Please note, the BCHA will be in Victoria for our Live Industry Update event on Thursday November 4th. Our next Industry Update will be distributed Tuesday, November 9th.
Today's update includes:
- General Updates
- International Flights Now Permitted at Kelowna, Abbotsford & Victoria Airports
- Travel Measures & Resident Sentiment | Destination Canada Report
- Industry Comments | Cruise Ship Industry Positioned for Comeback
- STR Domestic Travel Report|Week of Oct.24
- Shop Local BC Grant Applications Now Open
- COVID-19 | Canada's Economic Response Plan
- Canadian Business Resilience - Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- New App Provides Remote Access to COVID-19 Resources for Workplaces
- Canadian Worker Lockdown Benefit
- GoGreen Tip of the Week
- ICYMI | Air Canada to Offer COVD-19 Travel Testing Options
- WorkBC In-Person Hiring Fair
- Register Today BCHA & TIABC AGM & Industry Update | Now a Hybrid Event
- Single-Serve Liquor a Go With Takeout, Delivery
- November Updates | 50-30 Challenge
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Webinar | Pre-Opening Best Practices for Ski Area Accommodators
- Provincial Orders & Health Measures|Mask Mandate Extended
- Reminder | Canada's Standardized Proof of Vaccination for Travel Mandates
- Get Involved with the #BELLYUP Campaign & Protect BC's Salmon
- go2HR | New BSafe Proof of Vaccination Module
- #HaveYourSay | BC Chamber of Commerce Collective Perspective Survey
- Resource | Explore Propel Student Placement Program Today
- Mark Your Calendars
- Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 8-11, 2022
- You’re invited | 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress at the Westin Ottawa on November 30 to December 1
- Rapid Testing Info Session: Register Today
- Seat At The Table
- Registration Now Open for BCRTS Tourism Summit
- Info Session on Propel: A new wage subsidy
- Announcing 2021 BC Liquor Conference Seminars
- Have You Registered for WCLC Yet?
- Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
- Celebrating Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association Executive Director Blain Sepos's selfless act!
- Congratulations to Sunshine Coast Tourism (SCT) on the appointment of new Marketing Manager, Crystal Solberg!
- News
- Hot Off the Press | Local and World News
- Industry Trends & News | Resources & Tools to Support Operations
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Comment Card | Industry Thoughts & Feedback
- Ian Robertson, CEO of Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, Celebrates British Columbia's Cruise Industry
- Destination BC Shares Information on WorkBC Hospitality & Tourism Hiring Fair
- Hon. Melanie Mark Celebrates Vancouver Island being named Lonely Planet's destination of choice for 2022
- Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Members Smile
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International Flights Now Permitted at Kelowna, Abbotsford & Victoria Airports |
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Earlier today, the federal government announced that, as a next step in increasing travel opportunities, Transport Canada will be easing the restriction on international flight arrivals across select airports in Canada!
The department is expanding the scope of the existing Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that currently directs international passenger flights into 10 Canadian airports.
Effective on November 30, 2021, international flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at the following additional Canadian airports:
- St. John’s International
- John C. Munro Hamilton International
- Region of Waterloo International
- Regina International
- Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International
- Kelowna International
- Abbotsford International
- Victoria International
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Travel Measures & Resident Sentiment | Destination Canada Report |
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Destination Canada has released their latest Travel Measures Report. This document provides a comprehensive comparison of all travel restrictions across the country.
While provinces and territories continue to implement their own travel-related measures, recently the Government of Canada announced a Canada wide COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination and, as of October 30th, proof of vaccination is now required to travel via air and rail anywhere in Canada, which is also detailed in the report.
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Also detailed is Canadian Resident Sentiment on Travel.
The graph to the left indicates British Columbia residents' level of safety in travelling.
Click below to read full report:
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Industry Comments | Cruise Ship Industry Positioned for Comeback |
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Following 19 months of port closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Monday, restrictions were lifted by the federal government, four months earlier than initially planned.
This is welcome news for industry and is in part a result of strong advocacy to the federal government among industry partners and tourism operators.
