February 2, 2024

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CEO MESSAGE

Every year I receive dozens of invitations to attend or participate in conferences, workshops, summits, annual general meetings, gala awards dinners, fundraisers, networking, sporting and special events, festivals, concerts, grand openings, and many other functions throughout BC and elsewhere. Even though I hate saying no, I’m sure you can appreciate that if I accepted each request, I would either be on the road or out of the office for a good portion of every week.

To be sure, I try to attend as many meetings or events as possible but obviously can’t due to scheduling conflicts, time constraints, and competing priorities. Yet there are certain functions I cannot afford to miss because they’re imperative to my role at TIABC.

For instance, last week I spent a few days in Victoria to participate in the annual Impact Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit. This week I was in Seattle for the inaugural CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Pacific Northwest Cruise Symposium with well over 300 delegates, including several TIABC members.

Both events focussed on sustainability, which is of keen importance to TIABC given that sustainability was identified by our members to be the second highest priority for us to focus on in 2024.

Although the organizers of Impact produce a comprehensive summary of the various sessions to be released within the next few months, I purposely took a few notes to pass along in the interim. Allow me to list a handful of key points (in no particular order) that resonated with me.

• We can’t deny that the travel industry has real impact on our planet. However, we need to ensure that the positives and negatives balance.
• Because as destinations we often compete so aggressively, we’re missing a massive opportunity to leverage the power of connection and the opportunity to work together.
• If we collaborate globally, we can harness the myriad of sustainable solutions.
• Tourism is an industry that has plenty to contribute. Ultimately it should be about enhancing the world of people who live in every community.
• In the context of sustainability, it’s vital that we move away from growing visitor volume and instead focus on attracting the right visitor.
• As an industry, we need to change the narrative that suggests tourism is the problem to tourism is a big part of the solution for environmental, cultural, and social change.
• We need to let more people know of the innovation and advancements in sustainability and trumpet these solutions to instigate policy changes and encourage investment by both government and the private sector.
• There is no need for everyone to be a sustainability expert but taking small, incremental steps to be more sustainable helps.

Clearly there was much more discussed and presented but for me these points were a good reminder and motivator of what we individually and collectively need to do as a sector. Similarly, at the CLIA Cruise Symposium, I jotted down some things that jumped out at me. Again, in no particular order:

• Cruise lines are shifting to sustainable education experiences given that 50% of cruisers are making travel decisions based on environmental impacts.
• In the context of sustainability, the worldwide cruise industry has invested $36 billion in new technologies since 2019 to work toward reducing GHG emissions today and in the decades ahead with a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
• At present, near 50% of CLIA cruise line member ships are equipped for shore power. However, only 2% of ports worldwide have shore power (electrical) capabilities. At the same time, multiple countries are implementing shore power mandates by 2030.
• Currently, 60% of CLIA cruise line member ships (representing 77% of global capacity) use exhaust gas cleaning systems to comply with the stringent requirements of Emission Control Areas.
• 32 pilot programs are currently underway to test sustainable fuels

While the travel sector has come a long way on the sustainability front, clearly we still have much more to do, specifically within certain tourism sub-sectors. But I was really encouraged to see how much of the industry is engaged and working diligently toward achieving specific goals such as net-zero emissions, zero waste, and other measures to ensure a future for our sector and planet.

As for invitations, I gladly accepted ITAC’s invite to attend the International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Ottawa later this month, which also coincides with my board obligations to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. Then in March, it’s back to Victoria for the BC Tourism Industry Conference (BCTIC), where in this case, I’m the one extending an invitation to industry colleagues, government officials, VIPs, suppliers, and other stakeholders to attend.

So far, close to 300 delegates have registered with five weeks to go. In reading this message you’re among the first to know that the Hon. David Eby will be the first Premier in more than a dozen years to attend and present at BCTIC. Don’t miss out. If you haven’t registered yet, please do so as soon as you can. I look forward to seeing you in Victoria next month if not sooner.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

Tourism and Hospitality Businesses Call for New Federal Loan Program

TIAC, TIABC, and its provincial/territorial counterparts are calling for a specific tourism and hospitality loan program to help struggling businesses that are having difficulty repaying their CEBA loans.  

In a letter sent to Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance earlier this week, the respective organizations requested the urgent implementation of a new Federal Tourism and Hospitality Loan Program (FTHLP) that would provide for full repayment of CEBA and be restricted to businesses that were eligible for the highly targeted Tourism Hospitality Recovery Program.

The organizations believe there is considerable public interest in developing a financially responsible and viable solution for operators that are under financial distress. The letter stresses it is critical that measures be put in place as soon as possible, and certainly before the new CEBA deadline of March 28, 2024.

