While boating on Harrison Lake last Saturday, I couldn’t help but admire and dream of owning one the beautiful homes and rustic cabins tucked away in various coves along the shore. As I usually do after visiting a destination within BC, I looked online to see what, if anything, was on the market and for how much.

 

Pouring over various listings, I noted that many of the vacation homes for sale at Harrison are off-grid and boat accessible only. What’s more, I learned that some of the more reasonably priced cabins are on leased land with varying terms and annual payments to the Crown.

 

As badly as I want a cabin, I’m equally hesitant about investing in a property where the lease could be cancelled with little notice or recompense. To be fair, I haven’t heard of that happening at Harrison or too many other places yet but I’m mindful that the operating environment for residents and businesses on crown land throughout BC has changed in recent years due to a number of factors, not the least of which is that land title and stewardship rights haven’t yet been sorted out vis-a-vis BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).  

 

In that context, part of my fear of purchasing a leased property is grounded in what I hear from tourism business owners who are challenged by similar situations with tenure and park-use permit (PUPs) applications and renewals.

 

According to a recent survey by members of the Adventure Tourism Coalition (ATC), many operators with land tenures and PUPs that have built a steady clientele, employed locals, invested heavily in lodges and equipment, and even improved the biodiversity of a place over the course of many years, are discovering that their agreements with the province are either not being renewed or reduced in length and appear likely to expire for good in the near future.

 

As you can appreciate, for any business operating on crown land, tenure security is foundational. Conversely, the absence of long-term contracts can seriously hamper their ability to carry on. Without tenure security, financial institutions won’t lend money to a business to help it grow and expand; operators won’t hire new staff or invest in new equipment and infrastructure; the company will have little to no resale value; and planning for future opportunities becomes a moot point.

 

The ATC survey also shows that frustration with the tenure process is growing. Some owners are considering folding their businesses, others are lobbying for longer terms, while a handful are operating without new tenure agreements and spending huge sums on consultation, environmental assessments, and other requirements in hopes of moving forward legally and with certainty.

 

Suffice it to say, the tenure situation must be resolved soon before the impact on individual businesses and the tourism sector overall becomes irreversible. To that end, TIABC, members of the Adventure Tourism Coalition and many other sector partners continue to work with the province, not only to identify the magnitude of the problem but offer solutions for the benefit of all stakeholders.

One idea that’s resurfaced recently is to establish another form of tenure for specific tourism operators (akin to a lease) that provides exclusive rights in a certain area, while allowing for a “shared with public” tenure that opens the door to broader use of the land in question while seeking to avoid further conflicts. It's still in the early stages of consideration so stay tuned.

 

Just as tourism operators aren’t willing to invest in their businesses unless tenures and PUPS are protected for the long term, I’m not eager to buy a cabin on crown land where the lease is more tenuous today than in years past. In the meantime, until I find a cottage that’s affordable, accessible and secure, I’ll continue to dream of a lakeside or oceanfront property from the comfort of my boat.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

TIABC CEO Walt Judas says that building relationships with Indigenous communities is key to the overall success of the tourism industry across the province, but there is still much work to be done in that regard.

Read the full story HERE.

A Message from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts Culture & Sport

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport continues its work to explore opportunities to generate greater competitiveness and long-term resiliency in BC's tourism sector. The Conversations on the Future of Tourism in British Columbia report, released in March 2023, has provided insights into both the challenges and opportunities for BC's tourism sector...

For more information about the Initiative please email tri@gov.bc.ca

Every year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) engages with a wide range of stakeholders from across the country to help shape Canada’s next Immigration Levels Plan, which will be announced this fall. IRCC is seeking your views on the balance among different categories and programs, and how immigration can best support Canada from multiple perspectives. This includes:

IRCC invites you to complete the online survey. (The online questionnaire may not automatically save your draft responses, so you may want to prepare your answers in advance.) Review the questions HERE.