Please click below to read comments surrounding efforts made in the cruise ship industry on behalf of:
- Hon. Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Minister
- Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of BC
- Ian Robertson, CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
Written with the support of:
- Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
- Brenda Baptiste, Chair of Indigenous Tourism B.C.
- Richard Porges, President and CEO of Destination BC
- Ingrid Jarrett, President and CEO of the BC Hotel Association
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STR Domestic Travel Report|Week of Oct.24 |
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Here are your weekly Domestic Travel Patterns & STR Reports for the week ending Oct 24, 2021
Weekly Tracker Highlights
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Average Domestic Overnight Visitation to BC for Week 42 (Oct 18-24, 2021) is up 1% compared to the same week in 2019.
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The Thompson Okanagan, Vancouver Island and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains saw an increase in visitation when comparing Week 41 (Oct 11-17) to Week 42 (Oct 18-24). The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies and Northern BC saw a decrease.
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British Columbia increased by 2.1% when comparing Week 41 (Oct 11-17) to Week 42 (Oct 18-24).
STR Report Highlights
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British Columbia had a 55.4% occupancy from Sunday-Thursday and a 67.7% occupancy during the weekend, down -16.5% compared to the same week in 2019.
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British Columbia had an ADR of $147.33 from Sunday-Thursday and an ADR of $160.88 during the weekend, down -9.1% compared to the same week in 2019.
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British Columbia had a RevPAR of $81.65 from Sunday-Thursday and a RevPAR of $108.96 during the weekend, down -24% compared to the same week in 2019.
REGIONAL STATS WEEKEND OF October 22-23, 2021:
- Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: OCC 73.4% ADR $134.95 REVPAR $94.85
- Kootenay Rockies: OCC 51.3% ADR $136.60 REVPAR $86.15
- Northern BC: OCC 60.7% ADR $125.61 REVPAR $71.55
- Thompson Okanagan: OCC 65.7% ADR $126.01 REVPAR $100.71
- Vancouver Island: OCC 75.4% ADR $184.39 REVPAR $154.10
- Vancouver: OCC 69.3% ADR $169.93 REVPAR $125.59
- Whistler: OCC 69% ADR $245.29 REVPAR $203.09
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Funded by the Government of Canada and delivered through provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, the Shop Local initiative provides grants for programs and campaigns that encourage Canadians to shop local to help businesses navigate through and beyond the pandemic.
Applications will be received and assessed on a first-come-first-served basis through December 10, 2021.
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The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes information on:
- Support for individuals
- Support for businesses
- Hiring Resources
- Jobs and Growth Fund
- Canada Recovery Hiring Program
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
- Extending the Work-Sharing program
- Financial Supports
- Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy
- Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
- Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
- Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
- Mid-Market Financing Program
- Mid-Market Guarantee and Financing Program
- Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
- Additional support by sector
- Provincial and territorial support
- Support for sectors
- Support for communities
- Other measures
- Completed measures
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Information on the support programs, the toolkits and the important resources to help businesses manage their operations throughout the pandemic and plan their recovery are now available on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce website.
Resources:
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The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has launched a new mobile app to help make workplace health and safety resources on COVID-19 accessible to workers in Canada.
The CCOHS Safe Work app hosts the Centre’s collection of over 120 COVID-19 resources, including industry and sector-specific tip sheets, infographics, videos, and other guidance materials created to help workplaces keep their workers and customers safe.
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Canadian Worker Lockdown Benefit |
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The Government of Canada is proposing to introduce legislation for the new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, which would provide income support to workers whose employment is interrupted by specific government-imposed public health lockdown scenarios and who are unable to work due to such restrictions.
The new benefit would be:
- $300 a week.
- Strictly available to workers whose work interruption is a direct result of a government-imposed public health lockdown.
- Available until May 7, 2022, with retroactive application to October 24, 2021 should the situation warrant it.
- Accessible for the entire duration of a government-imposed public health lockdown (up until May 7, 2022).
- Available to workers who are ineligible for Employment Insurance (EI) and those who are eligible for EI, as long as they are not paid benefits through EI for the same period.
Individuals whose loss of income or employment is due to their refusal to adhere to a vaccine mandate would not be able to access the benefit.
