I’m always amazed at what lengths tourists are willing to take for a vacation. Whether it’s waiting in a lineup for hours and hours, sleeping overnight in a Walmart parking lot, driving in the middle of the night, or taking long detours over logging roads, it seems travellers will stop at nothing to ensure they get to their holiday destination.

For those of us that live and work on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, we’re encouraged that thousands of visitors are willing to find their way around the multiple closures of Highway 4 to get to Tofino and Ucluelet come hell or high water…or in the case of my hometown of Tofino…drought.

During the pandemic, our community and region faired very well compared to the rest of the province and country. Many businesses enjoyed record revenues and visitation despite travel restrictions and other measures that hurt operators and communities throughout BC.

Yet, I would hate to think that it’s our turn to suffer a bit since no one deserves to go through such hurdles but that’s what it feels like. It started with the fire at Cameron Lake on June 6th that closed Highway 4 to Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet and the surrounding First Nations reserves for two and a half weeks. The only access to the area was from Duncan through the Cowichan Valley, onto a logging road that tested even the best of drivers for the better part of two hours, then over a very dusty and washboard surfaced road (which is marginal at best on a good day) to Bamfield. Upon arriving in Port Alberni, virtually every car was in dire need of a thorough washing. My guess is that the Port Posh Car Wash generated more revenue in those two and a half weeks than they normally do in 12 months.

The economic impact of the highway closure was calculated for both Tofino and Ucluelet and reported to be over $44 million in lost tourism revenue for both communities in the month of June alone.

For the remainder of the summer, Highway 4 is closed from 9:00 to 11:30 am and from 1:30 to 5:00 pm weekdays, and open to single lane alternating traffic overnight and on weekends. We’ve also had a series of unscheduled lengthy closures due to rain and wind.

More recently, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure threw us a curve ball by closing the road for two full days to get rid of fridge-size boulders hanging precariously on top of Cameron Bluffs for serious rock scaling work. To be fair, we understand the need for this project in the context of motorist safety but many businesses found themselves scrambling to fill the jobs of employees that couldn’t get to work, sourcing alternate supplies and/or delivery dates for goods needed, and looking after guests who were stuck with no place to go or stay.

Fortunately, and much to our surprise, the mass cancellations didn’t occur as anticipated and visitors persevered, somehow finding their way in and out of Ucluelet and Tofino.

Now that the peak summer season is behind us and the highway is open, (visit here for updates) the tourism sector on the West Coast of Vancouver Island will conduct a post-mortem on the situation to provide recommendations to government via the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, TIABC and its partners on how to mitigate similar issues in future.

I think many would agree that moving 30,000 people a day through our communities cannot continue without a permanent secondary access road, even if only for emergencies like the ones that occurred this summer. We cannot afford to be stranded in the event of another natural disaster without an alternate route that doesn’t require a 4x4. I truly hope that the province will consider the recommendations of the local and collective tourism sector to avoid a repeat of the setbacks this year.

I’m also keeping my fingers crossed that this summer was a one-off for us. In the meantime, I tip my hat to the resilient and determined visitors who managed to find their way here to enjoy everything that Tofino and the surrounding area has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you back under better circumstances.

On a related note...I salute all the tourism operators in the Thompson Okanagan region who stepped up to help evacuees and displaced visitors with accommodation, transportation, food and other necessities during the intense wildfires over the past week. Again, our industry played and continues to play a pivotal role in helping people during their biggest time of need. At the same my heart goes out to our tourism colleagues that lost their businesses.

Finally, I commend the province for rescinding the travel restrictions in much of the region after the most immediate danger to residents and visitors had passed. TIABC and many of our partners are working with government and stakeholders to support tourism businesses as they recover from this crisis.

J.J. Belanger

Chair, TIABC

Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, released a statement yesterday about travel restrictions for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation in West Kelowna.

She stated that because of the support of people and accommodation providers, government was able to support local governments and First Nations by securing enough hotel rooms to meet the high demand of evacuees who needed a place to stay.

TIABC has engaged with many organizations and businesses from the regions impacted by the wildfires and recognizes their eagerness in welcoming visitors into their communities and businesses once again.

Read the official announcement HERE.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) team is closely monitoring the challenging conditions brought on by wildfires in BC and the Northwest Territories and British Columbia. Their organization extends its heartfelt support to all communities and businesses affected by these devastating events and understand the difficulties and consequences of the wildfires, and the ensuing financial hardship that may be faced.

TIAC is actively engaged in ongoing conversations and communications with federal officials and industry partners to determine the best ways to provide assistance. This includes direct conversations with Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED). They are also in contact with provincial colleagues that include TIABC to better gauge the crisis and the economic concerns that tourism businesses in the regions are facing. In this time of crisis, it’s important to have a clear view on the supports available to you, your staff, and your business.

Read the full response from TIAC HERE.

The BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is working with the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and is requesting that camping and RV site operators in the Thompson Okanagan region complete the newly launched 'Emergency Campground Campsite Availability Tracker,' as shared in the BCLCA's email to members on August 23rd.

If you are a campground or RV park operator in the Thompson Okanagan region and did not receive the BCLCA's email, please contact Joss Penny at jpenny@bclca.com.

TIABC CEO Walt Judas told CTV News earlier this week the travel restrictions meant many tourism operators in the region would be “taking a hit." However, it's too early to quantify the damages and the focus should remain on protecting guests, residents, the community and businesses.

Read the full interview HERE.

TIABC CEO Walt Judas spoke with CFAX Radio's Al Ferraby yesterday and explained how the wildfires are impacting BC's tourism businesses during what is traditionally the busiest time of the visitor season.

