Years ago when a friend decided to build a new house, he moved his family of five from a two-level, 2,500 square foot home into a worn and weathered 800 square foot single-wide trailer next to a chicken barn on a rural farm property.

For over two years his brood endured the cramped quarters, teasing by friends, the stench of chicken manure, long commutes to work and school, as well as other inconveniences for the ultimate payoff of a brand-new dwelling in a nice suburb. The irony of it all is that every one of them admitted that living in that stuffy old trailer was one of the best experiences their family has ever had.

To be sure, living in a manufactured home or recreational vehicle (RV) is not for everyone. However, there are thousands of people who reside in trailer parks, as well as RVs for all or part of the year in every part of our province and absolutely love it. In fact, in many areas along the new pipeline route, there are hundreds of RVs and trailers of all shapes and sizes on private land and in campgrounds that have become thriving communities on their own.

I know of a church camp near Hope where pipeline workers from all over Canada have established temporary roots replete with an activities hall, frisbee golf, and other amenities to pass the time between one shift and the next. By all accounts, this makeshift trailer court is friendly, quiet, safe, convenient, and more than adequate as a home away from home.

So at a time when our province is challenged by substantial housing shortages, why don’t more communities allow solutions such as manufactured homes, recreational vehicles or modified shipping containers on a temporary (i.e. for a prescribed period of time) basis for seasonal workers such as those in the tourism and hospitality sector?

We’ve long heard that one of the biggest obstacles to attracting and retaining workers is finding adequate and affordable housing. While some people are willing to commute long distances for work and others don’t mind sharing accommodation even if it requires sleeping four to a room, there are other options like the one above that should be considered.

I discussed the issue of municipalities in many parts of the province failing to consider temporary accommodation of any kind with Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon a couple of months ago. Since then, TIABC completed a quick scan of several regions to determine which communities ban or permit temporary housing and any conditions attached therein. We subsequently submitted a briefing note with background information and recommendations to Minister Kahlon for review and consideration just prior to the UBCM housing summit in Vancouver last week and will be following up shortly to see what, if anything, the province chooses to do.

Obviously allowing modified shipping containers or trailers is not the panacea for solving all affordable housing problems but it could at least help many resort communities in particular reasonably house seasonal workers during the peak season.

To be fair, there are challenges regarding utilities (e.g. sewer, water), safety, noise, parking and other community concerns, but all can be overcome with political will, creativity and of course partnerships with tourism operators and/or the local business community. One only needs to look at the resource sector and their temporary housing camps to learn best practices and ways to resolve issues.

While it wasn’t exactly ideal for long-term living with kids that were growing up quickly, my buddy’s temporary trailer home provided a place for his family to live during a time when they needed it most, even if it meant being called TT by some of his so-called friends.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport announced on Wed. April 12, the Chinese Canadian Museum will be receiving an additional $10M from the Province to support renovations and operating costs as the museum prepares for its public opening on July 1st, also the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Immigration (aka Exclusion) Act.

The museum’s permanent home, the Wing Sang Building, is the oldest building in Vancouver Chinatown and is owned and operated by the Chinese Canadian Museum Society of British Columbia. The building will feature space for permanent and temporary exhibits, programs, events and student learning.

This one-time funding brings the Province’s total investment in the museum to more than $48.5 million.

Minister Popham was joined by MLA George Chow, Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee, CEO of the museum, Grace Wong, Chair, Chinese Canadian Museum Society of BC and MLA Melanie Mark. TIABC Director Joanne Burns Millar was also in attendance for the announcement.

“This investment will ensure a new cultural centre is ready to be enjoyed by all British Columbians and visitors to our province, while contributing to the vibrancy of Vancouver's Chinatown.” stated Walt Judas, TIABC CEO in the official government announcement included below.

Learn more about the Chinese Canadian Museum HERE.

TIABC CEO Walt Judas told CTV news that cruise represents a significant part of the visitor economy, and is welcomed by tourism businesses that rely on visiting cruise passengers.

Read and view the full interview HERE.

The Port of Vancouver is forecasting a record 2023 cruise season with a total of 331 cruise ship visits between April 12th and October 24th — an increase of approximately 8% compared to 2022. A record 1.2 - 1.3 million passengers could travel through the Canada Place cruise terminal — an increase of about 10% over the record set in 2019 of 1.1 million.

