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

Yesterday, Premier Horgan, Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer; Adrian Dix, Minister of Health; Ravi Kahlon, Minster of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation; and Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, delivered updates surrounding our province's reopening, officially announcing that British Columbia will be moving to phase two, beginning today, June 15th.

Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry, also issued updated Public Health Orders on Food and Liquor Serving Premises along with Gatherings and Events.

Key Highlights Include
  • Travel
  • Recreational travel within B.C. allowed; BC Transit and BC Ferries will offer increased service as needed
  • Personal gatherings
  • Outdoor personal gatherings up to 50 people (birthday parties, backyard BBQs, block parties)
  • Indoor personal gatherings up to 5 people or 1 other household
  • Organized gatherings
  • Indoor seated organized gatherings up to 50 people with a COVID-19 Safety Plan but no singing, dancing or karaoke (this is especially important for business, social and government meetings to resume
  • 50 people can attend inside, seated events at banquet halls, and in addition to the rules for other inside events, there is no self-serve food or liquor allowed
  • Outdoor seated organized gatherings up to 50 people with a COVID-19 Safety Plan
  • Businesses (Food and Liquor Outlets)
  • Indoor and outdoor dining for groups up to 6 people (not restricted to your household or bubble)
  • Liquor service at restaurants, bars and pubs extended until midnight, so places that do not sell full meals now must close at 1 am.
  • Banquet halls can operate with limited capacity and a COVID-19 Safety Plan
  • Establishments will no longer be required to collect personal information from patrons
  • Patrons will still be required to be seated, but they will be allowed to stand up to throw darts, shoot pool, and bowl in the same group of six
  • Music will be allowed and the limits on volume will be removed
  • Events will be allowed at food and liquor serving premises per the indoor organized gatherings rules (i.e., maximum 50 people in attendance). Taking contact information will be required for events.
  • Offices and workplaces
  • Continued return to the workplace
  • Small, in-person meetings allowed
  • Employers must continue to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and daily health check in place
  • Sports and exercise
  • High intensity group exercise is now allowed, with the same capacity, distancing limits and other requirements as other exercise that are in place
  • Indoor and outdoor games and practices for both adults and youth group/team sports allowed
  • Outside sport can have up to 50 people, and up to 50 spectators
  • Inside sport can have up to 50 people, no spectators
  • Transportation
  • Options increased for perimeter seating vehicles to transport passengers. Hours extended to pick up one hour after liquor sales cease (1:00 am) ⁠— increased occupancy limits to allow to carry up to 6 people, irrespective of physical distancing.
  • Episodic Markets
  • Resume sale of non-food merchandise at indoor markets, with capacity limits similar to retail
  • Allows sampling at markets
  • Physical distancing and masks continue to be required in public indoor settings

The above measures will continue to be in place until July 1st; at this time, the government will deliver another update on the reopening. Public health safety protocols, including mask-wearing in all indoor public spaces and physical distancing remain in place for Step 2.
Tourism Sector Restart Step 2 Toolkit
Over the past week, we have worked directly with Minister Mark and our colleagues at TIABC, ITBC and DBC on the restart framework and toolkit for operators to better understand and support the restart plan. We encourage each of you to explore the Restart Step 2 toolkit and utilize the key messaging we have included for your own communications with guests, employees, and stakeholders — the aim being that we as an industry are completely aligned.  
Joint Statement Between Minister Mark and Tourism Industry 
Further to this work, we have delivered a joint statement with Minister Mark as we pivot to build confidence in our tourism and hospitality sector. Operators across the province paid a heavy price to protect British Columbians over recent months and now local tourism will be more important than ever to vital our industry's survival this summer. We need to ensure the joint messaging and support for all businesses that make up the hospitality and tourism sector are recognized and supported. Our combined government and industry messaging needs to ensure confidence in travel, whether it is for business or pleasure.
Additional Advocacy Support
Last week, it was announced that BC extended the deadline to apply for the small and medium-sized business recovery program until July 2nd, boosting its total investment to $430 million. Grants of $10,000 to a maximum of $30,000 remain available with up to an additional $5,000 to $15,000 for tourism-related businesses. If you have not already done so, I highly encourage you all to apply today.

