Message from Board Director, Stewart Instance
Good afternoon accommodation community and stakeholders,

Last month, I had the pleasure of welcoming industry colleagues and stakeholders to the Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort as part of the BCHA Live Industry Update series. Following presentations from Ingrid Jarrett and her team, we had the opportunity to discuss the recovery and prosperity of our entire accommodation and tourism community. In doing so, the instrumental nature of partnership and collaboration continued to be evident.

My company, Asher Hospitality Corp., has provided management and consulting services to properties throughout BC for over thirty years and I personally currently oversee the operations of properties in Whistler and Tofino. With some 60 years in the industry, including experience through several crisis events over that time period, I understand how certain issues can disproportionately impact operators within BC and beyond. More recently, regional COVID-19 restrictions, the wildfire crisis, Airbnb, and contention over MRDT funds are some of our most current challenges. Critically, these -- as well as our ongoing workforce crisis -- are issues that we must face collectively as a sector whether our properties are located in remote communities like Tofino or urban centres such as Vancouver or Victoria. They are a shared struggle now intensified by the pandemic.

Each of our hospitality businesses have been touched by adversity in differing ways and to varying degrees. Over the course of the summer in Tofino, we witnessed a substantial surge in visitation from residents across our province which helped restore some balance to operators that were exceptionally hard-hit in 2020 and early 2021. While our accommodation community has been fortunate to receive this increase in business from our local market, there are many tourism operators elsewhere that have not benefited in the same way.

Despite the erasure of some measures hindering international travel, this market has yet to return. From fishing excursions to sightseeing tours, these are highly sought after and ‘uniquely British Columbian’ experiences that are frequently booked by our international visitors. While many of our local travellers rejoice in these attractions, the demand is simply not the same; consequently, our tourism community has suffered.

In delivering the best possible experience to our guests both locally and globally, it is resoundingly clear how interconnected our network of hospitality and tourism operators are. When a single business closes, the ripple effect that generates on a community is palpable. As accommodators, we all take great pride in the visitor experience we offer to our guests. If there should ever come a time where these experiences are no longer available, we risk losing our business as well.

Our industry’s success has never been achieved in a silo, and recovery will certainly be no different. The alliances between DMOs, sector associations, stakeholders, industry partners and operators across the province has undoubtedly been the driving force in the support that our industry has received over the course of the past 20 months. It will continue to be in the next chapter ahead as well. While this message was made clear at our Tofino Industry Update, it continues to lead the work that our BCHA Board of Directors and the BCHA team carry forward.

We will continue to forge new partnerships and work with one another to ensure that no business is left behind.

From Monday, November 15th - Wednesday, November 17th, the BCHA team will be in the Okanagan for the BCHA Live Industry Update series and AGM. Registration details are included below. I highly encourage you to attend these sessions if you are in the area and I thank you for your willingness to collaborate.

Stewart Instance,
Owner and President
Asher Hospitality Group
Please note, the BCHA will be observing Remembrance Day on November, 11th, our next Industry Update will be distributed Tuesday, November 16th.

Today's update includes:

  • General Updates
  • BC Hotel Association Wishes Premier Horgan a Fast and Full Recovery
  • HAC: Fighting to Eliminate Barriers to Recovery
  • International Flights Now Permitted at Kelowna, Abbotsford & Victoria Airports
  • STR Domestic Travel Report | Week of Oct.24
  • Shop Local BC Grant Applications Now Open
  • COVID-19 | Canada's Economic Response Plan
  • New App Provides Remote Access to COVID-19 Resources for Workplaces
  • 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
  • November Updates | 50-30 Challenge
  • Webinar | Pre-Opening Best Practices for Ski Area Accommodators
  • Get Involved with the #BELLYUP Campaign & Protect BC's Salmon
  • go2HR | New BSafe Proof of Vaccination Module
  • Resource | Explore Propel Student Placement Program Today
  • TIABC - Webinar Wednesday Series
  • BCHF Online 50/50 Raffle Tickets - One Week Left to Purchase!
  • BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 - Session Recordings Now Available
  • Mark Your Calendars
  • Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 9-11, 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
  • Info Session on Propel: A new wage subsidy
  • Have You Registered for WCLC Yet?
  • Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
  • Congratulations to DBC on the appointment of new Acting Director of Industry Partnerships and Visitor Services, Imran Gill, CVP!
  • News
  • Hot Off the Press | Local and World News
  • Industry Trends & News | Resources & Tools to Support Operations
  • Comment Card | Industry Thoughts & Feedback
  • BCHA Chair, Bryan Pilbeam, and Team Give Back to the Kamloops Food Bank
  • Accent Inn Kelowna Receives a Memorable Thank You from a Fire Evacuee
  • Kelowna International Airport Celebrates the Return of International Travel!
  • Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Members Smile
BC Hotel Association Wishes Premier Horgan a Fast and Full Recovery
Last week, Premier John Horgan announced that the growth in his throat is cancerous and that he will be undergoing treatment.

