Today's update includes:

  • General Updates
  • Angus Reid Institute | Majority (54%) of Canadians Want All Restrictions to End
  • Revised PHO | Gatherings & Events
  • Don't Forget | Apply for the Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund
  • Explore the Canada Business App
  • GoGreen Tip of the Week! Sign Up for Your Free Energy Analysis Today!
  • Exclusive Discounted Print and Digital Advertising Packages | Only Until February 4!
  • Federal Pandemic Resources and Support
  • REMINDER | Planning to Install a Patio This Summer? TESA Applications Expiring!
  • Federal Advocacy | Survey & Resources
  • Reminder | COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant Extended
  • Restaurants Canada | Positive & Inclusive Workplace Guide
  • STR Report | Canadian Travel Patterns
  • 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference | In Memoriam Submissions
  • Help Rebuild the Tourism Workforce: Join a New Working Group
  • DBC | Have You Added the Accessibility Feature to Your HelloBC Listing?
  • Member Spotlight | Robin Hood Inn & Suites
  • News - See more below!
  • Hot Off the Press
  • B.C. could lift more COVID restrictions starting Family Day
  • Denmark, Norway scrap most COVID-19 restrictions
  • Majority of Canadians want COVID restrictions lifted: Poll
  • Industry Trends and News
  • Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
  • The BCHA Team Is Growing! Congratulations to Samantha and Vanda on Their Recent Promotions!
  • Jared Sissons Joins The Crystal Lodge as General Manager
  • BC Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Roxanne Schutz as Vice President, Operations
  • Mark Your Calendars - see below
  • Comment Card | Industry Thoughts & Feedback
  • Remembering the Legacy of Lorne White | Click here
  • Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Celebrates Lunar New Year
  • BC Doctors Can Now Prescribe A Year-Long Pass to National Parks
  • Learn Accessibility in Web Design from DBC
  • Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Members Smile
Angus Reid Institute | Majority (54%) of Canadians Want All Restrictions to End
A new study from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute offers insight into just how widespread the Omicron variant of COVID-19 may be in Canada.

These latest data estimate that approximately one-in-five households (21%) have had at least one case of COVID-19 positivity since December 1, 2021.

Notably, with Omicron now appearing to have peaked, many Canadians are leaning toward reducing restrictions related to COVID-19 control in Canada.
  • A majority (54%) now say it is time to remove restrictions and let Canadians manage their own level of risk
  • This is an increase of 15 percentage points since this question was asked in early January
Revised PHO | Gatherings & Events
On January 27th, the Provincial Health Officer, published revisions to the Public Health Order on gatherings and events.
 
Revisions include:
  • Youth sports tournaments may resume as of February 1
  • Further clarity was included around which events need to be seated. (Please note, wedding receptions, funerals, social parties are still not allowed.)
  • Details are include on page 14, #6.
  • As it relates performances, lectures and presentations must be seated. Therefore for all other business events people may stand including receptions related to business events.
  • Gyms and fitness centres have their own section and are able to operate once again with additional measures. Please note, there are no changes as it relates to hotel so please continue to operate as you have been. 
Don't Forget | Apply Today for the Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund - Intake Open Until Feb.14
On Friday, January 14 the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, announced that eligible accommodation providers and tourism operators will now have access to grants to alleviate fixed cost pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As much as $15 million will be provided through the Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund through three streams:
  • one for B.C.-owned large accommodation providers employing more than 150 people;
  • the second for Indigenous-owned large accommodation properties employing more than 100 people and located on reserve;
  • and the third for tenure and BC Parks permit holders that operate as tourism businesses.

Intake is now open and will remain open until February 14th at 11:59pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted so do apply as soon as possible.