This program is meant to be targeted only to operators in the tourism and hospitality sector and only to those holding a CEBA loan with an outstanding balance as of March 29, 2024. Further, the group proposes the FTHLP be structured as a five-year term loan, bearing variable interest locked to the Bank of Canada’s Prime Rate.

The letter concludes by summarizing the many positive outcomes of a new program.

BC Wine Industry Seeks Resolution in

Alberta Trade Conflict

Last week, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) issued a letter to numerous BC wineries informing them that, if they did not immediately stop shipping wines directly to consumers in Alberta, the AGLC would not accept any inbound shipments through their warehouse.

Currently in Alberta, personal consumption is restricted to liquor that is also personally transported which eliminates shipping as an option. This prohibits Albertans, many of whom frequent BC as tourists, from joining wine clubs or ordering wine directly when visiting a winery outside of the province.

The BC wine industry has worked hard to build a positive relationship and partnership with Alberta, particularly in the wine, culinary and tourism sectors, including having collaborated on multiple campaigns directly with the AGLC. WGBC and its member wineries are working with both provincial government representatives to determine the root cause of the trade dispute and find a resolution that works for all parties.

Read the full media release from Wines Growers BC HERE.

Announcing the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Award Finalists!

The BC Tourism Industry Awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within BC’s tourism & hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers.

Following a call for submissions, the Awards organizing committee received close to 100 nominations, highlighting the exceptional talent and outstanding initiatives across our sector. The following individuals have been recognized as finalists for their outstanding contribution to BC’s tourism and hospitality community:

Businesswoman of the Year - Sponsored by Prince of Whales

Finalists: Bobbi Carpino, Salmon Valley Campground, Ingrid Jarrett, BCHA, Madone Pelan, Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Community Contribution & Impact - Sponsored by Tourism Richmond

Finalists: Eagle Wing Tours, Prince of Whales,Tourism Kelowna

DMO Professional Excellence - Sponsored by BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS)

Finalists: Tourism Kamloops, Tourism Prince George, Tourism Richmond

Employees First - Sponsored by go2HR

Finalists: Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites, GolfBC, Panorama Mountain Village Inc

Inclusive and Accessible Tourism Experience - Sponsored by Destination BC

Finalists: Reel North Adventures, Tourism Mission, Vancouver Aquarium

Indigenous Operator or Experience - Sponsored by ITAC and ITBC

Finalist: Aq'am Band, Canadian Mountain Holidays, Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours

Innovation - Sponsored by Tourism Innovation Lab

Finalists: Britannia Mine Museum, Southern Gulf Islands Tourism, Tourism New Westminster

Remarkable Experience - Sponsored by BC Destination Marketing Organization Assoc. (BCDMOA)

Finalists: Nimmo Bay Resort, Richmond Olympic Oval, Rotary Centre for the Arts

Sector Association Excellence Award - Sponsored by Acera Insurance

Finalists: Commercial Bear Viewing Association, Sport Fishing Institute of BC, Wine Growers British Columbia

Sustainability Excellence - Sponsored by Nanaimo Airport

Finalists: 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery Inc., Prince of Whales, Eagle Wing Whale and Wildlife Tours

Finalists and winners will be honoured at the Awards Gala evening on Thursday, March 7th at the Victoria Conference Centre as part of the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference. Tickets for the conference and Awards Gala can be purchased online HERE.

Learn more about the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Awards HERE.

JUST RELEASED - Episode #19 in TIABC's Voice of Tourism Podcast Series

Meet Cheryl MacKinnon, Founder and President of Wellness Travel BC as she joins TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas to discuss the growth of wellness travel following the pandemic, her work within the sector, and some of the policy issues affecting the industry that require government attention.

Now Available on Spotify or the following link:

Government Cap on International Students

TIABC's One Minute Monitor (OMM) is a short survey deployed as necessary to help us better understand members' views on pressing issues and to help inform policy development and prioritize advocacy activities.

Please take this one-minute survey - Will the federal government's new cap on international students affect your business? Yes or No?

DBC Launches Resident Perceptions of Tourism Research Toolkit

& Snapshot Series Reporting

Destination BC (DBC) announced earlier this week two new resident sentiment research outputs that will transform the BC tourism industry’s ability to understand and communicate its significance to the well-being of BC residents, local communities, and the province, and residents’ understanding of its impact:

Developing and Designing Research Studies – This free toolkit, available for destination management organizations throughout BC, is designed to equip communities and the tourism industry with a framework that provides a consistent, credible, and robust measure of resident perceptions of tourism.

BC Resident Perceptions of Tourism Snapshot Series Reporting: This new reporting series presents BC resident perceptions of the economic, social/cultural, environmental, job/career, and Indigenous impacts of tourism at the provincial, regional, sub-regional, and local level.

