As a regular reader of my weekly messages, you know how much I love live music. You also deserve a medal if you remembered that my favourite activity each year is the Pender Harbour Blues Festival that no wedding, funeral, torrential downpour, or even meeting with the Premier can stand in the way of my joining pals on the first weekend in June to rock out on the spectacular Sunshine Coast.

Blues happens to be my favourite genre whereas other family members and close friends prefer country, classic rock, hip-hop, pop, jazz, grunge, classical, or folk. Ultimately it doesn’t matter what it is, if it’s live music at a decent venue, I’m game to go. There are countless others like me who regularly attend concerts of all types in small clubs, city parks, big arenas, and in neighbourhoods around the province each year.

So it stands to reason that genuine music fans of all stripes were disappointed to hear that the Vancouver Folk Festival has been cancelled due to rising costs for goods and services such as fencing, port-o-potties, and stages. Ironically, it wasn’t the artists whose performance fees went up even though many sat idle or played for free to virtual-only audiences during the pandemic.

Recently I learned of other festivals hanging on by a guitar string and facing the same predicament. From what I’ve been told…following COVID...regular attendees have chosen to either stay cocooned in front of their big screen televisions or purchase fewer tickets to fewer events than prior to the crisis. Furthermore, companies have been bailing from or failing to renew sponsorship commitments at an alarming rate.

In the face of gathering restrictions and other impediments during the pandemic, the province stepped in to support festivals and others in the arts and culture sector with grants that helped many societies and companies stay afloat. Most festivals managed to retain core staff and plan for the eventual return of live music or theatre. At the same time, some annual events, like the Vancouver Folk Festival, still incurred significant debt since grants and other forms of assistance didn’t quite meet their monthly operating expenses.

I recently spoke with government about the issue and am working with a producer to gather more information on the extent of the liquidity problem within the music festivals sector in particular, to possibly present a case for intervention by a variety of stakeholders. Why…you might ask?

For starters, the arts and entertainment sector directly or indirectly supports the livelihood of thousands of residents in our province, including many in the tourism industry. What’s more, festivals are an integral part of every community’s culture. They attract both locals and visitors, people from all walks of life, ages, ethnicities, and classes. Music and all manner of festivals add to the vibrancy of a place and generally evoke a sense of pride and pleasure as people gather to dance, watch, and listen to talented artists from other parts of the country or globe. Last but not least…local music festivals are generally more affordable than the big act concerts in stadiums at $300 or more a ticket.

As I alluded to earlier, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear of more festivals folding their tents but I sincerely hope not for the sake of the millions of residents and visitors to communities across British Columbia each year.

For now, I’ll keep a keen eye open for when tickets go on sale for the Pender Harbour Blues Festival, Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival, Nanaimo Blues Festival and other events in Metro Vancouver, the Okanagan, Vancouver Island and elsewhere in the province. I trust you will too.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

The 2023 Tourism Town Hall is an industry-wide event delivered by TIAC in cooperation with TIABC to reach all tourism industry stakeholders. The Town Hall will be hosted in person and provides an opportunity to meet with TIAC and its partners to better understand efforts on national and local tourism issues, and offers a forum for open dialogue, discussion, and constructive debate.

The Town Hall includes a insightful morning session delivered by Jock Finlayson, Senior Policy Advisor with the Business Council of BC who will set the stage for the day. Following a complimentary lunch, the Town Hall will give tourism stakeholders first-hand input on issues affecting their business and an overview of the plans to reposition and grow Canada's visitor economy; from leisure/business travel, travel trade, meetings and conventions and sports tourism.

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has released its 2023 draft cruise schedule. Subject to further changes in the months ahead, GVHA anticipates 330 ship calls at the Victoria Cruise Terminal over the seven-month season between April and October. Based on feedback from regional and national port partners, GVHA estimates 850,000 cruise passengers.

The positive impact of cruise tourism extends beyond an initial visit to Victoria. In the Desire to Return Survey, 53% of those surveyed indicated they would return to Victoria in the next five years. 23% said they would stay 3-4 nights. 73% indicated they would stay 1-4 days in other parts of Vancouver Island.

78% of those surveyed had not previously visited Victoria, while 8% had visited Victoria in the past five years.

The draft 2023 cruise season schedule is available HERE.

This year, the joint committee of the provincial government and Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has chosen 59 projects to receive funding totalling $1.1 million.

Spanning a wide variety of focus areas, these projects include habitat restoration, stock recovery and enhancement, aquatic invasive species management, angler access, guardian programs, stock assessment, and projects that assess angler effort and catch (which help inform decisions around fisheries management, including optimizing quality fisheries and meeting conservation needs).