The entire British Columbia Hotel Association and Board of Directors send Premier Horgan strength for a fast and full recovery. We are thankful that he is being treated by our province's phenomenal healthcare workers. We look forward to continue working with Premier Horgan to ensure our province's success.
HAC: Fighting to Eliminate Barriers to Recovery
One of the major barriers to recovery is the unnecessary PCR test that is required at the border for re-entry into Canada. This test isn’t scientifically necessary, and it is diminishing both group and leisure bookings. Removing this barrier has been a major focus for the Association.
Yesterday morning HAC participated in a press conference with several US and Canadian lawmakers calling on the Government to review the PCR requirement, and stop its use. The press conference included Congressman Brian Higgins, Mayor Jim Diodati, Mayor Robert Restaino, Mayor Michael Bradley, Mayor Drew Dilkens, together with Barbara Barrett and Philippe Bachand from the Frontier Duty Free Association all with a common message: remove the PCR testing requirement and open up Canada for business.

Our press conference was the headline story for both CTV News National and CBC’s The National, and it was aired live by CP24.

HAC also sits on the steering committee of the Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable – a group that has been pushing for restrictions to be lifted, including the child quarantine policy at the border.

Our sources confirm that our efforts are working and the policy is indeed being reviewed. Dr. Tam also confirmed this last week in a press conference.
We will continue to push until this requirement is lifted, and we can start to pave the way towards recovery.

The Press Conference can be viewed here
International Flights Now Permitted at Kelowna, Abbotsford, & Victoria Airports
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
STR Domestic Travel Report|Week of Oct.24
Here are your weekly Domestic Travel Patterns & STR Reports for the week ending Oct 24, 2021

Weekly Tracker Highlights
  • Average Domestic Overnight Visitation to BC for Week 42 (Oct 18-24, 2021) is up 1% compared to the same week in 2019.
  • 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.
  • British Columbia increased by 2.1% when comparing Week 41 (Oct 11-17) to Week 42 (Oct 18-24).

STR Report Highlights
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
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.
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
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.
GoGreen Tip of the Week
ICYMI | Air Canada to Offer COVID-19
Travel Testing Options
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.
WorkBC In-Person Hiring Fair
Register Today
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.
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
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.
Questions? Reach out now!
BCHA & TIABC AGM & Industry Update
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.

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! 
Are you an accommodator in the Southern Okanagan region?

The BCHA will also be in the communities of 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!
Webinar | Pre-Opening Best Practices for Ski Area Accommodators
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 
November Updates | 50-30 Challenge
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.
go2HR | New BSafe Proof
of Vaccination Module
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.
 
To learn more or register for BSAFE, click here
Get Involved with the #BELLYUP
Campaign & Protect BC's Salmon
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.
Resource | Explore Propel Student Placement Program Today
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.
 
Sample criteria to qualify (visit propelcareers.ca for full list)
  • 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
TIABC - Webinar Wednesday Series
Join TIABC for their upcoming webinars.

BC's Endangered Ancient Forests: Worth More Standing
Wednesday, November 10th @ 11:00 am

First Steps to Building a More Equitable, Inclusive
and Diverse Workplace
Wednesday, November 24th @ 11:00 am

Learn more here
BC Hospitality Foundation Online 50/50 Raffle Tickets 
ONE more week, get your 50/50 tickets!
 
The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is the only charity in Canada that ensures hospitality workers are taken care of by providing financial support when a health condition creates a financial crisis. During this time of emotional and financial stress, the BCHF assists the hard-working members of our industry with respect and compassion to get back on their feet.

BC Hospitality Foundation 50/50
closes November 15, 2021
 
Ticket Package Options:
5 for $10
20 for $20
150 for $40
BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 - Session Recordings Now Available
On November 3 and 4, TOTA co-hosted the 2021 BCRTS Tourism Summit with the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
 
The conference was filled with inspiring moments and key insights to reimagine the future of tourism. The virtual format allowed us to connect with over 900 delegates from British Columbia, Canada, and over 60 other countries.
 
As a virtual event, many aspects will live on beyond the days of the Summit and can be accessed until December 5, 2021.
 
You can still register, free of charge, to access the session recordings and downloadable resources. Feel free share this opportunity with others in your organization and network.
 
