Today's update includes:
- General Updates
- Trudeau Announces Liberal-NDP Governance Deal to Stay in Place until 2025
- DBC Restarts International Marketing with $6.7M Global Marketing Campaign
- Take the Gender Equity Audit! | WORTH Association
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April 1 | Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Testing For Vaccinated Travelers Not Required
- Air Canada Expanding Fleet Signals Return of Air Travel
- Share Feedback on BC Pandemic Response Submit by April 20, 2022
- HAC REMINDER | Your Action Is of CRITICAL Importance
- STR Reports | Week ending March 13
- New UNWTO Guidelines Put Women's Empowerment at Heart of Tourism's Restart
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Explore the BC Employer Training Grant (ETG)
- THRF Survey | Advocacy for Additional Relief Funds
- Destination BC Launches Spring Marketing Campaign in BC & Alberta
- Sign Up! | Capilano University Hiring Fair
- Important Reminder | Survey on Hospitality Sector Supply Chain Needs
- BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) Golf Tournaments Return with New Addition!
- News - See more below!
- Hot Off the Press
- BC | Canada News
- World News
- Industry Trends
- Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
- Melynda Loder Named Dual Director, Sales & Marketing of JW Marriott Parq Vancouver & the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection Hotel
- Mark Your Calendars - see below!
- Comment Card | Thoughts and Comments from Our Industry
- Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Our Members Smile
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Trudeau Announces Liberal-NDP Governance Deal to Stay in Place until 2025 |
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The federal Liberals and New Democrats have finalized an agreement that, if maintained, will keep Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government in power until the end of the current Parliament in exchange for progress on longstanding NDP priorities. Trudeau announced on Tuesday morning that the confidence-and-supply agreement has been brokered, is effective immediately, and will remain in effect until June 2025.
Called “Delivering for Canadians Now, A Supply and Confidence Agreement,” the two parties have agreed that over the next three years the government will:
- Launch a new dental care program for low-income Canadians. Starting with under 12-year-olds in 2022, expanding to under 18-year-olds, seniors, and persons living with disabilities in 2023, and then full implementation by 2025, with no co-pays for anyone earning less than $70,000 annually.
- Continue progress towards a universal national pharmacare program passing a ‘Canada Pharmacare Act’ by the end of 2023, and then tasking the National Drug Agency to develop a national formulary of essential medicines and a bulk purchasing plan by the end of 2025;
- Advance a series of measures aimed at affordability and housing costs including a ‘Homebuyers Bill of Rights’ and an ‘Early Learning and Child Care Act’;
- Proceed with policies and programs meant to target climate change;
- Ensure supports for workers are implemented including supporting labour unions and starting the 10-day paid sick leave policy imminently;
- Invest more in Indigenous reconciliation including supporting residential school survivors;
- Improve fairness in the tax system by addressing profits made by big banks during the pandemic; and
- Eliminate barriers to democratic participation by exploring ways to expand how people can vote such as improving mail-in balloting and potentially allowing a three-day voting period.
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DBC Restarts International Marketing with $6.7M Global Marketing Campaign |
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As travel resumes around the world, Destination BC is competitively vying for international visitors with its launch of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘢 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 – 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧: an extensive $6.7M marketing campaign designed to drive emotional urgency and encourage travel to BC in 2022 and into 2023 from key international and domestic long-haul markets: UK & Australia, California, Ontario, Washington
The campaign leverages the global brand platform, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘊 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵, first launched in 2019 and reimagined for the current landscape to inspire global audiences to tap into something bigger, awaken a deeper connection, gain a different perspective, and find themselves–in every sense of the word–all within British Columbia. With people in BC’s core markets seeking wide-open spaces, nature and wildlife, and authentic experiences now more than ever, BC is well-positioned to meet and surpass their travel wish lists.
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The campaign explores BC’s healing effects through a lens of connection and reciprocity, and the notion that when we open ourselves to nature, nature will open to us—and in turn, change us for the better. These ideas are brought to life through videos developed in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), including a poem by Haida writer, Cohen Isberg, and a video series slated for release over the coming months that features Indigenous storytellers. Alongside the vast and rugged nature that encapsulates BC, they share Indigenous values such as interconnectedness, reciprocity, gratitude, and stewardship, aiming to inspire visitors to embody these values to enrich their experiences while travelling here.
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Take the Gender Equity Audit! | WORTH Association |
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On November 17th, 2021, WORTH Association brought 50 industry professionals together at Vancouver Lookout for a solutions-oriented workshop. CapU students, The Sociable Scientist, and WORTH Board of Directors led participants through a series of discussions on inclusion, rewards, advancement, retention, flexibility and fair treatment.
In the first study of its kind in BC, they worked to determine how we we can collectively ensure more women take a seat at the table. From these findings, they compiled recommendations and best practices to support the empowerment of women in our industry.
We strongly encourage organizations to perform this self-audit to understand their current involvement in retaining and developing women of recreation, tourism and hospitality. Sign up today to become a member of WORTH!
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The Government of Canada recently announced a series of adjustments to current border measures which will be in effect April 1. This represents a long-awaited milestone for our tourism & hospitality sector. Together, as an industry, we are ready to capture the recovery opportunity that lies ahead!