Each year, projects that benefit recreational fisheries – both wild and stocked – are prioritized and selected, with funding being sourced from freshwater angling licence revenues.

Prince of Whales Whale Watching announced this week the company has donated $130,000 to the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) to support their Marine Science Program, dedicated to study and mitigate environmental factors impacting the health of salmon. The Marine Science Program currently works to uncover where and why salmon and forage fish are dying, restore key kelp and eelgrass habitats, enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems, visualize ecological, environmental, and human impact data in the Strait of Georgia, and more.

This donation substantially aids the foundation in restoring salmon, which are a vital part of the marine ecosystem and play a crucial role in the health of our oceans. Not only do they provide a source of food for a variety of marine creatures, including killer whales, bears, and birds, but they also help to maintain the balance of nutrients in the ocean.

Visitor confidence to travel is increasing and proactive tourism businesses want to be leading the way with new and enhanced visitor experiences to attract new and returning guests.

The award-winning Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism (GMIST) is opening this unique program for the first time to participants from all parts of Canada. Become one of 20 pre-qualified tourism professionals who will receive a full scholarship and travel subsidy to participate in this new program that combines the best of online and in-community learning, personal coaching, and peer-to-peer learning and support. If you are a tourism business with a concept for a new visitor experience you’d like to develop – this course may be for you.

Apply by January 31st. Visit HERE for more information.

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce it is now accepting applications for the scholarships it administers. The deadline for most scholarship submissions is March 31st.

There are three (3) scholarships open year round dedicated exclusively to supporting members of underrepresented groups such as First Nations and members of the LGBT2Q+ community and family members of industry workers. All applicants must be committed to working in British Columbia for at least the next two years.

Several Hospitality Scholarships for students currently enrolled in hospitality management post-secondary programs. Winners are nominated by their schools in October. Visit HERE for more information on the current scholarships that are available, and open year round scholarships.

Destination BC has announced that Erica Hummel is joining their Destination Management division on January 23rd as the new Director, Destination Development and Stewardship. Erica built her career in tourism working for destination management organizations in Ontario, BC and Alberta. Most recently, she worked as Director, Destination Strategy for Explore Edmonton where she led the development and implementation of the city’s first ever 10-year Tourism Master plan and also oversaw other strategic destination initiatives including a nighttime economy strategy, Indigenous tourism development strategy, and a regenerative tourism strategy.

Prior to Explore Edmonton, Erica was the CEO of Tourism Prince George and a TIABC board member.

TIABC extends congratulations to Erica and a warm welcome as she returns to BC in this new role.

The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association is seeking to hire a Director, Destination Development & Sustainability. Requiring a strategic mindset, exceptional relationship building and people development skills, this position works as a member of the senior leadership team to effectively deliver on our shared cost agreement priorities with Destination BC while also advancing our organization priorities identified in our corporate strategy while providing value to our tourism industry business partners.

This position is responsible for leading key community engagement and stewardship plans and initiatives, ensuring sustainable growth and quality of experiences and amenities for visitors and residents alike.

Visit HERE to learn more and to apply.

The Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists (ORL) is inviting public feedback on a suggested $40 limit for gifts permissible under the Lobbyists Transparency Act to inform an update to the Lobbyist Gifts guidance document.

 Further information on this proposal along with information on how to provide your feedback can be found HERE.

This survey is open to everyone: lobbyists, organizations, public bodies, office holders, and members of the public. This survey will close at 4:00pm today. All responses to the survey, along with participants’ and organizations’ names will be posted in their entirety to the ORL website and accessible to the public after January 20th.

 If you have any questions, please contact the ORL at info@bcorl.ca

A reminder to our readership - TIABC has launched our latest project, developed to provide TIABC members and stakeholders with insightful content and a unique perspective on industry developments, policy directives, the work that sector associations are doing, and the opportunities that exist for businesses, communities, and government within the visitor economy.

Twice each month, TIABC's Voice of Tourism will feature CEO Walt Judas interviewing some of the most respected professionals in the tourism industry to learn about their career journeys, the organizations or businesses they oversee, and the issues or opportunities they're focussed on.

Now available on Spotify, or the TIABC website HERE.

Episode 1 - Guest: Joss Penny, Executive Director, BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association

Earlier this week, TIABC hosted guests Alex Beryland from Tourism Innovation Lab, Aimee Epp from Destination BC. and Rebecca Mason, a 2021 "Spark" winner from the Sea to Sky region. The presenters highlighted Innovation Lab's "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program and its development in BC over the last two years, while sharing experiences and examples of inspiring, supporting and enabling tourism innovation through industry partnerships and programs.

