February 16, 2024

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Family Day is on Monday, February 19th. TIABC's office will be closed and will resume regular operations on February 20th. We hope you have a wonderful Family Day long weekend. Relax, spend time with loved ones and participate in one of the many activities planned in communities across the province.

CEO MESSAGE

During a conversation with a professional colleague from Northern BC a couple of weeks ago, the topic of weather came up. I mentioned taking advantage of unseasonably warm temperatures to go for a long bike ride. He expressed dismay over grass growing in his yard when it should have been buried waist deep in snow.

As you know, spring-like temperatures, little rain, and a low snowpack in many parts of BC are likely to lead to water shortages and the resurfacing of an estimated 100 ground fires that nature has yet to extinguish.

Regrettably for TIABC, our sector, DMO and business members, the Tourism Emergency Management Committee (TEMC), the province and dozens of communities, the likelihood of more wildfires continues to be one of the primary issues on the radar for the foreseeable future. In fact, I’ve had numerous meetings in recent weeks on wildfires alone.

In late January, professional colleagues Dale Wheeldon (BC Economic Development Association), Ellen Walker-Matthews (TOTA) and I met with the Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies to offer our recommendations on how the province can leverage the expertise and resources of the tourism sector when wildfires and other crises occur.

Earlier this week, I met with an adventure tourism business owner whose operation was nearly wiped out entirely by a wildfire that could have been contained if the right decisions were made at the right time. He sought my advice on a six-page submission to government on ways to prevent calamities like the one his business experienced.

As I alluded to in my message last Friday, I met with a 50-year resident of the Shuswap who was busy pounding the pavement in Victoria this week, and along with the aforementioned tourism operator, offered a number of suggestions for government action. To name but a few:

A. Crews should not be allowed to leave a threatened area until a wildfire has been contained.

B. More air surveillance must be deployed to monitor fire activity.

C. Authorities need to deploy a more effective warning system, as well as develop better communication protocols for residents and businesses directly impacted by a looming wildfire.

D. Senior governments should consider some form of financial support to help with supplemental insurance coverage for businesses currently unable to obtain protection due to their location (i.e. within an at-risk fire zone).

E. Senior governments should consider some form of financial support for underinsured businesses that were damaged or destroyed by wildfires but were denied full coverage or received no firefighting services.

F. The province should allow local contractors and foresters (i.e. experts with intimate knowledge of an area and terrain) to bolster firefighting efforts.

G. The province should allow rural residents to protect their properties (without risk of fines) if no other firefighting options exist.

I’m not a firefighting expert but at first blush there appears to be some merit to these suggestions.

A few days ago, I met with an assistant professor at Thompson Rivers University, who also doubles as the Canada Research Chair in Fire Ecology, to discuss TIABC’s involvement in a new symposium entitled, Coexisting with Wildfires in BC: Impacts and Solutions, which will bring together a diverse array of voices, including Indigenous leaders, scientific experts and impacted groups, to review the 2023 wildfires, and more importantly, explore potential solutions. Stay tuned for further information on the symposium in the coming weeks.

This past Wednesday, the province announced more support in the form of firefighting equipment, safety gear, medical and hygiene equipment, as well as two mass water-delivery systems (e.g. helicopter, fixed wing aircraft) that will be used for fire suppression and flood operations. It’s a positive step as the Premier’s Task Force continues its critical work. On a related note, the TEMC continues its work to advance recommendations to government and prepare our sector for what lies ahead. Some of our plans will be shared in a dedicated workshop (with Dale Wheeldon as one of the speakers) at the upcoming BC Tourism Industry Conference in Victoria.

While spring on the South Coast usually arrives ahead of the rest of the province, it’s far too early for me to be riding my bike regularly (as I've been doing), or to be watching my neighbours cut their lawns and pluck weeds. While I generally prefer warm, dry weather, I’m honestly hoping for buckets of rain and tons of snow in the weeks ahead to help mitigate the impacts of drought and wildfires on tourism businesses and communities, not only where I live but in parts of the BC that desperately need it.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

Update From BC Wine Industry on

Advocacy Efforts

Last week, representatives from Wine Growers BC (WGBC), BC Wine Grape Council (BCWGC) and the BC Grapegrowers’ Association (BCGA) met with Minister Pam Alexis, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Minister Lana Popham Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport and senior staff.

The presentations to both ministers included a summary from the Anticipated Impact of January 2024 Cold Event on BC Wine Industry Report that forecasts an anticipated result of catastrophic crop losses for BC wineries and independent grapegrowers.

In summary, it was agreed by all parties there needed to be more effort in working together in a transparent and vigorous fashion with a commitment to establish a working group with industry and the ministry led by the Deputy Minister to deal with the content, design and elements of a wholesome aid package. 

