August 30, 2024

View as Webpage

We hope you take the time to enjoy the Labour Day long weekend that is now upon us and enjoy these last few weeks of summer, experiencing many of the events and activities taking place in your community and around the province. Please note, our office will be closed on Monday, reopening on September 3rd.

CEO MESSAGE

You may not recognize the name Tim Williams but you’ve likely seen him in TV commercials countless times in recent years. Primarily known as a soap opera actor in Germany, the confident, casual, smooth-talking American was once the leading pitchman for trivago, a search engine that offers consumers the ability to find and compare prices for hotel rooms across all online travel agency platforms.

Although Williams was pilloried by social media bullies for his open neck shirts, scruffy look, and even for not wearing a belt, he helped vault trivago from its modest start as a small, private Dusseldorf-based business into a huge, publicly traded company with Expedia as its managing shareholder.

Aside from trivago, the Expedia Group (EG) owns a number of other brands like Travelocity and Vrbo, that combined, annually generate several billion dollars in visitor spending on hotels and airfares in this country alone. Canada is EG’s second most booked destination globally with as many as 20% of American visitors using one of its sites to book a trip north of the border.

Rest assured, my intention with this message is not to plug the services of Expedia, but rather to expose the unintended consequences of a well-intentioned federal tax on technology services that could have repercussions for Canada’s visitor economy.

Without getting too granular, as part of Bill C-59 (passed in May), the feds imposed a retroactive 3% tax on Canadian-source digital service revenues that for Expedia, which is purported to be a high-volume, low-margin business, it means they’ll have little choice but to pass the added costs on to consumers. Hypothetically, in a scenario whereby OTA prices go up and correspondingly international visitor volume drops by 5%, Expedia estimates a loss in tourism expenditures and tax revenues of close to $1 billion.

I’m not naïve to the fact that many decision-makers in government and leaders in our industry maintain that technology companies like offshore online travel agencies should pay their share of taxes for business generated in Canada. In reality, it's imperative to ensure a competitive and balanced playing field, regardless of economic sector.

And while tourism operators would prefer that travellers book directly via their own corporate sites to bypass costly commissions paid to OTAs, and/or to avoid other issues that arise, one also can’t ignore that large OTAs provide tremendous reach into international markets, remain popular with travellers, and often guarantee prices lower than those advertised on corporate websites.

In a meeting with my colleagues across the country recently, we debated whether we should advocate for a ‘safe-harbour provision’ that would exempt Expedia and other digital companies from the tax if their profitability is less than 10%. No decisions have been made by TIABC or any of my provincial and territorial tourism industry association counterparts (PTTIA) vis-à-vis lobbying for regulatory changes to the digital services tax pending further research into the issue, and not before soliciting our respective members’ input. Nonetheless, it’s on our collective radar given the potential ramifications for Canada’s visitor economy.

The new trivago TV commercials seem to be on at all hours, only this time it isn’t Tim Williams but rather British actor James Sheldon, who with the help of AI, delivers the ‘sell’ in different languages for multiple markets. I have nothing against Sheldon but the AI generated voiceover is so bad I suspect many internet trolls wish trivago would go back to the original, ex-soap opera actor, scruffy bearded, smooth talking, dishevelled pitchman from Texas.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

A Message from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC)

TIAC want to inform you about recent changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) that may impact your operations and encourage you to review these changes and assess how they might affect your workforce planning. 

Earlier this week, the Government of Canada announced important changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program effective September 26, 2024.

Per ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada), the objective of these changes is to encourage employers to hire more Canadian workers, including from underrepresented groups and youth, newcomers and permanent residents. Also, it aims to encourage employers to support their existing employees by investing in training and up-skilling to ensure they are well-equipped to meet labour market demands.

Key Changes Effective September 26, 2024:

A. Restrictions on Low-Wage TFWs in large, urban areas and cities:

• The government will stop processing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for

low-wage jobs in cities with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher.

