Last week the BC government unveiled its Stronger BC Economic Plan which was followed today's announcement of Budget 2022, which was presented by Premier John Horgan and Minister of Finance Selina Robinson.
Support for Tourism:
Budget 2022 earmarks $25 million in funding to support the tourism sector’s continuing recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We do not have further details on what this will include at this stage. Additional funding is also being provided this year to support non-profit organizations affected by the pandemic; the recovery of the arts, culture and music sectors through the Arts Impacts and Amplify BC programs; and additional tourism supports, including funding to support the safe restart of fairs, festivals and events.
Furthermore, Within the $2 billion contingency to address situations where the various stages of the pandemic continue to evolve, the Province has set aside monies for programs such as the Closure Relief Grant if restrictions are again required and relief is necessary for directly impacted businesses.
As identified by TIABC, funds allocated to a number of other priorities will further support our hospitality and tourism sector, this includes:
- Funds for Emergency Management BC to support the four pillars of emergency management – prevention, mitigation, response & recovery;
- Resources to close the digital divide and bringing high-speed internet and connectivity to rural, remote and Indigenous communities;
- Funds to build affordable housing for workers;
- With the deferral in logging old growth, resources to help forestry workers transition to available jobs;
- Investment in infrastructure;
- Investment in clean transportation; and
- Resources for the new Sustainable Lands, Water & Resource Ministry that has responsibility for land use policy and planning, as well as fishing.
Key Pillars of the Plan
Building a stronger society by putting people first
- Saving parents money on full-day child care, preschool and before- and after-school care by cutting average fees to approximately $20 per day, while delivering 40,000 new licensed spaces in the next seven years.
- Better health care closer to home, with new urgent and primary care centres, and cancer care centres in preliminary planning stages in Kamloops and Nanaimo.
- Working in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority to continue creating up to 15 First Nations Primary Care Centres throughout the province.
- Taking a proactive approach to respond to and prevent homelessness through new complex care housing, rent supplements with integrated supports, and extending support for youth aging out of care until age 27.
- Supporting survivors of sexual assault by providing stable funding to approximately 50 community-based sexual assault response organizations to support victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
Building a stronger environment for our future
- Building B.C.’s low-carbon future by expanding the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and making clean energy and transportation the more affordable option for people and businesses.
- Building and rebuilding more resilient infrastructure with landmark projects, including the Broadway Subway, Fraser River tunnel, Pattullo Bridge, and Highway 1 through Kicking Horse Canyon underway, with more projects in planning stages including the Surrey Langley Skytrain.
- Protecting people and communities from climate-related disasters, including moving BC Wildfire Services to a proactive year-round model, supporting local governments to prepare for climate disasters through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, supporting Indigenous-led emergency management priorities, and strengthening B.C.’s defences through the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.
Building a stronger economy for everyone
- Creating a new Declaration Act Secretariat that will guide and assist government to meet its obligation to ensure legislation is consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and is developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples.
- Connecting more than 280 remote, rural and Indigenous communities to high-speed internet, improving access to digital health-care services, education, employment and business opportunities.
- Investing in an inclusive and clean economy with the Stronger BC Economic Plan, which will close the skills gap, grow B.C.’s life sciences, manufacturing and agricultural sectors, and build an economy that works for more people.
- Accelerating investments to build more affordable and mixed-income housing projects faster.
- Creating opportunities for workers by investing in training opportunities in the skilled trades, health care and life sciences sectors, and expanding and diversifying the construction workforce through Community Benefits Agreements.
Spending
B.C. Budget 2022 maps out predicted revenues of $68.6 billion in 2022-23 and $74 million in spending (including $3 billion in contingencies) for a deficit of $5.5 billion. Spending will rise to $70.2 billion in 2023-24, while the deficit will lower to $4.2 billion. By 2024-25 the Budget forecasts higher spending of $72.3 billion and a lower $3.2 billion deficit.
Budget 2022 also forecasts a deficit of $483 million for the 2021-22, which is less than last fall’s forecast deficit of $1.7 billion and Budget 2021’s forecast of $9.7 billion. $4.25 billion of the spending in the 2021-22 budget is from contingencies.