Watch the webinar in the link below, visit our website - and stay tuned for upcoming TIABC webinars!

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has developed a robust program for the tourism industry to called READI (R-E-A-D-I).

This platform will guide the industry through the turbulence of the coming months and years and equip businesses with the tools and resources they need to innovate for a sustainable future and long-term economic growth.

Nestled within the READI Program is a three-phase Sustainable Tourism Program. The recordings will be available soon.

The next phase of the program includes FREE workshops, one-on-one coaching and support. Several experts are delivering FREE next-phase programming in their field. Space is limited, and programming starts as early as January 26. Priority for workshop participation will be given to TIAC Members.

Below are the links to the opportunities. Click on the respective listed workshop and submit your contact information for consideration in the next phase of the program.

Selected companies will be advised by January 27.  For more information, contact Anne-Marie Forcier, TIAC Director of Program Development.

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) Summit returns after a two-year hiatus to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our provincial accommodation community.

The BCHA Awards of Excellence will take place May 2nd from 6-9:30 pm - part of the BCHA Summit. The awards are a celebration of the hospitality sector and will recognize exceptional individuals and teams across the province who are leading the global standard of industry excellence.

Learn more about the awards HERE.

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is a non-profit, stakeholder-based organization committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry. Through training, information resources, networking opportunities, and marketing programs, Indigenous Tourism BC is an important resource for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in British Columbia who are operating or looking to start a tourism business.

ITBC works closely with industry, business, education and government organizations to support Indigenous tourism businesses and communities in BC in the development and promotion of quality tourism experiences.

Click HERE to learn more about Indigenous Tourism BC.

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

Your support and engagement is vital to ensuring businesses, DMO's and sectors are united and speaking with one voice on issues that impact BC's tourism industry.

There are currently more job offers than there are available candidates in the province, especially in this industry. Talents have lots of options to choose from, and if businesses want to hire successfully and stay competitive, they need to sharpen their recruitment strategy.

The SDECB is currently working on a project exclusively directed towards tourism & hospitality businesses in BC, so that they can hire quickly and more efficiently talents.

In the next few weeks, 3 free sessions will be delivered across the province to help these businesses with their recruitment. These seminars are best suited for business owners, team managers and HR teams.

Here are links to the different seminars, for people to register:

Are you looking to recruit tourism students? They can't wait to meet you! Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend RiSE 2023.

Capilano University's School of Tourism Management is hosting an industry networking and alumni event. Organized by CapU's Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Student Association, RiSE celebrates the achievements and successes of CapU's tourism community. RiSE brings together our vast network of students, alumni and faculty. Students are eager to meet future employers and industry partners. Tickets include incredible food provided by JW Marriott and a complimentary beverage. Join us for this unforgettable celebration and get your $15 ticket today!

Date: Thursday, February 2

Time: 5:30-8:30 pm

Location: JW Marriott Parq, 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver

Visit HERE to learn more and to purchase tickets.

The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, along with special guest, Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin, are holding a post-pandemic dinner at Government House next month. Several members of the Legislature will also be in attendance.

Tickets are $175 and include a cocktail reception style dinner, open bar, entertainment at an evening to celebrate all we as an industry have accomplished and how far we've progressed over the last three years.

Date: February 16

Time: 5:00 pm (PT)

Location: Government House, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria

After a three-year hiatus the Vancouver Community College (VCC) Foundation’s food and wine tasting Green Tie gala is back, to support student scholarships and bursaries.

Flourish, a gala event, will treat guests to a memorable evening showcasing the work of VCC’s highest-achieving students, faculty members and alumni. In addition to tasting creations by Vancouver’s leading culinary minds, and the wines from the Naramata Bench, guests will experience the best of VCC's artistic jewelry, manicures, digital design, auto restoration, live music and more.

Date: February 28

Time: 7-10pm

Location: VCC, Building B - Broadway Campus

Visit HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference promises to deliver another provocative

and solution-based conference.

The biggest change you will see is the option of including Sunday‘s Day of IMPACT (January 22nd) into your overall registration.

The theme for the event is: O P E N. New sessions this year will address how to build careers with purpose, funding the transition to a more sustainable destination and tourism operation, how to develop effective partnerships to reach your sustainability goals and a deeper look into KPIs and metrics, while exploring ESG best practices.

Visit HERE to learn more and to register.

