Do you ever find yourself in a gathering where one person not only dominates the conversation but eventually loses everyone’s attention by recounting every minute and irrelevant detail of the story? Unfortunately it happens far too often…which is not good for those of us with waning attention spans that can barely remember last week let alone the name of a friend’s cousin’s uncle who knew the stepson of the woman whose aunt’s best friend worked in the same office as the ex-husband of the prime minister’s executive assistant.

I’m increasingly mindful of being guilty of the same trait so I try to keep my stories succinct and to the point. That said, I’ve been accused of leaving out important details so I work hard to find the right balance to provide necessary information without putting anyone to sleep, especially in these messages.

This week I perused the newly released Union of BC Municipalities’ (UBCM) Resolutions Book which contains no less than 205 resolutions put forward by various civic government representatives to be discussed, debated and voted on at next month’s convention in Vancouver. The document is 179 pages long although the first 22 pages consist of voting and other procedural instructions, as well as a table of contents that itemizes who put what motion forward in a specific category.

Detailing every last resolution might cause you to zone out, so in the interest of brevity and relevancy, allow me to summarize a few of the key tourism-related recommendations for attention and advocacy.

In the housing category, the City of Revelstoke has put forward a resolution to ask the province to provide additional enforcement mechanisms for local governments to be able to issue tickets to non-compliant short-term vacation rental operators.

On the emergency management file, the City of Nelson wants the province to create an annual fund for local governments to more adequately prepare for and respond to local emergencies. The municipality also recommends that government provide sufficient additional funding to double regional rural transit system services.

Similarly, the Sunshine Coast Regional District is urging the province to provide more flexible and innovative models for transportation service delivery (e.g. transit on-demand) for smaller and rural communities where conventional transit may not be an appropriate service delivery model.

Port Hardy has suggested that UBCM lobby government to re-establish a downtown revitalization grant program and provide adequate financial resources to enable transitioning rural resource communities to improve their downtowns for the benefit of residents, businesses and tourism.

The East Kootenay Regional District believes the province should implement a crown land camping fee structure to help pay for amenities (e.g. pit toilets) and provide additional resources for conservation officers given the increased use of the backcountry and the consequential impacts on the environment and wildlife.

The Fraser-Fort George Regional District is calling on the province to recognize highway access points (e.g. boat launches) established under provincial legislation as official public access points to be maintained by government so people can get to various BC lakes.

As you can appreciate, these are but a handful of the resolutions that TIABC and our various sector partners will be paying attention to at next month's convention. It will take the better part of three mornings for delegates (i.e. city councillors, mayors) to approve the various motions covering a broad spectrum of issues. Once we determine where local governments land on specific files, TIABC will either align its advocacy efforts accordingly or conversely lobby against policies we believe to be detrimental to BC’s tourism sector.

For your interest, UBCM’s Resolutions Book contains 57 points for handling rules and voting related to various motions. I’ll spare you the details but can you imagine being in a conversation on resolution procedures with an individual that has them all memorized? Zzzzz!

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

At a news conference yesterday to update British Columbians on the status of the wildfire and drought situation in the province, ministers Ma and Ralston paid particular attention to the tourism industry. The following is a partial transcript of their remarks.

NOTICE: Before travelling anywhere within the province, check for wildfire updates, road closures, evacuation alerts, evacuation orders and other prohibitions. Follow all instructions from First Nations or local authorities, including evacuation alerts or evacuation orders.

Destination BC has developed a variety of resources available to help you prepare for emergencies, get the latest info on wildfires, messaging, and gather up-to-date information.

As a member of BC’s tourism industry, you can play an important role in championing water conservation.

By recognizing and promoting our shared responsibility, we must work together to protect the destinations we love. Destination BC (DBC) has launched a "Water Conservation Tourism Industry Toolkit" that includes official resources, and suggested actions and messaging for BC tourism industry partners to help champion responsible water usage.