To support the agreed upon commitment, the WGBC, BCWGC and BCGA are calling on all growers and wineries to engage their local MLAs and Members of Parliament to support association efforts in garnering both provincial and federal support for the survival of the BC wine industry. While the situation has been well communicated, hearing the personal stories of grapegrowers, owners, winemakers, staff and even friends of the industry are key to all levels of government truly understanding how dire the reality is for the industry right now.

A winery outreach toolkit that includes key messages and letter templates has been created. You are encouraged to use the resources and support this much needed outreach.

You are also encouraged to read the recently released Anticipated Impact of January 2024 Cold Event on BC Wine Industry Report HERE.

2024 BC Wine Industry Recognition Awards Nomination

The Wines of British Columbia represent the welcoming and diverse people of our wine industry in BC. This year, they are excited to launch new categories that align with the values of the industry as they collaborate, innovate and work together for the future of the BC wine industry. They will be awarding three deserving recipients in the categories of:

1. Leadership Excellence Award (winery or non-winery)
2. Ultimate BC Wine Ambassador (winery)
3. Master Marketer Award (winery or tourism organization)

Learn more about the award criteria and how to submit HERE. Deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, February 23rd.

Reservations Added to More

Backcountry Campgrounds

Reservations are now available at three popular BC Parks backcountry campgrounds to help better plan camping trips. Campsites can now be reserved four months in advance of the arrival date at:

• Porcupine Campground in Mount Assiniboine Park: reservations open Feb. 21st for arrivals starting June 21st.
• Kicking Horse Campground and Frosty Creek Campground in E.C. Manning Park: reservations for Kicking Horse open Feb. 28th for arrivals starting June 28th. Reservations for Frosty Creek open March 26th for arrivals starting July 26th.  

Reservations guarantee a site will be available when hikers arrive at a backcountry campground. They also help support conservation by reducing overuse and impacts to vegetation and wildlife habitat.

For more information about backcountry camping reservations, visit HERE.

Royal BC Museum Appoints Tracey Drake as CEO

The Board of Directors of the Royal BC Museum (RBCM) have announced that Tracey Drake has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal BC Museum. The position is effective March 1st for a term up to December 31st, 2025.

This new term appointment provides increased organizational stability, and by assuming the CEO role until a permanent CEO is appointed, Tracey will continue to focus on internal cultural transformation, team capacity and resourcing.

As CEO, Tracey oversees RBCM operations, BC Archives, and IMAX, as well as the critical work underway with province-wide community engagement, repatriation, DRIPA implementation, and the archives, research and collections building project in Colwood.

TIABC wishes to congratulate Tracey on her appointment. We look forward to visiting the Royal BC Museum next month for the opening reception of the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference.

Read the official annnouncement HERE.

REMINDER | go2HR Supports Strong Workforces and Safe Workplaces

go2HR empowers employers to have a strong human resources and health & safety culture that supports strong business performance.

• They offer programs, tools, information, and consulting services to elevate employers’ human resources and health & safety practices.
• They educate and train the current and future workforces
• They inform government, stakeholders and communities on labour market conditions and strategy.

To help build the tourism & hospitality workforce of the future, the go2HR Job Board is the leading free job board for tourism & hospitality jobs in BC. 

Visit HERE to learn more about tourism and hospitality resources and opportunities in your region.

Some 400-500 tourism industry leaders from businesses and sector associations, regional and community destination management/marketing organizations, First Nations, provincial/municipal governments, and non-government organizations will gather for discussions around the conference theme - 'Shaping Our Future Together'.

An Outstanding Program You Don't Want to Miss!

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 settings. 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.

We’re very excited to offer a stellar lineup of plenary and breakout sessions and we hope you are too. Don't miss out!

Learn more about the conference program including the agenda, speakers, opportunities for sponsorship and silent auction prizes, and more in the link below.

SPEAKER & KEYNOTE HIGHLIGHTS

Premier David Eby

For the first time in more than 12 years, a BC premier will speak to delegates at the conference.

Premier David Eby will take centre stage to offer remarks during a plenary session, followed by a Q&A period with TIABC CEO Walt Judas.

Hon. Soraya Martinez Ferrada

The Hon. Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, will attend and speak to delegates at this year's BC Tourism Industry Conference. She will also participate in one of the workshops.

Shaun Boothe

The ‘Unauthorized Biography Series’ is a critically acclaimed musical project that is a unique celebration of some of the world’s most influential cultural icons. Featuring such influential individuals as Bob Marley, Terry Fox, Serena Williams & Malala, Shaun educates and inspires through a series of biographical hip-hop tracks, revitalizing their stories and legacy in a way that is one of a kind.