We hear you loud and clear that the mounting workforce crisis is becoming increasingly critical as each day passes. We have been working with our federal counterparts on the federal wage and hiring programs as well as supporting initiatives for domestic travel, meetings and events and the international border reopening. This week, we hope to see additional announcements surrounding these key advocacy priorities which we will continue to keep you updated on. Please ensure you follow our social handles for real-time updates. We also have meetings scheduled to continue to advocate for property tax, energy costs and commission reductions for OTAs, and will continue to advocate for recovery support. 

There are better days ahead for our industry and your selfless support of restrictions over this year have made this first day of our Phase Two reopening possible.
Thank you all,

Ingrid Jarrett
President and CEO
BC Hotel Association

Today's update includes:
 
  • BC Reopening Phase Two | Frequently Asked Questions from Provincial Government
  • Webinar Today | Vaccinations and The Workplace Zoom Details
  • go2HR Resources for Reopening
  • Lower your Payment Processing Costs with SONA
  • Expected Today | COVID-19 Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program
  • Forward STR Now Available in North America | Sign Up For Free Today
  • Advocacy with Unwavering Resolve | Meet BCHA Project Manager and Board Liaison Karissa Bourgeault
  • Mark Your Calendars
  • Tourism Resource Roundup | Connect, Restart & Build Forward With B.C.'S Support Network
  • June is Free Education Month at Small Business BC
  • Indigenous Tourism BC Celebrates Indigenous History Month and Peoples Day with Workshop Series
  • Free Webinar: What does BC's No-Fault Auto Regime mean for Liquor Liability?
  • The Path to Truth and Reconciliation Presented by Vancouver Board of Trade
  • Webinar: Rebuilding Tourism in the region presented by Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
  • Congratulations! Tipping Our Hat to Industry
  • Vancouver's Iconic Rosewood Hotel Georgia Open as of June 3rd.
  • In the News
  • Castanet | Hotel group wants action, BC Hotel Association seeks plan for vaccinated, global tourists
  • CFJC | Help wanted: Tourism, hospitality operators trying to fill jobs as summer bookings increase in Kamloops
  • News1130 | B.C. tourism businesses may close if international border doesn't open soon
  • Global BC | B.C. tourism industry hoping for major rebound with reopening
  • National Post | Canada's $4.2 billion cruise industry risks being permanently decimated by proposed U.S. law
BC Reopening Phase Two | FAQ from
Provincial Government
1.    What about communities that do not want tourists or visitors at this time?
  • Even as we resume recreational across B.C. we are asking everyone to respect the wishes of local communities and follow local travel advisories.
  • Increased vaccination across B.C. has completely changed the pandemic equation, but everyone is going to have different comfort levels.
  • Some remote and Indigenous communities in particular may still need a bit more time before they’re ready to welcome visitors.
  • We ask everyone to ‘know before you go’ - that means look up advisories from local communities and respect their wishes.
 
2.    Can I make travel bookings outside of the province for after July 1?
  • Health guidance urging people not to travel between provinces will remain in place until Step 3 - July 1st at the earliest.
  • People can make cross-Canada travel arrangements for Step 3, however we recommend having flexible bookings, just to be safe.
  • As we move to Step 2, we encourage people to get out and explore B.C. safely, supporting local small businesses and tourism operators.
  • There are incredible places to visit here in our own province.
 
3.    Can I travel overnight somewhere and stay with another household in Step 2?
  • Yes – recreational travel within B.C. is permitted in Step 2, including overnight stays with friends and family.
  • But we expect people will continue to consider their own personal risk and comfort levels as we re-open, just as we’ve done over the pandemic.
  • We also need to be considerate of other people’s risks and comfort levels – do not assume, ask.
  • In the same way, some communities may not be ready to welcome visitors right away.
 
4.    Can I go camping with another household in Step 2?
  • Yes. Recreational travel, including camping, is permitted in Step 2.
  • Campgrounds need to have COVID safety plans and like any summer, campgrounds will have their own rules about things like the number of people and tents per site.
  • Gatherings in campgrounds will be expected to follow the same rules for outdoor and indoor personal gatherings in Step 2: (outdoor- max 50 people, indoor-max 5 guests or one additional household)
  • We expect people will continue to consider their own personal risk and comfort levels and those of others, just as we’ve done over the pandemic.
 
5.    Can I book a vacation rental with another household in Step 2? What about Step 3?
  • In Step 2, the limits on guests at vacation rentals will be the same as in your home – 5 guests indoors, or one additional household.
  • Limits on vacation rentals will be lifted in Step 3 – July 1st at the earliest.
 
