December 1, 2023

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CEO MESSAGE

While moderating a session at the TIAC Congress last week, Twenty31’s Greg Klassen made an astute observation, noting that a few years ago complicated societal issues such as addiction, homelessness and crime were not being discussed at tourism conferences. However, it’s a different story today given the ramifications of these problems on communities and in this case the visitor economy.

Recently, executives from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) presented a report to the BC Business Caucus (of which TIABC is a member) on crime and safety from a small business perspective.

The report noted that small business operators in western Canadian provinces have major concerns about vandalism, theft, waste, loitering, and public intoxication that are not only affecting the balance sheet but causing all sorts of problems for residents and visitors.

On a related note, you may recall that earlier this year some three dozen major companies across BC formed the Save Our Streets Coalition stating that more and more British Columbians are afraid to walk in their own streets and shopping districts, employees fear being assaulted at work, and local businesses are losing millions from brazen in-store theft that leads to higher prices for BC families.

Notwithstanding that police-reported crimes in BC dropped by nearly 15% between 2019 and 2022, I’ve personally heard from many concerned tourism operators over that same period about what some call lawlessness in their municipalities and neighbourhoods, which seriously erodes the customer and visitor experience.

At the same time, the CFIB study suggests that small business owners are showing remarkable resilience and adaptability, investing in the well-being of their communities, providing security measures and safety training for employees, and finding ways to keep their doors open.

CFIB highlights the importance of improving public spaces, addressing affordable housing, and allocating more sources to tackle mental health and addiction. It also calls on all levels of government to prioritize community safety by addressing underlying issues, collaborating with multiple stakeholders, improving reporting and transparency, overhauling the current approach to handling repeat offenders, and enhancing supports for small business.

With respect to assistance, last week the province launched its $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program to help small businesses recover costs from vandalism and for prevention measures. Administered by the BC Chamber of Commerce, operators are now able to apply for as much as $2,000 to offset the cost of repairs and up to $1,000 to bolster security. Applications are retroactive to January 1st to help businesses recoup costs incurred so far this year.

While I predict societal woes will be important topics of conversation at most BC tourism conferences for the foreseeable future, my guess is that panel moderators like Greg will have the opportunity to speak with operators at the forefront of workable solutions because our resilient tourism industry usually steps up to solve problems rather than sitting idly by as victims.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

DEADLINE EXTENDED | Survey Closes December 8th

 DBC and ITBC Provide Funding for Community-based Indigenous Learning & Projects to BC's Visitor Centres

Destination British Columbia (DBC), in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is providing over $350,000 in funding to 33 community Visitor Centres across the province through the Indigenous Learning & Projects Grant for Visitor Services.

This application-based funding supports Visitor Centre staff in communities across the province to strengthen relationships and create opportunities for partners to collaborate and work together on impactful Indigenous focused projects, engaging activities, and training.

Collaborating with over 40 First Nations, the funded projects cover a diverse range of initiatives including Indigenous-led language courses and other training programs for staff, the installation of Indigenous welcome and land acknowledgement signage, development of interpretive kiosks, creation of digital content, installation of art pieces, Indigenous storytelling for visitors, and more.

Read the official announcement from Destination BC HERE

New Pilot Project Supports Restaurant Industry’s Workforce Development

The Province announced this week it is investing $380,000 into a two-year pilot project aimed to support employers of small and medium-sized businesses and workers in the restaurant industry. Government will be working with Chef's Table Society of BC on the project. 

The pilot project, called Restaurant Culture Shift: Pathways to Successful Teams and Sustainable Careers, will develop individual action plans to improve workplace cultures, and attract, recruit, and retain the skilled talent restaurants need to thrive and grow.

The Chefs’ Table Society of BC will also develop an online guide available to all restaurants across the province. Following the pilot project, the Chefs’ Table Society of B.C. will conduct an evaluation with participating restaurants to inform future program opportunities to further support BC's small and medium-sized restaurant industry. 

Read the official government announcement and learn more HERE.

BCLCA Releases 2023 Annual Report

Joss Penny, Executive Director of the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) released the 2023 annual report for the organization last week. The following is an excerpt from the report:

"Another year is in the books and the threat of COVID-19 has receded but has not completely disappeared, to be replaced by inflationary pressures, higher interest rates and the umpteen Wildfires interrupting the peak travel and camping season.

The pace of BC government-initiated change remains and seems to be focused on climate change initiatives with the push to EVs; fairness and accessibility for all through employment and indigenous reconciliation; and the continual push for housing affordability.

Despite these business pressures, members are reporting a strong business year with a pattern much more in line with 2019 than the influx of new campers created during the COVID years. The later summer-like weather stretching into Thanksgiving has boosted drop-in RV traffic. I am hearing that the winter RV snowbird business is sluggish with many people heading south or exiting full-time RVing. When you retire the expectation is 10 – 15 years of camping, so those baby boomers who are approaching their eighties stop RVing.