Tuija Seipell

'Show Me a Reason to Love You' delves deep into the essential hospitality tools at everyone’s disposal: The Moments of Truth that...with new technologies, staff shortages, sustainability requirements, and other uncertainties...have become more crucial, and more effective than ever before. They've also become more disappointing to guests and that’s where the great opportunity lies. 

Note - TIABC has not partnered with any company to release a conference delegate list. If you receive an email regarding such a list, please consider it spam.

DYK | ABLE BC is Celebrating 20 Years!

2024 marks TIABC long-standing member ABLE BC’s 20th anniversary. In a recent newsletter, ABLC BC provided an interesting look back to how it all began. Here is an exceprt from their story:

"ABLE’s advocacy work began in 1975 in our first iteration as the BC Neighbourhood Pub Owners’ Association (NPOA)?

Tony Rushworth, Branch Operations Advisor for the Royal Canadian Legion BC/Yukon Command, joined the NPOA in 1989 and later served as President from 1997-1999. At the time, he owned Mulvaney’s Pub in Burns Lake and Alpenhorn Pub in Smithers. Tony was, and continues to be, a strong advocate for the pub and private liquor industry in BC.

The foundation for ABLE BC was laid by Tony and his colleagues in the NPOA long before 2004. In 1999, Tony, Brenda Locke (then Executive Director of the NPOA), and members of the BC and Yukon Hotels’ Association and the BC Cabaret Owners’ Association were working together on shared liquor policy and smoking ban issues. These associations understood the need for a unified voice and the power of their collective members when working with government. They agreed to from one group, the Alliance of Beverage Licensees, which would officially form in March 2004".

TIABC extends congratulations to ABLE BC on this significant milestone. Learn more about ABLE BC HERE.

Destination Think "Travel Beyond" Podcast Features TIABC Board Member Mike Retasket 

The newest set of Destination Think Travel Beyond podcasts features a story on Mike Retasket, director of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association and TIABC.

Titled "Truth and Visitation: How Exposing Painful Histories Through Travel Can Bring Healing", the podcast looks at how some Indigenous tourism operators are finding opportunities for connection – and even healing – through telling truths that have typically been ignored or suppressed.

The podcast is worth a listen and it's the first in a set of stories from the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, highlighting the exciting things happening in the region and the efforts being made to build a sustainable tourism sector.

NG Media

Based in Kelowna, NG Media is a full service media agency, specializing in the production of “Thinktv” approved Canadian Public Service Announcements, Documentaries & LIVE Action Broadcasts.

Learn more about NG Media 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. If you want to be featured in an upcoming TIABC Voice of Tourism and other platforms, 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.

Heritage Week in BC | February 19-25

Heritage Week is an annual event that takes place during the third full week in February. It celebrates and showcases local heritage across the province.

This year’s Heritage Week: Layer by Layer, invites you to dig deeper into your community’s past and explore the many layers and stories that your unique community holds. Take some time during Heritage Week to learn something new about the many “layers” of the place you call home.

Dates: February 19–25

Where: Events in communities all around BC

Ways you can participate in Heritage Week:

• Attend an Event
• Host an Event
• Advocate for Heritage

Learn more about Heritage Week in BC and access available resources HERE.

Webinar | Return to Work

As of January 1, amendments to the Workers Compensation Act regarding the duty to cooperate and the duty to maintain employment are now in effect. Join go2HR and WorkSafeBC for an informative session to understand all there is to know about the regulatory changes, and how they will affect your tourism and hospitality business.

• Review the amendments and industry-specific nuances so that your business complies with the new return-to-work requirements.
• Share practical resources with all participants to help employers apply the updated legislation in the workplace.

Date: February 21

Time: 11:00 am (PT)

Register for the webinar HERE.

Learn More About "Spark" Grant and

Mentorship Program

Rainforest to Rockies Iconic Route

Want to learn more about the Rainforest to Rockies "Spark" Program and how to get $3,000 for your tourism idea?

Register for the virtual Info Session.

Date: February 22

Time: 3:00 pm (PT) - Virtual

Register for the session HERE.

Learn more about the "Spark" Program HERE.

VCC Foundation Presents FLOURISH

Flourish presented by RBC is a tasting event full of food, wine, and music, hosted by the Vancouver Community College Foundation. This memorable and engaging evening showcases tasty creations by Vancouver’s leading culinary minds.

This annual event is to raise funds to help VCC students flourish.

Date: Tues. February 27

Time: 7pm - 11pm

Location: 1120 E. 7th Ave., Vancouver 

To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit HERE.

National Tourism Week 2024 

April 15-19

Now in its 14th year, National Tourism Week (NTW) is a weeklong national social media campaign orchestrated by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) in partnership with provincial/territorial industry associations such as TIABC. This annual event is a crucial platform for highlighting the pivotal role of tourism in Canada.

