December 15, 2023

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CEO MESSAGE

Shortly after the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, I was invited to speak to tourism leaders in Cape Town, South Africa about Tourism Vancouver’s Olympic strategy…specifically what we learned, what we would or wouldn’t do again, and how we measured our success.

Still on a high after achieving nearly all of our objectives, I waxed on about how we leveraged the games to secure incremental leisure, meetings, and major events for the city largely due to the new infrastructure, capacity and expertise BC now had having just hosted one of the world’s largest spectacles.

However, when a local reporter asked me whether her city should consider a bid to host the summer Olympics, my immediate response was no. Suffice it to say, several folks in the room were surprised.

I went on to explain that although it had a world class stadium built for the FIFA World Cup, Cape Town did not appear to have anywhere near the infrastructure to accommodate such a massive event. Notwithstanding the challenges with the layout of the city, I suggested that building all of the competition venues, transportation infrastructure, hotels, and other amenities required for the games looked to be cost prohibitive, never mind the additional enormous expenses for obligations such as security.

In a community already struggling with over two million residents that live in poverty, to me the priorities seemed out of alignment. I went on to say that Cape Town should resist the temptation to bid for the games until a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis was completed (as an aside, today only a handful of cities and countries have the capacity and resources to host the games), and other factors were taken into consideration.

I am reminded of what I said to the South African audience when opportunities arise to host major events in British Columbia. To be sure, TIABC is a huge proponent of major events (e.g. World Cup, Olympics, World Expositions) as a catalyst for economic and infrastructure development, destination marketing, social and environmental benefits, among other outcomes. In fact, you may recall that we submitted a policy brief to government earlier this year that is being considered in the context of the province’s impending major events strategy.

At the same time, we’re not a proponent of hosting any and all events regardless of the cost. Clearly the business case must be compelling, particularly from a tourism perspective. As you can appreciate, any evaluation seeks to answer several obvious questions like "do we have the right infrastructure to support the endeavour (venues, accommodation, transportation)?; what’s the return on investment for partner (e.g. government) contributions?; what time of the year would the event be held?; and does it fill a need period, drive compression, generate incremental visitation, etc.?"

You may be aware that government has launched a consultation process to ascertain whether the new Major Events MRDT (MEMRDT) program (up to an additional 2.5% MRDT on accommodation) implemented within the City of Vancouver to offset expenses for the FIFA World Cup, is a revenue tool that other communities could use to help with the costs of hosting a major event. TIABC, along with the BC Destination Marketing Organization Association (BCDMOA), and the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) are working on a submission due on December 29th with policy recommendations to provide industry’s perspective on MEMRDT. Candidly, while there may be some advantages to the program, there are also many concerns identified by our respective members. Stay tuned for further information early in the new year.

I am still a fan of the Olympic games and have had the good fortune to attend four Olympics (Calgary, Torino, Beijing, Vancouver), as well as speak about the 2010 Winter Games to audiences in France, Denmark, Spain, Brazil and elsewhere. Someday I hope to attend another summer or winter Olympics, preferably in my home province where I am confident we have the infrastructure, expertise and capacity to host this major event again.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

Province Supports Implementation of Emergency Management Act

The provincial government has announced $18 million in short-term funding for local governments and First Nations that will support communities to consult and collaborate in advance of emergency events. The funding is intended to:

• Support relationship-building across jurisdictions through consultation and co-operation with Indigenous governing bodies;
• Ensure the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge and cultural safety across emergency management practices;
• Support policy improvements that reflect the lived experience of Indigenous Peoples and;
• Address the disproportionate effects on Indigenous Peoples during emergency events. to address new consultation and collaboration responsibilities outlined in the new Emergency and Disaster Management Act. 

The work of an expert task force on emergencies (that has consulted with TIABC) is also well underway and will reinforce the legislation by providing action-oriented recommendations in advance of any future wildfires. BC's newly enshrined Emergency and Disaster Management Act is focused on disaster risk reduction and enhanced emergency preparedness, and recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ inherent rights of self-government in relation to emergency management.

Learn more and read the full official announcement HERE.

Destination Canada Releases Fall 2023 Tourism Outlook

Destination Canada (DC), in collaboration with Tourism Economics, has released a revised Tourism Outlook extending to 2030.

The Fall 2023 Tourism Outlook was conducted between June and September 2023, and the assumptions reflect the operating context of that time.

The Tourism Outlook presents the current state and future of tourism in Canada with special attention to the opportunity gap that exists and how to mobilize industry and partners to address barriers to growth. In the report, Destination Canada predicts a full recovery, however it is unlikely until 2024, even as the rebound has come quicker than expected, with a bigger bounce-back forecast for 2025.

