Industry Update | December 12, 2023

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BCHA NEWS

EMPOWERING PROGRESS: BCHA's 2023 ADVOCACY HIGHLIGHTS & WORKFORCE WINS

Dear BCHA Members,

Following a highly successful year in government relations efforts, the BCHA is delighted to share our 2023 Advocacy Report. The report details key advocacy wins and significant strides from January to December of this year – this includes new regulations on short-term rentals to protect employee housing, major immigration adjustments to support access to talented workers across the globe, protection of the MRDT tri-party agreement to ensure hotels have a voice in destination development priorities, and emergency preparedness response, among other key wins.

This report is not only reflective of a culmination of effort from the BCHA and our advocacy partners across Canada but is a direct result of our valued members and the role you play in empowering our organization to lead the work that we do. We thank you for entrusting our team to advocate for the best interests of British Columbia's accommodation sector and enabling us to do so.

Just in time for our end-of-year report, last week we were delighted to learn of two key wins announced that relate to our workforce file.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WORK POLICY EXTENDED

On December 8th, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that they will be extending a policy that allows certain international students to work beyond the usual 20-hour-per-week limit imposed on off-campus employment outside of scheduled academic breaks.

International students can now work up to 40-hours-per-week until April 30, 2024. International students fill important labour gaps for our industry and in the new year we will be focused on securing a permanent removal of the cap. in the meantime, this is a big win for both employers and students who rely on full-time employment options to afford to live in Canada.

FLEXIBLE QUALIFICATION PERIOD FOR THE TFW-RECOGNIZED EMPLOYER PILOT

Employment and Social Development Canada has updated the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The REP aims to streamline processes for employers with good track records. Initially, only those with three positive Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the last five years were eligible, excluding certain employers affected by COVID-19 restrictions, like hotels.

After collaborative efforts with the government, the program now offers a more flexible qualification period, allowing employers to use positive LMIA decisions dating back to 2016 if they did not participate in the TFWP in 2020 or 2021. This change benefits hotels by expanding eligibility and simplifying the application process. The program is set to launch on January 1, 2024.

We are so pleased to be heading into the New Year will so many integral wins under our collective belt, many of which have been years in the making. We do encourage you to read our report and keep an open line of communication with our team to ensure we accurately capture your priorities as we head into a promising new year

Warm regards,

Ingrid Jarrett

President and CEO

BC Hotel Association

Help the BCHA | Quick Survey on 2024 Hiring Needs

Your voice drives our action. Please complete our short four-minute survey to advise on your hiring, training, and retention needs for 2024. Please complete by Wednesday, December 20, 2024.

For any questions, please reach out to communications@bcha.com. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our industry.

→ TAKE SURVEY

Invest in Success: Financial Leadership Training

Embark on a transformative journey with our Financial Leadership course from Jan 10 to Feb 14, 2024, led by industry expert David Lund. Gain invaluable insights and skills essential for success in the hospitality industry. But that's not all—explore further with our upcoming courses on Property Operations & Maintenance (Feb 21 - Mar 27, 2024) and Leadership for Hospitality Professionals (Apr 3 - May 8, 2024). Elevate your team's potential by registering now and enjoy exclusive discounted prices crafted for your team's success.

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TOP STORIES

Guidelines and Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Regulations and policy manuals have been issued to support local governments in implementing housing bills introduced in the fall legislative session, including Bill 35, the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act.

Regulations define what constitutes a principal residence, list the communities where the principal residency requirement applies, and detail accommodation-service providers that will be exempt from the principal residence requirement, such as some strata-titled hotels and motels, fishing/hunting lodges, and timeshares.

As well, the guidelines provide additional details, including how local governments can annually request by resolution to the province to “opt-out” of the principal-residence requirement if the community has a rental vacancy rate of 3% or more for two consecutive years. STR hosts will be required to display a valid business license number on their listing, where a business license is required by a local government, by May 1, 2024.

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Tourism Outlook 2023: Rebounding Stronger than Expected, Yet Challenges Persist

Destination Canada released its latest Tourism Outlook: Unlocking Opportunities for the Sector, showing total tourism revenue is set to exceed 2019 levels, generating $109.5 billion by the end of 2023. This represents the recovery of the tourism sector from the COVID-19 pandemic, one year earlier than projected. While this is positive news, it is important to recognize that recovery both geographically and across sub sectors has been uneven. The challenge ahead is creating profitable growth for tourism businesses given their current debt loads and inflationary pressures.

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RESOURCES

go2HR: November 2023 Insights into BC's Tourism and Hospitality Sector

In November 2023, BC's Tourism and Hospitality sector faced ongoing challenges, witnessing a 3.9% decline in employment from October to 330,000. While some regions experienced increased employment, others saw a decline. The Recreation and Entertainment sector exceeded pre-COVID employment levels, but overall, the sector faced reduced employment. The unemployment rate rose to 5.2%, surpassing pre-COVID levels, indicating the lasting impact of the pandemic. Despite these challenges, food and beverage establishments have exceeded pre-COVID sales revenues. Explore go2HR's Employment Tracker for monthly updates on the industry.

