Message from President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett
Dear Accommodation Community,
 
As you are all aware by now, on Tuesday, Premier John Horgan and Minister of Finance Selina Robinson delivered Budget 2022. My hope is that we can continue to work together with government, prioritizing investment in recovery, strategy, and resilience.
 
Among the details outlined, we are delighted to share that the exemption for strata accommodation properties, that applies to a residential property, has now been made permanent.
 
While the exemption was initially introduced as a temporary measure, the BCHA developed a briefing note, met with Municipal Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, and submitted a formal letter outlining the importance and impact of the tax on our industry and communities. We are pleased that this advocacy work we undertook was successful and I know it makes a significant difference to the owners and management companies in the strata hotel sector.
We would like to thank our strata hotel community for voicing their concerns and for being instrumental in championing this change. I wish to also acknowledge the Ministry of Finance for listening, and for enacting this permanent exemption.  
 
As I reflect on the work that we have ahead of us, I continue to circle back to the term 'strategy'. With two pandemic-era years under our belt and the hope of a more 'normal' way of life on the horizon, never has this term held more importance.
 
Currently, we are witnessing destinations across the world reopen, completely loosening their entry restrictions. Many of these destinations are our direct competitors, and as a result, British Columbia's competitive position as a top travel and events destination could be at risk. The impact this has is far reaching and harmful to our hotel and tourism community, our capacity to secure both short- and long-lead meeting and events business, and to the overall health of our provincial economy.
 
While we were pleased that Canada recently switched from PCR to antigen testing, until the testing for fully vaccinated travellers is removed entirely and specific information is communicated to the public that it is once again time travel, our industry's capacity to fully recover continues to be in jeopardy. We need a plan - and that plan needs to be strategic. We continue to support this message and advocate for this change.
 
I am particularly excited to be seeing many of you in person March 9-11 at the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference. Our speakers, topics, workshops, key note speakers are all geared to support, educate and connect us all once again we are focused on recovery. Our hotel track the morning of the 9th is specifically geared for hotel GM’s, hotel owners, management companies and of our course Tourism partners. If you have not registered, please do so.

It is also warms my heart as it is time to celebrate excellence at the Awards Gala. The finalists were announced earlier today, and we share a hearty congratulations to all finalists. Please join us – you can find the program information and registration here. 

Best regards,

Ingrid Jarrett
President & CEO
BC Hotel Association
Today's update includes:

  • General Updates
  • Budget 2022 | Speculation Tax Exemption Made Permanent & BCHA Recap
  • Budget 2022 | BC Business Council Reacts
  • Hotel Foot-printing | A Free Online Resource for Hotels
  • Aviation Statistics | December 2021
  • For Sale | Prestige Inn Golden Selling Furniture
  • ABLE BC | Buyer's Guide Preferred Supplier List
  • Reminder | DBC Seeking Spring Offers
  • COVID-19 Measures Relaxed both Federally & Provincially | Updated Messaging
  • Register | HAC & CBRE Canadian Hotel Industry Outlook
  • GoGreen | TOTA Shares Post-Valentine's Day Tips
  • New Associate Member | Transform Your Security Solutions with ASSA ABLOY Global Solution
  • BCHF Accepting Scholarship Applications
  • Happening SOON | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference - Register Today!
  • News - See more below!
  • Hot Off the Press
  • BC News
  • World News
  • Industry Trends
  • Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
  • Finalists Announced for the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Awards!
  • Mark Your Calendars - see below!
  • Comment Card | Thoughts and Comments from Our Industry
  • Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Our Members Smile
Budget 2022 | Speculation Tax Exemption Made Permanent & BCHA Recap
On February 22, Premier John Horgan and Minister of Finance Selina Robinson delivered Budget 2022 which earmarked $25 million in funding to support the tourism sector’s continuing recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the details outlined, the BCHA is thrilled that changes have been made to the Speculation Tax -- the temporary exemption for strata accommodation properties has now been made permanent.

