Message from President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett |
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Good afternoon Accommodation Community,
Tomorrow marks two weeks since the Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund was announced, and it has officially been open for application for over a week and a half.
This is a significant funding support that has been created to assist B.C.-owned large accommodation providers, employing more than 150 people, that may have been left out of previous pandemic supports such as the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant.
Should you be eligible for this funding it is imperative that you apply as soon as possible as the window for access to this relief is quickly closing. Furthermore should you have any questions about the grant or surrounding your eligibility, we strongly encourage you to reach out to TACRR@gov.bc.ca as soon as possible.
Please see clarity on some of our Frequently Asked Questions below:
- Should hotels be encouraged to apply if they feel they are close to the criteria but not entirely sure?
- We encourage all who believe they are eligible for the TACRR program to apply. If applicants have questions about whether or not they will qualify, we encourage them to review the eligibility criteria on the website and email TACRR@gov.bc.ca with any questions they have.
- What percentage of the business has to be BC-owned to qualify? ie. If there is a 50/50 owner partnership with one partner based in BC does that count?
- General eligibility for all applicants is based on majority share of the business being owned by a BC Resident. This requirement is consistent with other COVID-19 pandemic recovery programs and helps to ensure that public funds are prioritized to benefit British Columbians.
- Does the 150 employee requirement include all levels of employees? ie. Full, part time, contractors, seasonal, casual, on call?
- Eligibility is based on the total number of workers employed for at least 4 months in 2019. This includes Full Time, Part Time, seasonal, contractors, casual and on-call workers.
Once again, we have included complete details on the TACRR grant below. Please consider applying for this funding as soon as possible and don't hesitate to reach out to our team should you have any questions.
Take care,
Ingrid Jarrett,
President & CEO
BC Hotel Association
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Today's update includes:
- General Updates
- Important | Apply Today for the Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund - Intake Open Until Feb.14
- Federal Advocacy | Survey & Resources
- Proof of Vaccination Program Extended Until June
- Recent Changes to Road Closures and Winter Travel Messaging
- Reminder | Resources to Re-Activate
- COVID-19 Safety Plans
- STR Releases January Highlights
- Destination Canada | Canadian Resident Sentiment - January 18th
- 5 Green Goals to Kick off the New Year
- 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference | Important Updates!
- Skift Megatrends: Defining Travel in 2022
- DBC | Have You Added the Accessibility Feature to Your HelloBC Listing?
- Dine Out Vancouver Festival 20 Anniversary Lottery
- BCHF | Destination Greater Victoria Lottery
- Pacific Destination Services Pivots Business to Support Vaccine Rollout
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News - See below!
- Hot Off the Press
- “Signal To The World That Canada Is Open For Business;” CATO To Tourism Minister
- IATA calls on governments to remove all travel restrictions for fully vaccinated
- Industry Trends and News
- Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
- Jon Mamela Joins Travel Alberta as new Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
- Joanne Perschbacher Named General Manager of Stoneridge Mountain Resort!
- BC Hospitality Foundation Welcomes New Executive Director, Alana Dickson
- ABLE BC Welcomes New Manager of Membership and Communication, Ann Brydle!
- Mark Your Calendars - see below
- Comment Card | Industry Thoughts & Feedback
- Follow BCHA on TikTok / Reels
- Tourism Kelowna Celebrates Success of #ExploreKelownaToday Campaign
- Oak Bay Beach Hotel Celebrates Katrina Gillet and Rhonda Hemstreet!
- Follow BCHF on Twitter for More on the Dine Out Online Lottery!
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Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Members Smile
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Important | Apply Today for the Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund - Intake Open Until Feb.14 |
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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.
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Federal Advocacy | Survey & Resources |
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Applications are open for the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program.
Please note that our Federal Associations continue conversations with Finance on the support programs in Bill C-2 – most notably to amend the eligibility requirements and calculations for seasonal businesses, and with respect to the 40% revenue loss requirement. We will continue to keep you updated on this!
Our partners has asked government to consider supporting projects under this Fund that help tourism operators recover and relaunch their businesses from the pandemic in addition to projects which i) create new or enhance existing tourism experiences and products to attract more local and domestic visitors; and ii) help the sector reposition itself to welcome international visitors.
To properly advocate, 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.
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Proof of Vaccination Program Extended Until June |
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In a press conference Tuesday, Provincial Health Officer (PHO), Dr. Bonnie Henry, announced that proof of full vaccination will continue to be required to access some events, services and businesses in B.C. The requirement is in place until June 30, 2022. It applies to all people born in 2010 or earlier (12+).
Dr. Bonnie Henry said the vaccine card is specifically designed to mitigate the risks of spreading COVID-19, allowing certain businesses and activities to remain open.