B. Limit on TFWs in the Workforce:

• Employers can hire no more than 10% of their total workforce through the TFW program,

down from 20% as of March 2024.

C. Exceptions:

• Jobs in agriculture, food processing, fish processing, construction, and healthcare are exempt

from these changes, both for seasonal and non-seasonal roles.

• Low-Wage TFW program will still be available to businesses in small cities and rural

communities

D. Reduced Employment Period:

• The maximum time TFWs can work in Canada will be reduced to one year, down from the

current two years.

The changes are expected to reduce the number of low-wage TFWs by about 65,000, bringing it back to pre-pandemic levels.

Over the next 90 days, the government will review the TFW Program while continuing to monitor the labour market and make additional adjustments to the TFW Program as needed to ensure it meets genuine labour market needs. This could lead to changes in the High-Wage Stream, existing LMIA applications, sectoral exceptions, further restrictions on LMIAs, including those in rural areas.

Please Join Us! | 2025 BC Tourism Industry Conference

Planning for the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Conference has already begun, and you're encouraged to “Save the Date” for this must-attend conference. BC TIC will be held at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre from March 5-7, 2025.

Stay tuned for updates on registration, conference schedule, travel & accommodation, sponsor opportunities, and programming. More information will be shared on our conference website at bctourismconference.ca shortly.

We look forward to seeing you in Vancouver next year!

New Episode Just Released | Episode #38 - Anthony Everett

Meet Anthony Everett, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer, 4VI Social Enterprise Group as he discusses his career path, his work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners and operators are facing in the province today with TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas .

TIABC's Voice of Tourism podcast feature interviews with some of the most respected professionals in the tourism industry. You can listen to the Voice of Tourism podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Check us out on Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Deezer, Podcast Addict and Podchaser. Or listen through the link below.

OBWB Request Inter-provincial Cooperation To Prevent Invasive Mussels

Earlier this week, the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) sent a letter to Honourable Nathan Cullen and Honourable Grant Hunter (Chair, Alberta Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force) regarding inter-provincial cooperation at a political level to help prevent invasive mussels from entering western provinces.

The OBWB asked that the work started at the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Summit held earlier this year continues at the political level to strengthen the prevention of invasive mussels into Western Canada. This includes:

• Call for federal action
• Create “Western Canada Invasive Mussel-Free Zone”
• Align penalties and fines across provinces
• Seek public support

In conclusion, the OBWT is requesting increased collaboration and continued leadership from both governments on this vital issue.

Read the full letter HERE.

ABLE BC 2024 Liquor and Cannabis Wage Report

ABLE BC surveyed their members throughout July to better understand the impact of the June 1st minimum wage increase, current standards for starting wages, and what our members include in employee benefits packages.

Highlights noted rising labour costs are putting significant strain on cannabis and liquor businesses and negatively impacting profitability. Owners and managers struggle to afford competitive wages and benefits, despite wanting to offer their employees more.

The detailed report of this year's wage survey findings is now available. Members can access this report for free in the member portal. If you are not an ABLE BC member, you can purchase the report for $25.00 in their online store HERE.

Indigenous Tourism Award Nominations

Canadian Tourism Awards 2024

The Indigenous Tourism Award will recognize an Indigenous tourism business committed to developing, promoting, and delivering an authentic, innovative, and enriched Indigenous tourism visitor experience. The recipient will have demonstrated a commitment to authentic Indigenous cultural tourism as a key aspect of encouraging and promoting tourism growth in their region.

Sponsored by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), the awards ceremony is set for December 5th at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver.

Nomination deadline is September 6th. Learn more and how to nominate HERE. 

NBCTA Board of Directors Call for Nominations 

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

There are 4 positions available;

• Northwest Region - 2-year term
• Three (3) directors at-large - 2-year term 

Please fill out the nomination form HERE to nominate someone for these positions.

The deadline to submit nominations is September 11th. 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. 

Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association

Call for Nominations 

On behalf of KRTA Vice-Chair and Governance Committee Chair, Mike Riediger, we invite KRT Association voting stakeholders to put their name forward or to nominate a qualified candidate to serve as a member of the KRT Board of Directors for a two-year term, effective October 24th until the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

Leading up to the AGM, the board election will take place as follows:

• Call for Nominations: August 26-September 13
• Electronic Voting: October 1-17
• Election Results announced at KRT AGM: October 24

If you are currently employed in or own a business in the tourism sector, have a strong understanding of the tourism industry, significant expertise, knowledge of the region and are currently involved in tourism or destination management, we invite you to apply. Deadline for application submissions is Friday, September 13th, 5:00 (PT). Learn more, including how to nominate HERE.

Attention Fraser Valley &

Sea to Sky Leaders! 

The WORTH Academy Fall 2024 application deadline has been extended to September 2nd. This free 12-week leadership program offers self-paced online modules, live group coaching, and a full-day leadership workshop designed for women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality. Apply now to join a regional cohort and build essential leadership skills. Visit worthassociation.com for more information and to apply.

GreenStep is Hiring

Sales Engagement Representative

GreenStep is looking for a high-energy, results-driven Sales Engagement Representative (SER) to join their growing sales and customer engagement team. As an SER, you will play a crucial role in driving their sales pipeline growth and project engagement success, helping to achieve sales and project delivery targets.

Senior GHG & Decarbonization Specialist

As a Senior GHG & Decarbonization Specialist, you will play a critical role in guiding GreenSstep clients through the complexities of GHG inventory management and decarbonization strategies.

Learn more about these positions and apply HERE.

Job Opportunity | Marketing Manager (Maternity Leave)

Travel Penticton is the Destination Marketing & Management Organization (DMO) for Penticton and seeking a full-time Marketing Manager for a maternity leave contract to start in October.

The Marketing Manager is responsible for implementing the Travel Penticton Destination Marketing Plan, facilitating promotion of Penticton and immediate area, and developing the Visit Penticton brands. In collaboration with the Executive Director and Travel Penticton team, this innovative and enthusiastic ‘in-a-new-box thinker’ will bring to the organization an energetic, proactive and results driven approach to promoting Penticton.

The Marketing Manager will work with external organizations such as Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Destination BC (DBC), regional communities, local associations and special interest groups and events, along with the Travel Penticton members.

Learn more about the position and how to apply by clicking on THIS LINK.

Tourism Kamloops Introduces New Website & Brand Refresh Reflecting Authentic Kamloops

Tourism Kamloops has announced the official launch of its brand-new website and the refreshed Tourism Kamloops brand. This initiative, which began in November 2023, marks a significant milestone in their journey to better serve their visitors and strengthen their position in the highly competitive tourism landscape.

The new website also serves as a canvas for the refreshed Tourism Kamloops brand. With updated colours, logos, and language, they are doubling down on what makes Kamloops unique—rugged landscapes, sunny skies, wide open spaces, and a vibrant blend of urban culture. 

Learn more HERE.

FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City

Poster Competition

The FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver™ Host Committee has announced an exciting opportunity for British Columbia’s artistic community. Talented BC artists are asked to submit their designs for the official Vancouver Host City Poster for the FIFA World Cup 26™. This is a chance for one BC artist to shine on a global stage and visually represent Vancouver during one of the most anticipated sporting events of 2026.  

‍

To design the FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City Poster, the Vancouver Host City Committee is seeking an expression of interest from BC artists by September 20th. Submissions will be due October 25th and judged by a Vancouver-based panel who will submit the top five finalists to FIFA for final decision. Once selected, the Host Committee will award the finalist $25,000CAD and the four runners-up will each receive $1,500CAD for their submissions.

Learn more and how to submit HERE.

DYK | Community Futures Provides

Business Support

My Community Futures has a menu of valuable support for businesses and enterprising not-for-profits (organizations) that have been impacted by recent disasters and the continued transformation of the economic landscape in British Columbia. 

