Message from President & CEO, Ingrid Jarrett |
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Good Afternoon Accommodation Community,
Through advocating for our provincial accommodation sector, I am constantly reminded of the gravity that each advocacy file holds. More often than not, the consequential impact extends far past our tourism and hospitality sector, touching every resident in our province.
Having heard directly from our accommodation community in person over recent weeks - as part of our Live Industry Update Series - it is clear that one file where this is especially apparent is the short-term rental file. In every community in BC, short-term rentals such as AirBNB and VRBO have had significant ramifications on hotels, motels, inns and all other types of accommodations.
On a granular level, commercial operators – those renting multiple units or entire homes on platforms like Airbnb – are acting like hotels without the same responsibilities to taxation, health and safety standards, business licenses, and insurance. It is our intention to ensure that the playing field is levelled and that these operators are held to the same standards as other accommodators.
While matters of fair taxation are important, on a larger scale, short-term rentals have had a more insidious affect on our communities, negatively contributing to the growing affordable housing shortage. As more short-term rentals through digital platforms become available, the supply of long-term accommodation becomes sparse; and as a principle of supply in demand, prices skyrocket.
What happens from here? It becomes almost impossible for individuals to find or afford accommodation in impacted communities, and as a result, business owners are left unable to find workers. Short-term rentals have been a significant contributor to our crippling workforce crisis.
Recently, I virtually met with our global network of hotel associations - from city to supranational levels across the world - as part of the Global ReformBNB Forum. On these monthly calls, we discuss strategies and solutions to supply issues and the intermediation of the short-term rental market. A large portion of the work being done currently surrounds best practices for policy and enforcement on a municipal level, to ensure a balance between markets. Research will be critical to developing strong policy on this issue and we are currently working with a research expert from McGill University to support our work and apply pressure for this issue to be rectified.
On the topic of our workforce, many of you have expressed concerns surrounding the new Hiring Young Worker provision, which restricts individuals 16 and under from employment that is not deemed "light work", unless certain conditions are met (ie. written consent, employer permit etc.) Please note that over the past few months and again last week, we met with the ministries to outline various roles and tasks undertaken by the accommodation community, arguing that these positions and duties be considered "light work". For example, housemen, linen room attendants, room stripping, linen runners, stocking, kitchen prep, service bussing, pool attendants, grounds keepers. We received direct confirmation that work within the accommodation sector is included in the definitions of "light work". For any of you with concerns surrounding the potential loss of staff due to this provision, we hope this brings you clarity and relief. For more information on the provisions visit here.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the extremely positive news that was announced at this afternoon's press conference with Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer. It was revealed that as of Oct. 25, restrictions on event capacities will be lifted in parts of B.C. allowing full capacity for concerts, sports events, weddings and parties. Proof of vaccination and masks are still required.
Of course, this news does not supersede regional public health orders that are currently place; however, this along with loosening border restrictions clearly signal that we are forging a positive path forward on our road to recovery. We are looking to develop Step 4 Toolkit once we are given the go head by the Ministry, and once again will do our best to provide you the operational details you need to support your business, your workforce, and the safety of guests and employees alike.
With event and international travel markets within reach, I hope you are looking forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for us all as much as I am. It is important to note, that our work with our partners at the Hotel Association of Canada will continue to remove the barriers and communication uncertainty to enter Canada, as we work to once again welcome groups, meetings and conferences.
Stay well,
Ingrid Jarrett
Preside & CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association
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Capacity Restrictions Lifted for Gatherings & Events in Some Areas of BC |
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Earlier this afternoon, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer announced that capacity limits on some events and gatherings will be lifted in B.C. allowing full capacity for gatherings like concerts, sports events, weddings and parties.
Updates and changes:
- Indoor sporting venues, concerts, theatres, dance and symphony events will be able to operate at full capacity.
- Indoor organized gatherings like weddings, funerals, conferences, and parties will be able to operate at full capacity.
- Individuals will no longer have to remain seated at restaurants and bars.
Important items to note:
- The lifted measures will come into effect on October 25th.
- Proof of vaccination will continue to be required at the above events, gatherings, and socail situations.
- The provincial mask mandate continues to remain in place, requiring individuals to where a mask when indoors
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Face Coverings: expires October 31, 2021
- Region-specific capacity limits will continue in Eastern Fraser Health, Interior Health and Northern Health areas and include:
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Interior Health: Gatherings and Events (no expiry date)
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Northern Health: Gatherings and Events (no expiry date)
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Fraser Health: Gatherings and Events (no expiry date)
For more information about current restrictions, you can also visit these government websites:
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New Rules to Protect Young Workers Now In Effect | Hotel Operations Considered "Light Work" |
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As of October 15, 2021, new rules are in effect for young workers in BC. Changes to Employment Standards have raised the general working age in BC from 12 to 16 and defined the types of jobs appropriate for those under 16.