TIAC and TIABC are enthusiastically inviting everyone to partake in celebrating the nation's finest offerings to the world under the inspiring banner: Canada: Powered by Tourism

There are four easy ways to get involved; Go Green, Get Social, Share a Video Message, and Spread the Word.

The NTW website provides useful toolkits, which includes suggestions on how to do the video, how operators and organizations can get involved, and a valuable factsheet to readily use.

It's time to start planning, to celebrate tourism in our province. 

Stay tuned to TIABC for 2024 Tourism Week in British Columbia toolkit and resources.

Art of Leadership for Women Returns

to Vancouver

The Art of Leadership Women is returning to Vancouver! This year's conference features a riveting collection of renowned world leaders, business icons, esteemed academics, and bestselling authors who share strategies and insights on the most critical issues confronting leaders in our world today. Don't miss this unique opportunity to develop your leaders, engage your talent, and build high-performing teams.

Date: June 24

Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

Register by March 1st using promo code EBLW41 and save $100 per pass.

Learn more and register HERE.

Syéx̱w Chó:leqw Adventure Park Delivers a Powerful Cultural Experience

Lighting the Path is a unique interactive outdoor light experience. Prepare your senses as you walk an immersive outdoor path honouring residential school survivors in teachings, story and language. 

tocated at Syéx̱w Chó:leqw Adventure Park in Hope, The mesmerizing lights move through historical grief and pain, to hope and laughter, sharing the experience of Indigenous children today who are raised by their parents with no worry of being taken away. This cultural journey is appropriate for viewers of all ages.

Date: February 24

Limited tickets available. Visit HERE for more details and to book tickets.

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

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Registration is NOW OPEN - Visit HERE for more information.

Fernie's Biggest Winter Festival

A weekend long festival fun for all ages, with live entertainment, all new lumberjack show, the Extreme Griz competition, Griz Parade, fireworks, bed races, hot wing eating conpetition and so much more!

Dates: March 1-3

Learn more about the weekend activities HERE.

BC Hotel Association Summit

Registration is now open for the 2024 BCHA Summit Conference.

Date: May 1-2

Location: Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Join the BCHA to network with leaders, owners, operators, vendors, and tech partners. Featuring provincial and federal advocacy, in-person Fast Track Your Future education series, dynamic opening and closing keynote speakers, plus many more speakers, session, and panels!

Learn more and register HERE.

2024 BC Mountain Bike Symposium

Mountain Biking BC has announces the next symposium to be held will be at the Naramata Centre in the South Okanagan. The theme chosen for the symposium is “Stewardship; Creating a Culture of Care”. Stewardship can be applied to many aspects of mountain biking from the responsible management of trails to the effective leadership of our organizations and to the way we promote and market the experience to riders. 

Date: May 1-3

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.

Registration is now available HERE.

Pig Out Festival

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

Date: Saturday, May 4

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.

2024 BC Economic Summit

Transforming Industries, Empowering Communities

With the theme "Transforming Industries, Empowering Communities," the 2024 BC Economic Summit will be delivering this highly anticipated annual event, dedicated to fostering collaboration and growth among Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike, and to focusing on local industries and empowering communities to achieve success.

Date: May 6-9

Location: Penticton

The BC Economic Summit serves as a dynamic platform that brings together a diverse range of thought leaders, experts, and innovators from within and outside British Columbia. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest economic development trends, strategies, and success stories that are reshaping industries and creating positive change in communities.

Learn more and register HERE.

Save the Date | WORTH Leadership Summit

This Spring, women-identifying leaders and their allies in recreation, tourism, and hospitality will come together for a full-day industry event. Top voices in the sector will share inspiring ideas to spark dialogue about issues that impact women in the workplace. Their perspectives will inform, ignite, and empower to collectively identify ways to retain and develop women in the industry. This event will connect a community of leaders to expand their network and create meaningful relationships.

Date: May 13

Location: Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver Hotel

Tickets go on sale soon! For sponsorship details, please get in touch with summit@worthassociation.com or view HERE.

2024 Canadian RVing and Camping Week

The Canadian RVing and Camping Week is designed to encourage Canadians and international visitors to get outside to enjoy a fun, safe and secure camping experience with family and friends.  

Dates: May 21-26

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

• Promote the lifestyle associated with camping and RVing.
• Promote good behaviour and respect via the Camper’s Code
• Raise funds for Care Camps to send children with cancer to camp.

Be part of the program and sign up 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

Location: Nanaimo

View the draft event agenda HERE.

2024 BC Chamber of Commerce AGM

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

Location: Coast Capri, 1171 Harvey Ave., Kelowna