Message From President & CEO, Ingrid Jarrett |
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Dear Accommodation Community,
Today is a day our industry and province has waited for with since March of 2020. As anticipated, British Columbia will officially enter Step 3 of the BC Restart Plan on Thursday, July 1st, signaling the end of our Provincial State of Emergency -- the longest in our province's history. Click here to watch the press conference.
NEW DETAILS & UPDATES SURROUNDING STEP 3
- Masks
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The mask mandate order under the Emergency Program Act will be lifted July 1 and no proof of vaccination will be needed.
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Masks are recommended in public indoor settings for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated. You're considered fully vaccinated 14 days after dose 2
- Some people may choose to continue to wear a mask after they're fully vaccinated and that's okay
- Business Safety Plans
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In Step 3, all sectors will transition from a COVID-19 Safety Plan to using communicable disease prevention guidance from WorkSafeBC.
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Click here for the communicable disease prevention guide
- Note that COVID-19 Safety Plans will no longer be required
- Personal Gatherings
- No limit on personal indoor and outdoor gatherings
- Organized Gatherings
- Indoor organized gatherings 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater
- Outdoor organized gatherings 5,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater
- No capacity limits or restrictions on religious gatherings and worship services
- Fairs, festivals and trade shows (considered 'walk-through' events) return to normal with a Communicable Disease Plan
- Travel
- Canada-wide recreational travel allowed
- Businesses
- Restaurants, bars and pubs
- No group limits for indoor and outdoor dining, events allowed
- Return to normal liquor service hours
- No socializing between tables
- Nightclubs
- Up to 10 people seated at tables, tables 2 m apart
- No dancing, no socializing between table
- Casinos
- Reduced capacity
- Gaming stations can operate at approximately 50% capacity
- Offices & Workplaces
- Continued return to the workplace
- Seminars and bigger meetings allowed
Please note, we are seeking clarity on dancing at indoor ceremonial events like weddings. There are no restrictions on dancing at outdoor events. We will share further g
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RESOURCES | RESTART STEP 3 COMMUNCIATIONS TOOLKIT
Over the past week, the BCHA and our industry partners have worked hand-in-hand to develop a communications toolkit, aimed at providing you with all the necessary details and guidance as we transition to Step 3.
We strongly encourage each of you to explore the Step 3 Restart Toolkit which delivers guidance on:
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Communications – High-level language to help you describe to local residents, visitors, business travellers, and employees the current step of the Restart Plan we are in, the state of travel, and where we are heading together.
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Health and Safety Protocols – The state of emergency has been lifted, and health and safety guidelines have changed. This section outlines those guidelines in place for the current step, which restrictions can be removed if operators are comfortable, and links to key information.
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Workforce – As some workers in the tourism sector found new work during the pandemic, hiring will be critical and challenging. This section has information on rehiring, recruiting, and training staff.
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Marketing – This provides a snapshot of the major marketing efforts planned, to help the sector be aligned as we recover together
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INDUSTRY RESPONSE | BEST PRACTICES FOR EVOLVING STANDARDS
Many of you have expressed uncertainty over how you should proceed in terms of safety protocols, particularly as it pertains to mask use. The provincial health officer issued a statement recommending that employers maintain some of their current protocols, specifically those that do not negatively impact business operations.
As mentioned before, many guests and employees may feel uncomfortable with eased restrictions and it will take time for people to have confidence in pre-pandemic level operations. Should you wish to be cautious with your policies, businesses are private entities, and are therefore able to determine and implement their own mask use policy. We have heard a variety of approaches from accommodators in BC on how they will move forward. Some will continue to mandate employee mask use until Step 4, others until the end of July, and some will allow employees/guests to wear masks on their own volition.
Please bear in mind, that mask use continues to be recommended, and as such, you may wish to continue recommending to your staff and guests in alignment with the Public Health Officer. As we rebuild confidence in our sector, it is important to showcase that we remain committed to the health and safety of our guests and employees.
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QUESTIONS?
We anticipate that many of you will have questions over the coming weeks and we encourage you to reach out to questions@bcha.com. Furthermore, go2HR will be hosting a webinar in partnership with WorkSafeBC on July, 5th that aims to deliver answers to questions surrounding Step 3 of the BC Restart Plan. Click here for more details.