The BCHA would like to thank our strata hotel community for voicing their concerns and for being instrumental in championing this change. I wish to also acknowledge the Ministry of Finance for listening, and for enacting this permanent exemption. 
Budget 2022 | BC Business Council Reacts
In a press release distributed Tuesday, the BC Business Council reacted to Budget 2022, stating:

"While the Business Council of B.C. welcomes the B.C. Government’s plans to improve social supports, boost capital spending and advance reconciliation, we are increasingly concerned at the lack of action to attract investment and grow the province’s most productive industries while at the same time adding costs and expanding the size of the public sector."
Hotel Foot-printing | A
Free Online Resource for Hotels
Hotel Footprinting is designed to help hotels to benchmark their footprint with other sample hotels in their region and market using real data supplied by the industry.
The tool offers two functions:

  • Benchmarking: shows the carbon and energy footprint data for an example hotel across different market segments in different geographies. Includes comparison data per occupied room and per square metre of meeting room space.
  • Footprinting: allows hotels to generate carbon footprint reports for hotel stays and meetings based on hotel capacity and location. These can be completed for single or multiple properties and support with corporate reporting.
Aviation Statistics | December 2021
The Monthly Civil Aviation Survey covers all Canadian Level I air carriers: Air Canada (including Air Canada Rouge), Air Transat, Jazz, Porter, Sunwing and WestJet (including Swoop, WestJet Encore and WestJet Link).

Recent Highlights:
  • Major Canadian airlines carried 3.9 million passengers on scheduled and charter services in December, making it the busiest month of 2021 for air travel. While this was well above the number of passengers carried in December 2020, it was a little over half (54.8%) of the pre-pandemic level reported in the same month in 2019.
  • Over the entire year, these large airlines carried a total of 22.1 million passengers in 2021. Despite sharp improvements during the second half of the year, the annual total number of passengers was just over one-quarter (25.9%) of those carried in 2019, before the pandemic.
For Sale | Prestige Inn Golden
Selling Furniture
The Prestige Inn Golden is selling a collection of furniture pictured to the right. They include:

  • Granite top dresser units at $50 each
  • Desks at $20 each
  • Please note:
  • All feature an Espresso finish
  • All prices negotiable
  • Pickup in Golden.

Contact General Manager, Treena Coney for more information at 250.344.7990 ext 109 | [email protected] 
ABLE BC | Buyer's Guide
Preferred Supplier List
ABLE BC has released its annual Buyer's Guide with a strong message following the COVID-19 crisis: the only way we're going to recover is by supporting each other and working together.

The companies listed in ABLE's annual Buyers' Guide are trusted leaders in our industry. 
We encourage you to support the small businesses in your community!
 
They know exactly how to cater to your specific business needs. Whether you are looking for shelving, PPE and Plexiglass, POS systems, employee benefits, or more, we strongly encourage you to consider using their products and services.
Reminder | DBC Seeking Spring Offers
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.
COVID-19 Measures Relaxed both Federally & Provincially | Updated Messaging
  • 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.
  • 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.
Register | HAC & CBRE Canadian Hotel Industry Outlook
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
GoGreen | TOTA Shares Post-Valentine's Day Tips
  1. Vases and water picks are welcomed back at most floral shops so that they can be reused
  2. Place expired flowers into your green bin or compost bin
  3. Keep chocolate boxes to reuse as a gift box for other holidays
  4. Recycle where ever possible - If you don’t recycle Valentines cards, use them as gift tags for Christmas, Birthdays, or other holidays
New Associate Member | Transform Your Security Solutions with
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions has been a global industry pioneer for over forty years, leading the security technology industry by re-imagining how people move through their world.

For the hospitality market, these comprehensive security solutions include integrated software solutions, mobile access and location solutions designed to help our customers enhance the hotel guest experience, while improving operational efficiency. In order to provide best-in-class customer service, we offer support in more than 166 countries.
Learn more about the Hospitality solutions:
  • Mobile Access
  • Vostio Access Management
  • Vostio Location Solutions - Hotel Asset Management
  • Staff Safety
  • VingCard Locks
  • Elsafe safes
Interested in Learning More? Contact:
Robert Sydor
+1 800 225 8464
BCHF Accepting Scholarship Applications
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.
Happening SOON | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference - Register Today!
Have you purchased your tickets 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:

  • 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.

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 [email protected]
Industry News & Quick Links
HOT OFF THE PRESS

BC & CANADA

WORLD NEWS

INDUSTRY TRENDS AND QUICKLINKS
Tipping Our Hat to Industry
Have news to share? Email [email protected]
Finalists Announced for the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Awards!

We were delighted to announce the finalists of the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards earlier today!

The awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers. Though it was difficult to narrow the list of finalists, the chosen finalists have been recognized for their outstanding contribution to British Columbia's tourism and hospitality community.
Mark Your Calendars
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.

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.

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.
 
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.
Canadian Hotel Investment Conference
Date:April 5-6, 2022
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
 
REGISTRATION TO OPEN IN FEBRUARY
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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Last Laugh