Further details on this proposed benefit will be released in the coming weeks
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Have Your Say on Water Waste Reduction |
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To help the Government of Canada achieve its climate change goals and sustain our water supply for future generations, Measurement Canada is looking into possible areas where it could help manufacturers, utilities and end users support and promote water conservation through increased accurate measurement of water. Some of these initiatives may provide funding to municipalities to update their infrastructure, including replacing water meters or installing new ones within their systems to help control water loss and promote sustainable water use.
Canadians are invited to participate by visiting the consultation web page and sharing their experience with water measurement approaches and water meter billing practices currently in use in the Canadian marketplace.
Measurement Canada’s consultation has been extended until November 18th.
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ICYMI | Air Canada to Offer COVD-19
Travel Testing Options
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Air Canada recently announced the introduction of new testing products, including portable self-administered COVID-19 molecular and antigen test kits, through a partnership with Switch Health, a Canadian-based healthcare company.
Using the Switch Health COVID-19 RT-LAMP Kit, customers can test themselves while travelling abroad prior to their flight to Canada to meet Government of Canada testing entry requirements without the need to visit a foreign COVID-19 testing clinic. These tests are conducted under the remote supervision of a Tele-health professional from Switch Health and include an electronic report suitable for travel.
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WorkBC In-Person Hiring Fair
Register Today
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Are you looking to meet and hire skilled workers?
WorkBC Richmond, the BC Hotel Association, and the Richmond Public Library are pleased to connect job seekers and employers for an afternoon of engagement and networking at the Tourism & Hospitality Hiring Fair.
During this in-person, exhibition-format hiring fair, employers will have the opportunity to meet with over 200 candidates to cultivate employment interest, establish connections, and secure skilled workers.
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Thursday, Nov 25, 12 pm - 5:30 pm
- Venue: Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch,100-7700 Minoru Gate
- Format: Exhibition-format | There will be ten 25 minute time slots, with a maximum of 20 job seekers per appointment time. A maximum of ten employers will be in attendance.
Timeline of Events:
- 12pm | Event begins
- 2:30pm-3pm | Break
- 5:30pm | Event ends
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Key considerations:
- Each employer may bring one stand-up banner.
- Please do not bring a tablecloth as surfaces will be sanitized every 30 mins.
- Power extension line is provided.
- Masks are mandatory at Richmond Public Library.
- At this time, we ask that only one representative per property attend. Should you wish to bring another hiring manager, please indicate in your registration form.
- Employer registration is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. You will be contacted to confirm your spot.
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Questions? Reach out now!
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WorkBC Richmond Community Outreach and Marketing Specialist, Nancy Wang at [email protected]
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BC Hotel Association, Communications Manager, Kelsey Millman at [email protected]
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BCHA & TIABC AGM & Industry Update | Now a Hybrid Event |
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The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA) are delighted to present a state of the industry update event at our respective AGMs taking place in at the Delta Kamloops on November 17th.
Having received significant interest in making the event online, and after careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with a hybrid model, welcoming both in-person and virtual attendees! Though, we encourage you to join us in person. You do not have to be a member of the BCHA or TIABC to participate.
EVENT TIMELINE:
- 1pm – 2pm | TIABC AGM
- 2pm – 2:45pm | Keynote Speaker, Emile Gourieux of STR on global trends and recovery
- 3pm - 3:15pm | Remarks by Hon. Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport
- 3:15pm – 4pm | BCHA AGM & Live Industry Update presentation
- 4pm – 5pm | Industry Town Hall and Q&A
- 5pm – 6:30pm | Reception and networking
Join us for this FREE state of the industry update, with a focus on recovery and trends. Gain critical insights into the work each organization has led, hear directly from our Keynote Speaker on global trends and recovery, and learn about programs and resources available to you!
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Are you an accommodator in the Greater Victoria or Southern Okanagan regions?
The BCHA will also be in the communities of Victoria, Nov.4; Kelowna, Nov.15; and Penticton, Nov.16 for our in-person Live Industry Update series!
Please join us as we provide:
- Updates on advocacy efforts both provincially and federally
- Information on emerging issues and ways to mitigate risk
- Tools, resources, and benefits available to our members
- Recovery strategies for the tourism and hospitality sector
- A townhall Q&A session with special guest panelists
- A catered networking portion with many door prizes to be won
We want to hear directly from you to help inform our advocacy work moving forward - register below!