The Initiative provides the following business supports free of charge. 

• Dedicated time working with a Consultant to grow your skills and your business.
• 6 months of advice and problem solving conversations with like minded business owners. 
• Up to $5,000 reimbursement for training that you arrange to grow or pivot your business. 
• Unlimited access to valuable, professional workshops to help you and your team build and grow skills for success.

Learn more HERE.

Would you like your image to appear in our weekly Postcards from BC feature? Contact deborah@tiabc.ca

Grouse Mountain

Just 15 minutes from downtown, also known as the Peak of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain offers the perfect destination for a truly rewarding and memorable experience. The attraction offers a variety of cultural, educational and outdoor adventures to choose from.

Learn more about Grouse Mountain HERE.

Would you like to be featured in our weekly Voice of Tourism, social channels or on our website? TIABC member testimonials provide visibility and exposure to the tourism industry and a wider audience for your business. Contact Deborah - deborah@tiabc.ca

Become a Member in 2024

Your Membership is Important to Us!

We strongly encourage you to consider membership or renew your membership with TIABC in 2024 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.

TIAC's Associate Program for TIABC Members

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) continue to offer TIABC members an opportunity to extend their membership. 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.

Securing Small Business Rebate Program

Recognizing the increased costs to businesses due to property crime and vandalism in rural and urban communities across the province, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation launched its $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program​, that provides small businesses with funds for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs, or to implement eligible preventative measures.

Join in to learn more about the program and how to apply for a rebate. This webinar is designed to help small businesses prepare and submit a rebate application.

Date: September 11 (Virtual)

Time: 4:00 - 5:00 pm (PT)

Learn more and register HERE.

Register Now | BCHA's Fast Track Online Education Series

Fast Track Your Future is back for another season. This education series offers valuable insights and practical advice empowering individuals to accelerate their hospitality journeys. We are thrilled to announce our new season, packed with fresh topics, new experts, industry favourites, and innovative strategies to help our industry continue to thrive and grow.

Starting September 18th, these programs will help prepare you and your team for a multitude of topics and issues faced in the hospitality industry. From HR, finance, housekeeping, and social media - these new series and returning favourites cover it all. 

Learn more about the series including how to apply HERE.

Tourism Digital Academy Accepting Applications

The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, 8-week digital marketing program for BC-based tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.

Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. From setting goals to building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, analytics and more.

• Oct 8 - Nov 27
• Oct 15 - Dec 4

Learn more and apply HERE.

Skip the Lottery | Tickets Now On Sale

You and your friends are invited to join together in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country for the 2025 Half Corked Marathon, taking place on May 31, 2025, with the opportunity to Skip The Lottery and get your ticket now! 

Very limited number of tickets available, this is your only chance to get your tickets without entering the lottery. These tickets are available at 2024 pricing at $275 each plus tax.

Gather your friends, family and colleagues and share the news! Tickets are available until sold out. Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

Destination Canada Launches

Webinar Series

Destination Canada is excited to be back for the second year with the Destination Dialogues webinar series.

Date: September 12

Time: 8:30 am - 10 am (PST)

This free 90-minute online session will describe how destinations, organizations, businesses, and individuals can create compelling storytelling-based experiences in rural areas.

This webinar is open to everyone, in Canada, and is designed to inspire, inform and foster innovation amongst communities. Many smaller rural regions lack the resources and budget to send staff to industry conferences, so this opportunity is to provide them with a comprehensive and valuable learning opportunity online.

If you are interested in joining, you can find more about the event and register through the link below.

BCTCRI Workshop #4: Climate Resilience & Indigenous Knowledge

Registration for workshop #4 in the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative program is now available. In this workshop, explore the intersection of climate resilience and Indigenous knowledge. This session will look into the invaluable wisdom and practices that Indigenous communities have developed to adapt and respond to environmental challenges.

Date: September 18

Time: 10:00 am (PT)

Registration now available HERE.

2024 Go Fish BC Photo Contest

The Go Fish BC Photo Contest is now open.