Please submit your responses by August 4th. If you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to connect at ConsultationsCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

In June 2023, the Canadian labour market data from Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey and Qatalyst Research Group revealed significant improvements in BC's Tourism and Hospitality sector. Here are the key points provided by go2HR:

BC's Tourism and Hospitality sector saw a 4.3% employment increase in June, reaching 355,500 jobs. This indicates a positive trend in job opportunities within the industry.

All sectors except Food and Beverage showed positive growth. The labour force rose by 3.1% to 372,500, surpassing pre-COVID levels (362,500 in June 2019).

Employment levels in the Lower Mainland, Thompson Okanagan and Vancouver Island regions had increased in June 2023, while the remaining regions experienced a decrease. Tourism and Hospitality employment in June 2023 in all regions exceptthe Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island regions remained below pre-COVID levels.

Click HERE where you can find additional June employment tracker statistics.

Of note to the updates for the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)- contracts also have minimum hours of work and compensation clauses that may exceed 30 hours a week that employers must also respect.

Periods of work stoppage, unemployment or a weekly hour reduction can be offset by periods of work that enable the worker to achieve, at minimum, 30 hours per week on average over the entire employment period.

Temporary foreign workers are subject to provincial and, when applicable, federal employment regulations, and that employers can legally layoff workers should a work stoppage make it impossible for the employer to fulfill their obligations under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Under these circumstances, employers remain responsible for fulfilling other obligations under the LMIA, such as providing return airfare to workers where this is a Program requirement.

Employers who make a business decision to retain workers over lengthier work stoppages will be expected to make up any income gaps where circumstances prevent a worker from averaging 30 hours per week over the entire employment duration.

Employers may also be responsible for topping up temporary foreign workers’ pay to meet the average of 30 hours per week over the employment duration, excluding weeks where workers were receiving income supports.

Visit HERE for more information about the TFW Program.

Restaurants Canada is seeking assistance from industry stakeholders to participate in the Q2 Restaurants Canada Outlook Survey.

The survey aims to identify and quantify the various challenges impacting the sector, providing crucial data for advocacy with federal and provincial governments. Respondents' input will help emphasize the importance of the foodservice industry and what the industry requires for support from all levels of government.

The survey, which takes less than 5 minutes to complete, will be open until Wednesday, July 26th.

In a letter sent earlier this week to the Honourable Joyce Murray, P.C., M.P. Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Sport Fishing Institute of BC's (SFI) President Rob Alcock expressed disappointment and frustration regarding the late timing and lack of consultation with the Sport Fishing Advisory Board (SFAB) or the Sport Fishing Institute of BC (SFI) and the recently announced additional and unexpected Chinook restrictions for recreational salmon fisheries in BC.

The letter stresses that striving for a sustainable and predictable approach to fisheries is critical to the significant social and economic benefits the recreational fishery can provide to small communities and businesses all along the BC coast.

Moving forward and to avoid repeating these same mistakes being made again, the SFI requests the opportunity to work with the Minister's staff to create a more timely and efficient Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP) development process and stated that a revised process and timing will enable DFO to announce its fisheries plan before the summer fishing season begins, not in the middle of it. 

Pacific Coastal Airlines announced earlier this week the launch of a new route between Victoria and Kamloops.

Starting Tuesday, October 17th, Pacific Coastal Airlines will offer six weekly non-stop flights between Victoria International Airport (YYJ) and Kamloops Airport (YKA). The new route will be operated with the comfortable Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. To celebrate the launch of the Victoria – Kamloops route, Pacific Coastal Airlines is offering a special promotion. Passengers can enjoy a 20% discount on bookings using the promo code: VC2KL.

Learn more and book your flight HERE.

As you may now know, Google Analytics has ceased to collect data (effective July 1st) and historical data will only be available until July 1st, 2024. As a tourism business, it's important to install Google’s next generation of analytics, GA4 in order to continue collecting customer data.

