Message from President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett |
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Good afternoon accommodation community,
This week, we are pleased to officially announce that the BC Hotel Association has added a new member to our small but mighty team. We are thrilled to welcome Alison Langford, who has filled a new role as our Workforce Strategist.
In recognizing the critical nature of our workforce crisis, the BCHA heard loud and clear that one of our top priorities heading into 2022 has been to build solutions surrounding this crisis. And in staying true to our commitment, we knew it was important to hire someone with background and expertise that our members can lean on.
Alison will play a key role in leading both domestic and international recruitment efforts for the accommodation sector, primarily supporting members in two main areas.
Alison is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and a licensed British Columbia Foreign Worker Recruiter. For the past 12 years, she has been working with employers in the hospitality and tourism sectors in Western Canada, delivering foreign worker recruitment services. Alison also has over 15 years of experience working with Provincial and Federal employment programs and providing employment services.
Alison’s professional acumen, experience and robust skillset will be a tremendous asset to our industry and we are thrilled to have her on our team!
You may find contact details for our entire team listed on our website should you have any questions.
Please join me in officially welcoming Alison.
Best regards,
Ingrid Jarrett
President & CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association
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Today's update includes:
- General Updates
- BCHA Welcomes New Workforce Specialist Alison Langford
- Paid Sick Leave Survey & FAQ
- Apply Now for Reimbursement for COVID-19 Related Sick Leave in 2021
- Celebrating Black History Month
- Less Than 2 Week Remaining | Apply for Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund
- A Letter to Hon. Randy Boissennault, Minister of Tourism & Associate Minister of Finance
- Value of Tourism Video Series
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LAST CHANCE | Exclusive Discounted Print and Digital Advertising Packages | Only Until February 4!
- 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference | In Memoriam Submissions
- REMINDER | Planning to Install a Patio This Summer? TESA Applications Expiring!
- Federal Advocacy | Survey & Resources
- Help Rebuild the Tourism Workforce: Join a New Working Group
- News - See more below!
- Hot Off the Press
- One of the World’s Longest Border Shutdowns to End as New Zealand Reveals Re-opening Plans
- Majority of Cdn’s Now Want All COVID Restrictions Dropped – Up 15 Per Cent in Two Weeks
- Sweden joins others in announcing end of COVID-19 restrictions
- Industry Trends and News
- Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
- Kootenay Rockies Tourism Becomes First Sustainable Tourism Certified Destination in Canada
- Mark Your Calendars - see below!
- Comment Card | Industry Thoughts & Feedback
- International Hospitality Institute Announces Award Winners
- Tourism Vancouver Island Film Screening Spotlight
- Indigenous Tourism BC Encourages Corporate Meetings & Events
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Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Members Smile
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BCHA Welcomes New Workforce Specialist Alison Langford |
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In response to the workforce shortage impacting British Columbia’s hospitality industry, the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Langford as Workforce Specialist – a first-time position in the organization’s 105-year history.
A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and a licensed British Columbia Foreign Worker Recruiter, Alison joins the BCHA with decades of experience and will play a key role in leading both domestic and international recruitment efforts for the accommodation sector.
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Apply Now for Reimbursement for COVID-19 Related Sick Leave in 2021
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The reimbursement program will close on February 11, 2022 at 4:00 pm.
Reimbursement applications must be submitted online through WorkSafeBC.
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Celebrating Black History Month |
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Black History Month is a time to honour, celebrate and reflect on the stories, experiences and accomplishments of Black Canadians here in British Columbia and across the country. The 2022 theme for Black History Month is: “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day.”
Tourism Vancouver Island has compiled a list of actions you can take to honour the occassion:
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Tune in to Canada's Black History Month virtual celebration on February 17, 2022 at 7:00 pm EST on Facebook Live for feature performances, tributes, interviews and more
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Download and use the Government of Canada's Black History Month toolkit
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Read the joint statement in recognition of Black History Month by BC Premier John Horgan and Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives
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Learn more from the BC Black History Awareness Society and participate in their events, many of which will be held in Victoria (and virtually online)
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Less Than 2 Week Remaining | Apply for Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund |
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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.