Listen to the interview HERE.

TIABC CEO Walt Judas spoke with Robin Gill of The Vassy Kapelos Show earlier this week about the impacts of the wildfires and what a recovery process might look like for operators and businesses in the various sectors.

Listen to the full interview HERE.

A reminder that before travelling anywhere within the province, check for travel restrictions, wildfire updates, road closures, evacuation alerts, evacuation orders and other prohibitions. Follow all instructions from First Nations or local authorities.

Destination BC (DBC) has developed a comprehensive resource and links to official sources for the latest emergency news and updates to ensure your travel plans are safe:

With challenging news breaking frequently these past several days, sometimes we have to be reminded that there’s a lot of good in this world.

TIABC, along with our industry partners want to hear your positive, heartwarming stories about our industry's good Samaritans, random acts of kindness, and thoughtful and inspiring people that have come forward during these difficult times.

Conversely, it's also important that we hear of the impacts of the wildfires and travel orders on your business so that TIABC can advocate on your behalf for support or other measures needed to ensure your business survives and rebounds.

Please send to deborah@tiabc.ca or media.relations@destinationbc.ca and include your name of business or community, what they are doing, contact info, and note if there are photos or links.

TIABC has released episode #9 in our Voice of Tourism podcast series. Host Walt Judas speaks with John Wilson, president and CEO of the Wilson’s Group of Companies, about the work they’re doing in BC’s transportation sector, his journey into leading a diverse portfolio of businesses, and the issues currently facing tourism operators including labour shortages and debt repayment.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism podcast feature interviews with some of the most respected professionals in the tourism industry and has been developed to provide TIABC members and stakeholders with insightful content and a unique perspective on industry developments, policy directives, the work that sector associations are doing, and the opportunities that exist for businesses, communities, and government within the visitor economy.

Now Available on Spotify, on the TIABC website, or the link below.

The BC Restaurants and Food Services Association (BCRFA), in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna (CMHA), is taking immediate action to aid evacuated families affected by the devastation. By purchasing gift cards from local restaurants or dining at these establishments, people can contribute to two noble causes - revitalizing the restaurant industry and assisting those displaced by the wildfire.

There are three ways locals and visitors can support this initiative:

By dining at local restaurants, patrons not only enjoying a delicious meal but also making a meaningful impact.

Learn more, including participating establishments HERE.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Provincial and Territorial Tourism Industry Association that includes TIABC (PTTIA) are reminding you we 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.

This report explores the impacts of outdoor recreation for rural communities in BC, namely Fernie, Revelstoke, Burns Lake, Squamish and Tofino.

This study also served to illustrate the inter-connectedness of the outdoor recreation sector with communities and other sectors.

Key insights were developed through athematic analysis of 25 semi-structured interviews with practitioners such as land managers, economic development officers and leaders of outdoor recreation groups, among other roles. The interviews explored economic, community, environmental and equity topics.

To further enhance the research project, a follow up webinar was delivered that presented the results which include three key elements of outdoor recreation, impacts on land and community, challenges, barriers, key findings, recommendations and other discussions.

View the webinar HERE.

A recent article published in BIV, reported on the current status of BC's tourism workforce and noted "as tourism demand rises post-pandemic, a shortfall of workers in all categories of the industry is restraining BC tourism from realizing its full business potential".

Philip Mondor, president and CEO of Tourism HR Canada reinforced that message by confirming almost half of BC's tourism workforce left the industry during the pandemic, found jobs elsewhere and do not plan to return.

Tourism HR Canada recently took action to attract talent and recently launched DiscoverTourism.ca, a website to help people explore possible career pathways in tourism, and DiscoverIndigenousTourism.ca launched by Destination Indigenous late last month aims to connect job seekers with opportunities at Indigenous-led tourism businesses.

Read the full article in BIV HERE.

REO was a labour of love that first started in 1983 when Bryan Fogelman had a few rafts and a passion to share the stunning Nahatlatch River. Since then, it slowly but surely grew and developed into the picturesque resort that it was.

The owners, Bryan and Karen, relied on REO for their entire livelihood and raised their three children while running this small business. Their daughter Sierra and son-in-law Matt also chose to make REO their full-time career with hopes to take over one day.

Bryan and a few other employees were able to briefly travel back to REO to fight the numerous fires that were smouldering around the property and collect any gear that wasn’t lost. Unfortunately, the fire is still burning the surrounding areas very close by, causing limited access to the resort. All we can do is watch the fire’s progression and hope that we can save what’s left.

If you’d like to support, please visit the gofundme link below.

View the story featured on Global news HERE.

Since 1991 Mountain Skills Academy (MSAA) have been specialists in the mountain disciplines of Backcountry Skiing, Rock climbing, Ice Climbing, Mountaineering, Hiking, Mountain Safety and Mountain Adventures. They serve as one of Canada’s leading mountain schools, adventure providers and professional guide services in the Sea to Sky Corridor and beyond.Their services are divided into the following three categories:

Learn more about MSAA 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.

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.

Opening Date: August 23

Note: The Harrison Sunflower Festival replaces the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival.

Read the official announcement and learn more HERE.

Learn more about activities and festival rates 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 6th (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.

The Taste of Abby returns this fall, inviting everyone to explore Abbotsford’s agriculture and culinary scene.

This fall food festival launches with a night market followed by a week of unique farm experiences, seasonal bites, spirit, cider, and beer releases, a guided Circle Farm Tour, a foraging workshop, the art and wine walk in Historic Downtown Abbotsford, grape stomping, discussions on healthy food systems, and the annual Food and Farm Excellence Awards.

Date: September 15-24

View the full schedule of events and learn more 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

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.