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Single-Serve Liquor a Go
With Takeout, Delivery
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Grabbing a packaged single glass of wine or draft beer with takeout, or having it delivered with a meal when ordering in, is now possible as B.C. opens another revenue-generating option for licensed restaurants and pubs.
Effective Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, B.C.’s liquor- and food-primary liquor licensees will be permitted to package and sell unmixed drinks for takeout or delivery with the purchase of a meal, such as a glass of wine, cider or draft beer, or an unmixed ounce of a spirit. The change responds to industry feedback from the Business Technical Advisory Panel and has the support of industry manufacturers following extensive consultation.
This additional choice for consumers builds on other measures government has approved in recent months to benefit approximately 2,000 liquor-primary and 6,000 food-primary licensees in B.C. Notably, they can already sell full bottles of wine and spirits as well as mixed drinks packaged in single servings for takeout and delivery with the purchase of a meal.
This change can also help limit health impacts associated with increased consumption, as a patron has the option to buy a single serving instead of a full bottle of wine or spirit.
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Webinar | Pre-Opening Best Practices for Ski Area Accommodators |
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DATE & TIME | Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 1PM - 2PM PDT
WITH HOSTS
- Andrea Hinck, Director, Industry Training at go2HR
- Ingrid Jarrett, President & CEO, BC Hotel Association
OVERVIEW
Ahead of the upcoming ski season, the BC Hotel Association (BCHA), go2HR, and Canada West Ski Area Association (CWSAA) have partnered to bring a pre-ski season information session, delivering tools and resources to better support ski area accommodators. With evolving protocols and limited access to workers, this webinar is aimed at offering tips for training and onboarding, safety, and the latest in best practices for reopening.
COVERED IN THIS WEBINAR | LEARN:
- Welcoming guests back to your property | navigating the latest service standards and protocols
- Training support from pre-onboarding to first 30 days
- How to do more with less | focusing on upskilling your anchor employees
- Tips & best practices on how training supports employee retention
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November Updates | 50-30 Challenge |
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BCHA is a proud supporter of the 50-30 challenge, an initiative designed to support equity and diversity in the workplace.
November presents many new opportunities to learn, including Movember, Diwali (November 4), International Day for Tolerance (November 16), Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), and the beginning of Hannukah (November 28).
Movember
Each November, we celebrate Movember, an annual month-long awareness of men’s health issues, including mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, transforming the way health services reach and support men.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
On November 20th, we recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), an annual observance that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
50 – 30 Challenge Updates
Over the span of four months, the Diversity Institute (DI), Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), led consultation sessions with approximately four hundred stakeholders and experts to collaborate and provide input on the current terminology and processes that inform the 50 – 30 Challenge.
The consultations were aimed at developing a Publicly Available Specification (PAS), which set out key terms and definitions for measuring diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The PAS provides guidance and recommendations to Challenge Participants on the policies, practices, and approaches to support implementation of the 50 – 30 Challenge. Read the final document here.
For more information on the 50-30 Challenge click here.
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Provincial Orders
& Health Measures|Mask Mandate Extended
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On October 29, 2021, the Provincial Health officer extended the mask mandate that requires asks to be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout British Columbia.
The previous order, which was set to expire on October 31, 2021, has been extended to continue to slow the transmission of COVID-19.
Masks are required in all public indoor settings for all people five and older, regardless of vaccination status. These settings include:
· malls, shopping centres, coffee shops and retail and grocery stores
· liquor and drug stores
· airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres;
· restaurants, pubs and bars (unless seated)
· on public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle
· areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided
· common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity
· common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations
· inside schools for all K-12 staff, visitors and students
Masks may be removed temporarily in indoor public places:
· to identify the individual wearing the mask
· to consume food or beverage at a location designated for this purpose
· while participating in a sport or fitness activity in a sport facility
· while receiving a personal or health service that requires the mask to be removed
People who cannot wear a mask or who cannot put on or remove a mask without the assistance of others are exempt. A person may not be able to wear a mask for a psychological, behavioural or health condition or due to a physical, cognitive or mental impairment.
