide valued employment to thousands of British Columbians and contribute to every community in this province’s economy.

As day two of our Tourism & Hospitality Conference comes to a close, we have already enjoyed an array of informative, enlightening, and inspiring presentations from industry leaders and experts. We look forward to the next two days of presentations including speakers such as:

  • Joanna Jagger, Founder & President WORTH Association
  • Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destination International
  • Greg Klassen, Partner at Twenty31 Consulting
  • Deputy Ministers Panel
  • and many more!

There is still time to register for the remainder of the conference. We thank those who have attended so far and look forward to tomorrow's agenda!

Stay Safe,

Ingrid Jarrett
BCHA President & CEO
Todays industry update includes:

  • Happening Now! 2021 Virtual Tourism & Hospitality Conference
  • Register for FREE Workshops here
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada: 50-30 Challenge
  • 2021 Hotelier Magazine Design Awards
  • Destination Canada: Canadians Key to Supporting the Recovery of Devastated Tourism Sector
  • STR: Forward STAR Reports
  • Enter to Win 'Dare to Dream' Whistler Giveaway
  • Mark Your Calendars
  • WORTH IT! Leadership Journeys of Inspiring Women
  • TIABC FREE Culinary Tourism Webinars!
  • Impact Conference 2021
  • BC Chamber of Commerce 2021 Virtual AGM and Conference
  • In The News
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For any questions please reach out to our team. 
HAPPENING NOW! | #MISSIONPOSSIBLE2021
The 2021 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference is underway! Yesterday was our first day of fantastic presentations from our industry experts and leaders.

There is still many more exciting presentations on the agenda and our complimentary workshops on Friday. Its not too late to register!
The BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference could not be made possible without the support of our generous conference sponsors. Thank you to each of our sponsors for your contribution.
As we look ahead to Women’s History Month and celebrate International Women’s Day, issues of representation and participation are fresh in our minds.

The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, business and diversity organizations. Together with project co-creators, many of whom have been striving to increase corporate diversity for decades, the government has developed a plan to improve access for racialized persons, people who identify as LGBTQ2, people living with disabilities, as well as First Nations, Inuit and Métis to positions of influence and leadership on corporate boards and in senior management.

The goal of the program is to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace, while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table. The government has always believed in seeking the best available advice when making decisions.
If you know of a company in your supply chain or other organizations in your professional network, please also consider inviting them to join.
To this end, please find some information below that you can share on the 50-30 Challenge.
 
  • Please visit the following link for more information on the challenge: www.canada.ca/50-30-Challenge. We strongly encourage your to consider signing up and the joining the hundreds of organizations that have done so already.

If you have any questions, please email 50-30ChallengeInfo@canada.ca

Diversity is our strength, and there is strength in numbers.
2021 Hotelier Magazine Design Awards
Hotelier magazine is pleased to announce that entries for the 2021 Hotel Design Awards are now open.
The awards’ program is created to recognize leading and influential designers who are dedicated to improving the hotel space.
The Hotel Design Awards' program invites entries from Canada’s leading designers, architects and hotel owners and operators. Entries must focus on new and extensively renovated hotels completed between April 2020 to May 2021.
The winners of the various categories will be judged on the basis of originality, creativity, aesthetic appeal, functionality of the space, as well as sustainability of the project and impact of the design project.
Award categories include:
  • Best Designed Hotel
  • Best Designed Lobby Space
  • Best Guestrooms
  • Best Suite
  • Best Restaurant/Bar
  • Best Renovated Space

Entries will be classified in two categories: under 50 rooms, 100 to 200 and 200+ Rooms   

Entries must be received by May 28th, 2021.
Destination Canada: Canadians Key to Supporting the Recovery of Devastated Tourism Sector
Destination Canada released new research and analysis that uncovers the scope of the impact to the tourism sector from COVID-19. The visitor economy saw unprecedented losses in 2020 and tourism continues to be by far the most threatened sector in the Canadian economy due to its service nature and current reliance on foreign tourists. 
While recovery is forecasted to take years, Canadians can play a critical role in bolstering the tourism economy, creating jobs and supporting local businesses by keeping their tourism dollars in Canada. However, search data reveals that Canadians are showing a high interest in international travel this year, if safe to do so.
  