THE WEEK AHEAD
We understand these evolving restrictions complicate operations, particularly when our industry is in the throes of a heat wave, severe workforce crisis, and significant rise in occupancy levels.
Today's press conference message was clear: businesses across British Columbia needs to be met with patience and understanding. It will take time for all of us to adapt to these new relaxed protocols, and it may take considerable time for individuals to be comfortable with this new chapter in our recovery. We must all show kindness. While we are emerging from the COVID-19 crisis, we continue to be in this together.
I hope you can take time to celebrate the road ahead today, along with the strength and tenacity you have all exhibited over the past 16 months.
Finally, if you haven't already, please register for your vaccination.
Thank you all,
Ingrid Jarrett
President & CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association
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Today's update includes:
- #ICYMI | From COVID-19 Safety Plans to Communicable Disease Prevention: WorkSafeBC
- Webinar | Step 3 Restart Plan Questions Answered
- Learn More About Your Hotel, Lodge, or BnB’s Performance, with No Cost to Participate
- YVR is Ready to Welcome Back Passengers as Measures Ease in BC
- Indigenous Tourism BC Releases Labour Market Resarch, Indigenous Tourism Labour Strategy & Guide to Wise HR Practices
- Webinar Recording |Tourism Resource Roundup
- Action Required | HAC Survey
- Canadian Tourism Awards | Nominations Open
- 50-30 Challenge Updates
- Mark Your Calendars
- Celebrate Industry Along the BC Ale Trail July 6th at BCHF | Bid on the BCHF & MPI BC 'g-ALE-a' Event
- Fore the Love of Tourism 15th Annual TIP Invitational Golf Tournament 2021
- Webinar: Rebuilding Tourism in the region presented by Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
- Congratulations! Tipping Our Hat to Industry
- BC NDP Caucus encourage travel to BC
- In the News
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COVID-19: Tourism experts calling on Canadians to help recovery, The Vancouver Sun, June 28
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The business of heat: Hotels fill up, some restaurants and other businesses close, Business In Vancouver, June 28
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Kelowna’s mayor expects city will be tourism hot spot this summer, Ottawa Business Daily, June 27
- Comment Card | Industry Thoughts & Feedback
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#ICYMI | From COVID-19 Safety Plans to Communicable Disease Prevention: WorkSafeBC |
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Yestderay, WorkSafeBC released guidelines for employers to best prepare for Step 3 of the BC Restart Plan, outlining in greater detail, the shift from COVID-19 Safety Plan to a Communicable Disease Prevention Plan as we enter Step 3, July 1. Unlike the COVID-19 Safety Plan, employers will not have to write or post plans for communicable disease prevention or have them approved by WorkSafeBC.
- A communicable disease is an illness caused by an infectious agent or its toxic product that can be transmitted in a workplace from person to person. Examples of communicable diseases that may circulate in a workplace include COVID-19, norovirus, and seasonal influenza.
- Communicable disease prevention focuses on basic risk reduction principles to reduce the risk of workplace transmission of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. The fundamental components of communicable disease prevention include both ongoing measures to maintain at all times and additional measures to be implemented as advised by Public Health:
- Ongoing measures — maintain at all times:
- Implementing policies to support staff who may be sick with a communicable disease (for example, fever and/or chills, recent onset of coughing, diarrhea), so they can avoid being at the workplace
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Promoting hand hygiene by providing hand hygiene facilities with appropriate supplies and reminding employees through policies and signage to wash their hands regularly and to use appropriate hygiene practices
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Maintaining a clean environment through routine cleaning processes
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Ensuring building ventilation is properly maintained and functioning as designed
- Supporting employees in receiving vaccinations for vaccine-preventable conditions to the extent that you are able
- Additional measures — implemented as advised by Public Health:
- Employers must also be prepared to implement additional prevention measures as required by a medical health officer or the provincial health officer to deal with communicable diseases in their workplace or region, should those be necessary.
- Communicable disease prevention involves understanding the level of risk in your workplace, application of the fundamentals and implementing appropriate measures, communicating policies and protocols to all workers, and updating measures and safeguards as required.
- Employers do not have to write or post plans for communicable disease prevention or have them approved by WorkSafeBC.
