Today's update includes:

  • General Updates
  • Province Reintroduces Indoor Mask Mandate Across BC
  • Update | BC Announces Proof of Vaccination Program
  • BCHA is Coming to Vancouver Island! Register for our Live Industry Update Series
  • NEW Election Update | HAC Resources for Federal Election
  • CBSA Announces Resumption of Services at Small Marine Reporting Sites
  • Sign Up for a FREE GoGreen Analysis Today!
  • Crises BC | Support and Resources for Tourism Operators
  • Reminder | Register for the Hospitality Management Hiring Fair!
  • Request for Proposal | Conference Planner 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
  • Workforce Solutions
  • Central Okanagan Restrictions | Information & Resources
  • Apply Today | Tourism & Hospitality Relief
  • Help the Tourism & Hospitality Industry Return to a New Normal & Win $1500
  • Paid Sick Leave | Share Your Voice Today
  • Mark Your Calendars
  • Destination Vancouver, Good Night Vancouver and go2HR Safer Spaces Campaign
  • Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 8-11, 2022
  • go2HR | Social Media Marketing
  • ABLEBC Invites You to Lead Generation & Marketing Tips Webinar
  • You’re invited | 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress at the Westin Ottawa on November 30 to December 1
  • Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
  • A HUGE Congratulations to BCHA's very own Membership Coordinator Samantha Glennie on her Wedding!
  • Indigenous woman-owned Iskwew Air officially launches service between Qualicum Beach and YVR - Way to Go!
  • Inn the News
  • Historic B.C. hotel changes hands after sitting idle for years | CBC, August 21
  • B.C. reinstates province-wide mask mandate for indoor public spaces | CBC August 24
  • Comment Card | Industry Thoughts & Feedback
  • Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Our Members Smile
Province Reintroduces Indoor Mask Mandate Across BC
Effective tomorrow, Wednesday, August 25, masks will once again be mandatory in all indoor public spaces as per the announcement from the provincial government this morning.

The order from the provincial health officer comes will require people 12 and older to wear masks in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status, in an effort to curb rising case numbers ahead of our respiratory season. These settings include:

  • malls, shopping centres, coffee shops and retail and grocery stores
  • liquor and drug stores
  • airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres
  • restaurants, pubs and bars (unless seated)
  • on public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle
  • areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided
  • common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity
  • common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations
  • inside schools for all K-12 staff, visitors and students in grades 4-12

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR HOTELS:

The BCHA has engaged government for clarity on what this new mask mandate will mean for accommodators, particularly as hotels are considered private entities and some high-populated areas have yet to be confirmed as setting where masks are required.

As of the time that this communication was distributed, the PHO surrounding mask use has yet to be released (when available it will be published at this link). As present, we are advising operators to err on the side of caution and mandate mask use for guests and employees at the following settings until the official order is released that will clarify these details. Settings where masks-use should be required include:
  • hotel lobbies, hallways, and other highly populated 'public' spaces (as it relates to areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided)
  • on the deck of indoor pools and at fitness centres (as it relates to common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity)
  • on-site and all indoor dining areas - unless seated (as it relates to restaurants, pubs and bars)

We will continue to share information as it comes available. Should you have any questions please reach out to [email protected]

MORE DETAILS:
  • This temporary order will be reassessed as the BC vaccine card requirement is fully implemented in certain social and recreational settings, as announced on August 23
  • For the purposes of this order, a mask or face covering is defined as a medical or non-medical mask that covers the nose and mouth. Face shields are not a substitute for a mask, as there is an opening below the mouth.
  • People who cannot wear a mask or who cannot put on or remove a mask without the assistance of others are exempt. A person may not be able to wear a mask for a psychological, behavioural or health condition, or due to a physical, cognitive or mental impairment.
  • Masks may be removed temporarily in indoor public places to identify the individual wearing the mask, to consume food or beverage at a location designated for this purpose, while participating in a sport or fitness activity in a sport facility or while receiving a personal or health service that requires the mask to be removed.
 