The BCHA strongly encourages all eligible operators to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Explore the Canada Business App
The Canada Business App offers new features to make it even easier to find government programs and services. Download and explore:
  • Easy navigation to government programs and services
  • Recommendations tailored to your business
  • Personalized notifications straight to your phone
  • Easy access to COVID-19 support and other programs and services
  • Answers to help you start up, scale up and access new markets
GoGreen Tip of the Week! Sign Up for Your Free Energy Analysis Today!
BCHA Members, sign up for your FREE energy analysis today! Reach out to Kiera@bcha.com and learn how you can save tens of thousands of dollars by converting to environmentally friendly solutions.
Exclusive Discounted Print and Digital Advertising Packages | Only Until February 4!
For a limited time only, the BCHA, in partnership with EMC Publications, is delighted to offer a collection of cost-saving advertising packages that will offer members immediate exposure to BC’s accommodation community. Packages include presence on our digital platforms and in our quarterly magazine. More information: https://www.bcha.com/advertising--media-kit.html
  • Signature Sponsorship
  • Home page leaderboard on BCHA’s site
  • Top banner of newsletter – 1-time per week
  • Full page ad in Spring issue of InnFocus
  • Logo on BCHA’s site
  • Enhanced listing in BCHA Buyers’ Guide
  • Premiere Sponsorship
  • Rotating Rectangle ad on BCHA’s site
  • Top banner of newsletter – 1-time per week
  • ½-page ad in Spring issue of InnFocus
  • Enhanced listing in the BCHA Buyers’ Guide
  • Select Sponsorship
  • Rotating leaderboard on BCHA’s site
  • Lower banner of newsletter – 1-time per week
  • 1/3-page ad in Spring issue of InnFocus
  • Enhanced listing in the BCHA Buyers’ Guide

HOW TO GET STARTED
Contact Joyce Hayne, EMC Publications, at joyce@emcmarketing.com
T 604-574-4577 | 1-800-667-0955 
Federal Pandemic Resources and Support
Resources, including financial support, loans and access to credit
Supports for businesses and organizations
Learn how to reduce the risk of COVID‑19 transmission
.
REMINDER | Planning to Install a Patio This Summer? TESA Applications Expiring!
If you are planning to install a patio this summer, you need to take urgent action now. TESA applications from last year are expiring soon and do not provide approval for patios this coming summer.
 
On June 15, 2021, the LCRB extended the deadline for currently approved Temporary Expanded Service Areas (TESAs) to expire on June 1, 2022.

This means that if you have not made the service area under your TESA permanent by applying for a permanent structural change (e.g., applying for a patio), your TESA will expire on June 1, 2022 and you will not be able to sell or serve liquor in the expanded space.
Take Advantage of Go2HR's Complimentary Safety Plan Review Service
B.C.’s provincial health officer announced an order requiring employers to re-activate their COVID-19 safety plans. This new order replaces the previous requirement for employers to have communicable disease prevention plans and does not have an expiration date.
 
go2HR is offering a complimentary COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service to B.C.’s tourism and hospitality employers.
 
 
For other templates, signage, guidelines, and business support visit:
Federal Advocacy | Survey & Resources
Here is the list of programs available for application:
  1. Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
  2. Canada Recovery Hiring Program
  3. Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program
  4. Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit
  5. Local Lockdown Program

Please note, if you applied for the Tourism & Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) for period 22 (October 24 to November 20, 2021), you may have been affected by an error in the calculation spreadsheet for wage and hiring support, which erroneously showed they were ineligible for the THRP when they may have been eligible. More information here.

As a reminder, last week changes to the federal government’s Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program were announced, extending a repayment deadline for CEBA loans from Dec. 31, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2023, for all eligible borrowers in good standing.

SURVEY:
To properly advocate and make changes, we need more up-to-date information from operators on whether the Fund is responding to your current needs, where you are experiencing challenges in accessing the program and the nature of those challenges, as well as how you believe improvements to the Fund could be made.
Reminder | COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant Extended
The Province has extended the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant and doubling supports for eligible businesses that have been ordered to remain temporarily closed through public health measures until February 16th.
 
Businesses that were directed to remain temporarily closed on January 18th through public health orders are eligible for up to $20,000 in total funding, based on staffing levels at the time of closure.
 