On behalf of DBC, we ask that our tourism industry partners implement responsible business practices and inform their guests on the measures being taken to conserve water and why.

Some parts of BC have been experiencing higher than normal temperatures and heat warnings in recent days. Tourism businesses, travellers, and residents are encouraged to be prepared for extreme heat and drought conditions.

Tourism businesses and visitors can stay informed and prepared for emergencies with the FREE Alertable app.

This emergency notification system enables various local governments to send critical alerts to residents, businesses, and visitors during events like fires, floods, and community notices such as water advisories. You can check Alertable in advance for Know Before You Go information including highway closures, weather alerts, public safety/health advisories, restrictions, hazards, and more. The app also delivers geographically relevant updates from sources like the provincial Alert Ready system, Environment Canada, and Drive BC.

Download the Alertable app today to ensure you have the most up-to-date information during emergencies. It’s available for iOS Apple and Android smartphones, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant devices. Sign up for free email, SMS, and phone call notifications – fast, reliable, private, and easy to access. Customize your notifications based on your location(s) and preferences.

Following extensive consultations with British Columbians, the province has received valuable feedback that will help shape British Columbia’s first-ever Coastal Marine Strategy, co-developed with coastal First Nations.

A summary of more than 900 submissions received from individuals, environmental, non-governmental organizations, local and regional governments, industry associations (including a submission from TIABC and several member partners) and businesses across BC is now available in the Coastal Marine Strategy’s What We Heard report.

͞"As connected sector associations focused on the marine tourism environment, we commend the Province of British Columbia and First Nations for the extensive work on the Coastal Marine Strategy intentions paper as a first step towards a provincial coastal marine strategy. The six outcomes and 30 policy intentions that will inform specific objectives, targets and actions are laudable and extremely helpful in our efforts to provide input and recommendations that would benefit our members, stakeholders and B.C. communities at large."

The Coastal Marine Strategy will concentrate on activities, uses and values that the Province of BC is accountable for in the coastal marine environment, while recognizing the need for strong collaboration and co-operation with First Nations and other governments that share responsibility.

Once complete, the Coastal Marine Strategy will be strengthened through alignment and co-ordination with BC's Wild Salmon Strategy and the Watershed Security Strategy, which is in development.

Read the official announcement from government HERE.

The Chinese government announced this week they have left Canada off a list of countries approved as international travel destinations for tour groups. This decision threatens to leave Canada and BC's travel industry at a competitive disadvantage as it continues its post-pandemic recovery.

The announcement also stated an additional 78 countries had been added to a list of destinations approved for group tours and package travel. Travel agents from mainland China work from this list when they promote and book foreign travel for Chinese nationals.

Destination Canada has noted that Chinese travellers represent the largest number of tourists to Canada from Asia-Pacific. Before the pandemic, they were also the biggest spenders in the country.

BC tourism operators are calling on the federal government to improve relations with China as this decision imperils hundreds of millions of dollars worth of revenue. Over 334,000 Chinese visitors came to BC in 2019 — the second highest number of visitors from one country — spending an average of $2,021 per person. Prior to the pandemic, there were over 50 flights a week from various Chinese cities into Vancouver.

Read more HERE.

Responding to the news that the Chinese government left Canada off a list of countries approved for tour groups, TIABC CEO Walt Judas, advised CBC TV that many tourism operators and businesses, including retail, will be significantly impacted by the loss of volume since they spend three to five times more than Canadian tourists.

Read the full story HERE.

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has released Strengthening Our Roots and Branches: Corporate Strategy 2023-2027 – a five-year plan that is proactive to the increased interest in Indigenous tourism from Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs.

The strategy is committed to renewed partnerships, organizational structure and will focus on key areas that will create a healthy, sustainable and prosperous Indigenous cultural tourism sector in BC.

The plan also intends to uplift Indigenous tourism in BC "beyond full recovery" from the pandemic, with dedicated measures to support the growth of Indigenous economies, increase the capacity and competitiveness of Indigenous businesses, execute a focused and insightful marketing strategy, accelerate experience development, establish a strong Indigenous tourism story, and strengthen ITBC leadership.