For full details click here and see below for quick links. Our sector relies heavily on youth to fill seasonal positions, and can continue to do so in a safe manner.
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Northern Health | Ministry Comments on Access to Government Relief |
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Yesterday, during Question Period, MLA Dan Davies (Peace River North), Critic for Social Development and Poverty Reduction, asked if northern British Columbia businesses, subject to regional health restrictions, will be offered added government relief.
Ravi Kahlon (Delta North), Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation said the government is in touch with local officials and businesses, and he outlined previously announced government supports.
A REMINDER THE HEALTH ORDER IS NOW IN EFFECT AND WILL REMAIN SO UNTIL AT LEAST NOV.19
While the order applies to the entire Northern Health region, the communities of Kitimat, Terrace, Haida Gwaii, Stikine, Nisg̱a’a, Telegraph, and Prince Rupert are exempt from the new orders due to high levels of immunization.
The measures include:
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Personal gatherings indoor and outdoors will be restricted to fully vaccinated people only
- Indoor organized events for vaccinated people are capped at 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
- Personal indoor gatherings are limited to 5 people and outdoor personal gatherings are limited to 25 people
- All indoor and outdoor organized events will require a safety plan, everyone has to wear masks, and must have full immunization through a vaccine card.
- Virtual worship services only
- Sporting events will continue at 50% capacity. A vaccine card must be used and masks will be required.
- Liquor and food primaries that offer full meal service can remain open and offer indoor dining, but must continue to check for BC Vaccine Cards. Alcohol service must end at 10:00 pm.
- Nightclubs and bars with no food service will now be closed.
- The provincial government will also be stepping up coordinated enforcement of checking for proof of vaccination at businesses where this is required
- The province is strongly encouraging those in the north to stay within their own community except for essential reasons.
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Previously announced regional restrictions in Northern Health (effective September 7) will also remain in place. Businesses must also comply with provincial public health orders:
- Face Coverings
- Gatherings and Events
- Food and Liquor Serving Premises
- As for any upcoming remembrance day events, Northern Health residents will NOT be required to be vaccinated. The guidance is to keep the events small and to wear masks while keeping the events outdoors.
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Tourism businesses can download the President Group’s "Make it Count: Measuring for Disability Inclusion in Your Workplace", a practical guide for employers seeking to measure the rate of disability in their businesses.
The guide draws on real-world experiences of BC employers to explore common barriers, lessons learned, and innovative solutions.
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BC Chamber of Commerce Collective Perspective Survey |
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The BC Chamber of Commerce’s purpose is to know what’s on BC’s mind. We're asking you to use your voice in a big way—so we can advocate with intent in the year ahead.
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!
The survey will close November 4, 2021, at 4:00pm PDT. Please reach out if you have questions.
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Measuring Canadian Travel Patterns | STR Data |
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Measuring Canadian Travel Patterns Report Highlights
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Average Domestic Overnight Visitation to BC for Week 40 (Oct 4-10, 2021) is down -1% compared to the same week in 2019.
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The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Northern BC and Vancouver Island saw an increase in visitation when comparing Week 39 (Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021) to Week 40 (Oct 4-10, 2021). The Thompson Okanagan, Kootenay Rockies and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains saw a decrease.
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British Columbia increased by 1.4% when comparing Week 39 (Sept 27-Oct 3, 2021) to Week 40 (Oct 4-10, 2021).
STR Report Highlights (compared to 2019)
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British Columbia had a 56.1% occupancy from Sunday-Thursday and a 70.6% occupancy during the weekend, down -16% compared to the same week in 2019.
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British Columbia had an ADR of $152.71 from Sunday-Thursday and an ADR of $169.65 during the weekend, down -9.3% compared to the same week in 2019.
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British Columbia had a RevPAR of $85.65 from Sunday-Thursday and a RevPAR of $119.71 during the weekend, down -23.7% compared to the same week in 2019.
- REGIONAL STATS WEEKEND OF October 8-9, 2021:
- Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: OCC 66.5% ADR $142.53 REVPAR $94.85
- Kootenay Rockies: OCC 55.5% ADR $155.28 REVPAR $86.15
- Northern BC: OCC 58.7% ADR $121.89 REVPAR $71.55
- Thompson Okanagan: OCC 72.3% ADR $139.24 REVPAR $100.71
- Vancouver Island: OCC 75.5% ADR $204.02 REVPAR $154.10
- Vancouver: OCC 72.4% ADR $173.58 REVPAR $125.59
- Whistler: OCC 74.3% ADR $273.47 REVPAR $203.09
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Advocacy Support Needed | Every Letter Counts, Submit Within Minutes |
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Canada’s tourism, hotel and events businesses are facing a difficult fall and winter. We need the committed and ongoing support of the federal government to survive.