The report also noted the number of overnight leisure and business visits in the country will fall 2% short of 2019 levels by the end of this year. Projections show it slightly exceeding pre-pandemic figures in 2024. While spending in the sector is expected to be $109.5 billion by the end of the year (topping 2019 levels of approx. $105 billion), the sector was impacted heavily by inflation. The report also said there is an opportunity for the tourism sector to hit $160 billion in annual revenue by 2030, but that "capacity constraints" could limit that total.

Canada remains among the top long-haul destinations for five of its key markets; US, United Kingdom, Mexico, France and Germany.

Read the full report HERE.

Province Releases STR Policy Guidelines & Regulations for Local Government

A revised policy manual has been issued by the province to support local governments in implementing housing bills introduced in the fall legislative session, including Bill 35, the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act.

This policy guidance provides information about the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, and related amendments to the Local Government Act, Community Charter, and Vancouver Charter. The manual defines both the provincial legislation and local regulations and provides tools for STR regulation that include bylaws, business licensing, compliance and enforcement, and information about the Provincial Registry.

The guidelines also provide additional details, including how local governments can annually request by resolution to the province to “opt-out” of the principal-residence requirement. STR hosts will be required to display a valid business license number on their listing, where a business license is required by a local government, by May 1, 2024.

Download the manual HERE.

Airbnb Release STR Regulation Toolkit

Airbnb has just released a new policy toolkit, with their goal to present to local leaders the opportunities short-term rentals may have in communities.

The toolkit also includes recommendations from airbnb on how to best craft rules that enable responsible home sharing and the benefits it can bring for residents and local economies. As explained in the document the toolkit "outlines best practices on ways we can work together to preserve what we love about where we live".

Download the document HERE.

CITAP Introduces "Return of the Market" Educational Series

The Canadian Inbound Tourism Association Plus (CITAP+), in collaboration with Destination Canada, is presenting the Return of the Market Educational Series.

Their newly completed project kicks off the series with a focus on the China market. They cover common myths and questions about the China market, a market update from Destination Canada’s in-market rep, and all the answers from RTO experts to address all the wonders you may have about the market!

Learn more and view the full playlist HERE.

Federal Excise Tax Set to Increase 4.7%

on April 1, 2024

An Update from ABLE BC

As consumers are aware, excise duties are a federal tax applied to several products, including alcohol that is manufactured in Canada. This tax was tied to inflation in 2017 and increases every year on April 1.

Last year, this tax was expected to increase by 6.3% for alcohol products, which would have been the largest federal tax increase on alcohol in 40 years. Advocacy efforts from ABLE BC and its industry partners succeeded in having last year's excise tax increase on alcohol products capped at 2%.

The expected excise tax increase on alcohol products for April 1, 2024, is 4.7%. ABLE BC is joining Beer Canada and other industry associations in calling for the federal government to freeze the tax increase, or continue the 2% cap until the Consumer Price Index returns to the Bank of Canada’s target.

Hospitality and retail businesses are struggling to recover from the pandemic and are faced with rising inflation, rising staff costs, and CEBA loan repayments.

Learn more about the Federal Excise Tax on alcohol products HERE.

Boating BC Seeking Your Input

Potential Vessel Operation Restriction

Regulations (VORR)

The Government of Canada is currently undertaking consultation on changes to the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR) which will ultimately place more restrictions on boating going forward, and lead to a patchwork of restrictive regulations across the country

The CMRA (Canadian Marine Retailers Association) and NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) have teamed together to make an easy, one-stop website where you can participate in Transport Canada’s consultation with one click. Your voice is needed to ensure Canadians right to access our waterways.

Please visit HERE to ensure your voice is heard. A submission has been drafted for you to ensure key points are aligned, but please feel free to add your own personal comments as it relates to your business or community. It takes less than a minute to fill out! 

ICYMI | Tourism HR Canada Want to

Hear From You!

Tourism HR Canada is partnering with the Conference Board of Canada to conduct a labour projection exercise, aimed at identifying the employment pressure points that the tourism sector is currently facing, and those that are likely to become serious issues over the next couple of years.

They are looking to connect with business owners and operators, as well as other industry professionals who are actively engaged in labour issues.

The first phase of the exercise was conducting focus groups across the country. An additional component is an online survey that you are encouraged to take part in. The findings of the survey will be used to advance the issues facing the sector to various stakeholders, including all levels of government. The survey will take about 20 minutes of your time, and you’ll have the option to request a summary of the survey findings. The survey closes December 22nd.