Be part of the urgent call from Canada’s tourism sector for the extension of the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) repayment deadline! Our combined voices are stronger than just one.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Provincial and Territorial Tourism Industry Association that includes TIABC (PTTIA) need your help.

We are asking ALL tourism business to please use TIAC’s quick and easy webpage to send an impactful letter to your local Member of Parliament.

We need the Government of Canada to help tourism businesses get back on track. Pandemic lockdowns and border closures cut the industry off from revenue. Increasing costs, labour shortages, and rising interest rates are making it a dire situation for many businesses.

We are asking for more time, not more money. Your voice is crucial to amplifying this message!

Please take just a couple of minutes to have your say HERE. 

If you have any questions or would like to share your story about your reality, please consider sending TIAC an email HERE.

In July 2023, the Canadian labour market data from Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey and Qatalyst Research Group revealed continued improvements in BC's Tourism and Hospitality sector.

Employment: The sector experienced a 1.8% employment growth, reaching 362,000 jobs in July 2023 from 355,500 in June 2023. This surpasses pre-COVID levels, with 2,750 more jobs than July 2019.

Regional Variation: Employment increased by 1.8% across all regions except the Kootenay area in July 2023.

Sector Dynamics: Accommodation and Recreation sectors grew in July 2023, whereas Food and Beverage, Transportation and Travel experienced declines.

Labour Force: The sector's labour force expanded by 1.7% in July 2023 to 379,000, indicating a recovery trend. All sectors, except Food and Beverage, contributed to this growth.

This data reflects a positive trajectory for BC's Tourism and Hospitality sector, showcasing steady growth and recovery across various segments. Interested in learning more? Visit go2HR's Employment Tracker HERE.

The Canadian Red Cross (CRC), on behalf of the federal government, is offering free N95 masks to communities, notably those impacted by poor air quality associated with this year’s wildfire season. The target group is individuals living and working in affected communities, and who may not have access to these supplies.

The CRC’s N95 Mask Distribution Program is open until early September.

Organizations and corporations can request to receive N95 masks by filling out the online request form available HERE.

Want to join the Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC) and work with Destination BC (DBC) to develop a successful, dynamic, and sustainable tourism sector for BC?

The call for applications for the 2024-2026 term is now open with a deadline of October 11th. DBC is seeking four representatives for three-year terms beginning January 1, 2024.

No new representatives are required for the Kootenay Rockies, Northern BC, and Vancouver Island regions for 2024. Find out more about the skills/experience and apply HERE.

Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) is looking for new individuals who understand and support the important role tourism plays in their region to join their Board of Directors.

There are 4 positions available;

Please fill out THIS FORM to nominate someone for these positions.

The deadline to submit nominations is August 28th. If you have any questions about the nomination process or whether you qualify as a nominee, please contact Yvonne Fagan at accounting@nbctourism.com or 250-640-7411.

In response to the challenges many communities have been faced with the weather conditions, the Destination Osoyoos team has developed an excellent - Live Look at Osoyoos, Know Before You Go page on their website.

The site includes two live webcams; one from their Visitor Centre and one looking out at Osoyoos Lake from the Watermark Resort. These webcams are a significant addition to their weather forecast and air quality information and provide visitors and residents with with accurate and valuable "real time" information while at the same time, dispelling inaccurate messages that may occur.

Learn more and view HERE.

Victoria is celebrating an exciting cruise milestone! On August 16th, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) welcomed its 10 millionth cruise passenger to The Breakwater District at Ogden Point, with visitors arriving on the Cunard's Queen Elizabeth cruise ship, marking 54 years of cruise ships visiting the province's capital city.

Cruise contributes to the region's visitor economy and job creation, strengthening the growth of Victoria's economic sector. Each year, cruise visitors and crew contribute $56 million to the local economy, purchasing tours and local transportation, retail goods, and food and beverages.