The Vancouver International Boat Show is fast approaching and is shaping up to be a terrific, well attended event. After a two-year break from the show due to COVID-19, consumers and exhibitors alike are eager to get back to an in-person show.

Dates: February 1-5

Location: BC Place and Granville Island

Canadian Boat Shows International is allocating booth space and making all the arrangements for a first-class event. If you have not secured your booth space yet, please reach out to Amanda Henschell, show manager at 604-882-8024 or ahenschell@canadianboatshows.com.

Learn more HERE.

This is to announce that Boating BC Association will hold its Annual General Meeting in accordance with its bylaws and constitution.

Date: Friday, February 3 @ 8:00 am (PT)

Location: Vancouver International Boat Show, BC Place Stadium, 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver

Breakfast and registration will begin at 7:30 am with the meeting commencing at 8:00 am. All members in good standing are welcome and encouraged to attend. One voting card per business member will be provided at registration.

Register HERE.

Join the Rocky Mountaineer team with their upcoming career fair in Vancouver. Join their team and build your career alongside an incredibly talented global team of passionate, energetic, diverse, and fun individuals. They are looking for interested candidates to fill various positions and to be the creators of life-changing experiences, not just for their guests, but also for their team members. Registration is free!

Date: February 8

Time: 10 am - 6 pm

Location: Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver Station, 1755 Cottrell Street, Vancouver

Register HERE.

Building a successful destination requires a supportive local government, engaged leaders, and a well-established destination management organization coming together with a shared vision of sustainability and innovation. What makes a city compelling for visitors is also a city where people want to live, work, and create.

Royce Chwin, President & CEO of Destination Vancouver, will deconstruct the city’s visitor economy, the challenges that could affect our success, and what makes Vancouver competitive as a global destination.

Date: February 16

Time: 11:45 am

Location: Fairmont Pacific Rim - Star Sapphire Ballroom

Register and purchase tickets HERE.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is hosting the 2023 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit.

Date: February 21st and 22nd at Thompson Rivers University Campus (Kamloops), on the unceded territory of the Secwépemc Nation.

The Biospherology Master Class reflects the focus on continuous education for tourism professionals that will ultimately elevate visitor experiences, strengthen businesses, regenerate communities, and reduce impacts within the surrounding environments.

This Biospherology Master Class is open to all tourism stakeholders,

Click HERE for more information and to register.

The conference is guaranteed to provide a mix of discovery, education, industry insights, and networking opportunities - it is designed to offer the tools needed to forge a brighter path forward for the sector.

Visit our website to book your accommodation at one of our conference hotels and learn more about your travel options to Prince George. Plus, enjoy an Air Canada discount code. Note: Room block held until January 29th.

If you have any questions about conference registration, please contact us at registration@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com. General conference questions can be directed to info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com.

Dates: March 1-3

Location. Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, Prince George

Learn more and register HERE.

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is excited to announce registration is now open for the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC).

This conference is designed to unite the global Indigenous tourism industry bringing together tourism operators, international delegates, members of parliament and tourism partners. IITC features collective sharing of best practices and networking as Canadian and global delegates participate in panel discussions, breakout sessions, keynote presentations and local cultural experiences.

Dates: March 8-10

Location. Treaty 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis - Winnipeg

Learn more and register HERE.

Take advantage of the early bird rate and SAVE BIG! Early bird pricing ends March 17th and includes complete access to the industry welcome reception at BNA Brewing Co., all conference sessions, the Summit Marketplace, and the BC Hotel Association Award Gala and Reception.

Dates: May 1-2

Location: Delta by Marriott Hotels, Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna

Learn more and register HERE.

A world-class conference that connects international buyers with Canadian sellers of tourism products, this year’s Quebec City event will bring together approximately 1,700 tourism business leaders for more than 30,000 one-on-one appointments, experienced-based luncheons, exclusive breakfasts, and engaging networking opportunities. Get your brand in front of an audience with influence at RVC2023!

Dates: May 30 - June 2

Location: Quebec City

Learn more and register HERE.

We are pleased to announce the dates for the next annual BCAC Conference. It will take place in Prince George, ("Base camp to the North" and home to YXS) at the "Courtyard by Marriott" hotel.

More information including conference theme, agenda, list of speakers, as well as hotel and travel partner recommendations to follow soon. Questions or Sponsorships? Ask Dave!

Drop us a line at info@tiabc.ca.

TIABC recognizes that our members, stakeholders and staff occupy the ceded, unceded and traditional territories of Indigenous Nations across British Columbia. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to live, work and play on the lands that our Indigenous friends and First Nations ancestors honour and care for.