Learn more, including key findings and highlights HERE.

DBC Launches 2024 Marketing Plan

Year Two of 2023-2025 Market Strategy

Destination BC (DBC) is now in year two of its three-year Marketing Strategy (2023–2025).

The 2024 Marketing Plan highlights include how we will build back international markets through increased brand focus, define BC’s responsible traveller, build out the remaining waves of the new "Invest in Iconics" routes and place brands, and the important steps being taken to build an inclusive, digital-first, and privacy-centric tourism ecosystem in BC.  

Note: DBC is limiting the distribution of the 2024 Marketing Plan and 2023-2025 Global Marketing Strategy to BC tourism businesses and destination management organizations only, as it contains proprietary information. To obtain a copy of the Marketing plan and/or three-year marketing strategy, please email Marketing.Plan@destinationbc.ca.

2024 Southern Residential Killer Whales

Proposals and Survey

The Sport Fishing Institute of BC (SFI) has advised the most recent suite of fishery management proposals distributed by DFO, claiming to aid Southern Residential Killer Whales (SRKW) recovery with changes that are intended to increase availability of prey, are unwarranted and unnecessarily cause instability and anxiety for coastal communities.

SFI states that without clear performance measures of existing restrictions or specific new information, attempting to roll out new changes for trial or experiment only threatens the social, economic, and cultural fabric of these communities rather than aiding SRKW. 

SFI also notes that the new proposals overlook the fact that SRKW's population is stable, and their prey availability is at near historic levels. Many of those same Chinook stocks that were suffering low productivity in 2018 when SRKW restrictions came into effect have now recovered to high levels of abundance, including key Fraser River summer and fall stocks, ECVI and WCVI enhanced systems and Cowichan Chinook.

You are encouraged to view the SFAB SRKW Survey Advice document, participate in the survey below, and encourage fishing friends and associates to do the same. 

Malahat Skywalk Welcomes

New General Manager

TIABC member - the Malahat SkyWalk - announced earlier this week the appointment of Nathan Bird to the role of General Manager. In his new role, Nathan will be responsible for the company’s overall strategic direction and the seamless operations of its day-to-day business. He will also play a vital part in strengthening the company’s position as a leading BC attraction.

Prior to joining Malahat SkyWalk, Nathan was the General Manager of Victoria-based Eagle Wing Tours. A well-rounded leader, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience within BC’s tourism industry.

Please join us in congratulating Nathan Bird on this exciting new opportunity. To learn more about the Malahat Skywalk, visit HERE.

Job Opportunities | Destination BC

Destination BC is seeking two positions to support their Destination Development team, specifically for the Iconics portfolio:

• Senior Program Advisor, Destination Development (permanent role)
• Senior Program Advisor, Destination Development (temporary role)

The Senior Program Advisor will be responsible for leading projects and work to develop and implement integrated destination development plans that align with Destination BC's strategic direction and enhance BC's tourism competitiveness. A strong emphasis will be placed on partner development, relationship management, multi-project and program management, and strategic planning.

Learn more about the positions and apply HERE.

Tourism Kamloops Seeking

Chief Executive Officer

Tourism Kamloops is seeking a passionate leader to champion and drive the visitor economy in Kamloops - to be a spokesperson for their wide-open spaces and vibrant community. The organization is looking for a leader who is open to innovative solutions, is future-focused, and has a passion for tourism.

Tourism Kamloops' leader loves building a thriving team, managing daily operations, stepping up as spokesperson and cheerleader, and reaching BIG goals. Tourism Kamloops’ champion is an expert in managing core destination marketing organization activities including brand and marketing, community engagement, interest holder and partner relations, destination development and visitor experience, travel trade relations, corporate communications, research, finance, and administration.

If you are a strategic leader with confidence in delegation, partner relations, and destination development.

Learn more about this exciting opportunity and apply 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. Workshop and other details are available on the conference website.

Keynote Speaker Announcement

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 iconic figures such as Terry Fox, Chris Hadfield, Malala Yousafzai, Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., among others , 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 the new technologies, staff shortages, sustainability requirements and other uncertainties, have become more crucial, and more effective than ever before. They have also become more and more disappointing to guests and that’s where the Great Opportunity lies. 

Silent Auction

Please consider donating a silent auction item for bid during the BC Tourism Industry Conference. We will be using the online tool - https://bidbeacon.com/ - to support the auction. To enhance the online item listing, we will also be collecting photos of your donation. Please have these ready before offering your submission.

If you are keen to donate an item to the auction, please contact us at info@bctourismconference.ca to donate, or: CLICK HERE TO DONATE

In Memoriam

At this year's BC Tourism Industry Conference, we will be paying our respects through an In Memoriam slideshow tribute to industry colleagues that we lost over the past year.