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Capacity limits on some events and gatherings have been lifted in some parts of B.C. allowing full capacity for gatherings like concerts, sports events, weddings and parties.
Additionally, individuals born before 2009 must have received two doses of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to meet the standard for proof of vaccination.
For more information about current restrictions, you can also visit these government websites:
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Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry also announced COVID-18 booster shots would be made available to all British Columbians by May 2022. Dr. Bonnie’s announcement won't affect vaccine cards -- two doses of any combination of COVID-19 vaccine will mean an individual is fully vaccinated.
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Reminder | Canada's Standardized Proof of Vaccination for Travel Mandates |
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Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that a standardized Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination is now available to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon, with other provinces to follow suit. The Prime Minister also noted that Canada is working with partners internationally to ensure the proof of vaccination is recognized and accepted abroad to facilitate international travel.
Effective October 30, 2021, travellers departing from Canadian airports, and travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will be required to be fully vaccinated to travel. To allow travellers time to become fully vaccinated, there will be a short transition period where they will be able to travel if they show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel as an alternative to providing proof of full vaccination. If travellers have not already started the vaccination process, or do not start soon, they risk not qualifying for travel as of November 30, 2021. According to media reports, changes are coming soon to the global health travel advisories to a destination-based approach, so Canadians can better prepare travel plans.
Key Links
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go2HR | New BSafe Proof
of Vaccination Module
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BSAFE™, an online COVID-19 health and safety training program developed specifically for the BC tourism and hospitality industry, has been updated!
BSAFE is designed to ensure foundational health and safety knowledge for BC’s tourism and hospitality businesses to keep everyone — workers, guests and communities — safe as we continue to move through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Course details:
- Free for BC tourism and hospitality employers and employees
- Created by go2HR in partnership with tourism and hospitality stakeholders and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports
- Asynchronous, online training course, 90-minutes in length
What You’ll Learn:
BSAFE is comprised of 6 modules that cover a variety of topics to give you a foundational understanding of COVID-19 health and safety protocols as well as tips on handling non-compliance.
- Module 1 Understanding the Legal Context for COVID-19
- Module 2 Keep Yourself and Others Safe
- Module 3 Keeping Records
- Module 4 Communicating Effectively with Your Team and Guests
- Module 5 Responding to Challenging Interactions (scenarios)
- Module 6 BC Proof of Vaccination Protocols
Organizations and individuals are able to sign up to take part in the BSAFE training. You can join the over 400 organizations who are already registered and working on becoming BSAFE Trained businesses. Upon full completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of achievement. Employers who have 75% of their workforce successfully complete the training course, will be recognized with a “BSAFE Trained” certificate. They can use this certificate in different ways to demonstrate their commitment to providing a safe environment for guests and workers, thereby increasing consumer confidence. go2HR will provide a communications toolkit for BSAFE Trained business to easily assist them in promoting this new designation.
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Get Involved with the #BELLYUP
Campaign & Protect BC's Salmon
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Earlier this month, the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC (WTA) launched the #bellyup campaign, an initiative that links the fate of the wild Pacific salmon and BC's tourism industry.
If you believe that the future of BC's tourism economy depends on the health of wild salmon and the ecosystem they support, you can get involved and support the WTA in this campaign.
WTA considers this a sustainability imperative for BC's tourism industry. They ask for support from any of the 19,000+ businesses and hundreds of thousands of employees in BC's tourism and hospitality sector who share their concerns and perspective, and also from environmental and other stakeholder groups in the Pacific Northwest.
To access social media and promotional materials for the #BELLYUP Campaign click here.
View the latest video series for the #BELLYUP Campaign here.
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#HaveYourSay | BC Chamber of Commerce Collective Perspective Survey |
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Results from the survey will:
- Identify evolving trends – and roadblocks
- Brief government on the business climate in preparation for the 2022 budget
- Inform our advocacy efforts
All BCMindReader members who complete the survey will be entered to win one of three $250 VISA Gift Cards!