For more information, please read the provincial government news release. The new public order will be posted here.
Update | BC Announces Proof
of Vaccination Program
Yesterday, the Province of British Columbia announced intent to launch a BC Vaccination Card program that will require proof of vaccination for entry to a number of social settings, events, and recreational activities. The program will launch September 13, requiring one dose; after October 24th individuals will need to have received both of their vaccine doses at least seven days prior. This program will expire January 31st and an extension on the program will be assessed at that time.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR HOTELS | YOUR QUESTIONS

Over the past 24 hours we have received a number of inquires surrounding the rollout of this program, including:
  • Can we welcome unvaccinated guests?
  • To stay at a hotel or other accommodation, individuals will not be required to show proof of vaccination. As such, accommodators may still welcome unvaccinated individuals. As an essential service, hotels play an important role in providing shelter to individuals, particularly those who may be unvaccinated for medical reasons.

  • Will my employees be required to receive their vaccinations?
  • On Tuesday, Dr. Bonnie Henry advised that immunization as a condition of employment has to be done in the context of your own business. Business leaders may choose to implement this policy on their own accord, but at this stage, it is not being included in the proof of vaccination program.

  • Will areas such as pools, fitness centres, meeting rooms, and breakfast areas require employees to check for proof of vaccination? What will this process look like?
  • Many of you have reached out regarding this point, particularly with operational concerns as we continue to face a workforce shortage. Please know that we have engaged government to gain certainty on these points -- with the critical workforce shortage and challenges surrounding enforcement top of mind. We plan to outline these details in full, along with processes for checking BC ID cards, as soon as we can. Please continue to check our communications channels for this information.

Please see further details surrounding the proof of vaccination program included in our special edition industry update that was shared yesterday. Should you have any questions we encourage you to reach out to [email protected] as we continue to represent our industry and answer your questions.
BCHA is Coming to Vancouver Island! Register for our Live Industry Update Series
As part of our commitment to engage and hear from members and colleagues across British Columbia, we will hosting four in-person information & networking sessions geared to accommodators across Vancouver Island.

During these FREE sessions our hospitality colleagues and associates will have opportunity to hear directly from our team while voicing their own perspectives and priorities as we shift to recovery.
  • These sessions will be tailored to each region and will include:
  • Updates on advocacy efforts both provincially and federally
  • Information on emerging issues and ways to mitigate risk
  • Tools, resources, and benefits available to our members
  • Recovery strategies for the tourism and hospitality sector
  • A Q&A session
  • Along with a networking portion with food and drinks provided

Please see below for further information on each event and register for the session of your choice!
TOFINO
  • Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 | 10am – 1pm 
  • Wickanninnish Conference Hall at the Best Western Plus Tin Wis | 1119 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0

COURTENAY:
  • Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 | 10am – 1pm 
  • Ballroom at Crown Isle Resort | 399 Clubhouse Dr, Courtenay, BC V9N 9G3

PARKSVILLE:
  • Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 | 2pm – 5.30pm 
  • Grand Moriarty Conference Room at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre | 1155 Resort Dr, Parksville, BC V9P 2E3

NANAIMO:
  • Thursday, October 7th, 2021 | 10am – 1pm 
  • Opera & Harbour Rooms at Best Western Dorchester | 70 Church St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H4
Please register no later than Wednesday, September 29th.

We are delighted to have the opportunity to meet with our entire hotel community in-person and hope to see you there. Interested in learning more? Reach out to [email protected] and stay tuned for more information on when we will be in your area.
NEW Election Update | HAC Resources
for Federal Election
Last week the Liberal Party pledged to support Canada’s hardest hit businesses – a direct response to our advocacy work and it aligns with what we asked for.
 
Our collective work is to ensure that all political parties support (or do not oppose) the key elements of the Liberal plan. It is likely that there will be another minority government. Therefore, it will be critical that our ask for a tailored survival program is supported by all parties.
 