Click HERE to participate.

ICYMI | go2HR Workshop on EDI

go2HR strives to develop and deliver tailored, industry-specific resources dedicated to fostering amazing workplaces and ensuring the thriving success of your business. They understand that creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment is key to success.

go2HR also recognizes that many of you, especially those in small to medium-sized businesses, may be wondering where to kickstart your journey into equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

If you missed their recent virtual workshop featuring Kristin Bower, a leading expert in EDI, they have you covered. The recording is now available for everyone. Don't miss out on an insightful hour packed with practical advice and those all-important first steps towards integrating EDI into your workplace.

A Holiday Message from Destination BC

by President & CEO, Richard Porges

"With the arrival of the holidays, it is natural to reflect on 2023 and contemplate what lies ahead. British Columbia’s tourism industry received 30% more international overnight visitors in 2023 compared to 2022 (from January to September 2023), highlighting how we are on a strong path forward, thanks to the incredible efforts of industry partners, tourism businesses, regions, and communities."

"While we have every reason to be encouraged and optimistic for 2024, this year also presented many challenges, including a destructive fire season and higher costs of living. However, through these and other obstacles, BC’s tourism industry has and will continue to support each other and work tirelessly to build a better future."

Destination BC’s team had a busy year, supporting the launch of our new corporate strategy, aligning with our purpose to improve the quality of life for all people living in British Columbia, through tourism, and share the transformative power of BC’s experiences with the world, in a socially, culturally, environmentally, and economically sustainable way.

"...We also shared our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategy. Working with subject matter experts on the creation of this people-focused approach, the long-term plan acts as our foundation towards becoming a more equitable and inclusive organization, and inspiring change across the tourism industry, through creating a culture of belonging, barrier free and inclusive policies, processes and programs, and inclusive and accessible tourism products and experiences." 

"To support reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, we also worked closely with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) on many projects, including on a partnership and commitment to centering Indigenous values, voices, and businesses in our marketing, as well as providing more than $350,000 in funding to 33 community Visitor Centres across the province through the Indigenous Learning & Projects Grant for Visitor Services."

"We look forward to connecting with all of you during the journey ahead, as we all continue to grow sustainable social, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits for British Columbians. This holiday season, we hope you have the opportunity to take pause, and reconnect with your family, friends, and loved ones. Happy Holidays and New Year to you and yours, from all of us at Destination BC. We look forward to seeing you in 2024!"

Read the full message HERE.

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. 

2024 Industry Award Nominations

The 2024 BC Tourism Industry Awards are presented by TIABC and sponsoring partners to recognize and celebrate the excellence, leadership, and innovation in British Columbia’s tourism industry. These Awards demonstrate a standard of excellence for operators and employees in the industry, showcasing the province’s best products, services, experiences, and people.

Awards will be presented in the following ten categories:

• Business Woman of the Year
• Community Contribution & Impact
• DMO Professional Excellence
• Employees First
• Inclusive and Accessible Tourism Experience
• Indigenous Operator or Experience
• Innovation
• Remarkable Experience
• Sector Association Excellence
• Sustainability Excellence

Please submit your nomination before January 10, 2024. For more information about each award visit the conference website HERE.

Sponsorship Opportunities

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.

Contact us at: info@bctourismconference.ca

Wines of BC Recognize Unsung

Local Heroes:

Selfless Stories from BC's Wildfires

We won't ever forget this past August when the McDougall Creek Wildfire tore through West Kelowna, hopped the lake and ignited fires in Kelowna and Lake Country. We also were humbled to hear of the stories of the firefighters who battled the blazes, saving innumerable homes and of the community heroes on the ground away from the front lines who aided evacuated families and their pets as best they could, by providing food and other necessities and lending a helping hand.

Wines of British Columbia called out for hero nominations and was overwhelmed by the response. This week, they profiled three Kelowna residents who stepped up during the firestorm to help their community.

• Rebecca and Lenny Schack, Little Schack Farm
• Harmonie Basso, co-founder, Lend A Paw Pet Food Foundation
• Jamie Carpenter, community volunteer with Special Olympics Kelowna and Mamas for Mamas

Read their stories HERE - they truly are remarkable residents and heroes!

Sport Fishing Institute of BC

Bob Wright Legacy Award Recipient

John McCulloch

At the recently held Big Splash Awards Gala, the Sport Fishing Institute of BC, (SFI) presented the Bob Wright Legacy Award to John McCulloch, Vice President of Operations at Langara Fishing Adventures, Pacific Salmon Commissioner, and Vice President of the SFI, in appreciation of years of dedication and contributions to public fisheries in the province.