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A Letter to Hon. Randy Boissennault, Minister of Tourism & Associate Minister of Finance |
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On January 28th, partners in the Greater Victoria visitor economy wrote to Minister Boissennault regarding the importance of efficient access to American and international source markets and focused on the vital need to provide certainty with regard to access to US markets and a clear timeline with regard to removing PCR tests.
The letter was in response to comments made by the Minister in December 2021 that the tourism industry might need to rely on the domestic market until the third quarter of 2022. It was expressed that the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding travel restrictions have had significant negative impacts on the Greater Victoria visitor economy.
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Value of Tourism Video Series |
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Led by the Tourism Industry Association of BC, the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat, Destination BC and PacifiCan have partnered on a video series to showcase the value of tourism.
The videos were filmed to increase understanding of tourism as a powerful engine for economic, cultural and social well-being, and describe how tourism benefits every community and region in BC. They are also designed to provide insight into how tourism can be a catalyst for addressing climate change, sustainability, and reconciliation, among other priorities.
Watch and share below!
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LAST CHANCE | Exclusive Discounted Print and Digital Advertising Packages | Only Until February 4!
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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
T 604-574-4577 | 1-800-667-0955
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REMINDER | Planning to Install a Patio This Summer? TESA Applications Expiring! |
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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.
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Take Advantage of Go2HR's Complimentary Safety Plan Review Service |
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Federal Advocacy | Survey & Resources |
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Help Rebuild the Tourism Workforce: Join a New Working Group |
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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.
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Industry News & Quick Links |
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
Travel advisors’ clients can now start making plans to once again visit New Zealand, which announced a phased border reopening plan beginning this month, with full reopening by OCT.
The dramatic and rapid change in survey results about Canadians’ support for COVID restrictions may surprise – and indicate a changing appetite for the resumption of travel.
Sweden joins others in announcing end of COVID-19 restrictions
Sweden on Thursday joined other European nations in saying it will remove coronavirus restrictions. "It is time to open Sweden again," said Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, announcing the restrictions would be removed from Feb. 9.
INDUSTRY TRENDS AND QUICKLINKS
Revenue management can be defined as the strategic distribution and pricing tactics used to sell a property’s perishable inventory to the right guests at the right time, to boost overall revenue growth. Read More
For SEO professionals, 2021 can be summed up in two words: algorithm updates. This year saw an unprecedented number of search algorithm changes and tests that made the search result landscape far more volatile than in previous years. Read more
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Tipping Our Hat to Industry
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Kootenay Rockies Tourism Becomes First Sustainable Tourism Certified Destination in Canada
The Kootenay Rockies region is the first destination to be certified by GreenStep Sustainable Tourism, the first and only Canadian-based provider of tourism industry certifications for both tourism businesses and destinations.
The certification process included an assessment with a GreenStep Assessor who reviewed and discussed with Kootenay Rockies Tourism (KRT), the official Destination Management Organization for the region, their responses to the 117 questions and several hundred indicators that make up the standard. Upon completion of a formal evidence review, KRT achieved Sustainable Tourism Silver Certified Destination.
GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Destination standard has recently achieved formal recognition by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Prior to recognition, the certification standard went through a rigorous, 18-month long review and revision process to align with the GSTC Criteria for Destinations, UNWTO Indicators of Sustainable Development for Tourism Destinations and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, following global best practices for sustainable tourism destination management.
Congrats on this significant achievement - click here for more information.
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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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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?
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BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
Richmond Conference Centre | March 9-11
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
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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.
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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.
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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
The 2022 Cruise schedule is available here.
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She Summits Forum | Upcoming Elevate and Ignite Events
Register for free here for the upcoming events | Details on each workshop can be found here.
- February 9 from 7:00 pm PT to 8:00 pm PT: Goal Planning in Uncertain Times
- February 16 from 7:00 pm PT to 8:00 pm PT: Women Creating Conscious Change - A Panel Discussion
Who is the She Summits Forum? They help self-identifying women feel confident, empowered, and valued within themselves, their workplaces, and their communities. They do this through powerful films that celebrate the female spirit, nature-based events, curated content, and real connections. Learn more.
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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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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.
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Tourism Vancouver Island Film Screening Spotlight |
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Indigenous Tourism BC Encourages Corporate Meetings & Events |
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