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Managing communicable disease at your workplace is part of an effective Occupational Health and Safety Program.
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Webinar Announced | Step 3 Restart Plan Questions Answered
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DATE: July 5, 2021
TIME: 2:00 - 3:00 PM PDT
With Step 3 of the BC restart plan beginning on July 1, and the prospect of restarting more social connections and business activities, as well as the lifting of existing orders, including the need for written COVID-19 safety plans, many new questions and challenges emerge for employers as they navigate the new normal.
Safety plans might be out but it’s still important to remain vigilant about communicable diseases, including norovirus, seasonal influenza and COVID-19. Keeping informed about the overarching principles of communicable disease control and continuing to uphold and practice some of the familiar COVID-19 controls as part of your occupational health and safety program can help to prevent future illness and outbreaks. This can help to reassure your workers and guests about your ongoing commitment to their health and safety.
Join go2HR for our upcoming webinar, featuring expert panelists, Mark Lysyshyn, Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer at Vancouver Coastal Health and Lisa Houle, Manager, OHS Consultation and Education Services at WorkSafeBC. Learn how to implement a robust communicable disease program for step 3 of the BC Restart and get your questions answered!
Webinar topics include:
- How to build an effective communicable disease program for step 3 of the BC Restart
- How to relax existing controls for workers and customers
- When you can (or should) enforce the wearing of masks and other controls in the workplace
- Key considerations around occupancy levels, including for events and meetings
- The practicalities of a gradual transition out of your COVID-19 safety plan and how to communicate changes to workers and customers
- The forecast: fall flu season and the potential impacts of variants of concern
Register today for this informative industry event! Participants will have an opportunity to pre-submit a question for expert advice.
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YVR is Ready to Welcome Back Passengers as Measures Ease in BC |
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The Vancouver Airport Authority announced it is prepared to welcome back passengers safely as British Columbia and other Canadian provinces and territories relax travel restrictions.
Travellers can prepare for their trip by:
- knowing the requirements of their destinations, and what they will need when they return to Canada
- ensuring their passport and travel documents are valid
It may take longer for travellers to navigate the airport. They can expect:
- masks will continue to be mandatory in the airport and onboard flights
- security screening will include extra steps, including temperature checks
- a more comprehensive border process for those entering Canada from the US or another international destination
- completing forms using the ArriveCan app and pre-registering for testing can streamline re-entry
- many retail and concession partners to be open
- TAKEcare teams will continue to keep the airport safe and clean
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Indigenous Tourism BC Releases Labour Market Resarch, Indigenous Tourism Labour Strategy & Guide to Wise HR Practices
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Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has released “Indigenous Tourism Labour Market Research: Roots to a Future Research Findings 2020-21,” the “BC Indigenous Tourism Strategic Plan,” and “Wise Ways: A Guide of Smart Practices to Attracting and Retaining Indigenous Talent.”
This project launched in November 2019 in response to a critical labour shortage and growing demand for labour in the Indigenous and non-Indigenous tourism industry. This project is funded by the Province of British Columbia and Government of Canada through the Sector Labour Market Partnerships program.
The research report shows there were 488 Indigenous tourism businesses in British Columbia in early 2020. These businesses were employing 4,248 people, with a potential of inspiring another 14,500 Indigenous people to build careers in the tourism industry. This research report, strategy and smart practice guide will support a path to build on this success and create growth for Indigenous tourism employment.
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- Of all Indigenous tourism businesses, the 2019 size of the workforce was roughly 4,248.
- A Conference Board of Canada study for Tourism HR Canada in 2018 uncovered that 16% of Indigenous people wanted to work in tourism but could not find a job.¹
- The Indigenous population available for work and interested in working in tourism is estimated at 14,497.
- 33% of Indigenous tourism employers experienced challenges recruiting workers for their business in 2019. Reasons include not being able to provide candidates with competitive salaries (41%), lack of access to appropriate housing (38%), and lack of appropriate training/educational opportunities (38%).
- Those positions cited by Indigenous tourism employers as being most challenging to recruit (10+%) were linked to cook, guiding, retail sales, driver, cleaner, desk clerk, chef, and musician positions.