Congratulations GVHA on this exciting milestone. Read more HERE.

Better Table aims to create a world where avoidable food waste no longer exists! They are a Vancouver-based company helping hotels and restaurants prevent food waste to achieve a triple bottom line.

For hospitality leaders who want to cut food costs but often lack the time, knowledge, and budget to make meaningful progress, the Rethink2gether program comes in. Their team of food lovers and food waste experts will help you increase your profitability, retain talents, while reducing your climate impact.

Learn more about Better Table 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.

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 pleased to offer TIABC members an opportunity to extend their membership. Effective now, TIABC members in good standing can enrol in TIAC’s Associate Program FOR ONLY $25.

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.

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) Fast Track Your Future Education Series is back. Register for five exciting and condensed six-week courses that will transform your team. Mark your calendar every Wednesday at 11am PST (12pm MST) for practical knowledge and guidance LIVE from the industry's leading experts and trainers.

Learn more and register HERE.

Victoria 9th Annual Tournament

Date: August 23

Location: Olympic View, Victoria

If you want to become a sponsor, contact Samantha at samantha@sasparilla.ca, Event Manager or Mike Macleod, Golf Committee Chair at mike@bcha.com

The 30th Annual Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Golf Tournament will be hosted at Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops.

Date: Thursday, August 24

The event comes with a full day of food, drink, and fun and is a fundraiser to create bursaries to support tourism students from Thompson Rivers University, University of BC Okanagan, and Okanagan College.

Learn More & Register HERE.

Barkerville Historic Town & Park has announced they are celebrating the 8th Annual Indigenous Peoples’. This year’s event will be taking place over two days.

Dates: August 19 & 20.

Visitors will get a taste of Indigenous culture and history, and the weekend will include an artists’ market as well as games, dances, stories, and complimentary Bannock.

Evidence of early Indigenous settlement in the region dates back over 10,000 years, and several Indigenous nations have history and territory in the area, including Lhtako Dene, Nazko, Lhoosk’uz, Ulkatcho, ʔEsdilagh, Xatśūll, Simpcw, and Lheidli T’enneh.

To learn more about Barkerville’s Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration, and to book campgrounds and accommodations, visit HERE.

The BC farming family who pioneered the beloved Chilliwack Sunflower Festival and Chilliwack Tulip Festival is moving the festivals to a new location in Agassiz, near Harrison Hot Springs.

Tentative Opening Date: August 22nd

Note: The exact opening date is dependent on bloom stage; follow @harrisonsunflowerfest for updates.

The Harrison Sunflower Festival replaces the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival.

Read the official announcement and learn more HERE.

The official First Call for Nominations has been sent out to WGBC full members with available Board of Director positions to be elected/acclaimed by those members present and in good standing at our Annual General Meeting.

Date: September 6 (Virtual)

Wine Growers BC encourages all eligible Full Winery Members in good standing to consider soliciting nominations from their same Winery Category for the position of a Board Director. Request your nomination package HERE.

A reminder that during the AGM, all Full Winery Members will have the opportunity to vote for each director for which there is an election required.

Register for the AGM HERE.

Camping Appreciation Weekend will soon be here and it's a time when many Canadian campgrounds coast-to-coast say thank you to campers for their patronage.

Dates: September 8-10.

The weekend is organized and sponsored by the Canadian Camping and RV Council and supported by the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association to:

It’s not too late to sign your campground up to participate. Email Joss Penny at jpenny@bclca.com or sign up online HERE.

The stɑl̓əw̓ Arts and Cultural Society, with head office located on Kwantlen First Nation land in Fort Langley, is delighted and honoured to host the second annual stɑl̓əw̓ pow-wow.

Date: September 15-17

Location: Langley Events Centre

Learn more including the list of daily activities HERE.

Local and guest chefs will unite to showcase their culinary talents, while the region’s wineries will be pouring wine for guests, creating an elegant yet relaxed outdoor setting for attendees to uncork together and celebrate the season’s bounty.

