Message from President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett
View below or click here
Today's update includes:

  • General Updates
  • Roadmap to Recovery | Your Action is Needed
  • Roadmap to Recovery | Information Webinar
  • Further Action Taken Urging Government to Remove Testing Requirements for Fully Vaccinated by April 1
  • FoodBuy Survey | Hospitality Sector Supply Chain Needs
  • Go2HR Launches Safer Spaces | Sign Up Today
  • Final Reminder | Spring 2022 InnFocus Magazine is Out Now
  • Air Canada is Expanding Services from YVR
  • Send TIABC Photos of Worn or Damaged Highway Signs
  • Work Experience Opportunities Grant
  • GoGreen | Tip Of the Week
  • Premier Partner: Exclusive Savings with SONA
  • Reminder | BC Halts Import and Sale of Russian Liquor Products at BC Liquor Stores
  • Explore TIAC Resource Hub | Elevating Canadian Experiences
  • BCHF Accepting Scholarship Applications
  • NEXT WEEK | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference - Register Today!
  • News - See more below!
  • Hot Off the Press
  • BC News
  • World News
  • Industry Trends
  • Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
  • Wickaninnish Inn Relais & Châteaux Highlights Employee of the Month Ron Gerrits!
  • Three scenic BC towns named among world's most loved destinations
  • Mark Your Calendars - see below!
  • Comment Card | Thoughts and Comments from Our Industry
  • Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Our Members Smile
Roadmap to Recovery | Your
Action is Needed
Your voice is urgently needed. The Hotel Association of Canada released the "Roadmap to Recovery– a 3 point plan to build the sector back to pre-pandemic levels.

Prior to the Federal Budget announcement, we need all voices within our sector to aggressively advocate for the Federal Government to commit to the following priorities: 

  1. Reopen: Announce a fully opened border immediately
  2. Survive: Transition the Tourism & Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) to a Bridge Program until summer 2022
  3. Compete: Commit to a dedicated tourism and hospitality labour strategy

Here’s how you can help:
  1. Request & Hold a Meeting with your Member of Parliament
  2. Share HAC’s Roadmap to Recovery [fr] with your Member of Parliament during your meeting
  3. Send a quick-action letter that you can send to your Member of Parliament in a few simple clicks
  4. Amplify this message with pre-written social media posts
Roadmap to Recovery | Information Webinar
Next week, the Hotel Association of Canada will be holding a mission critical webinar to launch a new grassroots campaign in advance of the 2022 Federal Budget. This campaign is being launched at a pinnacle moment in the Government decision-making process and your voice is needed. This will be important to ensuring that we achieve our objectives. Your support will define our success.
 
DATE: Wednesday, March 9th
TIME: 11:00am PST / 2:00pm EST.
Further Action Taken Urging Government to Remove Testing Requirements for Fully Vaccinated by April 1
Yesterday, local business and Indigenous tourism leaders and industry associations including the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia, and the Vancouver Board of Trade came together with the Canadian Tourism Roundtable to further urge the federal government to remove unnecessary and non-science-based obstacles to international travel immediately.

The Roundtable is calling on the government to remove the pre-departure rapid antigen test for fully vaccinated travellers by April 1, when the regulations will be updated. 
FoodBuy Survey | Hospitality Sector Supply Chain Needs
As a continuing part of Hospitality industry research, you are asked to complete this short 5-7 minute survey.

Aim of survey: to see what issues may be currently impacting the supply chain & to identify issues that you see will be impacting 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.
Go2HR Launches Safer Spaces
Sign Up Today
[Content Warning: Sexual Harrassment] 
Safer Spaces: Creating Sexual Harassment Free Workplaces in BC’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry is a three-year initiative developed by go2HR to raise awareness about and help prevent sexual harassment in tourism and hospitality workplaces. The Safer Spaces initiative has two foundational components:
  • An extensive education and information campaign to help raise awareness about sexual harassment and provide resources to help prevent it
  • The creation of two industry-focused online training courses; one for employers and supervisors and the other for workers
Final Reminder | Spring 2022 InnFocus Magazine is Out Now
The BCHA is delighted to release the first issue of Innfocus Magazine of 2022! Among the wealth of information and content featured in the Spring issue, are articles that include:
 