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ABLEBC | Are You 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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Reminder | Resources to Re-Activate
COVID-19 Safety Plans
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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:
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STR Releases January Highlights |
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Domestic Overnight Visitors Week Ending January 16 Highlights:
- Average Domestic Overnight Visitation to BC for Week 1 (Jan 3 - 9, 2022) is down -8.2% compared to the same week in 2019
- When comparing Week 1 (Jan 3 - 9, 2022) with Week 2 (January 10 - 16, 2022) all regions saw a decrease in visitation
- British Columbia decreased by 10.7% when comparing Week 1 (Jan 3 - 9, 2022) with Week 2 (January 10 - 16, 2022)
STR Report Highlights Week Ending January 15:
- British Columbia had a 38.4% occupancy from Sunday-Thursday and a 43.1% occupancy during the weekend, down -33.1% compared to the same week in 2019.
- British Columbia had an ADR of $147.92 from Sunday-Thursday and an ADR of $166.64 during the weekend, down -11.9% compared to the same week in 2019.
- British Columbia had a RevPAR of $56.78 from Sunday-Thursday and a RevPAR of $71.88 during the weekend, down -41.0% compared to the same week in 2019.
Regional STATS the Weekend of January 7-8, 2022:
- Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: OCC 44.2% ADR $134.40 REVPAR $59.36
- Kootenay Rockies: OCC 38.8% ADR $142.91 REVPAR $55.39
- Northern BC: OCC 43.4% ADR $123.14 REVPAR $53.50
- Thompson Okanagan: OCC 47.4% ADR $128.70 REVPAR $60.99
- Vancouver Island: OCC 40.1% ADR $147.51 REVPAR $59.10
- Vancouver: OCC 41.1% ADR $155.04 REVPAR $63.69
- Whistler: OCC 52.5% ADR $485.91 REVPAR $255.33
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COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant Extended |
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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.
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Destination Canada | Canadian Resident Sentiment - January 18th
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Destination Canada has released it's Canadian Resident Sentiment.
BC resident’s comfort with travelling to nearby communities and within the Province continues to be strong, but has dropped to 76% and 64% recently (prior to Omicron, travel sentiment reached a high of over 80% for inter-provincial travel).
Similarly, for residents of Alberta and Ontario, comfort with travelling outside the Province has dropped to 64% and 52% respectively most recently.
For residents of BC, level of happiness towards seeing advertising for their community as a destination for visitors from Canada remains net positive, but net negative for visitors from the United States and other International markets. There remains a relatively large proportion of the population with neutral sentiment towards seeing advertising for their community as a place to visit – especially for domestic visitors.
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5 Green Goals to Kick off the New Year |
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GreenStep Sustainable Tourism has put together a list of 5 green goals every business owner should make to start the new year off on the right foot that are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Bound!
There's no better time than now to take real steps towards tackling our climate crisis and actioning real change.
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2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality
Conference | Important Updates!
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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.
- 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.
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In Memoriam Tribute
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:
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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.
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Skift Megatrends: Defining Travel in 2022 |
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Skift has published a forecast of the top trends that will define the travel industry in 2022. This report draws on data, research and insights, along with conversations with industry leaders across the globe. The headline for 2022 is “Uncertainty is the new certainty”.
Skift provides an optimistic outlook for recovery of international travel by 2024. Other key trends revolve around Community, Ruralization, Mobility and Climate. As we move from recovery to rebuild of the tourism industry, there is a need to think and act differently and evaluate the implications of these forecasted trends.
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DBC | Have You Added the Accessibility Feature to Your HelloBC Listing? |
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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.
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BCHF | Dine Out Vancouver Festival 20
Anniversary Lottery
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The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce an online lottery held in conjunction with the 2022 Dine Out Vancouver Festival. 13 lottery prizes feature top local food, wine, and accommodation, as well as events and entertainment.
- 1 for $5
- 3 for $10
- 8 for $20
- 25 for $50
Prizes draw will take place at 12 noon on February 1. The event’s gaming license number is 131440.
The BCHF thanks the local businesses that generously donated the fantastic lottery prizes. Proceeds from the lottery will support the BCHF’s charitable work, which includes providing financial assistance to hospitality workers in financial crisis due to extraordinary health conditions experienced by themselves or a family member, as well as administering a scholarship program to foster the development of the next generation of hospitality industry workers and leaders.
Partial proceeds of this lottery will be allocated to the BCHF Scholarship program and will be awarded to a student focused on tourism and hospitality.
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BCHF | Destination Greater Victoria Lottery |
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Destination Greater Victoria, The BC Hospitality Foundation and BC Restaurant and Food Services Association – Victoria Chapter are launching a lottery as part of Dine Around & Stay in Town Victoria 2022 (Dine Around).