- There are several constraints to Indigenous tourism businesses and Indigenous people that limit Indigenous business development and deter people from entering and advancing in the Indigenous tourism industry, such as Indigenous community infrastructure like internet connectivity and affordable internet, transportation, and housing.
- There is a growing demographic of Indigenous people suited to careers in the tourism industry. However, there is increasing competition both within and beyond the Indigenous tourism sector.
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Webinar Recording |Tourism Resource Roundup |
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Last week, TOTA brought together a panel of five tourism industry organizations to share key resources for building forward and driving resiliency. Each organization shared insights, opportunities, and resources available for B.C. tourism businesses, to help industry prepare for the coming season and beyond.
PRESENTERS
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Symphony Tourism Services
Managing Director Kelly Galaski shared:
- Reports on changes in visitation to BC and travel sentiments
- B.C. Visitor Origins and Market Segments
- Research Resources provided by the BC Tourism Resiliency Network for each region
- How to access custom research to better understand your visitors
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BC Hotel Association (BCHA)
President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett presented:
- State of the industry by region
- Advocacy efforts at the community, provincial, and federal level
- Forecast for Canadian tourism recovery
- Hospitality benchmarking through STR Reports
- EcoFund eco efficiency funding program
- FoodBuy monthly rebate cheques
- Check In Canada listing for BC Accommodation providers
- BC Restart Toolkit
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Go2HR
Ginger Brunner, Senior HR Specialist, presented on:
- COVID-19 & BC tourism labour challenges
- HR Resources, Support & Consulting
- go2HR Job Board
- COVID-19 Safety Plan Reviews
- BSAFE Training
- BC Tourism & Hospitality LMI Research Project
- SAFE Spaces Sexual Harassment Initiative
- Workplace Mental Health Initiative
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Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC)
Samantha Rullin, Stakeholder and Marketing Coordinator, shared:
- Overview of Indigenous tourism in B.C.
- How to collaborate with ITBC
- ITBC Tourism Roadmap
- Considerations when working with Indigenous communities
- Indigenous BC Trip Planner app to find nearby Indigenous experiences
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Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna
Aaryn Secker, Associate Director, Education & Health Promotion shared:
- Key learnings from the pandemic for tourism employees
- Challenges and opportunities to improve workplace mental health
- BC's Hub for Hospitality & Tourism Workplace Mental Health
- Workplace CARE Certification for tourism & hospitality employees, team leads, and HR professionals
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Learn More About Your Hotel, Lodge, or BnB’s Performance, with No
Cost to Participate
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As we all move toward recovery, it’s never been more important to strategize around pricing and understanding whether to try and recoup occupancy rates or maintain room rates. STR’s weekly reporting tool enables us to see how our own property is performing against those within our market - both our geographic area and our class of accommodation.
How can you participate?
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More information:
STR collects rooms available, rooms sold and net room revenue on a monthly, weekly and daily basis from participating hotels. This is then fed back to all participants in reports - and via your own dashboard.
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Action Required | HAC Survey |
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The Hotel Association of Cananda is seeking new member data to keep the pressure on Government to provide continued and tailored support for our sector.
Please complete this 3-minute survey by Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Our goal is 2,000 respondents to ensure a strong sample size.
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This information will be fed into an economic roll up of the state of the industry for critical Government meetings, and it will form the basis of our planned media and campaign work over the coming weeks.
Thank you in advance for making this a priority.
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Upcoming Events & Dates
50 – 30 Challenge Updates
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada announced the launch of two initiatives for the 50 – 30 Challenge in June, the Request for Proposals for the What Works Toolkit and the Call for Applications of the 50 – 30 Challenge Ecosystem Fund.
The successful applicant for the What Works Toolkit will be responsible to build a toolkit which will include resources for the recruitment and mentorship of underrepresented board members and employees, as well as anti-racism, anti-harassment, inclusive workplace strategies, and more.
Through the Call for Applications, the government will be providing funding to select organizations who will work with Challenge Participants in meeting their goals by providing guidance, tools and other diversity supports specific to participants unique needs.
The Diversity Institute continues to engage in stakeholder consultations on key terms and definitions included in the 50 – 30 Challenge. Consultations are expected to conclude by the end of June and the draft Publicly Available Specification (how to apply the definitions) is expected to be completed by August.
