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Update on Advocacy Surrounding the Recent Wildfire Crisis

Following last week’s roundtables with the Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport; Assistant Deputy Minister, Nick Grant; as well as Ellen Walker Matthews, CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA); we have had daily meetings with the provincial government, Mayors, MLAs and MPs in the region as well as with EMBC and ESS to continue our support for the residents of BC affected by the recent wildfires.


Additionally, we have submitted key solutions to support and protect our workforce and businesses affected by the travel ban. The impact is devastating, and we are strongly advocating for financial support immediately.


Furthermore, the BCHA has worked with Destination BC and TOTA on a layered marketing campaign to invite travellers back to the Thompson Okanagan region and will continue to amplify the welcome-back messages. Hotels are encouraged to utilize the toolkit found HERE to create their own messages. Additional assets can be found HERE, courtesy of Destination BC.


We also encourage impacted operators to please take THIS SURVEY to help us further understand the impacts the wildfire season has had on your business.

We are also working on ensuring that media messages are updated – the skies are currently clear and Drive BC has up-to-date routes to get to the South Okanagan and Thompson Okanagan regions. We need to continue to work together to support our industry to recover.


Kind Regards,

Ingrid Jarrett

BCHA, President and CEO

Get Ready for A New Member Experience!


In the coming weeks, get ready to experience a revamped BCHA member portal that promises an enhanced member journey! We're thrilled to introduce this new platform, designed to provide you with an improved and seamless experience, hosted on Member 365.


With the new member portal, you'll effortlessly update personal and business contact details, manage communication preferences, register for events, and engage with fellow members through an updated directory and a dynamic member forum. Stay tuned for more information as we unveil this exciting enhancement!

Join the Conversation: BCHA Virtual Event | Sept. 13, 1pm PST

Don't miss the BC Hotel Association Virtual Event: "Provincial Roundtable | Advocacy Across Western Canada" on Sept. 13th at 1:00 PM PST. Join esteemed provincial association leaders from Western Canada for insightful discussions on vacation rental advocacy, tourism growth strategies, workforce solutions, combating human trafficking, and more. Hosted by BCHA President and CEO, Ingrid Jarrett, with special guests Tracy Douglas-Blowers (Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association), Jim Bence (Hospitality Saskatchewan), and Michael Juce (Manitoba Hotel Association). Register today to be part of the conversation.


REGISTER TODAY

Last Chance to Register Your Team! Leadership in Housekeeping

Discover the art of effective leadership and supervision in the world of housekeeping with BCHA’s Fast Track Your Future series transformative program - Leadership & Best Practices in Housekeeping, sponsored by Eden Textile & facilitated by Western Community College, taking place Sept. 13 - Oct.18—perfect for new leaders, career advancers, or those looking to refresh skills. 

 

REGISTER TODAY

You're Invited! Ignite Your Expertise at SPARK - The Ultimate Hospitality Gathering!

Join us at SPARK, the ultimate event for hospitality pros. In partnership with ABLE BC, it's your knowledge and networking hub on October 16 & 17 in New Westminster.


Featuring speakers like André Hueston Mack of Maison Noir Wines, Theresa Ito from Blue Mountain Solutions, and Jay Ashton of SYSCO, SPARK offers two days of insights, networking, and practical tips. From automation to compliance and crisis strategies, SPARK's got it all. Secure your spot for expertise, inspiration, and vital industry connections!


REGISTER TODAY

BCHA Workforce Survey | Your Voice is Still Needed!

The BCHA is requesting that our hotel operators complete our workforce survey in order for us to move our advocacy priorities surrounding hiring, training, and retention forward. There is significant work that needs to be done on both our workforce and affordable housing files and this survey will provide critical information.


TAKE SURVEY TODAY

TOP STORIES

BC Extends State of Emergency Due to Ongoing Fire Risk

The Province of BC has extended the state of emergency until September 14th to address ongoing wildfire risks, public safety, and response efforts. Northern BC anticipates unseasonably warm temperatures, dry conditions, smoke, and strong winds, possibly leading to extreme fire behavior. While the Wildfire Act provides access to firefighting resources, a state of emergency allows for additional emergency orders. Travel restrictions announced on August 19th have been fully lifted as of August 25th.


→ READ NOW

BC Chamber Quantifying Impact of Cost Increases on Business | Survey

BC Chamber is urging hotel leaders to take our quick survey on the "Impact of Cost Increases on Business." This survey, available from September 5 to 15, 2023, at 4:00 pm (PT), aims to understand the effects of inflation and rising costs, including recent government measures such as employer-paid sick leave, the Employer Health Tax, and minimum wage increases. By participating, hotel leaders contribute to our advocacy efforts to support B.C. businesses and foster thriving communities.


→ TAKE SURVEY

RESOURCES

Unlock Profit Potential with Vancity and Better Table's Funding Opportunity!