6.    When can I travel recreationally across Canada?
  • We’re planning for inter-provincial travel in Step 3, starting in July. 
  • We will continue to monitor metrics and data and will move to through the steps when public health advises it is safe to do so.
  • We’re looking forward to welcoming back travellers from across Canada, but only when public health advises us it’s safe to do so.
 

7.    Will BC Ferries be increasing sailings to accommodate increased travel?
  • As travel within the province increases, we expect that BC Ferries will adjust their sailings and capacity accordingly.
  • With more people taking the ferry, we ask everyone to following the covid safety plans, including wearing of masks, and be respectful of other passengers.
 
8.    Will masks still be required on BC Ferries, since maintaining distance won’t be possible once capacity restrictions are lifted?
  • BC Ferries is under the jurisdiction of Transport Canada with respect to safety protocols.
  • But masks will continue to be required in indoor public settings until Step 3. This would include public transportation like ferries.

9.    Will masks be required on motor coaches for those who aren’t vaccinated once capacity restrictions are lifted?
  • Updated safety plans will be developed in advance of restrictions being lifted.
  • Our expectation is that masks will continue to be required in indoor public settings until we reach Step 3. This would include public transportation like motor coaches.
 
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
 
10. When will international travel come back / the US border re-open?
  • The federal government is responsible for reopening the border and border restrictions and we continue to engage with them on these issues.
  • Ottawa is working on a plan for international travel and a re-opened Canada-US border.
  • We have made B.C.’s position clear to the federal government:
  • re-opening the Canada-US border and resuming international travel will be critical for B.C.’s tourism operators,
  • but it can only happen when public health advises it is safe to do so.
  • Our progress on vaccination will help support a safe return to international travel and we are confident that tourists will be excited to return to B.C. We’ll be ready to welcome them. 
  • Keeping British Columbians safe is our top priority, and we look forward to an opening of the border based on science and public health guidance, when the time is right.
 
11. Will international travelers have to provide proof they’ve been vaccinated?
  • Ottawa is responsible for international travel and also on the possible use of vaccine passports for international travel.
  • We are getting prepared on our end so BC will be ready if the federal government choses to go in that direction as part of their international travel plans.
  • These are medical documents, so protecting people’s health and people’s privacy is at the heart of that work.
 
12. On calls for a specific measure at the border (I.e. rapid testing):
  • That’s up to the federal government.
  • They are working on a plan to re-opened border
Webinar Today | Vaccinations & The
Workplace Zoom Details
DATE & TIME

Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 1:00PM - 2:15PM PDT

WITH SPECIAL GUEST

Ryan Anderson, Mathews Dinsdale & Clarke LLP

ZOOM DETAILS

  • Meeting ID: 874 0127 5241
  • One tap mobile
  • +14388097799,,87401275241# Canada
  • Dial by your location - +1 438 809 7799 Canada
  • Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbZ2c5csPl
Webinar Overview

  • What does a vaccination policy look like?
  • What are the key human rights and employment considerations surrounding the vaccine?
  • Can employers mandate vaccine acceptance?

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) in partnership with Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) and go2HR have engaged Ryan Anderson, Partner at Mathews Dinsdale & Clark LL P to help address these questions. Ryan will provide an overview of the requirements and key OH&S, privacy, human rights, labour and employment considerations for the potential implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination policy, mandatory or otherwise, where one is warranted.
Toolkit

go2HR’s new toolkit COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace – Toolkit for Tourism & Hospitality Employers contains practical information, resources and downloadable tools to help tourism and hospitality employers answer and address some of these difficult questions.
Should you have any questions about vaccinations or need additional HR support, please feel free to contact us: HR@go2hr.ca visit our COVID-19 Vaccinations In The Workplace webpage.

go2HR Resources for Reopening
go2HR, takes enormous pride in supporting businesses as they reopen and restart. Did you know their COVID-19 safety review plan program is completely free? The go2HR's team of experts will help you create or evaluate your current plan.
Tourism and hospitality businesses can take BSAFE™, go2HR’s new COVID-19 health and safety training course for FREE thanks to support from the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

 Minister Melanie Mark made the announcement on May 27th on a Destination BC industry call during National Travel and Tourism Week. Geared towards staff and supervisors in the tourism and hospitality industry, the training provides employees and managers with a strong foundation in COVID-19 health and safety protocols and assists them in understanding evolving best practices. 
Lower your Payment Processing
Costs with SONA
In an industry known for confusion and misleading claims, SONA offers a fresh approach to payment acceptance by putting it all on the table and delivering honest, transparent information, along with exceptional customer service.