As an Association it’s the board’s responsibility to guide us through arising situations, to seek out opportunities to maintain business and to recommend reactions to change. To this end the board has completed a new three-year strategic plan to navigate the campground, RV Park, and lodging sectors halfway through this decade. The plan includes measurement with KPIs for key tactics so that effectiveness can be assessed."

Read the full report HERE.

ICYMI - Episode #16 in TIABC's Voice of Tourism Podcast Series

Meet Dave Cowen, CEO of the Butchart Gardens as he speaks with TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas. Together, they discuss the importance of BC's tourism sector, the impact of climate change and environmental impacts on the garden, and some of the policy issues currently affecting the industry that require government attention. Now Available on Spotify or the following link:

DBC Launches First Iconic Brand

Rainforest to Rockies 

Destination BC (DBC) has launched the first Iconic brand from the Invest in Iconics strategy. Rainforest to Rockies, takes visitors from Vancouver on the Pacific Coast to the Canadian Rockies. It’s an iconic Canadian journey along ever-changing landscapes, inspiring travellers to visit more places in the province.

DBC's Invest in Iconics strategy is a long-term investment to encourage visitors to go further, stay longer and explore the province year-round.

Find 12 itineraries showcasing the diversity of routes and the many ways to explore the southern part of the province and much more HERE.

Deadline Extended | Public Input on Disaster Financial Assistance

The Province has announced that people who want to help shape and improve how the provincial government provides financial support following a disaster now have until January 31, 2024.

A new regulation is being developed to revamp the Disaster Financial Assistance program through extended public engagement allowing people, communities and small businesses to share their experiences and provide written feedback to help inform new policies.

The Disaster Financial Assistance program helps people, small businesses, charitable organizations and communities cover disaster-related losses that are not readily insurable. This may include the replacement of personal items, building repairs and debris removal.

To learn more and to participate in the public engagement, visit HERE.

WORTH Association Introduces

WORTH Academy

WORTH Association (Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality) has just announced the delivery of a free 12-week leadership program for professionals working in recreation, tourism and hospitality. Interested applicants are invited to join a cohort of 50 participants in select areas including Vancouver Island, Fraser Valley and Sea-to-Sky region. 

Beginning January 8th, cohorts will gain access to self-paced online modules, as well as live group coaching and a full day leadership mindset workshop.

This program is designed to help women advance their careers in recreation, tourism and hospitality and is open to all women interested in management, but may be especially relevant for individuals who hold positions such as: lead, supervisor, coordinator, assistant manager or manager. We strongly encourage those with the following identities to register: Black, Indigenous, Persons of Colour, People with Intersecting Identities, LGBTQIA+, people living with disabilities and others with experience in marginalized communities. 

Applications accepted until December 15th. Learn more and apply HERE. Note: Metro Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast intakes begin in March, 2024.

BC Restaurants Recognized in Canada's Top 100

OpenTable has announced their top 100 restaurants in Canada for 2023 and 20 BC restaurants have made the list.

Culled from over 1.1 million OpenTable diner reviews and using dining metrics including diner ratings, percentage of reservations made in advance, and five-star reviews, the list highlights some of the top spots favoured by diners this year.

Join us in congratulating these outstanding restaurants from around our province on this well-deserved recognition!

Review the full list including the names and locations of the BC recognized restaurants HERE.

LCRB Announces Changes to Liquor Policy

ABLE BC provided an industry update this week, noting the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) released several updates to Liquor Policy manuals. These updates are effective immediately. The updates relate to:

• Bulletin 23-09: Physical separation between liquor retailer and other businesses
• Bulletin 23-10: Accompanying minors in liquor stores and liquor primary establishments
• Bulletin 23-11: Increase in liquor transfers between licenses
• Bulletin 23-12: Clarification of renewal fee calculations

For more details on these changes, visit the Bulletins section on the LCRB website HERE.

Destination Osoyoos Announces Funding Commitment to Employee Housing Society

Destination Osoyoos has announced that funds received from the community's Online Accommodation Platform tax (OAP) will be directed to the Osoyoos Employee Housing Society (OEHS), committing a total of $60K annually for the next three years.

The OEHS is a not-for-profit society that helps to address the employee housing shortage in Osoyoos. It was established six years ago by several local tourism stakeholders. The OEHS purchased a 50-unit dorm-style accommodation camp in Alberta and relocated it to Osoyoos for the use of tourism employee housing.

