A Message From President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett
Dear Accommodation Community and Stakeholders,

We are halfway through July and, for many regions, occupancy levels across the province now reflect that we have entered our busy summer season. While we are thrilled to know that many of you are experiencing a significant increase in business volumes, our current workforce crisis continues to negatively impact our industry. We have heard from members across the province who have shared that culinary, housekeeping, front desk, servers, maintenance, managers are all in short supply. Properties have been forced to significantly cap occupancy as they simply do not have the employees to clean the rooms. This is heartbreaking after 16 months of consecutive losses.
 
The workforce issue is of course one that we have been all too familiar with prior to 2020, but has been further exacerbated by the pandemic. It is an issue that we and our industry partners, both provincially and federally, are meeting to understand the critical need and to develop solutions to this growing issue. Over the next week, we will be formally submitting an application to the provincial government to address these concerns, recognize significant obstacles such as the severe housing crisis, and offer solutions that can be implemented in both the short and long term.
 
Additionally, recovery and relief measures continue to be a significant priority, particularly as we consider what will be included in the 2022 provincial budget. We are submitting a formal request to address these issues at an in person meeting and continue to meet with our provincial government leaders to address measures for property tax, energy cost relief, capping commissions.
 
I would like to thank and acknowledge everyone who answered our call to house Wildfire evacuees. We have over 7,000 households that are currently on evacuation notice in our province and our wildfire season this year is expected to get even worse. There will likely be a significant need for our industry to support British Columbians who are fleeing from the fires and we greatly appreciate everyone who has put their name forward. For those of you who have submitted our survey from yesterday, we have provided your information to Emergency Support Services, who will be in touch should they require further information. We are committed to connecting the need from evacuees to the availability you have.
 
Finally, tomorrow we will be hosting a webinar with go2HR to address questions on Step 3 of the BC Restart and how the new guidelines apply to hotel operations. Many of you continue to have questions on this and our aim is to create a space where we can answer all of the questions you have. Please see registration details below and we look forward 

Take care,
Ingrid Jarrett
President and CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association
Today's update includes:

  • Just Announced | Cruise ships Welcome in Canada from Nov 1, 2021
  • Applications Open: Canada Recovery Hiring Program
  • go2HR | 2022 WorkSafeBC Preliminary Base Rates Announced
  • Free Upcoming BCHA Webinars
  • #ICYMI | New Tourism Relief Fund Announced
  • ABLE BC | Complete Survey on
  • Hospitality Industry Outlook
  • Member News | Intello Technologies Joins the TELUS Business Family
  • Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 8-11, 2022
  • #ICYMI | Private Retailers Approved to Supply Special Event Liquor
  • BC Hospitality Foundation | Tickets for Charity Online 50/50 Raffle on Sale Now
  • BC Chamber Pulse Check Survey | Participate Today!
  • Mark Your Calendars
  • Rethink2Gether | Restaurant Strategies to Reduce Food Surplus Webinar
  • Hiring in the Fall? Student Work Placement Program | FREE Information Session Aug 4
  • Fore the Love of Tourism 15th Annual TIP Invitational Golf Tournament 2021
  • Destination Vancouver Webinar: Safer Spaces Start Here Thursday, July 15th | 10:00am - 12:00pm | Webinar
  • WorkSafeBC | Learn about WorkSafeBC’s preliminary 2022 rates
  • In the News
  • Cruise ships allowed back in Canadian ports as of November, COVID permitting, Times Colonist, July 15
  • ‘One thing after another’: Wildfires the latest threat to B.C. tourism after long pandemic, Global BC, July 10
  • Comment Card | Industry Thoughts & Feedback
Just Announced | Cruise ships Welcome in Canada from Nov 1, 2021
Following a significant advocacy push to open Canada's cruise ship sector, Canada’s Minister of Transportation, Omar Alghabra, joined by British Columbia’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Rob Fleming, announced that from November 1, 2021, cruise ships can stop in Canadian ports if they comply with health requirements.

Minister Alghabra said the announcement will help the cruise ship sector plan for a safe restart. He added that more details, including health requirements for cruise ship passengers, will roll out soon. 
Applications Open: Canada Recovery
Hiring Program
Applications are now open for the Canada Recovery Hiring Program. As a Canadian employer who continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible to apply for one of the two subsidies to cover part of your employee wages.
 
The Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) support wages you pay through different phases of your economic recovery. Each claim period, eligible employers can claim either CRHP or CEWS, whichever is higher.
Next deadline for CHRP: December 30, 2021 (last day to apply for claim period 17).
 
Next period opens for CHRP: August 1, 2021 (first day you can apply for claim period 18).
go2HR | 2022 WorkSafeBC Preliminary
Base Rates Announced
WorkSafeBC has just announced the preliminary base rates for 2022. Many tourism and hospitality classification unit base rates are down on 2021 and some have remained steady. go@HR has compiled a list of the preliminary base rates for a selection of tourism and hospitality classification units, along with the 2021 comparison:
Employers are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming WorkSafeBC Virtual Rate Consultation Sessions to learn more about the preliminary 2022 base rates, injury trends and ways to reduce injuries, claim costs, and their insurance rate.
 
Read the full WorkSafeBC announcement regarding the 2022 preliminary base rates here.
 
go2HR’s Industry Health & Safety Program offers a range of services, training and resources designed to support your occupational health and safety program.
 
go2HR is also the certifying partner for the Certificate of Recognition (COR) Program, a voluntary audit, certification and incentive program that allows employers to benefit from a 10% discount on their annual WorkSafeBC base rate premiums.
 
Contact the go2HR Industry Health & Safety Team at safety@go2hr.ca to learn more about how we can help you.
Free Upcoming BCHA Webinars
BC Step 3 Restart | Best Practices for Accommodators Webinar

DATE: Friday, July 16 at 10am

Since entering Step 3 of the BC Restart Plan on July 1st, COVID-19 restrictions have eased, stringent safety protocols have relaxed, and accommodators and their employees have faced challenges ensuring they are operating in-line with current guidelines while continuing to build consumer confidence.

Join the BC Hotel Association and go2HR for a virtual information session that will outline best practices for hotel operations as we enter a post COVID-19 era — from practices surrounding housekeeping, spa, and pool use, to hosting indoor/outdoor events, food service, and the transition to implementing a communicable disease prevention program.
Rebates & Rising Energy Rates | Speed Financial Recovery Through Sustainability Webinar

DATE: Thursday, July 22nd at 1pm

Did you know that forging a path to sustainability not only helps our planet but can result in significant savings?

Join BCHA partner, Angela Nagy of GreenStep Solutions, where she will walk through how accommodators can best take advantage of the BCHA GoGreen Program to cut high fixed costs now and in the future, as a way to adapt, survive, and thrive after the impacts of COVID-19.

Participants will learn what the first three steps are in getting started, as well as immediate low and no-cost measures they can take to realize quick wins and early savings.
#ICYMI | New Tourism Relief Fund Announced
Yesterday, the federal government announced details of the $500 million Tourism Relief Fund. The Tourism Relief Fund aims to support tourism businesses and organizations to adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth.

What funding is available?
  • Contributions to for-profit businesses will be either:
  • non-repayable project contributions up to $100,000 for up to 50% of eligible costs; or
  • fully repayable project contributions up to $500,000 for up to 75% of eligible costs.
  • For not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous entities:
  • project contribution amounts will normally be non-repayable and would not normally exceed $500,000.

Who can apply?
Applicants must fall under one of the following parameters to be eligible for funding:
  • A key supplier/operator in the visitor experience
  • Part of a defined tourism cluster or tourism-dependent community
  • An anchor product or service in a destination

Are hotels eligible?
Eligible projects will fall under one of two themes:
  1. Product development/development and enhancement of tourism experiences to help tourism businesses adapt to the “new normal”, to modernize tourism offerings and to help the sector adopt more environmentally sustainable practices.
  2. Destination development: projects that would position communities to take advantage of post-pandemic opportunities through strategic planning for medium- to long-term investments, as well as supporting destination development, in-line with objectives set out in the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.

Hotels may qualify if they are recognized as an anchor attraction in a local destination or are a key supplier or operator in the visitor experience in a region, or are part of a defined tourism cluster.

Potential projects for hotels that meet the criteria outlined above may vary based on regional needs.

EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS:
  • Seasonal dispersion: investments in the development of tourism products to extend the hotel’s offerings into a new season (e.g. summer hotel creates winter programming to expand its open season).
  • New/expanded product offering: a hotel could bring in a new culinary program and/or adapt current programming to the local/regional market. This could increase the price point and/or length of stay.
  • Digital adoption: create and/or enhance online booking tools for a hotel.
  • Health and safety: funding for PPE could be requested.

TIMELINES
  • The project start date cannot be earlier than April 19, 2021. For projects already underway, insert the day from which your organization began incurring eligible costs for activities associated with this project.
  • The project end date cannot be later than March 31, 2023.
  • Costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months prior to the receipt of a project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021.
ABLE BC | Complete Survey on
Hospitality Industry Outlook
Every quarter, ABLE BC is releasing an Industry Outlook survey to better understand how your hospitality businesses are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Take the survey. Note: a separate survey for private liquor retailers will be released shortly.
 
Tell us what your business needs to survive and thrive this summer. The information you provide will support our ongoing engagement with all levels of government.
 
If you have any questions or concerns about this survey, please contact ABLE BC: info@ablebc.ca. 
 
  • Note: individual results and any business information shared will be kept confidential. Results will be presented as aggregate data.
Member News | Intello Technologies Joins
the TELUS Business Family
Intello Technologies has joined the TELUS Business family. Moving forward as Intello by TELUS Business, they’ll provide national coverage and end-to-end solutions with the same great service, support, and expertise that you’ve come to expect.

Better Together
By combining strengths, you’ll benefit from deep knowledge of your industry paired with world-class networks and national sales, delivery, and support. TELUS is Canada’s fastest growing communications company and a leading provider of business grade information technology solutions, while Intello offers industry-leading skills in designing and deploying Wi-Fi networks. Both Intello and TELUS’ long standing commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our businesses, making us distinct leaders in customer service excellence and loyalty.

The employees, services and management team you love will continue to serve you as part of Intello by TELUS Business. As a part of TELUS Business Solutions, they’ll continue to offer the same great level of support, service, and pricing you expect. All existing contracts will be honoured, including pricing and support levels, and help desk will continue to be in-house and provide the same great level of service.
As a new TELUS Business customer, you can gain access to exclusive offers on world-class mobility, PureFibre, IPTV solutions, and more.
Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 8-11, 2022
Mark your calendars! The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference officially has a date. Taking place in Prince George, March 8-11, 2022, the conference will be an informative multi-day conference aimed at supporting growth and celebrating industry.

Stay tuned for further updates coming soon!
#ICYMI | Private Retailers Approved to Supply Special Event Liquor
Private liquor retailers are now allowed to sell their products to holders of special event permits to serve liquor at events such as community festivals, family gatherings and private functions.

The change follows a recommendation from the Business Technical Advisory Panel and Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLEBC).

Previously, only government liquor stores could sell liquor products to permit holders. The private retailers who may now do so include:
  • B.C. wineries, breweries and distilleries with on-site stores;
  • licensee retail stores (private liquor stores);
  • wine stores (excluding sacramental wine stores) and special wine stores; and
  • rural licensee retail stores.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, B.C.’s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch issued approximately 28,000 special event permits annually. From 2016-19, the estimated value of liquor purchased by permit holders averaged $26.5 million. Liquor inspectors will continue to check liquor purchases of special event permittees to ensure they are purchasing only from authorized suppliers.

For more information, please read the government news release and Policy Directive 21-15.
BC Hospitality Foundation | Tickets for Charity Online 50/50 Raffle on Sale Now
Take are on sale for the BC Hospitality Foundation's first ever online 50/50 raffle. Purchase tickets here.
 
The raffle starts with a $1000 jackpot and increases with every ticket purchased until sales close on August 16, 2021. The initiative is a fundraiser for the BC Hospitality Foundation - the only charity of its kind in Canada, with a mission of supporting hospitality and tourism workers in need.
 
 
·   5 for $10
·   20 for $20
·   150 for $40
 
The winning name will be drawn at noon on August 17. Please support our hospitality and tourism sector by purchasing tickets and spreading the word about the raffle among your friends, family, and colleagues!
 
Funds raised by the event will be used by the BCHF to support hospitality industry workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member. The registered charity also administers a scholarship program that fosters the development of the next generation of hospitality industry workers and leaders.
 