At a high level, here is where the parties currently stand:
 
  • Liberal Party of Canada:
  • The Liberals have pledged wage and rent support for our hard-hit industry to help get us through the fall and winter. 
  • Please continue to Tweet! It’s important to acknowledge and thank the Liberals for their support, but also important to avoid appearing partisan. We suggest thanking the party and remember to tag your local Liberal candidate and the Liberal Leader. You can acknowledge that you are happy with this announcement and that it sets the bar for other parties to follow. 
  • Click here to send a pre-written message from your Twitter account. Don't forget to tag your local Liberal MP or candidate.
  • Conservative Party of Canada:
  • The Tories have released their platform, pledging rehiring and travel incentives. While these measures will be helpful, it is not what we’ve asked for and we are still waiting for a plan for the hardest hit. It will be critical for a Conservative government to support our sector not just with stimulus, but an enhanced survival fund so that we can get to recovery. 
  • NDP: 
  • Though less detailed, the NDP platform makes reference to providing dedicated support to get the hard-hit tourism sector back on its feet. This is an encouraging sign that alignment, even if only at a high level, can be found between our ask and the NDP’s policy position.
  • Bloc Québécois:
  • We are hearing early signs of support from the Bloc Québécois and are working closely with them to secure more details on a plan for the hardest hit.  
CRITICAL ADVOCACY SUPPORT NEEDED AHEAD OF ELECTION

Please keep scheduling meetings with your local candidates. It is critical that we keep the pressure on and ensure that your local candidates know that without targeted support, you will not survive, and your employees’ jobs will be at stake. 

We need to tell the Liberals that this was an important pledge and that we support it; we need to continue to push the Conservatives for a plan for the hardest hit; and the NDP needs to understand that without a bridge support program, the livelihoods of your employees will be at risk. All parties need to know this is an important issue for their constituents so they can move swiftly with legislation in the fall. 
 
To support you in these meetings: 

Finally, as you prepare to head to the polls, HAC has analyzed the party platforms/announcements thus far in order to help you make an informed decision. Included in HAC's Federal Election Platform Analysis are the highlights from each party on the issues that matter the most to hotels.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Alana Baker, HAC’s Vice President of Policy & Public Affairs.
CBSA Announces Resumption of Services at Small Marine Reporting Sites
After an aggressive lobbying campaign on behalf of our industry partners and friends, the federal government announced today that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will proceed with the resumption of service at various small marine reporting sites, airports of entry and ferry terminals over the coming days and weeks. This follows the coming into force of new public health measures affecting travel to Canada for fully vaccinated United States (U.S.) citizens and permanent residents on August 9.
The CBSA services will resume in BC as of 23:59 EDT on September 6, 2021 at:
  • Alaska State Ferry Terminal
  • Belleville Terminal
  • Blackball terminal
  • Washington State Ferry Terminal
Sign Up for a FREE GoGreen Analysis Today!
The BCHA is beyond excited to announce that we have added two new members to our team as we expand our commitment to greening the hotel industry!

ABOUT OUR GO GREEEN PROGRAM:
In Spring of 2020, the BCHA added Energy Analyst, Dylan Tomlin, to our roster to help hotels conduct in-depth energy analysis of their operations AT ZERO COST TO THEM. In doing this, Dylan is able to identify ways for properties to operate more sustainably while saving up to tens of thousands through cost-cutting initiatives and rebates.

Due to the overwhelming success of the program, and in recognizing the positive impact it has had on membership, the BCHA has hired two new team members to assist Dylan in this important project. Learn more about Kiera and Vanda below!

INTERESTED IN YOUR OWN FREE ENERGY ASSESSMENT? SIGN UP TODAY!
If you already expressed interest in an energy assessment in the past, Vanda and/or Kiera will be in touch with you!
Crises BC | Support and Resources for Tourism Operators
WILDFIRE MESSAGING FOR OPERATORS FROM DBC & EMBC

The Government of BC has issued a request for visitors to avoid all non-essential travel to or through impacted areas. Impacted areas are defined by Emergency Management BC as areas currently under an evacuation order or evacuation alert. Areas not under an evacuation order or alert can continue to receive visitors, provided the destination does not require travel through an impacted area to get there.