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COVID-19 Measures Relaxed both Federally & Provincially | Updated Messaging |
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- As of February 15, most pandemic-related restrictions in BC have been lifted.
- Learn more.
- The Federal Government also announce that as of February 28, fully vaccinated travellers can now enter Canada with a pre-arrival antigen test, and if they are selected for a random on-arrival test, they will no longer have to quarantine while waiting for the results.
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Learn more.
Both federal and provincial updates to current restrictions and border measures are reflected in Destination BC’s Winter Travel Guide, which provides key messaging, information and infographics, and resources for BC’s tourism industry as it relates to travel to and within BC.
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Destination BC Needs Your Spring Offers |
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Destination BC is promoting various travel offers through the Travel Deals page that encourages potential travellers to explore a variety of BC experiences, attractions, and accommodations.
To take advantage of the interest generated from these campaigns and motivate travellers to book with your tourism business, DBC encourages you to post up to three offers on HelloBC before the first campaign launches on March 8th.
Travel offers represent a key opportunity to generate referrals to your business from HelloBC and through Destination BC’s marketing activities and do not require you to discount your experiences or products. Offers can be an enticing package, an experience unique to our province, or a savings of some sort.
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Weekly Domestic Visitors & STR Reports (Week ending February 13) |
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Domestic Overnight Visitors Week Ending February 12 Highlights:
- Average Domestic Overnight Visitation to BC for Week 6 (Feb 7 - Feb 13, 2022) is down -8.9% compared to the same week in 2019
- When comparing Week 5 (Jan 31 - Feb 06, 2022) to Week 6 (Feb 7 - Feb 13, 2022) Thompson Okanagan, Kootenay Rockies, Northern BC, Vancouver Island, and Vancouver Coast and Mountains saw a decrease in visitation. Cariboo Chilcotin Coast saw an increase.
- British Columbia decreased 18% when comparing Week 5 (Jan 31 - Feb 06, 2022) to Week 6 (Feb 7 - Feb 13, 2022)
STR Report Highlights Week Ending February 12:
- British Columbia had a 45.2% occupancy from Sunday-Thursday and a 59.5% occupancy during the weekend, down -23.7% compared to the same week in 2019.
- British Columbia had an ADR of $159.08 from Sunday-Thursday and an ADR of $181.16 during the weekend, down -6.6% compared to the same week in 2019.
- British Columbia had a RevPAR of $71.91 from Sunday-Thursday and a RevPAR of $107.74 during the weekend, down -28.8% compared to the same week in 2019.
Regional STATS the Weekend of February 12-13 2022:
- Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: OCC 51.6% ADR $137.53 REVPAR $70.90
- Kootenay Rockies: OCC 64.9% ADR $152.19 REVPAR $98.73
- Northern BC: OCC 50.5% ADR $126.28 REVPAR $63.83
- Thompson Okanagan: OCC 71.8% ADR $170.31 REVPAR $122.23
- Vancouver Island: OCC 63.0% ADR $167.13 REVPAR $105.23
- Vancouver: OCC 58.2% ADR $170.96 REVPAR $99.46
- Whistler: OCC 79.0% ADR $485.88 REVPAR $383.85
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ICYMI | Minister Melanie Mark Addresses Tourism Community As Restrictions Ease |
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Last week, most COVID-19 restrictions in B.C. – with the exception of the need to provide proof of vaccination for specific indoor activities and to wear masks indoors – were officially lifted in BC. The changes were announced by Premier John Horgan, Health Minister Adrian Dix, and Dr. Bonnie Henry.
In an open letter to the tourism, arts, culture, creative and sport sectors, Minister Melanie Mark reflects on the challenges of the past two years and celebrates the people and businesses who have battled through the pandemic to keep their industries alive and the people of British Columbia safe. On February 15, the Premier and Provincial Health Officer announced the lifting of many Provincial Public Health Orders, some of which have been in place to varying degrees for two years.
Minister Mark’s letter applauds the industries under her jurisdiction, and offers encouragement for a strong recovery and a brighter future.