Categories

• BC Fishing Landscapes 
• Fishing Buddies
• Fishing Firsts

First and second place prizes will be awarded for each category.

1st prize: $300

2nd prize: $150

Additionally, there will be a random draw from all submitted entries. Random-draw winners will receive a Go Fish BC prize pack, including a cap, drink tumbler, and stickers.

How to Enter

Complete this entry form, upload your best freshwater fishing images, and click submit. It’s that easy! Contest closes September 16th.

SilverStar Saturday Music Series

This summer tap into the energy of live music in the mountains with the SilverStar Saturday Music Series taking place over 13 weeks.

Dates: June 22 - September 14

Times: From 2pm - 5pm on the Nokian community stage 

The music series is hosted by Destination Silver Star with the support of SilverStar Mountain Resort and production partner Local Losers. 

Learn more about the events and performers HERE.

SilverStar Beer & Cider Fest

What’s better than beer in the mountains? Celebrate Oktoberfest early this year with SilverStar’s signature craft beer and cider event—the perfect après to an epic summer season. We're bringing the celebration back to our lively mountain village and invite you to come sip some of BC’s finest brews, and enjoy food, a Polson Market pop-up, live music, games, and plenty of fun.

Date: September 7

Time: 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

Inaugural Kelowna Apple Fest

The first-ever Kelowna Apple Fest is set to take place!

Dates: August 31 - September 8

Kelowna is gearing up to celebrate the first-ever Kelowna Apple Fest. This city-wide, week-long festival is more than just a tribute to the apple harvest; it’s a community-driven effort to support local family farmers who have been significantly impacted by the closure of BC Tree Fruits and the devastating challenges of this year’s growing season.

Learn more HERE.

Camping Appreciation Weekend

The weekend of September 6-8 is Camping Appreciation Weekend, when many Canadian campgrounds coast-to-coast say thank you to campers for their patronage.

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

Say thanks to those that enjoy the camping and RVing lifestyle, and, to raise funds for Care Camps, to send children with cancer to specialized oncology camps.

Learn more HERE.

Taste of Abby | Celebrate the Fall Harvest

Taste of Abby is your opportunity to savour unique culinary experiences at the peak of the harvest season. Explore a selection of diverse events, tasting menus and limited-edition creations. Treat your palate to Abbotsford’s rich history, culture and cultivations at this premiere celebration in the beautiful Fraser Valley.

Dates: September 13-22

Learn more about daily events and how to get involved HERE.

Tickets Now On Sale | 2024 Wine Capital Weekend

Oliver Tourism Association and the Wine Capital Weekend Organizing Committee is thrilled to announce that tickets for the 2024 Wine Capital Weekend are now on sale!

Set in the picturesque town of Oliver, from September 20-22, this extraordinary weekend promises to deliver an unforgettable experience filled with world-class wines, craft beers, ciders, spirits, delectable food, and exciting entertainment.

Learn more and purchase your tickets HERE.

Annual Tourism Summit & AGM

Join us for an exciting event where all areas of BC come together to network, gain knowledge and support the tourism industry and economy!

Date: October 15-17

Location: Bella Coola

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Learn more HERE.

Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Awards Celebration 2024

At the annual Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Awards Celebration, the BCAC recognizes aviation and aerospace industry colleagues for specific achievements. As well, they disburse almost $150,000 through their Scholarship Awards Program to hard-working students enrolled in aviation and/or aerospace programs in British Columbia.

Date: October 18

Time: 5:45 pm - 10:00 pm PT

Registration is now open - learn more and register HERE.

Note: Prior to the Silver Wings event, they are also hosting the third annual "Chair’s Women in Aviation and Aerospace Reception” (CWAAR), also at the Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC).

For more information and registration HERE.

Northern BC Tourism Summit

The Northern BC Tourism Summit is back for 2024! It will be the first time the summit has happened since 2019 and will bring together industry experts, travel enthusiasts, and local businesses to discuss the latest trends, strategies, and opportunities in Northern BC's tourism sector.