Key changes include:
- Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to complete a pre-entry test (they may still be selected for random tests on arrival but are not required to quarantine).
- Non vaccinated travellers will still need an on-arrival test and a day 8 test and must quarantine for 14 days.
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ArriveCAN is still needed for entry to Canada by all travellers.
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Air Canada Expanding Fleet
Signals Return of Air Travel
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Air Canada announces investment in fleet renewal as recovery strengthens with the acquisition of 26 modern and fuel efficient Airbus A321XLRs, to arrive starting in 2024.
“This order also shows that Air Canada is emerging strongly from the pandemic and is ideally positioned to grow, compete and thrive in a reshaped global aviation industry,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.
Air Canada’s A321XLRs will accommodate 182 passengers in a configuration of 14 lie flat Air Canada Signature Class seats and 168 Economy Class seats. With a range of approximately 8,700 kilometres and an ability to fly up to 11 hours, the A321XLR can operate non-stop anywhere across North America and, pending Transport Canada approval for overseas operations, also fly transatlantic missions. These aircraft will allow us to strengthen our hubs and expand our network.
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Share Feedback on BC Pandemic Response Submit by April 20, 2022 |
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The Province is launching an independent review and public consultation on government’s operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic to better inform preparations and responses to future emergencies and ensure British Columbians are protected.
Until April 20, people in British Columbia can provide written feedback about how they, or their business/organization, have been affected by government’s operational measures and communication throughout the pandemic.
A report with a comprehensive summary of the findings is expected by fall.
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HAC REMINDER | Your Action Is
of CRITICAL Importance
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If our industry wants to secure more financial support, we need to fight for it TODAY.
If you have not yet contacted your Member of Parliament, please do it today. We need to remind the Government that our industry needs support to build back. HAC has developed a Roadmap to Recovery and our proposals are in front of key decision-makers today.
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STR Reports | Week ending March 13 |
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Domestic Overnight Visitors Week Ending March 13 Highlights:
- Average Domestic Overnight Visitation to BC for Week 10 (Mar 06 - Mar 13, 2022) is down -0.50% compared to the same week in 2019
- When comparing Week 9 (Feb 28 - Mar 06, 2022) to Week 10 (Mar 06 - Mar 13, 2022). Kootenay Rockies, Vancouver Coast & Mountains, Vancouver Island, and Northern BC saw an increase in visitation. Thompson Okanagan, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, and Northern BC saw a decrease.
- British Columbia decreased 0.6% when comparing Week 9 (Feb 28 - Mar 06, 2022) to Week 10 (Mar 06 - Mar 13, 2022)
STR Report Highlights Week Ending March 12:
- British Columbia had a 56.2% occupancy from Sunday-Thursday and a 69.2% occupancy during the weekend, down -9.8% compared to the same week in 2019.
- British Columbia had an ADR of $170.16 from Sunday-Thursday and an ADR of $187.32 during the weekend, up 2.2% compared to the same week in 2019.
- British Columbia had a RevPAR of $95.63 from Sunday-Thursday and a RevPAR of $129.60 during the weekend, down -7.8% compared to the same week in 2019.
Regional STATS the Weekend of March 11-12 2022:
- Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: OCC 60.6% ADR $136.41 REVPAR $82.65
- Kootenay Rockies: OCC 49.1% ADR $137.98 REVPAR $67.79
- Northern BC: OCC 53.5% ADR $125.50 REVPAR $67.17
- Thompson Okanagan: OCC 67.3% ADR $143.16 REVPAR $96.42
- Vancouver Island: OCC 70.2% ADR $182.69 REVPAR $128.18
- Vancouver: OCC 74.1% ADR $179.82 REVPAR $133.25
- Whistler: OCC 82.5% ADR $504.75 REVPAR $416.44
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A new set of guidelines from the UNWTO will help both governments and businesses better address the needs of women in the tourism sector.
The guidelines aim to ensure an inclusive and resilient recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. The guidelines recognize that, given the disproportionate loss of employment suffered by women, as well as the high proportion of women workers within tourism and their concentration in lower-skilled and lower-paid jobs, plans for the sector’s restart and recovery must address their specific needs.
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Explore the BC Employer Training Grant (ETG) |
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The B.C. Employer Training Grant program (ETG) supports skills training to address provincial labour market needs. The program is delivered by the Province of British Columbia and is funded by the Government of Canada through the Workforce Development Agreement (WDA).
The goal of the ETG is to help British Columbians access the skills training needed to adapt to the changing requirements of jobs and the labour market while encouraging employer involvement in the training of their employees.
Employers are eligible to receive up to $300,000 per fiscal year (April 1 – March 31). Reimbursement amounts vary between 60% and 100% depending on the training stream. If approved, employers are to pay for all costs in full and, after training has started, submit a reimbursement claim.
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THRF Survey | Advocacy for Additional Relief Funds |
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On October 21, 2021, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced that the government was taking targeted action to create jobs and spur economic growth, including the Tourism Hospitality and Recovery Program (THRP), which would provide support through wage and rent subsidy programs to tourism and hospitality operators, with a subsidy rate of up to 75%.