While this creates implications for communities who are not otherwise under an order/alert, it is crucial that we keep those nearby roads clear. Circumstances can change quickly, requiring immediate access for fire crews and for potential evacuees. The current wildfire situation in British Columbia is dynamic, with conditions and alerts changing rapidly. Destination BC is issuing the following guidance to help BC’s tourism industry navigate the ever-changing circumstances.

On top of 19+ months of losses, businesses and people in wildfire-impacted areas need our support more than ever. Once the wildfires subside, we encourage British Columbians to travel to these regions and support local once it is safe to do so.

Get the latest on alerts, orders, and conditions on the Wildfire BC app:
FOR OPERATORS | EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

With the priority of ensuring that travelers have all the official resources they need to make informed decisions based on the latest, on-the-ground information, DBC has created and updated their Emergency Preparedness page. Consider this a fulsome resource to keep both yourself and your visitors informed over the course of the ongoing fire season and COVID-19 pandemic.

Wildfire and COVID-19 messaging guidance can be found on the webpage, along with safe and responsible travel graphics for you to use on your channels, a visitor-facing safe travel brochure (web and print version), and the links to DBC's Know Before You Go information.

FOR VISITORS | KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

Current travel restrictions, wildfire info, and other key visitor information on is available on Destination BC's consumer website, HelloBC.com. Click here to visit the Know Before You Go page and share the resource with anyone travelling within BC.
Request for Proposal | Conference Planner 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
  • Are you an experienced event and/or conference planner?
  • Are you passionate about the tourism and hospitality industries?
  • Do you possess a strong skillset to develop, produce, and manage large-scale events?

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) have issued a RFP to solicit proposals from qualified meeting and events planners interested in successfully organizing, coordinating, and managing the 2nd Annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, taking place in-person March 8-11, 2022 in Prince George.

About the Conference:
In face of the challenges presented over the course of the COVID-19, in March 2021, TIABC and the BCHA joined forces to present the first ever BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, held virtually. With the aim of providing industry with tools, knowledge, and resources for success, the conference will once again bring industry operators, partners, and stakeholders together in March 2022 for a four-day period filled with connection, growth, and inspiration.

How to Submit A Proposal:
Please refer to complete RFP package here for full submission guidance. Proposals must be received by August 30th at 5pm PST and can be submitted to the following:
  • By mail:

BC Hotel Association/Tourism Industry Association of BC
200-948 Howe Street
Vancouver, BC
V6Z 1N9

  • Electronically:

Walt Judas                    Ingrid Jarrett
CEO, TIABC                 CEO, BCHA
[email protected]            [email protected]
Reminder | Register for the Hospitality
Management Hiring Fair!
In face of the greatest workforce shortage in recent history, operators are searching for ways to find highly-skilled, highly-trained individuals to join their teams.

To develop a solution to this issue, the BC Hotel Association has partnered with Bliss Hospitality and Cornerstone International Community College of Canada (CICC) to bring you the first iteration of the Hospitality Management Hiring Fair.

  • The Process:
  • Prior to meeting with potential employers, all candidates will be subject to a pre-screening process to ensure they are:
  • Opera PMS certified
  • Food Safe certified
  • Able to perform tasks and duties related to the position
  • Able to communicate in English fluently
  • Location:
  • The Fair will take place at Cornerstone College Tech Campus at 816 Granville Street
  • Date:
  • October 9th, 2021 | Time TBA

Are you interested in participating or learning more information? Click below to register.
Workforce Solutions | Government Funded Placement Program & Contract Labour
PROPEL | Student Work Placement Program

Tourism HR Canada announced the launch of a federally funded Student Work Placement Program offering paid work-integrated learning opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Called Propel, this initiative provides post-secondary students with paid work-integrated learning opportunities with tourism and hospitality employers. Employers who hire students through this initiative receive a wage subsidy of 75% of the student’s wages, up to a maximum of $7,500.