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is preparing to welcome 330 ship calls with some 850,000 passengers this year, an increase of over 10%.

Read more HERE.

As you are aware - "Tourism Week" is an annual national and provincial invitation for all tourism partners to come together to champion and promote our destinations, tourism businesses, and employees. TIABC has partnered with Destination BC (DBC) to develop a comprehensive toolkit to provide you with valuable resources and assist you in developing new initiatives and ideas to implement.

We encourage you to follow our social channels to repost your communication throughout the week and help us spread the message that #BCTourismCounts.

The 2023 Tourism Week Industry Toolkit will contain many resources for your use that will include:

Tourism Week is an annual invitation for all tourism partners to come together to champion and promote Canada’s destinations, tourism businesses, and employees – from coast to coast to coast. After more than two devastating years for tourism, border restrictions have finally been removed. The rebuilding of Canada’s visitor economy is now underway, but there’s a long way to go before tourism reclaims being the $105-billion economic powerhouse it was pre-pandemic. This year’s theme is CANADA: Powered by Tourism!

Mark Tourism Week 2023 in your calendar and start preparing.

Air Canada announced yesterday the strategic expansion of its international network with the addition of new, non-stop flights from its hub at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Dubai.

The new route will operate four times weekly beginning October 28th onboard Air Canada’s flagship Dreamliner fleet. The carrier’s new Vancouver-Dubai flights will complement Air Canada’s daily service between Toronto and Dubai, broadening its presence in fast-growing international markets.

In the official Air Canada news release, TIABC CEO Walt Judas stated “With this new route, British Columbia will be connected to a significant market that can only benefit the province’s visitor economy considering the UAE ranks fifth in the world in terms of outbound expenditures on travel and tourism according to the UNWTO. We congratulate Air Canada in the confidence they are showing our province.”

Read the official news release from Air Canada HERE.

On Monday, April 17th, The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), will announce funding to help Vancouver organizations enhance tourism experiences and attract visitors. 

The event will feature remarks from the Minister followed by a question and answer session with media.

Date: April 17

Time: 11:00 am

Location: VIFF Centre (Atrium), 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver

TIABC CEO Walt Judas will be in attendance. Stay tuned to TIABC for details on the announcement.

Are you in the wine industry and looking for financial support? The Wine Sector Support Program (WSSP) provides short-term financial support to licensed Canadian wineries as they adapt to ongoing and emerging challenges that impact financial resilience and competitiveness of the wine industry.

The program will provide non-repayable grants to wine licensees in Canada based on their production of bulk wine fermented in Canada from domestic and/or imported primary agricultural products.

The total program budget is up to $166.2 million ($83.2 million in 2022-2023 and $83 million in 2023-2024).

Applications will be accepted from April 17th to May 26th. The program will end on March 31, 2024.

Learn more about the program and apply HERE.

Join TIABC and the GreenStep team to learn more about taking the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge and about the importance of measuring the sustainability performance of your business or destination.

This webinar is for a business owner, manager, destination management team member, or any staff who can influence operational improvement within the organization.

Let's change the world.

On Monday, April 17th at 5 pm PST, go2HR will be participating in a panel discussion to promote hospitality and tourism jobs in BC to post-secondary students and youth (18-35 years old) in Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, and other IEC partner countries. This webinar targets those who want to work and travel in Canada and may be eligible for an IEC Working Holiday Visa as well as non-IEC partner countries who may want to work in Canada and need an LMIA, such as the Philippines, Fiji, etc.

go2HR is encouraging you to POST YOUR JOBS on the go2HR job board no later than April 16th. This is an exciting opportunity for BC tourism and hospitality to reach this international audience of job seekers for your summer hiring! They will promote the Job Board throughout the session and direct job candidates to apply for your jobs directly.

Tourism HR Canada has just launched Make Safe, a training program aimed at mitigating sexual harassment in the tourism and hospitality industry. How? By being aware of what constitutes sexual violence, learning how to safely take action, and having a zero- tolerance approach.

Just as in other industries, sexual harassment and other forms of sexual violence occur in tourism and hospitality workplaces. The nature of jobs in places like bars, restaurants, hotels, and events can make people more vulnerable to unwanted sexualized behaviours from customers, colleagues, and even superiors.