With GA4, tourism businesses can gain deeper insights, make better-informed decisions, and enhance the overall website experience for their site visitors.

To support tourism businesses and operators with this transition, Destination BC has created a new Learning Centre resource, Everything You Need to Know about GA4, that outlines key details tourism businesses need to be aware of to seamlessly changeover to or install GA4.

Learn more HERE.

During times of stress and uncertainty, it is important to share information from official sources only. Destination BC has developed a comprehensive resource hub of emergency resources for BC's tourism industry.

The emergency messaging guidance document outlines official emergency information resources for BC, as well as suggested messaging, visuals, and actions for BC’s tourism industry during emergencies. Additionally, there are a variety of resources available to help you prepare for emergencies, gather up-to-date information and help visitors plan their travel.

Learn more and access the resources HERE.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is calling for annual Canadian Tourism Awards nominations. There are 12 awards to recognize top leaders, innovators and success stories from within the tourism sector across the nation. It's an opportunity to celebrate and recognize those who have gone above and beyond during what has been a time of evolution. This is a great opportunity to celebrate those who have shown dedication and excellence.

Nomination deadline is August 15th. Click HERE to learn more and to go to the nomination form.

Earlier this week, Destination Greater Victoria (DGV) became the proud recipient of the 2023 Destination Organization Award for Global Impact at the Destinations International annual convention.

This new award recognizes an outstanding destination organization that has, through its exceptional service and innovation in their location or national communities, made a significant impact on the global destination industry.

Paul Nursey, CEO of DGV (pictured 2nd from left), expressed that they "are humbled and honoured to receive this award." He also noted that "at a time when sustainability was only starting to emerge as an important topic in North America, Destination Greater Victoria made a strategic choice to align its business strategy to the community value of sustainability. That was in 2016. DGV took leadership in making destination sustainability actionable, realistic, tangible, and good for business."

On behalf of TIABC, we wish to express our heartfelt congratulations to the DGV team on this most deserving recognition.

Tourism Fernie has launched a pilot project to test a visitor-focused summer shuttle until September 4th. Both visitors and residents will have access to this complimentary shuttle that has been made available through tourism funding.

The #FernieStoke scheduled service will operate from 9am- 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday (and holiday Mondays) from July 20th until September 4th. This convenient service is intended to help riders explore and move around Fernie to engage with more services, activities, shopping, dining and experiences.

With both an extended and express route, the shuttle will connect Historic Downtown, various accommodators, the Visitor Centre, Fairy Creek Falls trailhead, Mount Fernie Provincial Park & Fernie Alpine Resort.

The service is first come, first served with limited seating. Learn more HERE.

Meet Nancy Arsenault, Managing Partner, Tourism Cafe and proud member of TIABC. Hear why her business became a member of TIABC over nine years ago and why she encourages other businesses and organizations to consider a membership.

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.

Would you like to be featured in our weekly Voice of Tourism, social channels and on our website? TIABC member testimonials provide visibility and exposure to the tourism industry and a wider audience for your business. If you want to be featured in an upcoming TIABC Voice of Tourism and other platforms, contact Deborah - deborah@tiabc.ca

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.

Contact info@tiabc.ca for more information, visit our website HERE or the link below.

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) are pleased to offer TIABC members an opportunity to extend their membership. Effective now, TIABC members in good standing can enrol in TIAC’s Associate Program FOR ONLY $25.

TIAC is the national voice for the travel and tourism sector and acts on behalf of Canadian tourism businesses promoting and supporting policies, programs, and activities that will benefit the sector’s growth, development, and prosperity.

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.

Contact info@tiabc.ca for more information or visit our website HERE.

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) Fast Track Your Future Education Series is back. Register for five exciting and condensed six-week courses that will transform your team. Mark your calendar every Wednesday at 11am PST (12pm MST) for practical knowledge and guidance LIVE from the industry's leading experts and trainers.

Learn more and register HERE.