The company provides competitive pricing and tailored solutions to simplify payment acceptance. Partnered and powered by some of the world's largest payment processors, SONA offers cutting-edge technology to improve business and commerce transactions. 

For more information or to get started, contact Kristin O’Leary at 1-844-513-0050 ext 100, Kristin.oleary@sonapay.ca or visit www.sonapay.ca.
Expected Today | COVID-19 Sick-Leave
Reimbursement Program
COVID-19 Paid Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program
 
The application for employers to apply for the BC government’s COVID-19 Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program is expected to be available on WorkSafeBC’s online services portal as of today, Tuesday, June 15th.

Through the program, employers who do not have an existing sick-leave program can apply to be reimbursed for up to three days of wages paid to workers for COVID-19 related sick leave. The reimbursement program is available for sick leave taken from May 20 until the program ends on Dec. 31, 2021.

How to apply
To apply for reimbursement, employers must be:
  1. Registered for WorkSafeBC insurance coverage and
  2. Signed up for WorkSafeBC’s employer online services in order to access the COVID-19 Sick-Leave Reimbursement application. If you’re not already signed up, you can sign up now to ensure you receive reimbursement quickly. 

How to sign up for WorkSafeBC’s online services
For instructions on how to sign up for online services, please watch this video or read these instructions for signing up.

In addition to the COVID-19 Sick-Leave Reimbursement application, our enhanced employer online services offer the easiest and most convenient way for you to report payroll, pay premiums, and more.

For more information, please visit the BC government’s website on COVID-19 sick leave.
Advocacy with Unwavering Resolve | Meet BCHA Project Manager & Board Liaison Karissa Bourgeault
Meet BCHA team member Karissa Bourgeault!

With deep roots in hospitality from years of experience working in all areas of the hotel sector, Karissa has been a fearless advocate for the accommodation community since joining the BCHA over a year ago. Quickly, Karissa cemented herself as a key industry ally who simply 'gets it and gets it done'. Her tireless work ethic, unrivaled sense of humour, and critical thinking are just a few of her admirable qualities that make her such an irreplaceable team member.

Get to know Karissa:

  • What is your role at BCHA? 
  • Project Manager & Board Liaison
  • How do you support and serve the BCHA membership? 
  • I ensure the execution of events and projects developed for our members, assist with Government relations, and facilitate connections between our team, board of directors and members!
  • What do you love about BC tourism, hospitality and our hotel community?
  • I love that we have so many diverse pockets of the province to explore. You can go fishing, experience traditional indigenous culture, spend time on “tropical beaches”, experience big city sightsthere is literally something for everyone and endless exploration so close to home.
  • Name a stand-out moment or proud accomplishment you have had working at the BCHA
  • When I oversaw our initiative to connect essential workers with accommodators across the province during the beginning of the pandemic. It was an amazing feeling to see how many accommodators wanted to reach out and help people on the front lines of the pandemic to ensure they had safe places to stay.
  • Which BC destination are you keen to visit this year?
  • Even though I grew up on the island in Qualicum Beach, there are so many amazing places that I have never been and would love to explore. Also looking forward to being back in Kelowna and enjoying some of the amazing wine that comes out of BC. 

Have any questions for Karissa? Reach out to her at karissa@bcha.com
Forward STR Now Available in North America | Sign Up For Free Today
Our partner, STR, has launched Forward STAR in North America. And participation is FREE!
 
This forward-looking benchmarking tool allows hoteliers to get ahead of recovery, strategize more effectively, and complete the overall performance picture.

Why enroll?

Forward STAR measures a hotel’s occupancy on the books and pickup against the local market and competition for the next 365 days.

Pairing your property’s historical benchmarking trends with occupancy-on-the-books data provides a broader perspective of your performance – helping you win tomorrow, today.
Mark Your Calendars
Tourism Resource Roundup | Connect, Restart & Build Forward With B.C.'S Support Network

As we approach the next steps of the BC Restart Plan and begin to welcome visitors back in British Columbia, the BC Tourism Resiliency Network is bringing together a panel of five tourism industry organizations to help you leverage key resources towards resiliency.