This program will be a lifeline to our hardest-hit sector, providing talent and financial assistance at a time when so many employers are struggling.
This new program benefits the full spectrum of the visitor economy as it emerges from the crushing impact of the pandemic:
  • Employers acquire much-needed early talent to help with the recovery of the industry, as well as assistance with wages after an 18-month stretch of little or no income.
  • Students gain paid hands-on learning and mentoring in their field of study.
  • Post-secondary institutions complement their programming by connecting students and the workplace.

All qualifying parties—from small, independent operations to large, multi-property companies—are invited to apply for this timely support for our sector at PropelCareers.ca.
Integral Hospitality | Secure Outsourced Workers

Integral Hospitality, a division of the Integral Services Group, have assisted a number of hotels throughout BC with their outsourced housekeeping needs, placing over 100 full time housekeepers across BC.
A BCHA premier partner, Integral recognizes the urgency that many accommodators are facing. Should you be facing a staffing shortage, please contact Brett Mollard directly at [email protected]. To learn more, visit their website
Call for Nominations | BCHA
Board of Directors
The BCHA is offering a unique opportunity for you to voice your interest to become part of the Board of Directors.

Now is a particularly critical time for industry and appointment to the BCHA Board offers opportunity to lend your voice and leadership skills, while developing critical strategies aimed to help industry as we embark on our next chapter of recovery.

  • The BCHA | Advocating for the Sector with Unwavering Resolve
  • Much more than a voice for the British Columbia Hotel Sector, the BC Hotel Association is a champion, advocate, and resource for our province's entire accommodation community and supporting industries. Representing membership on a national, provincial, and community level, the BCHA actively serves the accommodation industry and its partnersacting as a bridge between the accommodation and business communitywhile working to ensure the betterment of our unique and interconnected network of operators.

  • The BCHA Board of Directors | Agents of Change
  • The BCHA Board of Directors is comprised of 19 elected members, each possessing a sincere commitment to the accommodation community. With elected members from regions across British Columbia, board members are champions of the industry who assume a critical leadership role, develop strategies, and make impactful decisions that will support the future of industry and its ongoing success.

With a sincere devotion to ensuring we meet our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we encourage all members to explore materials below—particularly those interested in pioneering the future of hospitality in BC and being an integral part of the next chapter of this more-than-a-century old organization.
Central Okanagan COVID-19 Restrictions | Information & Resources
Interior Health Restrictions
 
On August 20, 2021, government announced additional restrictions for the Central Okanagan region, which were expanded to the entire Interior Health region:
 
  • Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces for people 12 years and older
  • Low-intensity indoor group exercise is permitted to a maximum of 10 people per high. High-intensity indoor group exercise is not permitted.
  • Outdoor group exercise is permitted up to 50 people per class.
  • Gatherings in vacation rentals are limited to five guests or one additional household
  • Indoor personal gatherings are limited to five guests or one other household
  • Outdoor personal gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people
  • Organized indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people and outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people, both requiring a COVID-19 safety plan
 
The previous orders for central Okanagan food and liquor establishments remain in place:
  • Indoor and outdoor dining is allowed at food and liquor establishments for groups up to six people and liquor service must stop at 10:00 pm
  • Casinos may remain open with a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place
  • Nightclubs and bars are ordered to close unless they have full meal service
 
To clarify: the mask and gatherings and events orders were extended to the entire Interior Health region.
 
The restrictions for food and liquor establishments are only in place in the Central Okanagan (Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, and Lake Country).
 