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Advocacy Win! Tradex to Remain
an Events-Based Venue
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On Wednesday, the city of Abbotsford announced that Tradex will remain an event-based facility for many years to come! This is welcome news following aggressive advocacy supported by BCHA, TIABC, Tourism Abbotsford Society, among other stakeholders after a formal process by the City of Abbotsford sought to look at other options for the Tradex Venue. Advocacy efforts notes that a change in purpose of the venue would have a significant, negative impact on the tourism and hospitality industry, particularly the local/regional economy.
This well-received news was reinforced by TIABC, the BCHA and the Tourism Abbotsford Society in a letter of thanks included below, to Abbotsford Mayor & Council, with a commitment to work with the new facility managers to help grow events in the years ahead.
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Register | HAC & CBRE Canadian Hotel Industry Outlook |
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Join HAC and CBRE Hotels for an outlook on Canada's Hotel Industry. This exclusive webinar will feature a short look back at 2021 performance, an updated 2022 forecast for the country's major markets and provinces, and a discussion on trends impacting the industry.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022
TIME: 2:00 P.M. ET / 11 A.M. PST
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Sign up for YOUR FREE energy analysis and learn more about our EcoFund program by contacting Sustainability Program Coordinator, Kiera Bourgeault at Kiera@bcha.com
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#ICYMI | B.C. Tourism Business Events, Workforce Support Receive Grants! |
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In a press release distributed Feb.10, the Province of BC announced that business events and workforce support initiatives, such as hiring and retaining employees, in the tourism sector will receive more than $9.3 million over the next two years as part of the Tourism Recovery Initiatives Action Plan.
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The Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund will provide up to $5 million this fiscal year and up to $3 million next year to help restart business travel with funding to community destination management organizations (CDMO) that were significantly involved in attracting and hosting business events, conferences, and exhibitions before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- An additional $1.5 million will help fund dedicated human resources specialists in five tourism regions over the next two years.
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Paid Sick Leave Survey Summary & FAQ
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ABLE BC would like to thank everyone who filled out its survey on mandatory paid sick leave.
Key survey highlights from the report:
- 70% of participants reported a decrease in revenue for January 2022 compared to pre-pandemic January revenue
- 71% of participants are short staffed, regardless of sick leave
- 55% of participants have altered business hours & 45% have altered business models due to staff shortages
- In January 2022:
- 36% of participants reported between 0-10% of their workforce took paid sick leave
- 23% of participants reported between 11-20% of their workforce took paid sick leave
- 66% of participants reported that sick leave accounted for 0-10% of payroll in January 2022
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ABLE BC Releases Spring Issue of the Quarterly Pour |
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ABLE BC has released the Spring issue of their quarterly magazine, with articles that include:
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Reminder | Government Extends Expanded Access to Local Lockdown Program and Worker Lockdown Benefit |
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BCHF | Jackpot Sitting at: $2,930
Winner Takes Half!
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Please support our British Columbia hospitality and tourism community by purchasing tickets to a Holiday 50/50 Lottery benefiting the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF).
Ticket sales close on February 23, 2022 at midnight!
Ticket Package Options:
- 5 for $10
- 20 for $20
- 150 for $40
About the BC Hospitality Foundation
The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is a registered charity that raises funds to support those in the hospitality industry facing financial crisis due to a health condition. In addition, the BCHF offers a strong scholarship program to foster the development of the next generation of workers and industry leaders. www.bchospitalityfoundation.com
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BCHF Accepting Scholarship Applications |
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The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce it is now accepting applications for the scholarships it administers.
The deadline for most scholarship submissions is March 31st.
The BCHF is best known as the only charity in Canada that raises funds to support hospitality and tourism workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member. In addition, the organization administers a scholarship program to foster the development of the next generation of hospitality industry workers and leaders.
In 2022, the BCHF scholarship program will be the largest ever, at over $65,000, and there are new scholarships dedicated exclusively to supporting members of underrepresented groups such as First Nations and members of the LGBT2Q+ community. All applicants must be committed to working in British Columbia for at least the next two years.