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Resource | Explore Propel Student Placement Program Today |
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Funded by the Government of Canada through the Student Work Placement Program, Propel offers registered Canadian businesses, startups and not-for-profits related to the tourism and hospitality sector a wage subsidy of up to 75 per cent of a qualifying student’s wages, to a maximum of $7,500. Students enrolled at a recognized post-secondary institution can apply for a paid position to fulfil the co-op or internship component of their program. The position being covered must be a work-integrated learning opportunity for a post-secondary student but can be accessed by businesses that cover all facets of the visitor economy: accommodations, food and beverage services, culinary, recreation, entertainment, culture, events, transportation, travel services, and more.
Eligibility
Businesses: Registered Canadian businesses, startups and not-for-profits organizations related to the tourism and hospitality sector.
Students: Any student working in the tourism and hospitality industry, but does not necessarily need to be studying tourism or hospitality.
- Full or part-time work-integrated learning
- A minimum of 20 hours a week; minimum of 4 weeks
- Not funded by other federal grants
- With a tourism/hospitality employer and/or related to a tourism/hospitality job function
- Students cannot be replacing a displaced worker or filling a role left vacant due to a labour dispute
Benefits
Benefits of the program ensure that students gain paid hands-on learning and mentoring in their field of study. Employers acquire much-needed early talent to help with the recovery of the industry, as well as assistance with wages after an 18-month stretch of little or no income. Post-secondary institutions complement their programming by connecting students and the workplace.
Get Started
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Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 8-11, 2022
Mark your calendars! The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference officially has a date. Taking place March 8-11, 2022, the conference will be an informative multi-day conference aimed at supporting growth and celebrating industry.
Stay tuned for further updates coming soon!
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Rapid Testing Info Session: Register Today
Rapid testing has long been seen as a possible tool to help employers manage COVID-19 in the workplace. However, until recently, these tests were not widely available and employers were unsure how to implement.
Safe Screen B.C. has been developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) to help businesses across the province access rapid antigen tests and set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for asymptomatic employees, in support of B.C.’s Rapid Point of Care Testing Strategy.
Safe Screen B.C. provides businesses with the toolkits, resources and guidance to help set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for employees and staff only.
At this time, Safe Screen B.C. will not be able to support companies looking to conduct screening for clients, customers, patients, visitors and family members
Safe Screen B.C. is offering info sessions to employers through this week. Please register to find out more about rapid testing in the workplace.
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You’re invited to the 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress at the Westin Ottawa on November 30 to December 1 –
in-person & online
The pandemic has changed everything. But it’s also given us the opportunity to work together, adopt new ways of doing business, and reimagine what tourism looks like post-COVID-19. Come join the Tourism Industry Association of Canada at the 2021 Tourism Congress.
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Reimagining the Future of Tourism: Rebuild, Reframe, and Rethink
November 3 & 4, 2021
We invite you to come together as a tourism community to learn from everything we've been through and think differently about how we can co-create a vibrant and resilient tourism industry in B.C. This 2-day virtual event will have thought provoking workshops and panels, opportunities to learn from tourism leaders from around the globe, and time to network with industry colleagues.
The BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 is open to all tourism stakeholders and GSTC members at no cost.
The BCRTS is a collaboration between the following five regional destination management organizations in B.C.: Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, and Tourism Vancouver Island.
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Info Session on Propel: A new wage subsidy
Need help bringing on new staff? Hiring students is a great way to build your team for short-term needs and to build a talent pipeline for the long term! And now you can access a wage subsidy of up to $7,500 through Propel, a brand new Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)!
Propel is offered through Tourism HR Canada, a Canadian organization with a mandate aimed at building a world-leading tourism workforce. Propel is specifically designed to support the tourism and hospitality sector.
Learn more about how your organization can take advantage of this federally funded wage subsidy program and how to bring on students from hospitality and tourism management, culinary arts, and other programs from across the province at this info session on Monday, November 15th at 2:00pm (Pacific).
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Seat At The Table
How do we retain and develop women of recreation, tourism and hospitality in the worst labour crisis the industry has ever seen?
WORTH Association is inviting industry professionals to attend "Seat at the Table".