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
BC Chamber Pulse Check
Survey | Participate Today!
Ensure your voice is heard by participating BC Chamber of Commerce's Pulse Check Survey.
 
Share your thoughts before the survey closes July 16th, 2021, at 4:00 PM PDT.
Mark Your Calendars
WorkSafeBC | Learn about WorkSafeBC’s preliminary 2022 rates

Attend WorkSafeBC’s virtual rate consultation sessions. During these sessions, WorkSafeBC will provide an overview of the preliminary rates for 2022, inform employers about rate and classification changes, and outline what they can do to influence their rates.
 
The sessions include a 60-minute presentation, followed by a live Question and Answer period - links will be forwarded to everyone who has registered for the session.

Dates and times (PST)
  • Monday, July 19, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Monday, July 19, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 21, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, July 21, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

The presentation topics include:
  • The financial state of the workers’ compensation system  
  • Rate and classification changes
  • How you, as an employer, can influence your rates through improved health and safety
 
To register for the session of your choice, visit www.worksafebc.com/rates and fill in the registration form. You’re welcome to participate in any one of the virtual sessions. Participation is free For more information, please email rates@worksafebc.com
Rethink2Gether | Restaurant Strategies to Reduce Food Surplus Webinar

Tuesday, July 20 at 6pm PST

There's a paradigm shift happening in the Canadian restaurant industry, and here's what you will learn in this 45-min webinar:

  • Why the main restaurant food suppliers are taking action about reducing food surplus

  • How menu design can help your restaurant reduce costs

  • How to make it easy to donate food surplus to feed people in your local community 

Attendance is FREE; however, registration is required to attend and is not guaranteed. Priority is given to Canadian hospitality professionals. The webinar is live only, a recording will not be available after.
Hiring in the Fall? Student Work Placement Program | FREE Information Session Aug 4

Looking to hire a student this Fall? f you need a little help, the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) offers a wage subsidy of up to $7,500 towards hiring a student.
 
The SWPP has changed eligibility criteria, meaning your organization can probably access funding! On Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 1:00pm PT for an information session on how the program works, eligible positions, and how to apply.
 
Brought to you by the Talent MATCH Program, the SWPP Info Session will feature representatives from two SWPP delivery partners: Cheryl Serpanchy, the Regional Coordinator at ICTC WIL Digital, and Louie Di Palma, the Director of SME Programs at the Talent Opportunities Program. They will review student positions their programs can fund, employer and student eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
 
This info session is free, but you must register for it here.
 
Want more information on hiring students? Visit the Talent MATCH webpage for more details or contact Project Manager Debby Reis at TalentMatch@acewilbc.ca.
Fore the Love of Tourism 15th Annual TIP Invitational Golf Tournament 2021

Join Partners in Tourism (TIP) at the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club Friday, August 27, 2021 for the 15th Annual Fore the Love of Tourism TIP Invitational Golf Tournament.
 
 
BACKGROUND:
Partners in Tourism – TIP Society was established in 2006 with the goal of fostering future generations of tourism professionals. Never has that been more important.

We are now seeing signs of recovery and in our collective spirit of optimism, we are again gathering for the Tourism Industry Partners (TIP) Invitational Golf Tournament to raise funds to support scholarships and awards to get the next generation back in the hospitality game.
Since its inception, Partners in Tourism – TIP has provided funding in excess of $700,000 to support training, the purchase of equipment and financial assistance to hospitality students. The need has never been greater. 
Let’s TIP the scales in favour of up-and-coming tourism and hotel professionals.
In The News

Cruise ships will be welcome back in Canadian ports as of November, federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced this morning at Victoria’s Ogden Point.

The ships will be permitted to dock in ports provided they follow health and safety procedures, which are still to be worked out with health organizations, he said. No details are available yet

Just as businesses in B.C.’s interior were seeing light at the end of the tunnel from the COVID-19 pandemic, the early onset of a potentially bad fire season has them back on edge.

“It just seems like it’s one thing after the next,” Tyler Speed, a boat captain with River Monster Adventures in Lillooet, told Global News.

“With everything going on lately it’s very difficult to put together a season.”

With travel restrictions lifted, Speed had been hoping for business to pick up. But the devastating fire in nearby Lytton and the growing number of fires around the region are having an impact.
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