Every once in a while I find myself at a conference or in a social setting where I haven’t got a clue what people are saying. Notwithstanding my hearing challenges, sometimes it’s because my colleagues or friends are speaking a language other than English or German. However, often I remain silent because the subject matter is well beyond my wheelhouse.

While I typically find the conversations or presentations interesting, I can’t speak with confidence on topics such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the problems in the health care sector, or the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy…but I’m keen to listen and learn.

That innate desire to be better informed is why I’m always excited to hear from Jock Finlayson, Senior Policy Advisor with the Business Council of British Columbia who, as an economist, speaks in a language occasionally foreign to me, but delivers his insights in such a way that I leave better educated on the state of the global economy and what the year ahead might look like.

This morning at the Tourism Town Hall in Vancouver, presented by our national partners (Tourism Industry Association of Canada), Jock offered data and insights that every tourism business operator, DMO and sector should pay close attention to to plan for the months ahead. I took copious notes, some of which I offer to you absent of Jock’s expert commentary. As you peruse these points, consider how this information applies in the context of the visitor economy. In no particular order:

Even though the language most economists speak sometimes sounds foreign to me, Jock’s presentation was extremely helpful to all Tourism Town Hall attendees this morning, especially for those of us who aren’t fully conversant in macro-economics.

If you missed today's event, I highly recommend that you take the time to view Jock’s presentation once it’s uploaded to TIAC’s website next week.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

The City of Vancouver is the first to use a new tool to help communities cover the costs of hosting internationally recognized major tourism events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Last fall, the city asked for a modest temporary increase to the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) on short-term accommodations to help with costs of hosting the matches. In response, the Province introduced changes to the Provincial Sales Tax Act so eligible communities can apply for an additional Major Events MRDT for as much as 2.5% on short-term accommodation sales.

The new tool will help Vancouver cover costs of hosting FIFA 2026. It is available to other local governments to help fund eligible major events with the potential to draw significant international visitation.

The City of Vancouver, Destination Vancouver and the Province, after consultation with the local accommodation sector, have agreed to a Major Events MRDT rate of 2.5% over seven years to help pay for planning, staging and hosting FIFA 2026 matches. Overnight visitors to Vancouver will see an additional $2.50 on each $100 paid on short-term accommodations beginning Feb. 1st. The temporary tax could generate approximately $230 million in revenue over seven years.

Destination BC estimates that the FIFA 2026 opportunity in BC could result in an increase of 269,000 visitors, approximately 50% of them from outside Canada and the US.

Read the full announcement HERE.

Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), recently announced over $3.9 million in PacifiCan funding for 21 projects across Vancouver Island and the Coast.

The Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership Society is receiving $517,500 through the Tourism Relief Fund to expand the water taxi system connecting the five main Southern Gulf Islands, including Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne, Pender and Saturna, and support 12 local Island events. The enhanced service will make it easier for tourists to visit the region year-round.

Upgrading existing infrastructure and building new public assets means British Columbians and visitors have better access to recreational programs and facilities. These projects grow economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve community wellness. Communities benefiting from the announcement include: Victoria, Campbell River, Tofino, Nanaimo, Lantzville, Madeira Park, Mansons Landing, and Sechelt.

For the full list of projects, please see backgrounder HERE.

In partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport, Indigenous Tourism BC is pleased to announce the launch of the ITBC Tourism Mentorship Initiative. This new program will provide the opportunity to receive direct coaching/support/mentorship services to ITBC new and existing Stakeholders.

Stakeholders are encouraged to apply and define their own needs and objectives so that the most ideal consultant can be proposed for Stakeholder approval.

As a result of ITBC’s Capacity and Resiliency Project, this new program is now available to assist Indigenous tourism operators with business operations and expand market opportunities. Mentorship and coaching contracts will be available to Stakeholders for a period of 3-6 months.

Labour shortages remain an ongoing problem as the tourism sector continues to regrow and reshape itself in the wake of the disruptive COVID-19 pandemic. Many workers left the sector for other opportunities, and a renewed public interest in travel and tourism is placing increased pressures on an already exhausted and stressed workforce.