Date: Wednesday, November 17th from 9-11:30am (PT)
Attendees will create dialogue, gain broader perspectives and collaborate to develop creative solutions to challenges women face in the industry. The plan is to find answers from the community & for the community, and present these findings to key stakeholders to generate industry-wide attention and action. Researchers from Capilano University and The Sociable Scientist will be facilitating the session at the Vancouver Lookout. As an entirely volunteer-driven organization, WORTH is looking for sponsors to ensure this event is a success.
Click here to learn more about WORTH and the "Seat at the Table" opportunities
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Have You Registered for WCLC Yet? Special Pricing for BCHA Members!
November 15-16, 2021
At The Westin Bayshore - Vancouver
For the first time in nearly 2 years the Western Canadian Lodging Conference is back! Catch up with colleagues and network with new faces as we dip our toe out of the virtual world and back into live events.
This year's conference will showcase 4 panel discussions and a closing keynote.
BCHA members receive a 20% discount to WCLC by CLICK HERE!
The Westin Bayshore is also providing a special rate for attendees for bookings made until November 9th. You can reserve your room by clicking here.
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Indigenous Opportunities Forum - Nov. 4
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action number 92 states that the business community must work to ensure that Indigenous communities have equitable access to jobs, training and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that First Nations gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects.
Over the course of two days, Indigenous Opportunities Forum 2021 will explore how capacity is being built, partnerships formed, and steps are being taken to fulfill Truth and Reconciliation action 92 to create inclusive prosperity. We will also explore the significant role that Indigenous businesses and communities play in B.C.’s economic recovery and growth.
Join on day one to learn more about how Indigenous communities and their partners in industry are taking bold action toward economic recovery and resilience for a prosperous future. This panel will explore progress on achieving that action and explore the ways Nations are building their capacity and working collaboratively to achieve their goals and objectives.
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Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
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Celebrating Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association Executive Director Blain Sepos's selfless act! |
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As of October 12, 2021 Sunshine Coast Tourism (STC) has a new face on their team!
Originally from Abbotsford, BC, Crystal has a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from Thompson Rivers University and nine years of experience working for two non-profit destination management organizations: the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Tourism Region (VCM) and most recently Tourism Richmond as the Manager, Digital & Content Marketing. During her time with Tourism Richmond, Crystal was proud to be named to the Destinations International 2017 30 Under 30 class.
Crystal is responsible for overseeing all aspects of consumer brand and marketing in accordance with SCT’s mandate. This role is vital to the continued recovery and resilience of the tourism economy on the Sunshine Coast.
Congratulations to Crystal and the SCT team!
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Industry News & Quick Links |
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
The Canadian government last week ended its advisory against nonessential foreign travel. The guidance ends a warning first issued when the coronavirus pandemic began in March 2020 and corresponds with the success of Canada’s vaccination campaign, as reported by Reuters. Read more.
The Biden administration's decision to allow vaccinated people to enter the U.S. by land for any reason starting Nov. 8 has many Canadians packing up their campers and making reservations at their favorite vacation condos and mobile home parks. Some are already in the U.S., arriving on flights that never stopped and have required just a negative COVID-19 test. Read more.
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INDUSTRY TRENDS AND NEWS
Occupancy: 63.9% (-9.1%) - Average daily rate (ADR): US$134.14 (-0.6%) - Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$85.74 (-9.6%) Read more
According to the third quarter report by analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE), the franchise companies leading the U.S. construction pipeline with the greatest number of new construction projects are Marriott International with 1,286 projects/166,174 rooms, Hilton Worldwide with 1,223 projects/139,742 rooms, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) with 769 projects/77,558 rooms. Read more
Europe Travel & Tourism sector lags global recovery Read more
From neon polar bears to AR experiences, check out these cool, creative installations from JW Marriott, ARIA Resort & Casino and more. Read more
In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the effect it has had on lending and new development in the hospitality industry, it may be beneficial to review the basics and walk through the investment life cycle of a hospitality asset. This guide is intended to be a helpful reference for a seasoned hospitality professional, a student looking to break into the industry, and anyone in between. Read more
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Ian Robertson, CEO of Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, Celebrates British Columbia's Cruise Industry |
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Destination BC Shares Information on WorkBC
Hospitality & Tourism Hiring Fair
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Hon. Melanie Mark Celebrates Vancouver Island being named Lonely Planet's destination of choice for 2022 |
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