Make Safe is about eliminating these behaviours and creating SAFE workplaces.

This resource is available free for a limited time.

Learn more HERE.

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) has announced the hiring of their first Destination and Experience Managers to increase direct support for their visitor economy partners.

Patricia Gerhardi is returning to the CCCTA team and brings over 25 years experience working in rural BC, supporting local organizations with grant writing, media monitoring and other business support services. With a decade of working in the tourism industry, most recently as a Tourism Resiliency Advisor and a business owner herself, Patti brings a strong skillset to the team.

Soren Christensen is CCCTA’s newest Destination and Experience Manager and will be part of the team working directly with operators in rural and Indigenous communities. He brings his experience as a project manager with a restoration company and is used to building productive partnerships.

TIABC extends congratulations to both Patricia and Soren!

Tourism Tofino recently announced a new position to the management team - Destination Stewardship Manager. This new position will be responsible for driving all destination management and destination development efforts led by Tourism Tofino and build relationships and initiatives to ensure tourism in Tofino is a force for good in the spheres of social justice, reconciliation, the economy, and the environment.

Congratulations are in order to Jody Kirk, previously Tourism Tofino's Visitor & Member Services Manager. In her new role, Jody will focus on enhancing the visitor experience while maximizing the positive impacts of tourism within the community, including First Nations.

TIAC has announced that award submissions for the 2023 Canadian Tourism Awards are now open!

Nominate a person, place or organization that is truly one of Canada’s best, offering travellers superior experiences, authentically showcasing the very best of Canada. These coveted awards are highly competitive and have showcased the best-of-the-best in the Canadian tourism industry.

Any Canadian tourism-related product, business, association, initiative, or service that occurred from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 is eligible.

Learn more about the various award categories and submit your nominations HERE.

BC's very own Rebecca Marino and her Team Canada teammates, Leylah Fernandez, Bianca Andreescu and Gabriela Dabrowski will take on Team Belgium in Vancouver in the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, the World Cup of Women's Tennis.

Sport Hosting Vancouver is a proud supporter of the Billie Jean King Cup and together with host partners, Tennis Canada, are offering TIABC members 20% of single day ticket to cheer on Team Canada.

Date: April 14-15, at the Pacific Coliseum

On the ticket site, TicketLeader, at the top of the page click the link PROMO CODE and enter – 23BJKCUPCityVan – you will then be redirected to the BJKC Ticket Page to select your seats that will reflect the 20% discount.

Visit HERE for more information on the Billie Jean King Cup. For all ticketing inquiries, please contact tickets@tenniscanada.com

Destination BC announced earlier this week 16 Canadian destinations are participating in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), as part of the Canadian Business Events Sustainability Plan - including Kelowna, Vancouver and Victoria.

Launched in the spring of 2022, the Canadian Business Event Sustainability Plan is a first-of-its-kind national program that positions Canadian destinations as changemakers accelerating progress toward the industry's 2050 net-zero targets.

These partners have completed four workshops on sustainability training and are embarking on a GDS-Index journey that will take place over the next two months. Full results will be available in October/November.

Next up: destinations will take part in a storytelling masterclass that centres sustainability initiatives. These will be shared with clients to ensure they are aware of Canadian sustainability options for future events.

Learn more about the Global Destination Sustainability Movement HERE.

Victoria is a contender in Condé Nast Traveller's 2023 Reader's Choice Awards - and the city would love your vote!

The Garden City is nominated in the "City" category. If you loved exploring our corner of Canada:

1. Head to the link below.

2. Click "City".

3. Type "Victoria, British Columbia, Canada"

4. Fill out the short quiz (2 mins)

Rogers Sports & Media is a diverse sports and content company. Their multimedia offerings include 54 radio stations, 29 local TV stations, 23 conventional and specialty television stations, podcasts, digital and e-commerce websites, and sporting events. They deliver unique storytelling through a range of powerful brands which include: City TV, TSC, CityNews, KiSS, Breakfast Television, Cityline, Sportsnet – Canada’s #1 media brand, the Blue Jays – Canada’s only Major League Baseball team, and more. Rogers Sports & Media is a subsidiary of Rogers Communications Inc.

Learn more about Rogers Sports & Media HERE.