Tourism HR Canada has released this short discussion paper that examines some of the barriers to employment and skills-related issues facing tourism businesses, and offers some suggestions for how owners and managers can creatively approach the problem within their own operations.

Air Canada announced earlier this week they have been named one of Canada's Best Employers 2023 by Forbes for the eighth consecutive year, recognizing the airline's commitment to providing excellent employment opportunities for employees in Canada.

According to Forbes, the recognition as one of Canada's Best Employers 2023 is based on independent surveys of over 12,000 employees working part-time or full-time for companies employing at least 500 people in Canada. The evaluation was based on direct and indirect recommendations from employees that were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family. Employees were also asked to give their opinion on working conditions, salary, and potential for development.

Read the full announcement HERE.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has announced the addition of five new members to its Board of Directors: Matthew Jelley, President, Maritime Fun Group​; Philip Mondor, President, Tourism HR Canada;​ Jean-Francois Cote, Quebec City Tourism​; Laura Pallotta, VP Sales and Distribution, Marriott International and John Wilson, President, CEO, Wilson’s Transportation, who is also a member of TIABC's Policy Committee. TIAC's Board of Director's now has nine female directors and seven male directors, including TIABC's Walt Judas.

The organization also announced that it now boasts an all-female Board Executive team.

Read the full announcement HERE.

Destination BC (DBC) has shared that Ben Duthie, Marketing Manager, Bella Coola Heli Sports & Tweedsmuir Park Lodge and Jodi Westbury, Vice President, Marketing Communications, Destination Greater Victoria, have joined the Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC) following a public call for applications this past fall. Additionally, the Committee welcomes back returning members Amy Nunn, Chris Drysdale, Jayson Faulkner, Jessica Fremlin, and Michelle Brown, who have been reappointed for a second three-year term.

To learn more about the role and responsibilities of committee members, read the TMC Terms of Reference. 

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.

The Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria Lottery is a fundraising initiative in support of the BC Hospitality Foundation where funds go directly towards helping hospitality workers across BC when they are faced with extraordinary costs arising from a health condition to themselves or a family member. In addition, $1,000 will be awarded to a Greater Victoria hospitality and tourism student in November 2023.

TIABC is excited to release episode #2 in our Voice of Tourism podcast series featuring guest Kathy MacRae, Executive Director of Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC.

TIABC's podcasts have been 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.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism features CEO Walt Judas, interviewing some of the most respected professionals in the tourism industry.

Now available on Spotify, or TIABC's website HERE.

TIABC and the BCHA are excited to offer sponsorship opportunities at the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference with the goal for you and your business to build of profitable strategic partnerships among tourism and hospitality businesses.  Several sponsorship levels are still available with various avenues of exposure at the conference and across TIABC and BCHA communication channels.

Tourism Nanaimo is currently recruiting for an Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director s responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing the day-to-day operations of Tourism Nanaimo.

The core areas of focus include destination sales, marketing, and media relations, enhancing destination development, and visitor services. The position requires building strong relationships with the local, provincial, and national tourism industry associations and partners, as well as various levels of government.

The Executive Director will be an Ambassador of the organization and the community at large by promoting an environment of inclusivity, collaboration, accountability, innovation, and support for economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

Learn more and apply HERE.

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is a not for profit trade association and consumer marketing organization. Created in 1944, BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association is membership driven and represents the interests of British Columbia’s independently owned and operated small and mid-size lodging and campground/RV park businesses.

Click HERE to learn more about the BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association.

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.

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.

Wine Growers British Columbia, in partnership with the BC Wine Grape Council, BC Grapegrowers’ Association and the BC Wine Authority, are thrilled to host the annual Insight Conference for the BC wine industry. This years’ conference will be hosted in person at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, on the unceded territory of the Okanagan (Syilx) People.

The annual BC Wine Industry Insight Conference is a forum where industry can gather and learn about important topics and issues that affect their businesses and the industry. Early Bird pricing until February 11th!

Date: March 7th

Location: Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre

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.