How to Access Session Recordings and Resources
  1. Go to BCTourismSummit.com
  2. Click Register and complete the form
  3. Click "Login" in the top right corner and enter the email address you registered with. No password is required.
  4. Click the building to enter the virtual lobby.
  5. In the top navigation bar, click "Auditorium."
  6. Scroll to the session and click "Play."
Mark Your Calendars
Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 9-11, 2022

Mark your calendars! The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference officially has a date. Taking place March 9-11, 2022, the conference will be an informative multi-day conference aimed at supporting growth and celebrating industry.

Stay tuned for further updates coming soon!
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.
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.
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).
 
Brought to you by the Talent MATCH Program, a collaboration between go2HR, the BC Museums Association, the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture, and the Association for Co-operative Education & Work Integrated Learning, this info session will feature Rachel George and Joe Baker from Propel, who will explain how the program works and how to apply.
 
This info session is free, but you must register for it here.
 
Want more information on hiring students? Visit the Talent MATCH webpage for more details or contact Project Manager Debby Reis at TalentMatch@acewilbc.ca.
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
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.
Click here to view our program

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
Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
Have News or A Congrats You'd Like to Share? Contact kelsey@bcha.com
Congratulations to DBC on the appointment of new Acting Director of Industry Partnerships and Visitor Services, Imran Gill, CVP!

Imran Gill, CVP has been appointed as Acting Director of Industry Partnerships and Visitor Services at Destination BC, until March 31, 2022.

Imran has spent over a decade working in leadership roles in economic development, tourism promotion, public assembly facilities, and major events, and he has an impressive background in strategic leadership, program management, public relations, issues management, digital marketing and more! Prior to joining Destination BC as a Manager of Destination Development, he was the Director of Corporate Marketing & Communications for Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. 

Imran strongly believes that team work, fostering partnerships, and continuous learning are the foundations for success. He is looking forward to connecting with our many partners in the months ahead. Please join us in welcoming Imran to his new role! Congratulation Imran!
Industry News & Quick Links
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Time to tear down wall of exorbitantly costly COVID...

Canadian business wants it. Vaccinated Canadian travellers, too. Shouldn't that be enough? No, somehow, the federal government has opened the land border Monday to go to America but kept in place an impediment that makes the return for many...

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biv.com
Fairmont's Ski Season Offers Announced Ahead of Mountain ...

BANFF AB, November 4, 2021 - Another ski season has arrived. Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in Canada's Western Mountain Region - ski meccas of Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Whistler - are preparing to welcome visitors near and far with the...

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mailchi.mp
INDUSTRY TRENDS AND NEWS

Analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) report that, in the third quarter of 2021, Canada’s hotel construction pipeline stands at 257 projects/34,167 rooms. Pipeline projects declined slightly at the close of Q3’21, down 7% by projects and 5% by rooms, year-over-year (YOY). Read more
 
Hospitality Financial Leadership - The ROI for Financial Leadership Skills - By David Lund When it comes to investing in oneself many times people overlook the outcome and instead concentrate on the up-front cost. When we look at the opportunity to improve our own personal prosperity, we need to see the full picture. We need to realize in life we have a window that opens and closes on our career and its fortunes. Read more

Between the rising cost of labor, decreased demand and ever-changing COVID-19 protocols, hotels have taken numerous hits to profitability. Conditions likely are going to remain challenging for some time to come, but Chris Cylke, COO of asset manager RevPAR International, has a quintet of tips for hoteliers to manage costs more effectively. Read more

Franchise businesses are an essential and growing part of the U.S. economy, accounting for nearly 800,000 establishments, 9 million jobs, and $800 billion in output annually. The importance of franchising is particularly evident in hospitality. Hotel and restaurant companies often use franchising to expand faster than would be possible through company ownership alone. Read more

Update on American Travel Trends & Sentiment - Week of November 1st - Destination Analysts How has the pandemic changed Americans and their relationship to travel? Different affinities to wellness and work, travel that is more sustainable and more about connection with friends and family. As we move forward, it is also clear travel advertising has the opportunity to be much more inclusive. Read more
 
Data is the architect of astute business decisions and the key to unfurling market strategies. High-quality data provides insights into the new reality faced by many businesses, such as understanding emerging trends, and quickly understanding changes in consumer behaviour. Some hotels have questioned the use of data in this current climate and are faced with a million-dollar question: is historical data obsolete? Read more

Travel Restrictions, Vaccine Mandates Continue to Curb Events Read more
Comment Card
BCHA Chair - and VP and GM, of Delta Hotels by Marriott and Invictus Properties - Bryan Pilbeam and Team Give Back to the Kamloops Food Bank
Accent Inn Kelowna Receives a Memorable Thank you from Fire Evacuee
Kelowna International Airport Celebrates the Return of International Travel!
Last Laugh