Eligible businesses include:
 
  • Bars, nightclubs and lounges that do not serve full meals; and
  • Event venues that had to close due to cancellations.
  • Eligible fitness facilities that were ordered closed on December 22nd but can now reopen, will receive the original four-week temporary-closure grant of up to $10,000 based on staffing levels at the time of closure.
Restaurants Canada | Positive & Inclusive Workplace Guide
If you are in the foodservice industry and looking to foster a healthy workplace environment for your employees, take a moment to download this in-depth guide from Restaurants Canada.

This guide provides information on:
  • Building a Culture of Inclusion
  • Hiring Practices to Build a Vibrant Labour Force
  • Racial, Cultural and Gender Diversity
  • Mental Health
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Sick Leave/Parental Leave
STR Report | Canadian Travel Patterns
 
Domestic Overnight Visitors Week Ending January 23 Highlights:
 
  • Average Domestic Overnight Visitation to BC for Week 3 (Jan 17 - 23, 2022) is down -2.1% compared to the same week in 2019
  • When comparing Week 2 (Jan 10 - 16, 2022) with Week 3 (January 17 - 23, 2022) Thompson Okanagan, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Northern BC, Vancouver Island, Vancouver Coast & Mountains saw an increase in visitation, Kootenay Rockies saw a decrease.
  • British Columbia increased by 6.1% when comparing Week 2 (Jan 10 - 16, 2022) with Week 3 (January 17 - 23, 2022) 

STR Report Highlights Week Ending January 22:
 
  • British Columbia had a 39.2% occupancy from Sunday-Thursday and a 46.9% occupancy during the weekend, down -32.1% compared to the same week in 2019.
  • British Columbia had an ADR of $149.45 from Sunday-Thursday and an ADR of $170.38 during the weekend, down -8.2% compared to the same week in 2019.
  • British Columbia had a RevPAR of $58.54 from Sunday-Thursday and a RevPAR of $79.89 during the weekend, down -37.7% compared to the same week in 2019.
 
Regional STATS the Weekend of January 21-22, 2022:
 
  • Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: OCC 45.4% ADR $134.42 REVPAR $60.97
  • Kootenay Rockies: OCC 44.7% ADR $132.81 REVPAR $59.40
  • Northern BC: OCC 47.0% ADR $124.51 REVPAR $58.47
  • Thompson Okanagan: OCC 49.5% ADR $133.56 REVPAR $66.05
  • Vancouver Island: OCC 45.6% ADR $151.64 REVPAR $69.15
  • Vancouver: OCC 43.7% ADR $159.27 REVPAR $69.53
  • Whistler: OCC 67.8% ADR $442.50 REVPAR $300.03
2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality
Conference | In Memoriam Submissions
At this year's BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, we will be paying our respects through an "In Memoriam" slideshow tribute that honours all of those who have passed since we last met in person. We need your help to ensure that each of our industry friends are included.

How to Submit:
  • Please send direct submissions to info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com
  • In your submissions, please detail the individual's:
  • First and last name
  • Title and company from their latest role
  • An image or headshot

We will be accepting submissions until Friday, February 11th. 
Help Rebuild the Tourism Workforce: Join a New Working Group
Tourism HR Canada's new Workforce Recovery Project aims to restart tourism by securing a skilled, diverse, and resilient workforce.  
 
As a part of this project, Tourism HR Canada is calling on tourism industry leaders, business owners, workers, educators, and students to join working groups. The goal of the working groups is to gather recommendations to align the project with the realities experienced by the sector and by sharing a wide range of ideas to ensure the representation of diverse tourism stakeholders from across Canada. 
DBC | Have You Added the Accessibility Feature to Your HelloBC Listing?
Over 500 tourism businesses have added the Accessibility feature to their business listing on HelloBC.com.

If your business has mobility, vision, hearing and/or cognitive accessible attributes, let consumers know by adding this feature to your HelloBC.com listing today, at no cost.