  • Attracting US Visitors
  • The Pandemic's Legacy
  • New Practices in Food & Beverage
  • Recruiting Programs
  • Region Feature: Kootenay Cool
  • Leader of the Future: Cat Mackintosh
  • Hotelier Feature: Debie Hemich
  • GoGreen: GreenStep EcoFund
  • Wellbeing and Travel
  • Grappling with Ghost Hotels
  • How do we Get BC on Bucket Lists of World Travellers?
  • What's New?
  • ... and much, MUCH more!
Air Canada is Expanding Services from YVR
As travel measures ease and more people consider their next trip from YVR, Air Canada announced an impressive roster of new flights and the return of familiar favourites across North America and Europe.

Flights include new nonstop service to Austin and Halifax. Air Canada is also restoring service to Anchorage, Boston, Quebec City, Sacramento and Yellowknife, as well as Dublin, Frankfurt and Zurich.
Send TIABC Photos of Worn
or Damaged Highway Signs
Poorly maintained signs tarnish the image of our communities and province, and don't serve us well as a visitor destination.
 
TIABC and BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) are looking to provide the Province with recommendations on how to improve the province-wide service and attraction highway signage program.
 
During your travels throughout various regions, please remember to take photos of any recent blue and white signs that are in disrepair and send them to info@tiabc.ca at your earliest convenience.
Work Experience Opportunities Grant
Apply today for the Work Experience Opportunities Grant. The grant provides funding for non-profits in B.C. and federally registered charities to deliver work experience placements to vulnerable British Columbians with multiple barriers to employment.

The grant provides up to $50,000 to eligible organizations.
GoGreen | Tip Of the Week
Premier Partner: Exclusive
Savings with SONA
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. SONA provides competitive pricing and tailored solutions to simplify payment acceptance. Partnered and powered by some of the world's largest payment processors, they offer cutting-edge technology to improve business and commerce transactions. 
 
BENEFITS TO MEMBERS
  • SONA has developed a preferred and exclusive rate program specifically for BCHA members. Learn more about the program here.
  • No cancellation fees. Reliable local support. Cutting-edge technology. Consistent pricing.
  • See what our members have said about SONA here.

HOW TO GET STARTED:

Please contact 1-844-513-0050 for more information or info@sonapay.ca
Reminder | BC Halts Import and Sale of Russian Liquor Products at BC Liquor Stores
Last week, Mike Farnworth, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, announced further details of the British Columbia’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which included an immediate halt to the importing and sale of Russian liquor products from BC Liquor Stores and provincial liquor distribution centres.

Our partners at ABLE BC circulated this memo and this list of the Russian products impacted by this action.

We join ABLE BC in support of the decision made by our BC government partners to condemn the unprovoked aggression of Russia’s government. 

ABLE BC has stated "We have already heard from several members who immediately removed Russian products from their shelves. Others have indicated they will continue selling current inventory until it is depleted (since it has already been paid for), and they will donate 100 per cent of the proceeds to the Red Cross's Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal. However you choose to respond, we know members will make the best decision for themselves and their customers. "
Explore TIAC Resource Hub | Elevating Canadian Experiences
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) launched the Elevating Canadian Experiences (ECE) program to help tourism stakeholders seize innovative opportunities in culinary tourism and in the winter and shoulder seasons

From this program, you have at your disposal five free learning resources with a wealth of information at your disposal.
BCHF Accepting Scholarship Applications
The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce it is now accepting applications for the scholarships it administers.

The deadline for most scholarship submissions is March 31st.
 
The BCHF is best known as the only charity in Canada that raises funds to support hospitality and tourism workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member. In addition, the organization administers a scholarship program to foster the development of the next generation of hospitality industry workers and leaders.
 
In 2022, the BCHF scholarship program will be the largest ever, at over $65,000, and there are new scholarships dedicated exclusively to supporting members of underrepresented groups such as First Nations and members of the LGBT2Q+ community. All applicants must be committed to working in British Columbia for at least the next two years.
NEXT WEEK| BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference - Register Today!
Have you purchased your tickets for the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, taking place in-person at the Richmond Conference Centre from March 9-11, 2022?