Please send the names and other pertinent details to ensure we honour our late friends and colleagues. to: info@bctourismindustryconference.ca

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

TIABC Members and Stakeholders Recognized as BIV's Top 500

Business in Vancouver (BIV) recently announced the 500 most influential leaders who are named in the 2023 BC500. The list profiles individuals deemed to be the most influential business leaders in the province who have had a notable impact on BC's communities, industries and economy. They are recognized as visionaries, innovators and trailblazers - influencing the life and business in our province. They also embody the values of modern leadership: engagement, trust, corporate citizenship and inclusion among them.

Included in this prestigious recognition are TIABC members and stakeholders: Indigenous Tourism BC Chief Marketing & Development Officer Paula Amos, TIABC Director Brenda Baptiste, Craft Brewers Guild Executive Director Ken Beattie, Pavco President & CEO Ken Cretney, Destination Vancouver CEO Royce Chwin, PNE CEO Shelley Frost, BCHA President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett, Rogers Arena GM Ed McLaughlin, TIABC Director Sandra Oldfield, Science World CEO Tracey Redies, Wine Growers BC President & CEO Miles Prodan; Destination BC CEO Richard Porges, Sandman & Sutton Place Hotels President & CEO Robert Pratt, Capilano Group CEO Nancy Stibbard, BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association President & CEO Ian Tostenson; Whistler Blackcomb COO Belinda Trembath, Destination Canada CEO Marsha Walden, Wall Financial Founder Peter Wall, Parkside Hotel & Spa GM Trina White and TIABC CEO Walt Judas.

Congratulations to all who were recognized in BIV's BC 500. Thank you for all that you do on behalf of BC's visitor economy.

Kelowna International Airport Surpasses 2 Million Passengers in 2023

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) recently announced that it surpassed two million passengers in 2023, an increase of some 18% over 2022. This exciting milestone for the airport is a sign of recovery for the aviation sector. 

YLW connects the Okanagan to 21 non-stop domestic and international destinations and over 200 one-stop connections. It is the 10th busiest airport in Canada and a key economic driver for the region.

Learn more HERE.

GreenStep Achieves Gold Rating in

Environment & Climate Change

Congratulations are in order to TIABC member GreenStep Solutions who have achieved gold rating in Canada's Net-Zero Challenge. The Net-Zero Challenge encourages businesses to develop and implement credible and effective plans to transition their facilities and operations to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Learn more about the Net-Zero Challenge HERE.

Congratulations to TIABC Team Member!

Please join us in congratulating TIABC's Social Media Coordinator Pria Flanagan who is also a second-year law student at TRU. She has become the recipient of the Truth and Rebuilding Canadian Indigenous Legal Relations (TRC) course prize by Fulton Law Practice.

Pria is passionate about one day practicing law in her hometown, Kamloops. Pria's interest lies in Aboriginal and Indigenous law. Among her part-time role with TIABC, she also volunteers her time as a member of the Indigenous Law Student's Association, and with Pro Bono Students Canada, where she is working on a project for Public Interest Litigation Research Support. Outside of the legal realm, you'll probably find Pria snowboarding at Sun Peaks. 

FRS Clipper

Starting service in 1986, FRS Clipper offers a unique Pacific Northwest travel experience.

The high-speed fast ferry provides seamless travel between Seattle and Victoria, on a less than three-hour ride through the Salish Sea.

Learn more about the FRS Clipper and Clipper Vacations 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.

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
• April 16 & 18

Learn more and apply HERE.

Build | Grow | Thrive

Small Business BC is hosting a free day of education. at Victoria Conference Centre.

Date: February 8

Location: Victoria Conference Centre

Build. Grow. Thrive. will equip attendees with the skills needed to navigate today's rapidly changing economy. 

Export Navigator's own Jason Seed and Brady Calancie will present one of the sessions on the day, walking attendees through the resources available to help get started exporting. Join the small business community, network with fellow business owners, and learn the skills you need to navigate a rapidly changing economy.

Learn more HERE.

Webinar | Return to Work

As of January 1, 2024, 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.

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 (PT)

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

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

Learn more and register HERE.

January 17 - February 4

Explore the unlimited tastes of British Columbia during the annual Dine Around, taking place at various locations from January 17th through to February 11th. Check out participants who are eager to showcase their exquisite menus. Highlighted regions: Central Okanagan, South Okanagan, Kamloops, Northern BC, Kootenays, Greater Vancouver, Victoria and the Central Island.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Dine, Sip & Savour locations.

Dine Out Vancouver Festival

January 17 - February 4

Save the date for the annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival, which 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.

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

Gala Tickets: Coming Soon

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

Dates: February 10 and 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.

BC Hotel Association Summit Registration Now Open!

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.

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