Since March 2021, when the BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group submitted its COVID-19 Safe Restart Plan to the BC Government and the Public Health Officer (PHO), the working group has been

actively engaged with industry and government working toward a recognized distinction for business events from public and social gatherings.

Alongside advocacy efforts from the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA), the working group has been in regular discussions with the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery & Innovation (JERI), and the PHO, bringing awareness to the importance and rationale for such distinction.

Following a pivotal discussion last week with Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Brian Emerson, chaired by Tourism Minister Melanie Mark, the working group was successful in receiving the distinction for business events in the latest provincial health order.

Here are some key relevant points extracted from the order.

A. "inside event” means (a) a gathering of more than 50 participants in an inside place for one of the following purposes: (i) a form of entertainment involving a performance such as a theatrical production, a concert, a symphony performance, a choral performance, any other type

or musical performance or a dance performance; (ii) business, but limited to a lecture or presentation; (iii) a wedding reception; (iv) a funeral reception not held at a funeral home, (v) a sponsored or ticketed party at which there is musical entertainment, other than for the purpose of

providing background sound;

B. a gathering of more than 50 participants in an inside place for one of the following purposes (i) a business purpose not described in (a), and including a conference, convention, commercial trade fair or workshop or home show; (ii) gambling; (iii) recreational education or classes, including arts, crafts, music, photography, culture, or travel education or classes (c) a gathering of any number of participants in an inside place for the purpose of an adult sports activity, an adult exercise or fitness activity or class, or an adult dance class; (d) a sports event in an inside place; (e) a program for children or youth in an inside place; (f) a worship service in an inside place.

A note on dancing: There is still no dancing allowed unless it is a performance. There have been conversations and advocacy around this issue, however, it is not expected that restriction to be lifted in the near future. Things are still in a tenuous place and while they had hoped that all

restrictions would be lifted by now, the PHO is not ready to remove this one.

While progress for the sector has moved more slowly than we need to begin a measurable recovery, this distinction in the health orders is a big step in the right direction.

is Expanded

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) eligibility has been expanded for people affected by flooding and landslides from November 14th to December 2nd and now includes British Columbians in the northwest, southwest, central, and southeast areas of the province and on Vancouver Island.

This assistance includes all Indigenous communities, electoral areas and municipalities within those geographic boundaries. DFA is available to homeowners, residential tenants, business owners, farm owners, and charitable organizations that were unable to obtain insurance to cover disaster-related losses. DFA is unable to compensate for losses for which insurance was reasonably and readily available.

Individuals, small businesses, farms and charitable organizations can access the DFA application online and applications will be accepted until March 3rd, 2022:

Indigenous communities and local governments that have infrastructure damage because of the recent flooding should submit a local government DFA application as soon as possible and no later than March 3rd, 2022 here.

For a map of eligible Indigenous communities, electoral areas and municipalities, check here.

Facts about Disaster Financial Assistance:

Information, eligibility criteria, categories and applications can be found by calling toll free 1 888 257-4777 or visiting here.

Essential travel restrictions on Highway 7 between Mission and Hope have been lifted, helping restore regular travel activities between the communities.

The removal of restrictions means people can use Highway 7 for daily activities, such as commuting to work, driving children to school and attending appointments.

Although Highway 1 is open for general vehicle traffic, with restrictions removed, traffic volumes on Highway 7 will increase. Drivers are reminded to use caution, obey signs, speed limits and the direction of any traffic-control personnel.

Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton remains under an essential travel order. Due to ongoing cleanup and repairs, drivers can expect delays on this section of Highway 3.

Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said the major route through southern BC that was heavily damaged by the recent flooding will remain open to essential travel only. The province will continue to update the public, as substantial long-term repairs continue.

Essential travel includes commercial vehicles, as well as people who may have been stranded by storms and are trying to return to their primary address.

The eastbound lanes of Highway 1 are open in the Bridal Falls area, fully reopening the highway with two lanes in each direction between Abbotsford and Hope.