  • Rev Up! Hotel Pre-Conference Track
  • March 9 from 8am-1pm
  • Rev Up! tickets offer exclusive access to content tailored specifically for accommodators, with engaging presentations and panels from industry experts and leaders across Canada’s accommodation community including. See overview below and full details HERE.
  • Keynote | Meetings: Recovery & Innovation presented by Michael Dominguez, President & CEO, Associated Luxury Hotels International
  • Meetings & Events Recovery Panel
  • Keynote | Hotel Development and Transaction Market presented by David Ferguson, Director, CBRE
  • Operational Innovation & Trends Panel | Learning & Looking Forward
  • Conference Tickets:
  • March 9 – 11
  • Tickets include complete access to all three days of conference sessions, workshops, marketplace, and silent auction, along with the welcome reception presented by Tourism Richmond.
  • CLICK HERE for full program details
  • About the Welcome Reception: Tourism Richmond presents “A Taste of the World-Famous Richmond Night Market”, at the River Rock Show Theatre. Unique in North America and authentically Richmond. Attendees will experience the unforgettable sounds and tastes and smells found at the Richmond Night Market with a preview of everyone’s favourite summer experience. Sample some of the famous foods from the market and pair it with delicious wine and craft beer. Enjoy the diversity, spirit, and magic of one of Richmond’s most famous and most loved attractions. You won’t want to miss this!
  • PLUS: a special gift: all attendees will receive Free VIP entry to the Richmond Night Market to return any time during the Summer of 2022 to experience the real thing (it opens on April 29th, 2022!).
  • Awards Gala:
  • March 10
  • Presented by Indigenous Tourism BC, reserve your spot for a celebratory evening that will recognize our province’s most exceptional products, services, experiences, and people. View the list of finalists HERE
Industry News & Quick Links
Tipping Our Hat to Industry
Have news to share? Email kelsey@bcha.com
Wickaninnish Inn Relais & Châteaux Highlights Employee of the Month Ron Gerrits!

Ron Gerrits, is the Lead Valet at the Wickaninnish Inn and one of the most tenured and experienced members of their Front Office Team.

"If you have stayed at the Inn at some point in the past 10 years, you will likely have met Ron. He is knowledgeable about all things Tofino, quick with a joke or friendly story, and always happy to assist our guests no matter the request.

The Inn would not be the same without Ron - he is without a doubt one of the most solid, dependable, and consistent people. He acts as a beacon for new team members, and trains each and every Valet to meet the same standards he upholds to the highest extent."

Congrats Ron! If you have an employee you'd like to highlight on our BCHA Tip Our Hat Section, reach out to kelsey@bcha.com.
Three scenic BC towns named among world's most loved destinations

BC has been well represented on a list that ranks the world’s most loved places. Created by the Tourism Sentiment Index (TSI), the list highlights 100 different places from around the world.
“To calculate the score, we collect all the conversations and content around a destination and, through natural language processing, filter to those that are driven by a destination’s tourism experiences or products,” the website states.

While Ontario and Alberta also made the list, BC made the most appearances of all of them. The regions featured are:

  • Richmond (the host of our upcoming BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
  • Kelowna
  • Shuswap

Mark Your Calendars
Celebrate International Women's Day with WORTH IT!
Monday, March 7th at 6:15 p.m

Join WORTH Association for the second annual WORTH IT!: Leadership Journeys of Inspiring Women free virtual panel in celebration of International Women’s Day. 

Successful Grant Writing Workshop
Date: March 15, 2022 | Time: 9:30 - 12:00 AM PT 
Price: $21
Limited availability.

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.
 
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.
Canadian Hotel Investment Conference
Date:April 5-6, 2022
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
 
REGISTRATION TO OPEN IN FEBRUARY
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.

Comment Card
Celebrating World Wildlife Day
Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable Press Conference
Destination Canada Shares Reminder for Entry to Canada
Tourism Kelowna Seeking Board of Director Nominees
Last Laugh