The star of the show? Pork. Talented chefs will be stationed throughout the location, preparing delectable pork-themed dishes that perfectly complement the exceptional wines of the region.

Date: Saturday, September 16

Time: 1pm - 4pm

Location: Taking place at Cellar Door & More

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

The Northern BC Tourism Association will be holding their annual Summit, and you are encouraged to mark your calendar.

The Road Forward is the theme for the 2023 Summit. The sector has taken continual hits from natural disasters and global pandemics to economic pressures and this year is our opportunity to come back together and plot the road forward together.

Date: October 11-13

Location: Ramada Hotel, 444 George Street, Prince George

Learn more and register HERE.

The highly anticipated second annual SPARK BC Hotel and Liquor Conference is back!

BC’s Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) and the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) are joining forces once again to bring together industry experts in hospitality, liquor retail, and accommodation.

This event offers an unparalleled opportunity for liquor and hospitality businesses across BC to network with like-minded professionals, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights from informative sessions and speakers.

Date: October 16 & 17

Location: Anvil Centre, New Westminster

Learn more HERE.

The BCRFA BC Restaurant Hall of Fame is returning. The BC dining scene is recognized across the country as industry and trend leading.

The highlight of the evening is the 2023 BC Restaurant Hall of Fame awards presentation. This year’s inductees will join the almost 100 individuals whose contributions have been forever commemorated in the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame to date.

Date: October 23

Location: Italian Culture Centre, Vancouver

Tickets to attend the Inductee Evening are now on sale and are available HERE.

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to be hosting the second annual Business Distinction Awards.

Date: October 25

Location: Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, Vancouver

These awards recognize businesses that have gone above and beyond to set themselves apart in the Greater Vancouver region in the areas of growth, employee engagement, community impact, sustainability and more.

Winners will be announced and celebrated at this event in front of colleagues, families and friends.

Learn more and register HERE.

The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association will be holding it's 46th Annual General Meeting & Industry Conference. You are encouraged to mark your calendar.

Date: November 1-2

Location: Copper Point Resort - Invermere

Details to follow in the months ahead!

Don't miss the opportunity to meet close 200 to decision makers from the wine, cider, beer, and spirit sector in BC.

Date: Wednesday, November 15

Location: Penticton Lakeside Resort, Penticton

The conference agenda is being finalized and delegate registration opens in early September.

Exhibitor and tradeshow information available HERE.

Join the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) for an extraordinary event celebrating "Discovering Tourism's Potential".

Celebrating the rich heritage of the past, and the limitless possibilities of the future.

Date: November 15-17

Location: Williams Lake

The agenda is being finalized and more information will be available soon!

Tourism Congress will soon be taking place. This annual event brings together over 500 industry leaders and peers from across the country and includes innovative programming, motivational speakers, expert panelists and a balance of networking and gathering opportunities.

The two-day event concludes with an evening of celebration at TIAC's Canadian Tourism Awards.

Date: November 21-22

Location: Westin, Ottawa

Learn more and register HERE.

Be sure to save the date for Boating BC’s 2023 conference. There will be world class speakers, great discussions and amazing entertainment at the Cascades Casino.

Marina night will be on November 20th. Please mark the dates in your calendar - more information to be shared soon.

Date: November 21-22

Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott, 6055 Highway 17A, Delta

Planning for the 2024 Tourism Industry Conference has already begun, and you are encouraged to "Save the Date" for this must attend conference. The conference will be held at the Victoria Conference Centre, March 6 & 7, 2024.

Stay tuned for updates on workshops, speakers, sponsor opportunities, daily activities, awards, as well as schedule and accommodation.

We look forward to seeing you in Victoria next year!

Join us and explore this vibrant, diverse and naturally beautiful city located on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people.

Date: May 28 - 30, 2024

Location: Coast Capri, 1171 Harvey Ave., Kelowna, BC

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.