With the assistance of the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), the “Orchard Residence” staff housing facility was moved to land located and leased from the OIB. However, due to a development project, the building will need to be relocated. The OEHS has secured a new location and lease with the OIB and funds received from Destination Osoyoos’ financial commitment will be used towards relocating the facility.

A key goal for Destination Osoyoos is to position Osoyoos as a desirable place for the hospitality industry to live and work. As such, the organization aims to collaborate with the OEHS to assess and address needs, ultimately advancing the OEHS’s development projects.

Learn more about Destination Osoyoos HERE.

Don’t Love It To Death Toolkit

Now Available

The Don’t Love It To Death (DLITD) initiative was launched in Summer 2022 as the creative platform of the Sea-to-Sky Destination Education Initiative, with the intent to drive conversation and inspire residents and visitors to respect and protect natural spaces.

Since then, the program has introduced a new website, deployed a consumer email program, and established a social media presence. Now, jurisdictions – including those beyond Sea-to-Sky – can access a free toolkit containing social media content, poster print files, and brand elements.

If your organization or community outdoor user group has messaging to share, contact info@dontloveittodeath.com. 

Tourism Abbotsford Introduces

New Executive Director

The Tourism Abbotsford Society has announced that Clare Seeley will be taking over the reigns of the organization, commencing January, 2024.

Clare brings more than 25 years of experience in the tourism sector internationally and across the Fraser Valley. She joins Tourism Abbotsford from the City of Mission where she has served as the Manager of Tourism and Film. She is well connected to the Abbotsford and Fraser Valley communities and has established relationships with Destination BC and the local Indigenous communities, focusing on destination marketing, destination development, and stakeholder support across the Fraser Valley.

Congratulations Clare, on this exciting new chapter for you and the Tourism Abbotsford Society!

Spirit of Hospitality Lottery

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce that the 2023 Hotels to Help lottery is back! Renamed Spirit of Hospitality, it represents hospitality at its best!

Created by the Hotel Association of Vancouver (HAV) to benefit the BCHF, this year’s lottery offers three early- bird packages and 11 fantastic prizes with an overall value of over $30,000. Tickets will be sold until 11:59 pm on December 10th.

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

Registration is NOW OPEN for the

2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference

After enjoying a record-setting pace for revenues and visitation prior to the pandemic, recovery of BC's tourism industry remains uneven. While some sub-sectors and regions of the province have performed well, others continue to lag for myriad reasons. At the same time, the opportunity for BC's visitor economy to grow and prosper is bright thanks to the resilience, determination and expertise of operators, communities, destination management organizations, sector associations and other stakeholders who are willing to work together to shape the future of the industry.

Hence the reason why 'Shaping Our Future Together' is the theme of the BC Tourism Industry Conference in 2024. With both a 'knowledge and skills' track for workshops, delegates will not only be informed but able to apply their learnings within their own professional setting. Our goal is that in partnership, all elements of British Columbia's tourism industry will align to help the sector meet the challenges ahead but also create an environment to build back better than ever.

2024 REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Visit our website to view the 2024 registration fees. Early bird rates are available with member and non-member pricing options. Full conference registrations include complete access to all conference sessions, workshops, silent auction, welcome reception, and the awards gala. Register at our early bird rate before January 17, 2024 to save $100 on your registration!

2024 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Program details will be available in the coming weeks on the conference website - HERE.

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION

Visit our website HERE to book your accommodation in our conference room block at the Fairmont Empress and learn more about different travel options to Victoria. 

Our sponsors are critical to what makes the BC Tourism Industry Conference a consistent success. Aside from helping to offset the costs of staging this event, sponsors deliver benefits to delegates that help grow their businesses, as well as BC’s visitor economy as a whole.

If your company is keen to connect with tourism leaders and stakeholders throughout British Columbia, we encourage you to partner with us.

If you have a unique sponsorship idea that you would like to explore, please let us know. We offer the flexibility to customize packages to meet your unique business objectives. Packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact us at: info@bctourismconference.ca

Harbour Air Offers Unique Holiday Journeys

With the holiday season almost upon us, it's the perfect time to start planning your corporate holiday party, and Harbour Air has something special to make this year's celebration truly unforgettable. Get ready to take your team to new heights with an exclusive offering that will be remembered for years to come.

Picture this: Your colleagues, clients, and employees boarding Harbour Air for an incredible journey, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. This holiday season, they are offering 15% off on private tours to help you elevate your corporate holiday party.

In addition to your flight, they have also partnered with the Flying Otter in Victoria to offer an incredible holiday lunch for your team and clients to enjoy.