A fundraiser for the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF), the 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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Pacific Destination Services Pivots Business to Support Vaccine Rollout |
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In 2020, the pandemic completely shattered the business meeting and event industry. When the BC Ministry of Health approached the hospitality industry to support the Immunize BC program, Pacific Destination Services was ready to make an impact in our industry and our community.
Because of the support of the PDS team, over 175,000 vaccines were administered at their vaccination sites, helping to bring BC's first-dose immunization rates to 80% of our total provincial population.
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Industry News & Quick Links |
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
“Signal To The World That Canada Is Open For Business;” CATO To Tourism Minister
In a letter to federal Tourism Minister Randy Boissonnault, Brett Walker, Chair of the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) calls on the federal government to “eliminate all ineffectual travel barriers not driven by science” so that Canada’s tourism industry can recover in summer 2022. Read more.
IATA calls on governments to remove all travel restrictions for fully vaccinated
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments around the world to remove all travel barriers for fully vaccinated travellers, calling current travel restrictions "a mess." Read more.
INDUSTRY TRENDS AND QUICKLINKS
As we get ready to enter 2022, marketers face a landscape disrupted by a pandemic, new business models and new applications of technology. Read More
That’s a big statement because if you are involved in the budget in your hotel and you have played baseball then you are probably saying to yourself that I am off my rocker. The budget is a mean and unruly nasty guest that comes every year and sometimes does not leave completed for weeks, even months. And, it is certainly not fun and engaging like a good game of baseball can be. Read more
Despite stronger performance in the second half of 2021, Canada’s hotel industry reported revenue per available room (RevPAR) that was just 54.1% of the pre-pandemic comparable, according to STR’s year-end data. Read more
The French hotel industry has the same COVID-19-era challenges of many markets, but labor issues there are acute, with unions and employers trying to negotiate a wide divide despite industry and state incentives to attract, train and retain staff. Read more
Hoteliers are now fully embracing the need to be more adaptable as the changes to travel continue to unfold Read more
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Tipping Our Hat to Industry
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Jon Mamela Joins Travel Alberta as new Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
Congratulations are in order for Jon Mamela who has been appointed Travel Alberta’s new Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, leading tourism and destination development.
Jon’s appointment rounds out a leadership team dedicated to reviving and growing the province’s tourism industry and contributing to Alberta’s economic success.
We look forward to working together Jon!
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Joanne Perschbacher Named General Manager of Stoneridge Mountain Resort!
Earlier this week, Hotel Equities announced the appointment of Joanne Perschbacher as General Manager of Stoneridge Mountain Resort! Joanne has enjoyed an extensive 20+ year career with Marriott International including appointments in Full Service, Luxury, and Lifestyle brands.
The team expressed their excitement over having her join the Hotel Equities family in the press release linked below.
Congrats on the new chapter Joanne!
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BC Hospitality Foundation Welcomes New Executive Director, Alana Dickson
Alana Dickson has been named BCHF's new Executive Director. Alana is an accomplished marketer, communicator, event manager, and business owner with deep and passionate connections to BC’s hospitality industry.
As owner of Aurillia Consulting, Alana has worked with many of BC’s most prominent hospitality associations on various events and marketing campaigns, as well as wine regions from around the world. She also has a long history with the BCHF, having volunteered previously as a fundraising partner and industry advisor.
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ABLE BC Welcomes New Manager of Membership and Communication, Ann Brydle!
The BCHA is pleased that Ann Brydle has joined ABLE BC as their new Manager of Membership and Communication. Ann comes to the organization with an extensive background in liquor retail, having worked for Cascadia Liquor for several years. Through her skills and experience, Ann will be a tremendous asset to ABLE BC and all liquor operators across British Columbia.
We are thrilled to work with Ann and the ABLE BC team!
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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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Destination Canada Industry Webinar - Tourism's Big Shift
Tuesday, Feb 1, 2022 10:00 AM PST
Hosted by: Destination Canada
Destination Canada is hosting a webinar to discuss the findings of our latest report, Tourism’s Big Shift: Key Trends Shaping the Future of Canada’s Tourism Industry. We will cover key trends that will have the largest impact in the next one to three years and explore the implications and opportunities for small and medium-sized tourism businesses.
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Follow BCHA on TikTok / Reels |
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Tourism Kelowna Celebrates Success of #ExploreKelownaToday Campaign |
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Oak Bay Beach Hotel Celebrates Katrina Gillet and Rhonda Hemstreet! |
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Follow BCHF on Twitter for More on the Dine Out Online Lottery! |
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