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

TIABC continues to identify your concerns, raise your voice, champion your needs, and push for support and programs while encouraging policy changes at both the provincial and federal level.

Your support and engagement is vital to ensuring businesses, DMO's and sectors are united and speaking with one voice on issues that impact BC's tourism industry.

Contact info@tiabc.ca for more information, visit our website HERE or the link below.

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) are happy to announce an exceptional offer to TIABC members! Effective now, TIABC members in good standing can enrol in TIAC’s Associate Program FOR ONLY $25.

TIAC is the national voice for the travel and tourism sector and acts on behalf of Canadian tourism businesses promoting and supporting policies, programs, and activities that will benefit the sector’s growth, development, and prosperity.

By visiting this link, you can become a TIAC Associate Member, enjoy access to a range of TIAC benefits and add your voice to National efforts.

Note: If you are already a TIAC associate member, you will receive a renewal notice before your anniversary date. If you are currently a full TIAC member, you already get enhanced advantages. You will continue to enjoy added benefits and savings over and above what is available to associate members, including the TIAC Member Advantage program at Rendez-vous Canada.

Contact info@tiabc.ca for more information or visit our website HERE.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is pleased to offer sustainability training, workshops and support completely FREE to industry. Made possible with the generous support of the Government of Canada through the Tourism Relief Fund, TIAC has secured the services of experts in the field to deliver a valuable program.

The program will be offered in cohorts, supporting participants to go deeper in sustainability and receive guidance on how to align with the UN SDGs and find practical actions to make tourism a force for good. This is a great learning and networking opportunity, with offerings including:

Space is limited, so sign up today!

You’re invited to the next Ask an Expert webinar, exclusively for Members and Associate Members of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC)!

Join in to uncover the potential of data in today’s ever-changing media landscape! A conversation with two data experts from The Globe and Mail will help you navigate current industry challenges and opportunities for use of data in travel marketing.

Date: April 19

Time: 11:00 - 12:00 pm (PT)

Register Today by clicking HERE!

Community leaders, researchers, policymakers and employers across public and private sectors will converge. Discussions will focus on transcending cultural norms and challenging predominant narratives to advance accessibility and inclusion within workplaces and institutions.

Date: Tuesday, May 9th

Time: 9:00 AM (PST)

Location: Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, 580 W. Hastings, Vancouver

Outcomes will help employers and decision makers better understand opportunities for engaging talents from different equity-deserving groups, as well as contribute toward a national framework for employment equity in Canada.

Participation from public and private sector employers, including senior business leaders, human resource managers, DEI leaders and policymakers are encouraged to attend.

For further information about registration, sponsorship or partnership opportunities, please contact connect@theinclusionproject.com. Visit the event website HERE.

The Pathway to Net Zero Carbon training MasterClass will provide participants with the key steps to measuring the carbon footprint of their organization based on the internationally accepted Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, and how to uncover the opportunities to both reduce emissions and save money. It is broken into the following three steps:

Step 1: The Carbon Challenge - review GHG accounting and reporting standards, and methods.

Step 2: How to Measure Your Carbon Footprint.

Step 3: We will help the participants on “How to Set Carbon Reduction Goals & Prioritize Actions based on a Net Zero Goal”.

This program includes three workshops:

Okanagan 2nd Annual Tournament

May 18 - Harvest Golf Club

Vancouver 13th Annual Tournament

July 17 - Westwood Plateau

Victoria 9th Annual Tournament

August 23 - Olympic View

If you want to become a sponsor for any (or all) tournaments, contact Samantha at samantha@sasparilla.ca our Event Manager or Mike Macleod, Golf Committee Chair at mike@bcha.com

The BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) is pleased to announce to members, non-member and partners that after a two-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, the BC Economic Summit is coming back as an in-person event. The theme of the 2023 Summit is Creating the WOW Factor. This annual event is held to facilitate dialogue, exchange ideas and insights, and identify ways to enhance the economic prosperity of British Columbia.

Date: April 16-18

Location: Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, Penticton

Learn more and register HERE.

This is an opportunity for tourism industry partners, local businesses and organizations to learn about the management of the recreational areas and assets & challenges and opportunities in building a sustainable, community-minded tourism industry.

Date: Thursday, April 20

Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Location: Seaside Centre, Sechelt

Join in for a series of presentations and discussions about backcountry recreation areas in the southern Sunshine Coast, including trails, hiking, biking, and more.