If Canadians shift two-thirds of their planned spend on international leisure travel towards domestic tourism, it will make up for the estimated $19 billion shortfall currently facing our visitor economy, help sustain 150,000 jobs and accelerate recovery by one year.
One in every 10 Canadian jobs is tied to tourism and the current struggle faced by the visitor economy creates a ripple effect across the entire job market, impacting the quality of life and well-being of all Canadians. Women, immigrants and youth, who make up the engine of the visitor economy, have been hardest hit by the impact of COVID-19 due to reduced operations, business closures and job loss. 
To learn more, please see Revisiting Tourism: Canada’s Visitor Economy One Year into the Global Pandemic report here.  
STR: Forward STAR reports 
Our partner, STR, has launched Forward STAR in North America. And participation is FREE!
 
This forward-looking benchmarking tool allows hoteliers to get ahead of recovery, strategize more effectively, and complete the overall performance picture.
Dare to Dream Giveaway: Contest Details
One day in the not too distant future, we will travel around the province, Canada and internationally again. In the meantime, Pan Pacific Whistler has partnered with a number of local business to give away a Whistler getaway.

Prize Package Includes
  • Three nights in a spacious One Bedroom Suite at one of our two Whistler locations
  • Parking for one vehicle.
  • 2 Tickets to Superfly Zipline /The Adventure Group
  • $100 Gift Card to Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub
  • 2 bath experiences at Scandinave Spa
  • Local Love welcome basket

Contest closes at 11:59pm March 12, 2021
Please note that the lucky winner can not redeem the prize package until travel restrictions are lifted.
Mark Your Calendars
WORTH IT! Leadership Journeys of Inspiring Women

We recognize the profound impact Covid-19 has had on our industries, and that inspiration may feel in short supply these days. That’s why we’ve rounded up an incredible panel of women to share their personal stories & challenges they’ve faced on the path to leadership, as well as their outlook ahead.

MEET OUR PANELISTS:
  • Kemi Wells, Owner and Founder, Wells Luxury Travel
  • Meeru Dhalwala, Co-owner and Chef, Vij’s Restaurant
  • Tety Partaatmadja, Market Director of Human Resources, Delta Burnaby Hotel, Delta Vancouver Downtown Suites and Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver at Marriott International
  • Ingrid Jarrett, President & CEO, British Columbia Hotel Association and Principal of IJ Management Consulting
  • Ainsley Ericksen, Head of Global Marketing and Information Technology, Rocky Mountaineer

 
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada in partnership with TIABC is happy to offer free online Culinary Tourism webinars to tourism operators and organizations
 
Five themed webinars will assist small and medium tourism operators and partners develop culinary tourism strategies to maintain their businesses and attract both domestic international visitors once Canada is ready to welcome them again. 
Attracting Culinary Tourists Webinar 
Friday, March 12th at 9:00am PT (10am MT)
This webinar will be delivered Friday March 12th as part of the upcoming BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference – registration opening soon!
 
Multisensory Experience Development Webinar 
Tuesday, March 16th at 10:00am PT (11:00am MT)
 
Partnering For Success Webinar 
Thursday, March 18th at 9:00am PT (10:00am MT)
 
Growing Agritourism Webinar
Thursday, March 25th at 8:00am PT (9:00am MT)
 
Exceeding Expectations Webinar 
Wednesday, March 31st at 8:00am PT (9:00am MT)
 
For more details, click here
Impact Conference 2021
 
Please join us for an incredibly impactful 1.5 hours as we take a deeper look at the tourism recovery opportunities ahead:

  • Marsha Walden, President and CEO, Destination Canada
  • Keith Henry, President and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and IMPACT Co-Chair
  • Katie Briscoe, President, MMGY Global
 
Moderated by Paul Nursey, President and CEO, Destination Greater Victoria and IMPACT co-founder.
 
Wednesday March 31st
8:30am - 10:00am PT
 
Registration is free but all participants must register.
BC Chamber of Commerce 2021 Virtual AGM and Conference
Friday May 28 - Saturday May 29

Time to block your calendars — the BC Chamber of Commerce is inviting you to its virtual AGM and Conference, taking place May 28-29, 2021.
During a year where connection means more than it ever has, this event brings together Chamber members from across the province to share what's on BC's mind, connect deeply about business priorities, and debate policies that will drive the BC Chamber's advocacy efforts for the years ahead.
Watch your inbox for more event details to be shared in the coming weeks!
Save the date — don't miss out!

Save the date here
IN THE NEWS
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The global pandemic has wreaked havoc on the tourism and hospitality industry in BC which has seen precipitous job losses and other negative impacts since Q2 of 2020. The Province of BC is providing $290,125 to support research into the tourism...

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