The full reopening of the highway occurred this evening after cleanup, repairs and engineering assessments of the highway and its structures. Although it is not subject to the essential travel order, to support the safe and efficient movement of goods and services, people are asked to avoid unnecessary travel on Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley.

PreparedBC has additional resources and step-by-step guides to prepare tourism businesses and their staff for emergencies, with templates and tools to help operators easily plan a fast and effective response.

Destination BC’s Know Before You Go page also includes key information resources for travelers and tourism businesses.

In an interview with the Canadian Press today, Walt Judas, TIABC CEO reported hotel and resort operators in BC remain hopeful the strain is less serious than previous ones.

He also stressed however, that any further clampdowns, as far as border crossings are concerned, would be seriously detrimental to our sector, noting cross-border travel is critical to the industry, in particular, ski resorts over the holidays.

Read the full story here.

As the holiday travel season gets underway, officials at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) want to make sure all travellers know what is required of them both departing and arriving at the airport.

YVR is working diligently with federal partners to move to 100% testing for all arriving international travellers, except those coming directly from the United States.

While government scales up, YVR is asking travellers to make sure they’re prepared as passing through Canada’s border will look different and may take a little longer. Fully vaccinated travellers arriving from an international destination can think of preparing for their journey into Canada through YVR in three simple steps:

The arrivals test is paid for by the Government of Canada.

It is expected the biggest constraint will be the registration for the arrivals test when passengers arrive at YVR. They are working with the testing provider to scale up resources at the airport, but it is recommended the best thing people can do is register for the arrivals test in advance.

YVR expects that fully vaccinated travellers will be allowed to connect onward to their final destination where they can await their negative test result. For example: a traveller can connect onto a domestic flight to the Interior and head to their hotel at Big White.

For more information about COVID-19 testing at YVR - click here.

Now in effect, all fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air from departure points other than the US will be subject to arrival testing. Fully vaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine while they await the results of their arrival test.

Proof of full vaccination is also needed to board Via Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains.

Under current Government of Canada regulations, fully vaccinated travellers 12 and older returning to the country generally need to show proof of a negative molecular test taken within 72 hours of the scheduled flight departure time or scheduled arrival time at a land border to avoid quarantine and follow-up testing. Proof of full vaccination will also need to be uploaded through the ArriveCAN app. Despite these requirements, there might be a random test required on arrival.

However, for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals registered under the Indian Act, trips less than 72 hours will be exempt from molecular test requirements. Officials have said these criteria will be re-evaluated at a future time and could be extended to other groups. Proof of vaccination, a quarantine plan and other declarations will still need to be inputted into the ArriveCAN app before arriving at a border crossing.

These moves respond to emerging questions over Canada’s Omicron response, though federal officials said to expect the situation and federal policies to continue to evolve.

Some good news, tourism employment increased, which is unusual for this time of year. Tourism employment increased in November by 11,200. An increase in tourism employment is highly unusual for this month. The only other time employment increased since 2006 was in 2012, when employment increased by 5,500. Generally, employment falls by roughly 28,000 between October and November.

Employment across the entire economy rose quite significantly—which isn’t necessarily a good thing for the tourism sector as it means much of that employment increase happened in other sectors of the economy. The Canadian economy added 154,000 jobs in November, more than four times what analysts were predicting. The jobless rate fell by 0.7 percentage points, to 6 per cent. It is also common for seasonally unadjusted employment across all industries to decline in November.

The employment increases in both tourism and the broader economy were due to large increases in part-time employment. Full-time employment declined. Although employment levels are now well above pre-pandemic levels, it is important to remember that the labour force has also grown. There are more people looking for work than pre-pandemic.

Employment increased in the food and beverage services, transportation and travel services industries. Employment declined slightly in the recreation and entertainment industry and fell significantly (-8.6%) in the accommodation industry.

For more information on tourism employment trends, check out the Employment Tracker and other tools under the Labour Market Information tab here.