For more information, please read the public orders:
Apply Today | Tourism & Hospitality Relief
Federal Programs
  • Tourism Relief Fund (TRF): to help tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. The $500 million national initiative across Canada will be administered by Western Economic Diversification in Western Canada.
  • Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS): Subsidy to cover a portion of eligible expenses until September 25, 2021. Also includes an additional Lockdown Support of 25% if your business was significantly affected by a public health order. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525
  • Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP): Aimed at sectors like tourism and hospitality, hotels, arts and entertainment, and will offer 100% government-guaranteed financing and provide low-interest loans up to $1 million for up to ten years.
  • Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Covers part of your employee wages retroactively back to December 20, 2020 until September 25, 2021. The maximum subsidy is 75%. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525
  • Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP): The new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) is designed to encourage businesses to grow as the economy recovers, whether it’s due to hiring and re-hiring staff, increasing shifts, or increasing overall pay.
  • Note: Your business can only claim the CEWS OR CRHP - here is a comparison between the two programs
  • Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB): $400 per week for 13 two-week periods between September 27, 2020, and September 25, 2021 for self-employed workers and those in the gig economy. Applications are handled through the Canada Revenue Agency. Hotline: 1-833-966-2099
 
Indigenous Programs

Provincial Program
  • The Workplace Accessibility Grant program. The grant program direct supports to small business employers in British Columbia by providing direct financial assistance towards creating an inclusive work environment for persons with a disability(ies).
Your Voice is STILL Needed! Help Industry Return to a New Normal & Win $1500
Participate in the survey and enter into a draw for prizes valued at $1,500.
 
go2HR has been hard at work undertaking a Labour Market Information research project to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce. Even before COVID-19, the industry faced some significant human resource challenges. We know those challenges will only increase as we emerge from the pandemic. 
 
We need your help! 
We need to hear from a representative sample of employers across all sectors and regions of the province. We ask for assistance in sharing the survey with a wide variety of businesses in the province, and ask you to please share this survey with your members. It takes approximately 25 minutes to complete this survey. We want to hear about the impact of COVID-19 on your member’s operations, the human resource issues they face, and what can be done to help industry in dealing with these issues going forward. Any information provided will be held confidential, used only for the purpose of this study, and reported only in summary form with the responses of other respondents. Please help us spread the word!
Have Your Say on B.C.’s
Permanent Paid Sick Leave
The BC Government is developing paid sick leave for employees in B.C., so they are able to stay home when sick or injured, without losing wages, for a set number of days each year. The new model will come into effect on January 1, 2022. Public consultation on the development of paid sick leave is now underway.

There will be two phases of consultation:
  • Phase 1 (Aug. 5 to Sept. 14) – surveys will gather information from employers and workers on the kinds of paid illness and injury leaves currently provided, and how they are meeting workers’ needs; and
  • Phase 2 (Sept. 20 to Oct. 25) – informed by the surveys, options will be prepared for various paid sick leave models, including the numbers of paid days and other supports, and will be posted for public feedback and input.

This is a good opportunity for the tourism and hospitality industry to share what might support the rebuilding of the industry and how it might also help address the labour shortage impacting many businesses as well as measures that might support employee retention.
Mark Your Calendars
Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 8-11, 2022

Mark your calendars! The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference officially has a date. Taking place in Prince George, March 8-11, 2022, the conference will be an informative multi-day conference aimed at supporting growth and celebrating industry.

Stay tuned for further updates coming soon!
Destination Vancouver, Good Night Out Vancouver, and go2HR Partner of Safer Spaces campaign.

Destination Vancouver, Good Night Out Vancouver, and go2HR are partnering up to help Vancouver’s hospitality industry get a jump start on safety.
 
Participating establishments will receive cross-promotion throughout the summer and an invitation to a safety skill sharing and social event in the Fall.
 
The 6 week 'Safer Spaces' campaign encourages local establishments to sign-up for industry-specific training to help build staff and patron confidence. Learn tools and tips to help prioritize safety and navigate a variety of challenging situations.
 
July 15 - August 31
 
All training is free of charge. Learn more and sign-up here.
ABLEBC Invites You to Lead Generation & Marketing Tips Webinar
 
ABLE BC and Ballistic Arts invite you to join us for a free webinar.
 