While the program is currently available until May 7, 2022, the subsidy rates were decreased by half as of March 13, 2022.
TIAC has been advocating for the original rates to be maintained and extended to September 2022.
As discussions with government officials continue, TIAC wishes to obtain more up-to-date information from tourism operators on the impact this cut will have on your business.
Please help TIAC advocate on your behalf to increase support by answering this brief survey.
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Destination BC Launches Spring Marketing Campaign in BC & Alberta | Toolkit |
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Early last week, Destination BC fully launched Explore BC – Let’s do Something Together: a domestic seasonal marketing campaign urging BC and Alberta residents to plan and book a spring trip in BC, while reconnecting with loved ones and doing something unforgettable, together.
Running from now until May 27, the campaign is designed to create a sense of urgency, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of spring experiences in BC, and encouraging travellers to embrace new adventures as they explore the province with fresh eyes, brighter days, and restored connection with the important people in their lives.
Leveraging a variety of tactics through TV, online, social, and articles, the campaign takes travellers from inspiration to booking, providing inspirational stories, trip planning tools, travel offers, booking assistance, and information on what people need to know before they go – all by visiting exploreBC.com.
As part of the spring campaign, Destination BC has created a partner toolkit to help industry learn more about the campaign.
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Sign Up! | Capilano University Hiring Fair |
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Are you looking to hire for co-op and full-time positions? If so, plan to join us at Capilano University's Celebratory event that is a cross between a job fair and a networking event.
When: Tuesday, March 29 from 3:00 - 5:30 pm
Where: Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier, North Vancouver
Who: Open to all CapU students; by registration I see the majorities are Tourism students and Business students
How: Each employer will be given a high table (bring two reps) to network with students and faculty. Finger food and drink tickets are included.
Employer Sign-up: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/295470278557 (Tourism & Hospitality employers are given a 50% discounted rate as they have a school of Tourism Management and want to help Tourism students get jobs before summer!)
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Important Reminder | Survey on Hospitality Sector Supply Chain Needs |
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To our industry members, we ask that you take a few moments of your time to complete an important survey.
The aim of the survey is to identify which issues are currently impacting the supply chain and to understand issues that you see will impact the future of hotel operations.
Hotels are rapidly evolving as a result of the pandemic. We want to make sure we identify supply chain issues. We also want to be forward looking to be aware of future growth areas, so that we can help push to secure new partners to support our changing needs.
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BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) Golf Tournaments Return with New Addition! |
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The BCHF is excited to announce the launch of our new Okanagan tournament.
The inaugural Okanagan tournament kicks off the golf season in May followed by legacy tournaments in Vancouver and Victoria this summer. Registration is now open for all three tournaments.
Annual Golf Tournaments are important fundraising events for the foundation. Funds raised help hospitality workers across BC each year that are in a financial crisis due to a medical condition.
BCHF Tournaments attract over 130 golfers in each city and are known to be a fun-filled networking event for owners, managers, and suppliers. These events are a great opportunity for team building initiatives and to celebrate your partners and suppliers.
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Inaugural Golf Tournament
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Vancouver Golf Tournament
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Industry News & Quick Links |
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
BC & CANADA
WORLD NEWS
INDUSTRY TRENDS
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Tipping Our Hat to Industry
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Melynda Loder Named Dual Director, Sales & Marketing of JW Marriott Parq Vancouver & the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection Hotel
The JW Marriott Parq Vancouver & the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection Hotel has excitedly appointed Melynda Loder as Dual Director, Sales & Marketing!
Melynda's origin story starts in the kitchen, having trained as a Chef at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver. As an Executive Sous Chef she was curious, and wanted to know more about hotel operations so she studied Hotel Administration with the American Hotel & Lodging Institution and soon moved into food and beverage management, then to catering sales and eventually into the role of Director, Sales & Marketing.
Congratulations Melynda!
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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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2022 Annual BC Economic Summit
Date: April 3rd 1:30 PM to April 5th 2:30 PM
The British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) is presenting its 2022 Annual BC Economic Summit in a virtual format with the theme of Reconciliation and Resiliency - A Future for BC. This is an opportunity to highlight success stories, lessons learned, share cutting-edge ideas, and engage your colleagues at the premier event for economic development practitioners in British Columbia.
Click here to learn more and to register.
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Canadian Hotel Investment Conference
Date:April 5-6, 2022
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
REGISTRATION TO OPEN IN FEBRUARY
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Register Now! Vancouver Island Tourism Conference 2022
April 12 - 14, 2022
Tourism stakeholders in the Vancouver Island region are invited to attend the in-person return of the annual Vancouver Island Tourism Conference, powered by Tourism Vancouver Island. It will be held April 12-14, 2022 in Victoria, B.C. at the Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort. This year’s conference will focus on Mindful Travel: The health of our environment; The health of our industry; The health of our people. The early bird rate is $375 until February 11th (Regular rate is $475 until March 28th). Learn more and register here.
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Comment Card | Click on Image for More |
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Find People Looking for Jobs |
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Inn at Laurel Point Hiring |
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The 5-3 Rule | Secret to Success |
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