Please be advised that applications for the B.C. Increased Employment Incentive must be received by December 31st.

The BC Increased Employment Incentive is a one-time refundable tax credit for employers which encouraged the creation of new jobs for BC workers or increases in payroll for existing low or middle-income employees in the last quarter ending December 31st.

The tax credit is calculated at 15% of the amount that the employer’s eligible remuneration for the last quarter exceeds the employer’s eligible remuneration for the quarter ending September 30th, 2020.

For more information, including eligibility requirements and access to the application, click here.

On November 26th, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the Omicron variant of COVID-19 a variant of concern. Cases of the Omicron variant have been detected on all continents excluding Antarctica. Given the spread of Omicron, Leger asked Canadians and Americans a series of questions about their perspectives on this new variant.

View the full survey results here.

BC Recovery Benefit: Individuals can apply for this recovery benefit worth up to $1,000. The benefit is based on 2019 income, so higher earners who lost jobs during the pandemic won't qualify. Hotline: 1-833-822-0220

Tourism Relief Fund: Program funding to empower tourism operators to create new or enhance existing tourism experiences to attract more local and domestic visitors and helping the sector reposition itself to welcome international visitors by offering the best Canadian tourism experience we have to offer the world.

Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy: Subsidy of up to 75% of eligible expenses until October 23, 2021. Also includes an additional Lockdown Support of 25% if your business was significantly affected by a public health order. Applications to this program can happen retroactively back 6 months. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525 An extension to May 7, 2022 is currently proposed and still pending decision.

Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program: Aimed at sectors like tourism and hospitality, hotels, arts and entertainment, and will offer 100% government-guaranteed financing and provide low-interest loans up to $1 million for up to ten years. Available until December 31, 2021.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: Covers part of your employee wages retroactively back to December 20, 2020 until October 23, 2021. The maximum subsidy is 75%. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525 An extension to May 7, 2022 is proposed and still pending decision.

Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP): The new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) is designed to encourage businesses to grow as the economy recovers, whether it’s due to hiring and re-hiring staff, increasing shifts, or increasing overall pay. This program has a proposed extension to May 7, 2022.

Note: Your business can only claim the CEWS OR CRHP - here is a comparison between the two programs

Canada Recovery Benefit: The Canada Response Benefit ended October 23, 2021. Claims can be made up to December 22, 2021. The government has proposed a new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit that would provide $300 for eligible workers who are unable to work due to a temporary local lockdown anytime between Oct 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022. Further details on this proposed benefit will be released in the near future. Hotline: 1-833-966-2099

The 2021 Sport Fishing Institute virtual conference session took place this past Thursday, December 2nd. Speakers including newly appointed Fisheries Minister Murray, provided remarks or presented on a variety of subjects addressing the theme, The Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) and BC's Public.

Whether learning about the department's plans to implement the PSSI, an approach to additional or evolving Mark Selective Fishing and Mass Marking opportunities, Pacific Salmon Foundation project updates, or the Province's intentions to continue its efforts to improve collaboration and coordination with DFO to aid salmon recovery; all remarks and presentations show there is much work and follow up required for the SFI as they move into the winter, planning for the 2022 season, and beyond.

For those who were unable to attend the online conference session and are interested to hear what each of the speakers including, Minister Murray,

For more information on the SFI, please visit the website here.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) have agreed to formalize their partnership through a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU). This represents a concrete collaboration between the national Indigenous tourism organization and the national advocacy organization for the tourism industry in Canada.

The primary goal of this MOU is to work collaboratively and coordinate efforts to provide leadership, advocacy and engagement opportunities, supporting the recovery of the Indigenous tourism sector in Canada. ITAC and TIAC will work together to share and develop knowledge, complementary expertise and market intelligence.

TIAC encourages the development of tourism in Canada and serves as the national private-sector advocate for the tourism industry. Responsible for representing tourism interests at the national level, TIAC contributes advocacy work supporting policies, programs and activities that will benefit the tourism sector’s growth and development nationally.

Click here to read the full announcement.