Victoria 9th Annual Tournament

August 23 - Olympic View

If you want to become a sponsor, contact Samantha at samantha@sasparilla.ca our Event Manager or Mike Macleod, Golf Committee Chair at mike@bcha.com

The 30th Annual Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Golf Tournament will be hosted at Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops.

Date: Thursday, August 24

The event comes with a full day of food, drink, and fun and is a fundraiser to create bursaries to support tourism students from Thompson Rivers University, University of BC Okanagan, and Okanagan College.

Learn More & Register HERE.

One of Vancouver’s favourite family-friendly summer traditions, the 31st annual Honda Celebration of Light (HCOL), returns to English Bay Beach for three nights of fireworks extravaganzas as teams from Australia, Mexico, and the Philippines compete this year for the most dazzling pyrotechnic display lighting up the sky.

Dates: July 22, 26 & 29

At 10pm on each of the three nights, the fireworks will begin from barges located in English Bay. A music simulcast can be heard on Rock 101 on the FM dial.

Learn more HERE.

The Abbotsford International Airshow has grown to become one of the Fraser Valley’s largest and most exciting annual events.

Dates: Aug. 11, 12 & 13

Location: Abbotsford International Airport

Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now! Early Bird ticket access is EXCLUSIVE to Airshow Insiders.

Learn more about the event performers and event attractions HERE.

The official First Call for Nominations has been sent out to WGBC full members with available Board of Director positions to be elected/acclaimed by those members present and in good standing at our Annual General Meeting.

Date: September 6 (Virtual)

Wine Growers BC encourages all eligible Full Winery Members in good standing to consider soliciting nominations from their same Winery Category for the position of a Board Director. Request your nomination package HERE.

A reminder that during the AGM, all Full Winery Members will have the opportunity to vote for each director for which there is an election required.

Register for the AGM HERE.

The Northern BC Tourism Association will be holding their annual Summit, and you are encouraged to mark your calendar.

The Road Forward is the theme for the 2023 Summit. The sector has taken continual hits from natural disasters and global pandemics to economic pressures and this year is our opportunity to come back together and plot the road forward together.

Date: October 11-13

Location: Ramada Hotel, 444 George Street, Prince George

Learn more and register HERE.

The highly anticipated second annual SPARK BC Hotel and Liquor Conference is back!

BC’s Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) and the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) are joining forces once again to bring together industry experts in hospitality, liquor retail, and accommodation.

This event offers an unparalleled opportunity for liquor and hospitality businesses across BC to network with like-minded professionals, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights from informative sessions and speakers.

Date: October 16 & 17

Location: Anvil Centre, New Westminster

Learn more HERE.

The BCRFA BC Restaurant Hall of Fame is returning. The BC dining scene is recognized across the country as industry and trend leading.

The highlight of the evening is the 2023 BC Restaurant Hall of Fame awards presentation. This year’s inductees will join the almost 100 individuals whose contributions have been forever commemorated in the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame to date.

Date: October 23

Location: Italian Culture Centre, Vancouver

Tickets to attend the Inductee Evening are now on sale and are available HERE.

The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association will be holding it's 46th Annual General Meeting & Industry Conference. You are encouraged to mark your calendar.

Date: November 1-2

Location: Copper Point Resort - Invermere

Details to follow in the months ahead!

Be sure to save the date for Boating BC’s 2023 conference. There will be world class speakers, great discussions and amazing entertainment at the Cascades Casino.

Marina night will be on November 20th. Please mark the dates in your calendar - more information to be shared soon.

Date: November 21-22

Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott, 6055 Highway 17A, Delta

Planning for the 2024 Tourism Industry Conference has already begun, and you are encouraged to "Save the Date" for this must attend conference. The conference will be held at the Victoria Conference Centre, March 6 & 7, 2024.

Stay tuned for updates on workshops, speakers, sponsor opportunities, daily activities, awards, as well as schedule and accommodation.

We look forward to seeing you in Victoria next year!

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.