SFI BC developed the Bob Wright Legacy Award in 2013 to honour individuals and organizations for their contribution to the conservation, restoration and enhancement of BC’s recreational fishing industry and fishery. These individuals and organizations have played, and continue to play, a crucial role in sustaining and developing the recreational fishing experience in BC.

Learn more about John McCulloch and other recipients of the Bob Wright Legacy Award HERE.

2023 Richmond EPIC Tourism Awards Recipients Announced

Tourism Richmond has announced the winners of their 2023 Richmond EPIC Tourism Awards, held on November 30th. Four tourism businesses and individuals received an award for embodying the destination marketing organization’s EPIC core values: Excellence, Passion, Integrity and Collaboration. 

• The Excellence Award for Innovation went to Panda Pod Hotel, the first capsule hotel in Greater Vancouver.
• Crystal Lalonde of Fairmont Vancouver Airport was the recipient of the Passion Award for Individual Achievement for her dedication and commitment to the success of the hotel.
• Steveston Hub’s ongoing engagement and support for the community landed them the top spot for the Integrity Award for Community Participation, and
• The World of Kidtropolis was presented the Collaboration Award for Successful Partnerships for launching the Family Fun Passport with 15 other Richmond businesses.

TIABC extends our sincere congratulations to all the winners as well as the finalists for this year's EPIC Tourism Awards. TIABC CEO was honoured to be one of the EPIC Award judges.

Flyte Deck

Based in Richmond, and founded by a team of dedicated aviation professionals with global experience, Flyte Deck offers comprehensive consultation services with a focus on sustainability. Whether your company requires charter, marketing or sales support, their team has you covered with global connections and local knowledge. 

Learn more about Flyte Deck 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

DBC Introduces

Crisis Communication Training Series

This FREE 2-day, Crisis Communication Planning Training Series will coach participants with a step-by-step approach to developing a crisis communication plan. The practical training will share best practices for crisis communication mgmt - how to prepare, respond and learn from each crisis we face - to ensure you are ready to respond for the unexpected.

In recent years, emergency, disaster and crisis communication planning have become more essential than ever for CDMOs, Visitor Centres and Provincial Experience Sector Orgs, who act as representatives, partners and advisors of small businesses in their respective communities.

The 10-hour Crisis Communication Planning Training Series is delivered across two days, with the next series scheduled for:

• February 6 & 8, 2024
• April 16 & 18, 2024

Learn more and apply HERE.

NEW | go2HR EDI Training 

Employers can now register for An Introduction to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Tourism and Hospitality! This introductory course will give you the foundational knowledge you need to build an EDI workplace. Participants can complete this course online for only $35. Key topics include:

• Why EDI is Relevant to Tourism & Hospitality
• What EDI is
• What the Bias Barrier is and what different types of bias
• What EDI Behaviours and Competencies are
• Beyond legislation about how to address Discrimination in the Workplace
• How to Put Inclusive Behaviours and Competencies into Action through awareness, openness and building cultural competency
• How to Be a Champion for Change - Where to start and next steps

Learn more and register for the online course 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.

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.

Dine Out Vancouver Festival

January 17 - February 4, 2024

Save the date for the annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival, taking place at

Dine Out Vancouver Festival has grown into Canada’s largest food and drink festival. The festival comes complete with a full schedule of delicious events and experiences in addition to hundreds of restaurants offering three-or more course menus at select prices. The Festival also includes special hotel offers to help make an overnight Dine Out experience both safe and relaxing.

Learn more and follow for the event activities HERE.

Okanagan Winter Wine Festival

Join in as Valley First presents WINTER SIPS-South; a grand tasting taking place at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. This is the kick off evening to a weekend of wonderful winter programming in the Okanagan.

Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024

Time: 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Location: Penticton Trade and Convention Centre Ballroom, 273 Power Street, Penticton

Tickets are $95.00 plus taxes and fees. Subscribers receive 10% off tickets with your promo code EARLYBIRD10 until December 20, 2023

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.

Pig Out Festival

Buy tickets now for Pig Out Festival Weekend in the heart of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country.

Date: Saturday May 4, 2024.

A colourful "Fiesta" celebration of the diverse food and culture of the South Okanagan, this popular one-day event returns to its original spring dates, in an exciting new location.

Gather with friends and savour the start of the sunshine season with one of the biggest and best outdoor culinary festivals in the Okanagan Valley.

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

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.