You can direct any questions to HelloBCListings@DestinationBC.ca.
Member Spotlight | Robin Hood Inn & Suites
The Robin Hood Inn & Suites has been an icon in Victoria since the 1960’s, offering guests effortless access to all the city has to offer -- from whale watching and city tours, to guests' choice of restaurants, ice cream shops, breweries, shopping malls and super markets!

With the hotel being a remarkable part of their family legacy, the Ullrich family recently sat down to talk about what makes the property so special. And of course, it all comes down to the people.
Industry News & Quick Links
HOT OFF THE PRESS

British Columbia's top doctor says some COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings are expected to be gradually lifted by Feb. 21. Dr. Bonnie Henry said that's possible in part because 90 per cent of residents aged 12 and over have received two doses of a vaccine, though more people need to get a booster shot for longer-lasting protection. Read more.

Denmark on Tuesday became one of the first European Union countries to scrap most pandemic restrictions as the Scandinavian country no longer considers the COVID-19 outbreak “a socially critical disease.” Read more.

A majority of Canadians now say it is time to end COVID restrictions, according to an Angus Reid poll, a sharp increase from when the same question was asked in early January. Read more.
INDUSTRY TRENDS AND QUICKLINKS

American Travel Trends & Sentiment - Week of January 31st: Hope Returns in Omicron's Wake American travel sentiment has recovered from Omicron and in some areas even soared to levels not seen since the Summer 2021 vaccine rollout-high. In this positive mindset, Americans have a strong openness to travel inspiration, seeking ideas from a variety of media. Read More
 
Leisure Segment Remains Strong While Group, Corporate Show Promising Signs Read more
Given the challenges U.S. hotels are having attracting and retaining employees, the need to invest in employee training is as great as it has ever been. Read more

According to the year-end Lodging Econometrics (LE) Construction Pipeline Trend Report for Canada, analysts at LE state that Canada’s hotel construction pipeline ended 2021’s fourth quarter at 262 projects/35,325 rooms. The pipeline is down a mere 3% by projects and up 2% by rooms, year-over-year (YOY). Read more
 
The Castell Project Releases Fifth Annual Women in Hospitality Industry Leadership Report Now in its fifth year, the report details women’s progress in leadership positions within the hospitality industry. Read more
The inaugural Accor Northern Europe Travel Trends Report looks at how Covid has changed our behaviour and how this will influence the way we travel, live, work and play in 2022 and beyond. Read more
 
As travel has been curtailed over the past two years, have tech solutions like VR and AR kept the dream of travel alive - and how else is technology empowering travel marketing? Read more

Customer First or Technology First? How the Mindset of an Entire Industry Needs to Change - By Katharina Heitmann In a world where innovation is driving technology and demands of our everyday lives, especially in the midst of a pandemic, it is sometimes hard to keep up that personal touch with our friends, family, or colleagues. Looking at the hospitality industry and all the changes it has gone through, keeping a balance between technology, innovation, and creating that unforgettable experience for a guest is a major issue. Read more
Tipping Our Hat to Industry
Have news to share? Email kelsey@bcha.com
The BCHA Team Is Growing! Congratulations to Samantha and Vanda on Their Recent Promotions!

Please join us in celebrating BCHA team members Vanda Fragoso and Samantha Glennie on their new roles!

Formerly on contract as one of our incredible Sustainability Program Coordinators, Vanda joins our membership team full-time as our new Member Services Coordinator! With her passion for the industry, fantastic work ethic, and meticulous attention to detail, Vanda has been a tremendous resource for our members and we couldn't be happier to welcome her to our team full-time.

Since joining the BCHA July 2020 as Member Services Coordinator, Samantha has worked tirelessly to support our membership. Her unparalleled commitment to industry, ability to identify solutions, and member-first mentality made her promotion to Member Services Manager an absolute no-brainer. With Samantha's impressive background in events, she also looks forward to bringing new opportunities for live in-person events to our members across British Columbia.

We are lucky to have both Samantha and Vanda on our team!
Jared Sissons Joins The Crystal Lodge as General Manager

Congratulation to Jared Sissons who has been appointed as General Manager of The Crystal Lodge.