At last! British Columbia and the rest of Canada are opening back up. That's great news, but how are you going to best take advantage of this for your business? Will you marketing tactics that you used during the lockdown work now that the economy is reemerging? What new initiatives should you think about and what should you avoid?
 
Join ABLEBC on this one-hour webinar 'Lead Generation and Marketing Tips for BC's Reopening' with expert Ted Lau, CEO of award-winning Ballistic Arts, and podcast host of Marketing News Canada.
 
Date: Wednesday, September 1, 10:00 am PT
 
What you'll learn:
 
·   The big changes in Apple, Facebook, and Google that will affect how you market
·   What type of cost effective marketing content makes sense for your lead generation efforts
·   Even more about the Marketing Funnel/Loop and where you need to focus in the reopening
 
The economy is reopening, are you ready? Register here for the free webinar.
 
If you are unable to attend live, a webinar recording will be sent to everyone registered.
Social Media for Small Business
 
While it’s amazing for catching up with old friends, social media can also be a huge driver of traffic and attention to your small business. And, just because you know what social media is, does not mean you necessarily understand how to use social media to grow and develop your business.
 
This workshop focuses on understanding social media for small business, what it is and how it’s connecting people.
 
Date: August 25, 2021, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Venue: Online Webinar
 
Click here to learn more and to register for the free webinar, using coupon code DBC3034.
You’re invited to the 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress at the Westin Ottawa on November 30 to December 1 –
in-person & online
 
The pandemic has changed everything. But it’s also given us the opportunity to work together, adopt new ways of doing business, and reimagine what tourism looks like post-COVID-19. Come join the Tourism Industry Association of Canada at the 2021 Tourism Congress.
Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
Have News or A Congrats You'd Like to Share? Contact [email protected]
A HUGE Congratulations to BCHA's very own Membership Coordinator Samantha Glennie on her Wedding!

This past Saturday, Samantha officially tied the knot with her fiance Steve at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel. The two exchanged vows during an intimate ceremony with family and friends and danced the night away at the picturesque property (following Step 3 safety protocols of course!).

Our entire team at BCHA extends a sincere congrats to the happy pair - welcome to the BCHA family Steve!
Indigenous woman-owned Iskwew Air officially launches service between Qualicum Beach and YVR - Way to Go!

Canada’s first Indigenous woman-owned airline has taken a major step forward, offering service between Qualicum Beach Airport and Vancouver International Airport.

Iskwew Air officially launched in Spring 2019 and mainly operated as a charter service over the COVID-19 pandemic. Iskwew (pronounced ISS-KWAY-YO) is the Cree word for woman.

Service between Qualicum Beach and YVR’s South Terminal has officially begun! There has been no scheduled service at Qualicum Beach Airport since April of last year.

Congrats on the new and exciting chapter Iskwew Air! Read full Daily Hive article here.
In The News

A farm owner from Metro Vancouver has bought a heritage hotel in southeastern B.C., that was put up for auction after its closure several years ago.

Last week, Kendall Ballantine — who runs the Central Park Farms in the Township of Langley with her husband — won the bid on the foreclosed Windsor Hotel in Greenwood, B.C., about 168 kilometres southeast of Kelowna.

The hotel — which was built in 1896 and rebuilt three years later after a fire — was purchased by its previous owners in 2016 but has been permanently closed since 2017.
Ballantine says she noticed the Windsor Hotel on foreclosure listings last June, and decided two months ago to buy it for her newly developed hospitality business.


B.C. has reintroduced a mask mandate for public indoor spaces across the province.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the reinstatement during a news conference on Tuesday. The new mandate comes into effect on Wednesday and applies to people aged 12 and older in B.C.
"We now know that there is still a need for certain measures to be taken," said Henry, citing rising case counts in the province.

"The mask mandate is one of those additional layers that we're putting in place as we transition through the fall."

Indoor spaces include grocery stores, city halls, restaurants, pubs and bars, public transit, taxis or office buildings where public services are provided.

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