With current wage and rent subsidy programs winding down this month, there is an urgent need for a new tailored survival solution. Without support designed specifically for our industry, the livelihoods of more than two million people working in tourism and travel—mostly women, youth and immigrants—will be at risk.
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Tickets for Charity Online 50/50 Raffle
on Sale Now!
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The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce that tickets for its online 50/50 raffle are now on sale. The raffle will start with a $1000 jackpot and will increase with every ticket purchased above and beyond until sales close on November 15, 2021. The initiative is a fundraiser for the BCHF, which is the only charity of its kind in Canada, with a mission of supporting hospitality and tourism workers in need.
Tickets for the raffle will be
- 5 for $10
- 20 for $20
- 150 for $40
Tickets may be purchased online HERE, and the page shows updated jackpot as tickets are purchased.
The winning name will be drawn at noon on November 16th and will be posted on the BCHF website and social media shortly thereafter, pending notification to the winner. Please support our hospitality and tourism sector by purchasing tickets and by spreading the word about the raffle among your friends, family, and colleagues!
Funds raised by the event will be used by the BCHF to support hospitality industry workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member. The registered charity also administers a scholarship program that fosters the development of the next generation of hospitality industry workers and leaders.
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BCHA Live Industry Update | New
Locations Announced in Okanagan & Victoria. Sign Up Today
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The BCHA is back on the road in November to deliver important updates to the accommodation community, stopping in Victoria, Kelowna, Penticton, and Kamloops. Tailored to each region, these information and networking sessions will include food & beverages along with hundreds of dollars worth of prizes to be had. Engage with fellow accommodators, the BCHA team, and special local guest speakers.
Included in the events:
- 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 / many door prizes to be won
Open to all types of accommodators -- BnBs, hotels, resorts, inns, cabins, lodges, etc.-- members and non-members!
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#HaveYourSay | Take Part in Important Survey's Today |
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The information you provide in this survey will support our ongoing engagement with all levels of government across the country to ensure the needs of foodservice are addressed as part of evolving COVID-19 recovery plans.
This survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete and will remain open until Friday, October 15, 2021.
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In May 2021, amendments to the Employment Standards Act laid the groundwork for establishing minimum standards for permanent paid sick leave. Following the public engagement process, paid sick leave will be established through regulation and come into effect on January 1, 2022.
British Columbians are now invited to have their say on three proposed options for permanent paid sick leave shaped by their responses to the first phase of consultation.
The options paper has been posted on government’s engagement site and is available for comment until October 25. Three options have been developed that cover the minimum number of days: three, five and 10 days of paid sick leave.
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The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA), that includes TIABC, have formed a task force on the issue of rising insurance premiums in the tourism industry.
We are continuing to hear from operators concerned with commercial insurance access, premium increase and limited liability coverage. Insurance is a fundamental element in the industry’s ability to build back stronger post pandemic.
To help with advocacy work on this issue, please complete this survey by September 24th. We also request that you share the survey link with members and stakeholders to ensure as robust a response as possible. Thank you for your time and input.
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ICYMI | BCHA, go2HR, WorkBC Best Practices in Hiring Webinar |
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Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for our Best Practices in Hiring Webinar in partnership with go2HR and WorkBC!
It was a highly engaged session that outlined practical tips for recruitment and retention along with the WorkBC Wage Subsidy Program, where up to 50% of your new hire's wage can be reimbursed.
Watch the Webinar Today!
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Vaccine Passports Mandatory at
Grouse Mountain This Winter
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Grouse Mountain is requiring all guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the 2021/22 winter season. Starting on opening day of the ski and snowboard season, guests born in 2009 or earlier must provide proof of vaccination to access the Resort, including the Skyride, mountaintop facilities and activities. All Grouse Mountain employees are also required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the winter season.
Grouse Mountain is introducing the VaxTrax Program, a one-time vaccine verification process for all pass holders. The program allows verified pass holders and multi-day Snow School participants access to the Resort without having to provide proof of vaccination each visit.
After the November 15 deadline, pass holders and multi-day Snow School participants will be required to show proof of vaccination on-site during their first visit.
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ABLE Annual LRS Benchmark Survey |
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As BC’s private liquor industry association, ABLE BC wrks to collect data for their membership and create an economic snapshot of our industry. They survey private liquor store members on an annual basis to help develop KPIs or benchmarks for your business.
ABLE is conducting their third annual LRS Benchmark Survey and
need your feedback.