Dates: October 22-24

Location: Ramada Hotel, Prince George

Early Bird registration ends August 31st! - learn more and register HERE.

Save the Date | Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association AGM

The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association will be holding it's 47th Annual General Meeting & Tourism Industry Conference.

Dates: October 23-24

Location: Prestige Lakeside Resort, Nelson

Mark your calendar! Program details to follow!

TOTA AGM and Summit

"Immerse Yourself"

Early bird registration is still open for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association AGM & Summit.

Dates: October 29-30

Location: Vernon

Hosted in partnership with Tourism Vernon and Destination Silver Star. 

Mark your calendar, learn more and register HERE.

Annual Lodging & Camping Ideas Forum

The Ideas Forum is designed to provide BC Lodging and Campground Association members and guests with an inexpensive learning opportunity thanks to our sponsors and suppliers. It’s a chance to network with the sponsors, suppliers, fellow members and meet the volunteer board of directors. This is where ideas are discussed, knowledge is shared, and members’ questions answered!

Dates: November 4-6

Location: Manning Park Resort

Registration and agenda to be available August, 2024.

Save the Date! VCM Industry Forum

Mark your calendars for the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Industry Forum.

Date: November 21

Location: Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, Vancouver.

Stay tuned as we share more details.

Save the Date - 2024 Policy Conference & Big Splash Gala

The Sport Fishing Institute of BC (SFI) will hold its annual Policy Conference. This year's theme is Selective and Sustainable. This is a highly anticipated forum where elected officials, public servants and those in the sport fishing industry can meet, share their perspectives on the issues facing the recreational fishery and discuss expectations for the coming seasons. As last year, SFI will be providing the Pacific Salmon Foundation a portion of the day to share details about programs and projects that are funded by revenues generated from sales of the Salmon Conservation stamp on your tidal waters licence.

Date: November 29

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

Following the Conference is the Big Splash Gala and Fundraiser.

Much more information to come on each event, ticket sales will begin in September.

27th Annual CITAP+ Winter Function

You are cordially invited to save the date for the 27th CITAP+ Winter Function.

Date: Tuesday, December 3

Location: River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond

The event will be a full day in a familiar format, including morning educational sessions, the afternoon marketplace, and the dinner reception.

Registration will open by the middle of September, with early bird incentives to be announced. Sponsorship packages should be released at this time as well. Please note that your 2024 CITAP+ membership must be in good standing in order to register for the Winter Function.

Tourism Congress 2024

Join the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) in beautiful Vancouver for an immersive conference experience that brings together tourism leaders, stakeholders, and innovators from across Canada and beyond. Get ready to share insights, explore new ideas, and celebrate our industry's resilience and creativity. We are thrilled the Tourism Congress is hitting the road this year.

Dates: December 3-5

Location: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre

Learn more about Tourism Congress including group booking opportunities HERE.

SOS Coalition Announces

"Communities Driving Change" Forum

With crime, violence and street disorder plaguing communities large and small across British Columbia, BC’s Save Our Streets coalition (SOS) will hold a day-long “Communities Driving Change” Forum.

Date: January 23, 2025

Location: Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Vancouver

The Forum will explore solutions to these issues with community and business leaders, subject experts and political leaders.

The Forum, will feature moderated panel discussions, keynote expert speakers, and opportunities for virtual community participation from around the province. Topics to include judicial reform and resources, policing, addictions and mental illnesses, and the role of housing as components of the solution.

Note: If you have registered for the previous date of September 12th, 2024 and the date doesn't work for yoru schedule, please reach out and your registration will be cancelled.

Read the official news release and learn more about the SOS initiative HERE.

Save The Date

The 8th Annual IMPACT Sustainable Tourism & Travel Summit will be held again in Victoria.

Day of Impact: January 26, 2025

Dates of Conference: January 27-29, 2025

Details to the conference including registration, accommodation and travel information will soon follow.