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards are presented by TIABC and BCHA to recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within BC’s tourism & hospitality industry. These Awards recognize the province’s most exceptional products, services, experiences,

and people who exhibit the utmost standard of excellence.

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards will be awarded at the Awards Gala evening during the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the Richmond Conference Centre.

INDIGENOUS OPERATOR

SUSTAINABILITY

EMPLOYEES FIRST

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

HOTELIER OF THE YEAR

INNOVATION

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION & IMPACT

PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

For more information about each award click here.

The deadline to submit a nomination is January 14, 2022.

If you know a business, organization, or individual who is deserving of a nomination, please submit your nomination:

As an industry that continues to face enormous challenges during COVID-19, every once in awhile it's important to share a laugh, a good story, a beautiful image or an interesting anecdote to provide moments of levity during this most difficult time.

Due to the difficulties our industry has faced since early 2020, we have extended various payment options to members if required. Please contact Deborah to learn more about how we can assist you with your membership renewal, or if you are interested in becoming a member

We strongly encourage you to consider membership with TIABC to support our important advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire visitor economy.

There is no better example of what TIABC has done for you than in the last 20-months. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic TIABC has identified your concerns, raised your voice, championed your needs, pushing for support and programs while encouraging policy changes.

We thank you for your investment in our advocacy efforts. Our success depends on you.

Despite the ongoing challenges our industry continues to face as a result of the impacts of COVID, TIABC is heartened to observe the strength, resiliency and innovative means taking place today. This bulletin section highlights our members, new members or shares stories of how businesses and organizations, large and small are doing things in a new way as they guide their enterprises through the pandemic crisis and beyond.

To build on their “12 Days of Gratitude” shared last holiday season, the Tourism Vancouver Island (TVI) team has introduced "12 Days of Optimism" to capture what they are looking forward to next year. A sample is shared below. Their will share their thoughts every day over the course of the month on their corporate social channels. Please follow along!

"I'm looking forward to continuing to provide tourism operators with professional development and networking opportunities, as we continue to build resilience through, and beyond, the pandemic. I am most excited about the return of the Vancouver Island Tourism Industry Conference which will be held in-person in Victoria in 2022. We are planning an inspiring and educational line up of speakers, and a lot of opportunities to gather to share insights with one another." – Karen Bannister, Director of Destination Marketing

“Bamfield is currently undergoing a variety of exciting changes. The town is doing everything it can to become visitor-ready over the next two years, with a local community group developing a new kayak launch, walking trails, and a community pavilion. These projects will allow visitors of all ages and interests to experience the best of Bamfield and I'm honoured to support this work.” – Kyla Egan, Rural Tourism Development Specialist

A note from Anthony Everett, President & CEO, TVI - "Please spread your own gratitude and optimism - 2022 will thank you for it."

Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to offer free access for tourism business stakeholders across the province to online education supporting COVID-19 recovery.

Upcoming webinars include:

Social Media for Small Business, Date: January 12th, 2022

Get Started with Email Marketing, Date: February 2nd 2022

To access the webinars free of charge, register online here using coupon code DBC3034.

Join TIABC and the BC Hotel Association for the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference as we 'Kickstart the Comeback' and gather in-person to learn, tackle issues, forge new relationships, and work toward resiliency in the face of one of the hardest years in our sector's history.

When | March 9-11, 2022

Where | Richmond Conference Centre

This year's conference will bring together hundreds of tourism owner/operators, hoteliers, destination marketing and management professionals, educators, government representatives, industry sectors, and other stakeholders representing all regions of British Columbia.

At the 2022 BCTHC, you can be part of an incredible opportunity to collaborate, share stories of success and resilience, acquire new research and best practices, be inspired for creative new projects and initiatives, and build bold ideas that will help kickstart the comeback of BC’s tourism industry.

Our sessions will explore some of our most important questions on issues that have impacted our whole industry:

We would love you to be part of our program! Do you have something you’d like to share with your industry colleagues? Submit a session proposal through our Call for Presentations! The deadline to submit is December 17, 2021. 