Learn more and register HERE.

Housing a local workforce is among the most pressing matters facing mountain resorts today.

Industry experts from throughout North America will speak to mountain resort housing models utilized in Whistler before expanding the lens to explore mountain resort housing models throughout North America. The discussions will be followed by an opportunity for the audience to engage in a Q&A session.

Date: Thursday, April 27

Time: 2:00-4:30pm (PT)

Location: Whistler Conference Centre

Tickets: $25 per person

Learn more and register HERE.

The CWSAA Spring and Trade Show returns this year in Whistler. Don't miss the biggest annual ski conference of the year and registrants have the option to enjoy the Sea to Sky Gondola tour or go on a ride and enjoy the experience on your own! go2HR and CMHA BC will also be doing a presentation together about psychologically safer workplaces for employers, supervisors and OHS professionals. Register today. Note - open to CWSAA members only.

Dates: April 25-27, Whistler

Learn more and register HERE.

Join the DGV Board of Directors and CEO Paul Nursey update to members about Destination Greater Victoria’s work and achievements, and plans looking forward. We will also be celebrating the Life Member Award and Miracle Award recipients. Following the business portion of the AGM, mix and mingle at the DGV members’ reception featuring complimentary appetizers, refreshments and a cash bar.

When: Friday, April 28

Time: 1:30 - 4:00 pm

      AGM from 1:30-3:00 pm

      Reception from 3:00-4:00pm

Where: Inn at Laurel Point, Spirit Rooms, 680 Montreal Street, Victoria.

Learn more and register HERE.

The 2023 BCHA Summit will feature an array of insightful and thought-provoking sessions designed to support industry growth and excellence. Learn from the industry’s most influential thought-leaders and change-makers over the course of the two-day conference.

There is a variety of ticket options to suit each individual’s needs, including member/non-member pricing, full registration, student pricing, and Awards Gala-only ticket options.

Dates: May 1-2

Location: Delta by Marriott Hotels, Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna

Learn more and register HERE.

A world-class conference that connects international buyers with Canadian sellers of tourism products, this year’s Quebec City event will bring together approximately 1,700 tourism business leaders for more than 30,000 one-on-one appointments, experienced-based luncheons, exclusive breakfasts, and engaging networking opportunities. Get your brand in front of an audience with influence at RVC2023!

Dates: May 30-June 2

Location: Quebec City

Learn more and register HERE.

This year’s AGM and Conference theme is Focusing Forward… Together.

Over the course of two days, public sector, private sector and Indigenous leaders will inspire us, challenge us to think outside-the-box and take steps to work together and chart a path to a future where businesses prosper, British Columbians thrive and communities flourish.

Date: May 31-June 2

Location: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, Whistler

Registration is now open! View the program and register HERE.

We are pleased to announce the dates for the next annual BCAC Conference. It will take place in Prince George, ("Base camp to the North" and home to YXS) at the "Courtyard by Marriott" hotel.

More information including conference theme, agenda, list of speakers, as well as hotel and travel partner recommendations to follow soon.

Questions or Sponsorships? Ask Dave!

The Art of Leadership Women focuses on the topics and trends most critical to leaders. This unique one-day conference features a riveting collection of world leaders, business icons, academics, and bestselling authors who inspire action.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn improved ways of leveraging their value, elevating their skills, and developing the strategies required to take their leadership and their organizations to the next level. This conference is not just for women, but for anyone who wants to champion change on behalf of women.

Date: June 6

Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

The 21st Annual Coast Hotels Shuhachi Naito Golf Classic will take place and will begin with a 12:00 Noon shotgun start in a Texas Scramble format. Last year, the tournament raised $80,000.00 for designated charities.

Date: July 13

Location: Tsawwassen Springs Golf Club, Delta

The two beneficiaries this year are once again the ALS Society of BC and the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. Due to the success of this event, more than 50% of this year's playing spots have already been pre-sold.

Learn more and register HERE.

Drop us a line at info@tiabc.ca.

TIABC recognizes that our members, stakeholders and staff occupy the ceded, unceded and traditional territories of Indigenous Nations across British Columbia. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to live, work and play on the lands that our Indigenous friends and First Nations ancestors honour and care for.