Jared joins with more than 25 years of hotel management experience, as well as industry post-secondary education. He has spent the last 10 years with Atlific Hotels and Resorts as the General Manager of the Whistler Village Inn and Suites; and prior to that, as GM of the Executive Suites Hotel and Resort in Squamish. Jared also served on the board of Tourism Squamish as the Chair and Vice Chair of the destination marketing organization. He has also participated as a member of the Hotel Association of Whistler. 
 
Congratulations Jared and The Crystal Lodge team!
BC Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Roxanne Schutz as Vice President, Operations

Beginning today, February 1, 2022 Roxanne Schutz has officially joined the BC Chamber of Commerce as Vice President, Operations.

Congratulations on your next chapter Roxanne!
Mark Your Calendars
May 8, 2022 – May 11, 2022

IMPACT is a collaborative national dialogue on innovation. The dream to create a legacy for sustainable and regenerative tourism in Canada is stronger than ever, and your voices are needed.
 
Join in on a national conversation on sustainable tourism, as delegates and speakers explore and compare models for tourism recovery. Hear from some of the most creative and innovative experts in the business and address our new reality of higher expectations, for and of visitors.
 
Explore FREE Courses with SHARP Workplace Training
As an employer, can you answer these questions?
  • What are your legal responsibilities when it comes to workplace sexual harassment?
  • What are the rights of workers if they experience sexual harassment?
  • What are the best practices to follow in setting up a workplace sexual harassment policy? Do all employers need one?
  • What does an employer need to do when a worker pursues a legal option to respond to workplace sexual harassment?

To provide clarity on this SHARP is offering FREE 90-minute online SHARP Workplaces’ training sessions designed for small businesses and non-profits across BC. Featuring: What is Workplace Sexual Harassment? 

BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
Richmond Conference Centre | March 9-11

Registration is now open for the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, taking place in-person at the Richmond Conference Centre from March 9-11, 2022.

Please note, tickets will be sold separately for the following conference events, though you must have a conference ticket to attend the gala:

  • Rev Up! Hotel Pre-Conference Track
  • Taking place March 9 from 8am-1pm, Rev Up! tickets offer exclusive access to content tailored specifically for accommodators, with engaging presentations and panels from industry experts and leaders across Canada’s accommodation community.
  • Conference Tickets:
  • Early bird rates are available until 11:59pm PT on February 1, 2022 with member and non-member pricing options. Tickets include complete access to all three days of conference sessions, workshops, marketplace, and silent auction.
  • Awards Gala:
  • Reserve your spot for a celebratory evening that will recognize our province’s most exceptional products, services, experiences, and people, taking place the evening of Thursday, March 10, 2022.
Waterside Chat with Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
 
Join Greater Victoria Harbour Authority CEO Ian Robertson and Anna Poustie, Chair of the Victoria Cruise Industry Alliance, as they discuss the operational planning that is happening in advance of the 2022 cruise season.
 
Date: Friday, February 11th at 2:00 pm
Click here to register
The 2022 Cruise schedule is available here.
2022 Annual BC Economic Summit
Date: April 3rd 1:30 PM  to April 5th 2:30 PM

The British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) is presenting its 2022 Annual BC Economic Summit in a virtual format with the theme of Reconciliation and Resiliency - A Future for BC. This is an opportunity to highlight success stories, lessons learned, share cutting-edge ideas, and engage your colleagues at the premier event for economic development practitioners in British Columbia.
 
Click here to learn more and to register.
BCHF | Destination Greater Victoria Lottery
 
A fundraiser for the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF), the Destination Greater Victoria lottery offers bidders a chance to win prize packages that include transportation, fine dining, and luxury accommodation in Greater Victoria. There are four prize packages available. All prizes have been generously donated by Destination Greater Victoria members. Prize draws will take place at 12 p.m. on February 7, 2022. 
 
Comment Card
Remembering the Legacy of
Lorne White | Click here
Last Laugh