Hotel booking and travel details will be made available before the end of 2021.

Registration is set to open in early January 2022.

Visit here for more details including how to become a sponsor of the BCTHC!

Email us at info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com

Destination Canada is hosting its Annual Public Meeting. While 2021 has continued to present the tourism industry with obstacles and setbacks, the easing of border restrictions and new vaccine mandates have led to positive progress for Canada’s visitor economy.

Hear about the impacts of the past year, and the vision for a more competitive sector to rebuild the tourism industry, both domestically and internationally.

Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am (PT)

Click here to learn more.

Understanding Our Role In Truth and Reconciliation

2021 has opened our eyes to the atrocities that Indigenous peoples in Canada have endured over the last century. Although on the road to Truth and Reconciliation, Canada’s journey has just begun. At such a pivotal time in our nation’s history, we all must understand how to take meaningful steps towards a fair future for all.

In this Master Series event, hear from a panel of Indigenous leaders on how our industry can follow the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action through the delivery of our events. Through open dialogue, this event will help us to take a positive step towards reconciliation by understanding and respecting the interests of Indigenous peoples on whose lands we meet.

Date: December 8, 2021, 2:30 - 5:00 PM (PT)

Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place

Click here for more information and to register.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada's (TIAC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held Wednesday, January 19, 2022 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET virtually – please note details for the virtual call will be sent shortly.

To access the proxy vote or nomination form, click on the following:

These documents and the link to register to the AGM require you to log in to your membership account with TIAC.

If you have forgotten your login information to access benefits or renew your membership, click here and input your email address and check your inbox.

The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains team, managed by Destination BC, is collaborating with The Forum, to create a tourism program tailored specifically for women-led businesses and entrepreneurs.

The two-day virtual program will provide expertise and resources to support women in tourism, delivered by The Forum and other subject matters experts in January 2022.

The Forum is a BC-based national charity whose mission is to provide self-identified women entrepreneurs with the resources and community they need to succeed in business.

The free, application-based virtual program will take place over two days on January 13 and 20, 2022.

Applications will be accepted until December 15, 2021 at 4:00pm PST or until all available spots have been filled. You are advised to apply early as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Learn more in the Applicant Information Package and Apply Here. 

The dream to create a legacy for sustainable and regenerative tourism in Canada is stronger than ever, and we need your voices! Join in on a national conversation on sustainable tourism, as delegates and speakers explore and compare models for tourism recovery. Hear from some of the most creative and innovative experts in the business and address our new reality of higher expectations, for and of visitors.

Date: January 23 - 26, 2022, Victoria, BC

The deadline for IMPACT 2022 Early Bird Registration is NOVEMBER 30th.

RVC+ is going hybrid in 2022! The new format will bring back in-person attendance, while also incorporating a virtual component, creating opportunities for more of industry to engage and make appointments with international buyers, travel trade media and Destination Marketing Companies.

The in-person portion of RVC+ will be a buyer-seated marketplace in Toronto, Ontario. This will be Canada’s RVC and hosted by Destination Canada and TIAC, creating an exciting opportunity to welcome international buyers back to Canada and showcase the beauty of this country, as well as the meaningful travel experiences offered across each province and territory.

Dates: May 24th - 27th, 2022

Learn more about Rendezvous Canada 2022 here.

TIAC launched its Elevating Canadian Experience (ECE) program to provide tourism stakeholders with free learning resources in culinary tourism and tools for the winter/shoulder seasons.

The ECE program provides content ranging from strategy development to practical tools and tips - all designed to help grow and adapt your tourism business as an operator and build tourism capacity in your region as a destination partner.

The latest module "Embracing Canada’s Winter and Shoulder Season" has been developed to assist tourism operators and destination partners in broadening the shoulders of your tourism season and provides valuable insights, worksheets, tips and strategies.

Click here to learn more and to download the Toolkit.