Vancity is offering a remarkable funding opportunity that could supercharge your profits. Ten fortunate F&B operations in BC will receive grants worth $1,500 each, empowering them to leverage the transformative Food Audit by BetterTable.ca in just three days. This audit has a track record of helping restaurants save a minimum of $1,000 per month! As the icing on the cake, one lucky business among the chosen ten will win a grand prize worth $10,000! Don't miss out on this golden opportunity.


→ APPLY NOW

Strong Performance in BC Hotels for July

In the month of July, British Columbia's hotel industry demonstrated robust activity with an impressive 81.20% occupancy rate, marking a 1.50% increase from the same period in 2022. Additionally, the Average Daily Rate (ADR) surged to $296.01, reflecting an 8.20% growth compared to July 2022. This stellar performance resulted in a remarkable Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) of $240.43, exhibiting a substantial 9.90% increase compared to the previous year's July figures. Prior to the recent wildfire activity, BC's hospitality sector showed resilience and growth in the face of evolving circumstances.


→ READ REPORT

Next Week | HAC & CBRE Market Outlook Webinar

Join HAC and CBRE Hotels for the first presentation of CBRE's 2024 outlook, covering major markets from coast to coast. The webinar will also include an update on 2023 year-to-date performance, an updated long-term forecast, and a look at the economic and industry trends impacting the sector over the next year.


→ REGISTER

TRENDING

IN THE NEWS


-> 80% of hotel rooms sitting empty this Labour Day long weekend

Vancouver summer tourism numbers rebound post-pandemic


-> Posthaste: Why Bank of Canada rate hikes might really be over this time


-> New York City’s Crackdown on Airbnb Is Starting. Here’s What to Expect


-> Impact of the wildfires on BC’s tourism industry


-> Extreme weather is putting Canada's reputation as tourist

destination at risk

TALK OF THE TOWN



-> ICYMI | Creating Safer Spaces Virtual Event Recording


-> Take ABLE BC Member Survey


-> Transforming Dining Experiences with Artificial Intelligence - By Mandeep S Lamba, Dipti Mohan and Dhwani Gupta


-> Most Common Guest Complaints and How to Handle Them

AT A GLANCE

Virtual Event | Provincial Roundtable

Sept. 13 at 1pm PST

Via Zoom

Register

SPARK: BC Hotel & Liquor Conference

October 16 & 18, 2023 | Anvil Centre, New Westminster

Register Today

2023 Western Canadian Lodging

Hyatt Regency Nov. 1-2

Register Today

TIAC Tourism Congress

November 21-22 | Westin Ottawa

Learn More

IMPACT Conference

January 21-24 | Victoria Westin Ottawa

Learn More

2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference

March 6 & 7

Registration Coming Soon!

BCHA Summit

Fairmont Chateau Whistler | May 1-2, 2024

Registration Details Coming Soon

2024 HAC National Conference, REIMAGINED!

Le Westin Montreal |May 22-24, 2024 Read

ALLIED MEMBERS

CONNECTING MEMBERS WITH TRUSTED VENDORS

Leading Distributor of Air Conditioning and PTAC Units

Genuine Comfort stands as a prominent distributor, specializing in room air conditioning equipment and PTAC units catering to multi-family residential and hospitality markets across Canada. To explore their comprehensive range of products and services, reach out to Naz Onggarbek, their dedicated Account Executive, at naz@genuinecomfort.com.

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Free Consultation and Exclusive Discount for "Spin the Bottle Service" Training

The Always Care Consulting Company redefines hospitality staff training with a focus on storytelling and empathy. Explore their innovative approach based on the book "Spin the Bottle Service - Hospitality in the Age of AI" authored by industry experts. As a BCHA member, you're eligible for a complimentary 30-minute consultation via video call and an exclusive 10% discount on in-person Spin the Bottle Service training. Contact Paul Moxness at (250) 801-5126 or paul@alwayscare.ca.

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→ LEARN MORE

Unmatched Comfort with Northern Feather Canada

Northern Feather Canada delivers superior sleep products, combining quality and value with advanced manufacturing standards. Their expertise ensures the most comfortable sleep experience. Elevate your business with premium sleep products of the highest quality. Contact (604) 940-8283 or nfeather@northern-feather.com.


→ LEARN MORE

HERE'S TO YOU!

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? EMAIL KELSEY@BCHA.COM

From Interns to Entrepreneurs: Kristina and Milos Mladenovic's Inspiring Success

Kristina and Milos Mladenovic, former international interns from Serbia, have transformed their lives and realized their entrepreneurial dreams. After relocating to British Columbia, they recently opened "Island Tarts" at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort, impressing locals with exceptional cappuccinos and daily-baked delights. Their journey is just beginning, promising continued success and inspiration in the business world.


LAST LAUGH

THE BCHA INDUSTRY UPDATE IS PRESENTED BY
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