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Canadian Tourism Awards | Nominations Open |
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The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented annually by TIAC to recognize success, leadership, and innovation in Canada's tourism industry, and to reward those people, places, organizations, and events that have gone above and beyond to offer travellers superior tourism experiences in Canada.
The Canadian Tourism Awards have become the standard of excellence for businesses and organizations in the travel industry, showcasing the nation's best tourism products, services, and experiences.
This year, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada's 2021 Canadian Tourism Awards are scheduled for December 1st, which will be a salute to the perseverance, resilience, and fortitude of the sector; its operators, and employees.
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Celebrate Industry Along the BC Ale Trail July 6th at BCHF at the BCHF & MPI BC 'g-ALE-a' Event | Bid on Auction Items Today!
In partnership with the BC Craft Brewers Guild, Meeting Planner International (MPI) BC Chapter will be hosting their Annual Gala at over 15 outstanding craft breweries along the BC Ale Trail. The event will take place on July 7th, 2021 at 5:30 pm with each brewery hosting a table for 6 people. Early bird tickets will be $50 per person (table of 6 is $300) on sale June 15th. Anticipated attendance is 90 – 150 event industry professionals and their associates, family, and friends. There will be 6 people together at each brewery.
To support MPI BC Chapter and the BC Hospitality Foundation a virtual silent auction will be open for all British Columbians to bid from June 28th – July 9th, 2021. The goals of our silent auction are to showcase our province’s hospitality and tourism businesses AND get consumers out spending their money locally.
Auction Items include:
· A two-night stay at the luxurious Oak Bay Beach Hotel
· Gift certificates to a wide range of top BC restaurants
· A digital voucher for a 5-player Vancouver outdoor mystery game
· A round of golf for four at Westwood Plateau Golf & Country club
· A virtual team-building and training entertainment event
· Helijet round trip transportation for two between Victoria or Nanaimo to Vancouver
· A private charter of a Five Star Whale Watching vessel
· Gift certificates to at least 15 breweries along the BC Ale Trail
· And many more
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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.
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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.
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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
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Congratulations! Tipping Our Hat to Industry
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BC NDP Caucus encourage travel to BC
Now that more and more of us are vaccinated, now is the time to explore beautiful British Columbia. The NDP Caucus has shared the following video, encouraging British Columbians to get out and explore.
While some communities will be eager to welcome visitors, there are some rural and Indigenous communities that may be more hesitant to welcome visitors. We ask visitors to do their research before they leave home.
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A panel of tourism experts is predicting Canadians will be “travel hesitant” this summer, despite the easing of travel restrictions, and it will be years before the travel and accommodation sectors bounce back fully.
The CEO of Science World told a panel, hosted by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, that “the pandemic has resulted in behavioural changes.”
“As a result, we can’t just reopen and expect people to return,” said Tracy Redies on Monday. “We have seen in the U.S. where things have reopened, that attendance levels remain low.”
Redies said that is why Science World plans to continue to require masks be worn inside its facility until September, despite the expectation that B.C’s public health order on masks will be lifted on July 1.
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Soaring temperatures descended on the Lower Mainland during the weekend, and are expected to exceed 40 C in eastern parts of the region today.
The high temperatures prompted schools to close. The four-restaurant chain Burgoo said on Twitter that it would also close, because it is "too hot to work."
And WorkSafeBC is warning employers of outside workers their staff is at risk of heatstroke. Some contractors are telling their workers to stay home. The B.C. Construction Safety Alliance has issued heat exhaustion prevention plans that discuss breaks, shade, ventilation and hydration.
While the heat will undoubtedly cause added worker fatigue, there are businesses that have been able to reap some reward.
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After 15 months of adhering to COVID-related shutdowns, lockdowns and restrictions, British Columbians are ready to let their collective hair down.
And, with summer coinciding with a lifting of many restrictions and a return of visitors from across the country, Kelowna’s mayor says the city is in for a “very busy summer.”
“Surveys indicate that people aren’t quite ready to travel south of the border or internationally, so they are going to be staying closer to home or within their own country,” said Mayor Colin Basran during a one-on-one interview with Castanet News.
“That means Kelowna is going to be the Canadian hot spot in terms of places people want to visit. So, while we certainly welcome people to our community, I think that’s going to create some challenges for sure.”
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