This special offer is available until December 31, 2023 and we encourage you to book early to secure your preferred dates and aircraft. Contact Harbour Air's sales team for the Corporate Holiday Package at sales@harbourair.com or 604.233.3526

Fairmont Empress

Famed as Canada’s Castle on the Coast, the Fairmont Empress in Victoria is an award-wining British Columbia hotel and National Historic Site dating back to 1908. With unparalleled views over the Inner Harbour, this historic hotel is where contemporary convenience meets iconic luxury and classic British styling. The Victoria hotel is a distinguished city hideaway with 431 rooms and suites, including a fine-dining restaurant, and famous afternoon tea. It is also the host hotel for the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference, March 6th & 7th.

Learn more about the Fairmont Empress HERE.

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

IRCC Virtual Learning Series for Employers

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be offering a virtual learning series for employers in Fall 2023. The goal of this series is to help employers learn more about Canada’s economic immigration programs. Each week will feature a new topic and provide employers with an opportunity to ask questions.

1. Addressing permanent labour needs December 6, 2023 9am (PST)

2. Francophone Immigration December 13, 9am (PST)

Learn more and choose the webinars to attend HERE.

Visas for International & Domestic Business Events in Canada

Update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

During this webinar the Special Events team from IRCC will provide the following information :

• An update on the current situation on visa processing
• An overview of IRCC's Special Events Services, including types of events that qualify and what it means to register an event with IRCC
• How organizers of international events hosted in Canada can support participants from visa required countries to ensure a successful event
• RCC guidelines on timelines for visa approvals by country

Date: Tuesday December 5

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM (PT)

Register for the webinar HERE.

National Tourism Job Fair

Tourism HR Canada, Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Baxter Media have partnered to connect tourism operators and job seekers from across the country with a new, virtual event: the National Tourism Job Fair. This free event will offer networking and learning opportunities

Date: February 1, 2024 (virtual)

Led by TIAC, the virtual platform will launch in January 2024, allowing job seekers to explore career options and network with industry leaders. Attendees can look forward to expert-led sessions on industry trends, skill development, and strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of travel and hospitality.

Learn more HERE.

CITAP Winter Event

CITAP+ is ecstatic to announce that registration for the 26th annual Winter Function is NOW OPEN!

Early Bird registration deadline is October 6th at 5 PM PDT.

The event will consist of a full day of events, including morning educational sessions and an afternoon marketplace and dinner reception.

Date: December 5

Location: River Rock Casino Resort Hotel

Please note that in order to receive preferential member pricing, your membership must be in good standing.

Learn more HERE.

Skal Vancouver | Annual Christmas Luncheon

Mark your calendar for the December meeting and annual SKAL Christmas luncheon.

Location: Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, Ballroom, 3811 Point Grey Rd.

Date: Monday, December 11, Reception at 11:00 am, Lunch & Club Meeting at 12:00 noon

Cost: $75.00 per person or $599.00 for Reserved Table For Eight

Purchase your Skal Christmas Luncheon Tickets by December 7th and be eligible to purchase tickets for the epic Skal Club - $2500.00 Christmas Raffle*

Donations & New Unwrapped Toys for Teen/Child are being collected for distribution by the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

Dine Around Stay in Town Victoria 2024

The off-peak season is a challenging time for the hospitality industry in Greater Victoria. The Dine Around and Stay in Town (DASIT) program has an important mission: to drive more traffic through Victoria business doors during a typically slower time of year.

Date: January 26 - February 11, 2024

Gala Tickets: Coming Soon

Learn more about the event, and how you can participate HERE.

International Indigenous

Tourism Conference

The 2024 Indigenous International Tourism Conference (IITC) is on the horizon!

IITC is a gathering of industry professionals, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and partners dedicated to promoting and celebrating the vibrant world of Indigenous tourism. The purpose is to showcase the diverse cultures, traditions, and tourism experiences offered by Indigenous communities in Canada and beyond.

But here's the catch – it's time to seize the moment and grab your Super Early Bird tickets before they're gone!

Date: February 26-28, 2024

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Registration is NOW OPEN - Visit HERE for more information.

2024 BC Mountain Bike Symposium

Mountain Biking BC has announces the next symposium to be held will be on May 1-3, 2024 at the Naramata Centre in the South Okanagan. 

Date: May 1-3, 2024

The venue is just 15 kilometers north of Penticton on the east side of Okanagan Lake and has many great riding options to offer including the extensive Three Blind Mice trail network and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail that connects Naramata and Penticton along the scenic Naramata Bench.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend! Details to follow soon.

Save the Date

2024 Annual Conference | BCAC's "Soaring Above Challenges"



The BC Aviation Council (BCAC) is excited to announce that the 2024 Conference is now scheduled! Mark your calendar now and check in with our draft event webpage closer to the date for more details including agenda, speaker profiles, sponsorship opportunities, activities (including add-ons), travel and hotel partners, and more.

Date: May 27-29, 2024

Location: Nanaimo

View the draft event agenda HERE.