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Happening SOON | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference - Register Today! |
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Please note, tickets will be sold separately for the following conference events:
- Rev Up! Hotel Pre-Conference Track
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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:
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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.
SILENT AUCTION:
Please note, we are seeking donations for our silent auction. This is traditionally a well-received part of the conference, and another unique way to showcase your product, business or service. To donate an item please reach out to info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com
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Industry News & Quick Links |
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
The B.C. government said in today's budget that it is earmarking $25 million of new money for the tourism sector in the 2022-23 fiscal year.
This is the second story in a two-part series looking at the impact of climate change on B.C. ski hills. For part one, click here.
B.C.'s tourism industry is anticipating the possible lifting of mandatory COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated travellers. The federal government says an announcement on the issue will be made next week. As Aaron McArthur reports, now everyone is anticipating the devil that will be in the details. – Feb 11, 2022
On the heels of reporting positive fourth quarter earnings, Air Canada has announced expanded summer 2022 flight schedules, noting its leadership in terms of seats, frequency and route networks.
The CDC’s cruise ship status dashboard shows that 18 different brands and 121 ships that have opted in to its new voluntary program which replaced the Conditional Sailing Order.
Effective 18FEB, fully vaccinated travellers to the Cayman Islands are no longer required to complete on-island antigen testing on days 2, 5 and 7 after arrival.
INDUSTRY TRENDS AND QUICKLINKS
Conde Nast Traveller takes a look at the trends defining travel in 2022 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
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Tipping Our Hat to Industry
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Coast Hotels Expands Presence in Peace River Region of Northern British Columbia/Alberta with Two New Properties
Coast Hotels announced some exciting news last week! It has entered into a franchise agreement to convert the Pomeroy Inn Grimshaw, located in Grimshaw, Alberta to a Coast Hotels property – Coast Grimshaw Hotel & Suites.
The hotel started welcoming guests under the Coast Hotels banner February 1, 2022. Coast Hotels is also pleased to announce that the Lakeview Inn Fort St. John will be converting to a Coast franchise, Coast Fort St. John Hotel effective March 1, 2022.
The Coast Grimshaw Hotel & Suites is a 63 room all‐suite hotel. Property amenities include a swimming pool, waterslide, fitness center, meeting space and a breakfast room which serves a complimentary hot continental breakfast. The hotel is ideally located in Grimshaw at the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 2A which is referred to as Mile Zero of the Mackenzie Highway, known as the starting point, that takes you to the Northwest Territories. Guests of the property will enjoy a comfortable stay, as well as easy access to key Grimshaw attractions and amenities ‐ within a couple of blocks.
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Penticton Lakeside Resort Annual Drive Through Breakfast to Support United Way!
March 2nd, 2022
The annual United Way Drive through breakfast will take place on March 2nd, 2022, that is hosted by the Penticton Lakeside Resort.
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B.C. Budget Recap with Minister Selina Robinson
Friday, February 25th
Join the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade for an official address by The Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Finance for British Columbia, following the tabling of the 2022-23 Provincial Budget. The presentation will provide Board of Trade members and our region's business community with an overview of the recently unveiled budget and an update on the state of B.C.'s economy.
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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.
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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.
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Canadian Hotel Investment Conference
Date:April 5-6, 2022
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
REGISTRATION TO OPEN IN FEBRUARY
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Register Now! Vancouver Island Tourism Conference 2022
April 12 - 14, 2022
Tourism stakeholders in the Vancouver Island region are invited to attend the in-person return of the annual Vancouver Island Tourism Conference, powered by Tourism Vancouver Island. It will be held April 12-14, 2022 in Victoria, B.C. at the Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort. This year’s conference will focus on Mindful Travel: The health of our environment; The health of our industry; The health of our people. The early bird rate is $375 until February 11th (Regular rate is $475 until March 28th). Learn more and register here.
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Canadians Took Fewer Vacation Days in 2021 |
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Volunteer Opportunities with BCHF | Apply Today |
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Premier John Horgan Reflects on Climate Change |
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Thoughts on 40 Under 40 Lists |
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