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Virtual Pre-Consultation Session: Proposed Amendments to Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

WorkSafeBC’s Policy, Regulation and Research Department (PRRD) invites you to a virtual pre-consultation session to discuss proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR). The proposed amendments concern Part 1: Definitions and Part 3: Rights and Responsibilities, as well as consequential amendments to Parts 4, 5, and 8, regarding Worker Participation.

Please provide your preferred dates for the meeting by completing the doodle poll at the link below, by 4:30 p.m. on December 13, 2023:

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Destination BC Tourism Digital Academy January Intake

Register for this free online Digital Marketing Program for tourism businesses. Beginning in January and held over 8 weeks, participants will learn practical, actionable guidance through video recordings, live sessions, one-on-one coaching, and audits.

Destination BC also offers a self-guided version of the Tourism Digital Academy to complete at your own pace.

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TIAC's National Virtual Tourism Job Fair and Forum

Join TIAC's National Tourism Job Fair and Forum on February 1, 2024—a virtual event connecting employers and job seekers for free. Powered by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, THRC, and Baxter Media, the platform offers immediate access, virtual booths, and sponsorship opportunities for employers. Job seekers can connect with employers, explore opportunities, and engage in expert-led sessions. The platform, accessible from January 2024, provides on-demand resources. Registration is open for job seekers, employers, and service providers.

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TRENDING

IN THE NEWS

-> Metro Vancouver Meeting Space Deemed Insufficient to Meet Demand

-> Time's up for some short-term rentals in B.C. as new housing rules look set to transform scene

-> Sandman Hotel Group and GreenStep Solutions are delighted to announce their new partnership

-> Crescent Hotels & Resorts Adds The Josie Hotel, An Autograph Collection to Latitudes Portfolio

-> BWH Hotels and Call2Recycle Bring Battery Recycling Practices to the Canadian Hospitality Sector

TALK OF THE TOWN

-> Recording Available | Protecting Your Business

-> Be a Hospitality Hero | Support the BCHF Spirit of Hospitality Lottery and Win Big!

-> BC Wildfire Service Releases 2023 Wildfire Summary

-> BC ski resorts are opening as the snow falls, and are celebrating their enthusiasm through dance

-> YVR Winter Readiness: Enhancements and Preparations for 2023

AT A GLANCE

Save the Date! May 1-2, 2024 BCHA Summit

The BCHA Summit returns to unite BC's accommodation and business community for two days of industry connection and excellence May 1-2 at Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

AWARD NOMINATIONS WILL OPEN SOON!

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IMPACT Conference

January 21-24 | Victoria Westin Ottawa

Learn More

2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference

March 6 & 7

BCHA Summit

Fairmont Chateau Whistler | May 1-2, 2024

Registration Details Coming Soon

2024 HAC National Conference, REIMAGINED!

Le Westin Montreal |May 22-24, 2024 Read

ALLIED MEMBERS

CONNECTING MEMBERS WITH TRUSTED VENDORS

Seize the Savings: BC Hotel Association Members' Exclusive Discounts on Bell's Super-Fast Network

It’s a wonderful time to switch to Bell's super-fast network. BC Hotel Association members save even more on phones and plans with the Bell Exclusive Partner Program.

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Coffee Excellence for Hotels: Exclusive Offerings from Van Houtte Coffee Services for BCHA Member

Van Houtte Coffee Services, with nearly a century of coffee-roasting and cafe bistro expertise, stands as the leading provider of coffee services to Canada's hotel industry. Specializing in comprehensive coffee solutions for in-room, breakfast bar, lobby, and banquet facilities, Van Houtte ensures your hotel leaves a lasting impression by offering quality coffee to guests, increasing their likelihood of return visits. BCHA members enjoy exclusive special pricing and the opportunity to receive free on-loan coffee-brewing equipment and accessories for their properties. For further details, contact Kelly Roschat at 604-516-9843 or kroschat@kdrp.com.

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HERE'S TO YOU!

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? EMAIL KELSEY@BCHA.COM

Sustainability Excellence: Margaux Martin Jarrand Honored with Relais & Châteaux Trophy

The BCHA extends heartfelt congratulations to Margaux Martin Jarrand, the former Sustainability Coordinator at the Wickaninnish Inn, for being honored with the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Sustainability Trophy! Margaux's dedication to sustainability has left an indelible mark on the Wickaninnish Inn. Although she moved on, her legacy lives on in the Wickaninnish's commitment to sustainability.

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LAST LAUGH

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