Our very own BCHA President and CEO Ingrid Jarrett will be joined by four other tourism support organizations, sharing insights, opportunities, and other supports available for B.C. tourism businesses:


This webinar will help tourism business managers to understand B.C. visitor trends and prepare for the coming season.
June is Free Education Month at Small Business BC

Start your summer off on the right foot with a month of free education at Small Business BC.

Delivered in partnership with WorkSafeBC, June’s FREE Education Month delivers over 25 webinars and Talk to an Expert sessions, offering plenty of opportunities to upskill. Whether you’re looking to start or grow your business, our educational calendar for the month is stacked with informative and practical sessions that will put your business on the road to success.
Indigenous Tourism BC Celebrates Indigenous History Month and Peoples Day with Workshop Series

Indigenous Tourism BC is looking forward to hosting a series of free immersive and educational virtual workshops anchored by themes of food and beverage, arts and culture, and wellness.

Viewers worldwide are invited to join as the organization highlights Indigenous chefs, sommeliers, tour guides, culture keepers, and storytellers.

A TASTING OF INDIGENOUS CULTURES – TUESDAY, JUNE 15 AT 2 PM PST / 5 PM EST
An immersive exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in BC. Learn how to make authentic bannock from home and learn about the history and practices behind Indigenous wine.


CELEBRATING LIVING INDIGENOUS ARTS & CULTURE – THURSDAY, JUNE 17 AT 2 PM PST / 5 PM EST
Learn about the history and cultural significance of Potlatches as well as the artistic practices of cedar weaving, song and dance. Enjoy stories about harvesting traditional foods, wildlife, petroglyphs and much more.


HONOURING WELLNESS – TUESDAY, JUNE 22 AT 2 PM PST / 5 PM EST
Restore your spirit through an exploration of Indigenous wellness rituals.

Free Webinar: What does BC's No-Fault Auto Regime mean for Liquor Liability?

ABLEBC invites you to join us for a free webinar on Wednesday, June 16 at 10:00 am PST
 
BC's new no-fault auto regime creates a "disincentive" for a patron to sue you. Does that mean insurance should be cheaper and easier to get? Join Lorne Folick (Dolden Wallace Folick LLP) to discuss the impact of of the no-fault auto regime on your liquor business.
 
Register for the webinar. If you cannot attend live, a recording will be sent out to everyone registered.
 
To learn more about the application of BC's no-fault auto regime to commercial liquor licensees, download this article by Lorne Folick and Ouran Li.
 
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact Danielle Leroux (Director of Membership and Communications): danielle@ablebc.ca
The Path to Truth and Reconciliation Presented by Vancouver Board of Trade
Join for a conversation with Chief Terry Teegee, Regional Chief of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, as he addresses the business community to discuss the path to truth and reconciliation.

During the event we will also make space to remember and acknowledge the 215 children whose remains were recently found on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School as well as all those that suffered as a result of the residential school system. Every Child Matters.

Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 12:00 PM

Webinar: Rebuilding Tourism in the region presented by Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

Join to hear from leading industry experts to discuss:
  • how the tourism sector will emerge post-pandemic,
  • what needs to be done to recover, and
  • what steps we can all take to support the tourism sector.

PANELLISTS:
    
  • Royce Chwin, President and CEO, Tourism Vancouver
  • Keith Henry, President and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
  • Timothy Liu, Managing Director, Sales Planning and Effectiveness, Air Canada
  • Tracy Redies, President and CEO, Science World
  • Moderator: Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

Monday, June 28, 2021 at 12:00 PM

Congratulations! Tipping Our Hat to Industry
Have News You Want to Share? Contact Kelsey@bcha.com
Vancouver's Iconic Rosewood Hotel Georgia Open as of June 3rd.

Rosewood Hotel Georgia is now open and accepting reservations for overnight accommodations as of Thursday, June 3, 2021. The hotel’s wellness facilities such as Sense, A Rosewood Spa® are open for services. Reflections, A Garden Terrace and 1927 Lobby Lounge are also open for visitors to enjoy casual dining and refreshments, following all provincial health guidelines.
 
“These past few months have tested our resilience, our ability to pivot and adapt, and more importantly the need to care for each other,” says managing director Safwan Abu Risheh. “I am personally delighted to welcome visitors once again and look forward to providing our loyal guests and the community with the refined genuine service that we are known for.”

IN THE NEWS
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B.C. tourism businesses may close if international...

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Watch B.C. tourism industry hoping for major rebound with reopening Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca

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Canada's $4.2 billion cruise industry risks being...

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