To ensure they can offer you valuable insights, we kindly ask that if you own and/or operate an LRS, you complete the survey here.
Deadline to complete survey: October 27th.
Results will be shared with members and in the Quarterly Pour. Preliminary results will be presented at the BC Liquor Conference on October 25, 2021.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact ABLE BC: info@ablebc.ca
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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 in Prince George, 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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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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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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Announcing 2021 BC Liquor Conference Seminars
Hosted by ABLE BC, this year’s conference will take place online and in-person on Monday, October 25, 2021. A portion of the tickets are available to attend in person at Soundhouse Studios in Vancouver. The remaining are available for virtual attendance.
Note: ABLE BC will be asking for proof of vaccination from all in-person guests.
No matter where you are in the province, tune in and get the liquor industry data, trends, and policy updates you can’t get anywhere else.
2021 BC Liquor Conference Seminars
This year’s conference schedule includes:
· Industry Welcome and Update by ABLE BC’s Executive Director Jeff Guignard
· LCRB Update
· LDB Update
· Retail Trends and Consumer Insights with Arterra, Labatt, and Spirits Canada
· Preventing Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace with WorkSafeBC
· How to win in the bar and restaurant business with David Hopkins, The 15 Group
· Liquor Liability with Lorne Folick, Dolden Wallace Folick
· Panel discussion with ABLE BC, BCHA, and TIABC on what’s next for BC’s tourism and hospitality industries
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Market Research 1: Find Business Data and Insights
Tuesday, October 19 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Hosted by: Small Business BC
As an entrepreneur, it’s vital to conduct market research before making important decisions. Analyzing available data allows you to understand your target market, conduct a competitor analysis, view market trends and enhance your business operations. Join Small Business BC’s Market Research Analyst, Mark Eversfield, as he explains how secondary market research can help you make an informed decision about the viability of your business idea by tapping into already existing market data.
What will I Learn?
- Identify key resources of secondary data for your business
- Set up automated tools for a continuous feed of customized market research data
- Differentiate between quantitative and qualitative data
- Know the types of secondary data to look for
- How to create effective and productive search strings
- Discover how secondary data can inform key business decisions
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Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
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Congratulations Cindy Conti, CPHR - New Vancouver Cost & Mountains HR Consultant!
go2HR, in partnership with Destination BC, has hired a HR Consultant - Vancouver Coast & Mountains.
Cindy Conti joins with over 20 years of experience with operations and Human Resources in the tourism industry. The HR Consultant position is a key output of the VCM labour market action plan. This position will provide HR leadership in support of strong and strategic HR practices for tourism businesses in the VCM region. Look for additional information on how to connect directly with Cindy soon.
We look forward to working with Cindy and congratulate her on this new and exciting chapter.
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Industry News & Quick Links |
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
When the Vancouver Canucks hit the ice at Rogers Arena on Oct. 26, the team will be greeted by a full house. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced Tuesday that COVID-19 capacity limits will be lifted in much of British Columbia for indoor events and gatherings where proof of vaccination is required. Read more.
Boards of trade, chambers of commerce and tourism organizations both in the United States and Canada are calling on the Canadian government to scrap requirements to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test to travel between countries.
Vivek Sharma, Chair of the Tourism Industry Association of BC and Board Director for the BCHA spoke with Simi Sara last week about the ongoing advocacy work being undertaken to support the sector. Listen here.
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INDUSTRY TRENDS AND NEWS
OTA Insight’s CCO and Co-founder, Gino Engels, recently spoke at Leadership from Chaos London and provided analysis on the recovery of Europe’s travel and hotel industry backed by forward-looking data. Read More
HR Training in the Time of COVID: Commit to a Meaningful Cultural Change - By John Reyna If you happened to read my pre-event blog post, then you already know about my excitement to attend Phillip R. Maltin’s presentation about “Solving the Mystery of Employment Law: Techniques for Controlling the Workforce and Staying out of Court.” Well, it did not disappoint. I walked out of Mr. Maltin’s presentation with a better understanding of employment law, and I’m certain that I was not the only one. Read more
Canadian and Mexican Borders Slated To Welcome Travelers on Nov. 8 Read more
HVS was joined by 60 delegates in person and at least another 300 online for the latest in their series of webinars on the preparation for the industry as it emerges into the post-pandemic world. Read more
Over the last few decades in travel technology, client-server architecture has been the IT standard across the world. Even though this method served the industry’s basic needs for many years, it has also been responsible for inefficient, hard-to-scale systems that lack the agility required in today’s fast-paced travel environment. Read more
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TOTA hosts first in-person board meeting since COVID-19 pandemic. |
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Donate to BC Hospitality Foundation 50/50 draw between now and Nov. 15 |
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