A pal recently sent me an Instagram video of two 50-something year old, well-dressed golfers wandering into a pro shop and 90 seconds later casually walking out with two putters stuffed down one guy’s pants. I instantly felt my blood pressure go through the roof (figuratively). My guess is the retail value of the clubs was in the range of $250.00.

I don’t know where the golf shop theft took place but I do know that similar scenarios happen frequently to retailers in BC, including tourism operators, in spite of security cameras and other measures to prevent this type of crime. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, shoplifting is at an all-time high and by all accounts appears to show no signs of abating. The Retail Council of Canada says thefts have risen on average by 300 percent since the start of the pandemic.

A TIABC member from a hospitality-related sector association told me last week that during his travels around the province to meet with stakeholders, he learned that shoplifting and vandalism were among the top three or four issues many of his members cited as requiring serious attention in order for their businesses to survive. Yikes!

I also heard this week from another member that in one of BC’s most popular tourism destinations, a well-known convenience store chain closed its primary downtown outlet because of the ongoing violence, damage and thefts the store and its employees have experienced in recent years. The retailer came to the unfortunate conclusion that it was cheaper and safer to shutter its operation and pay out the lease than to remain open and put up with the risks.

In recent months, many communities have stepped up law enforcement and enacted other measures to crack down on chronic offenders and organized crime rings who are largely responsible for the burglaries but the problem persists.

Thankfully there are resources for retailers to access such as a WorkSafe BC guide on preventing violence, robbery and theft. On their own many business owners have invested in anti-theft devices and on-site security personnel. Business improvement associations have offered training to members and launched street teams to patrol various neighbourhoods. Earlier this week the province introduced a new program (see below) to help businesses with up to $3,000 to cover the costs related to vandalism and to implement prevention measures. Government previously promised legislative changes to the Criminal Code that would add stronger conditions on repeat violent offenders. But are these actions enough?

Many major retailers maintain that very little is being accomplished no matter which initiative so they’re taking matters into their own hands to advance practical solutions with measurable outcomes. You’ll hear more about the strategy as it rolls out in the coming months.

While I’m not an expert and don’t want to get into the reasons behind the increasing problem of shoplifting in particular, I recognize that the solutions are equally complex and not as simple as the default response of putting chronic offenders in jail and throwing away the key. At the same time, given the impact of theft on tourism operators, as well as other offences committed against visitors that have generated recent headlines, TIABC is in the process of determining its advocacy role and policy position on this critical issue to not only protect tourism workers and businesses, but to mitigate the damage to our province’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

As much as I have compassion for people with severe challenges who often commit the aforementioned crimes, I’m a strong believer in justice, especially for thieves who should know better. To that end, I hope the perpetrators of the putter theft are identified and turned in by an Instagram subscriber with a conscience. That would certainly make my blood pressure drop to its normal state of 100 over 60.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

The provincial government has announced that small businesses throughout BC will soon have access to new funding to support increased costs due to crime and vandalism, and to prevent further crime.

Starting in fall 2023, the Province will support small businesses in recovering expenses incurred after experiencing property damage due to crime and vandalism, and to recoup expenses after taking measures to prevent vandalism.

The new $10.5-million Securing Small Business Rebate Program will be available on an application basis and retroactive to January 1st, 2023. Businesses will be able to apply for as much as $2,000 per business for the cost of repairs due to vandalism, and up to $1,000 for vandalism prevention.

Information about how businesses can apply for funding is expected to be made available in the fall and communicated through local chambers of commerce, boards of trade and business improvement areas to ensure business owners can get funding as soon as possible.

Read the official news release HERE.

TIABC joined more than 250 organizations representing thousands of businesses across the country in a letter to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland earlier this week.

The letter called for the extension of the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan repayment period by another year at the very least. A recent debt study delivered by TIAC and supported by the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Associations, including TIABC, shows revenue is not back to normal levels for all.

Our collective voice highlighted the significance of this issue. It also underscored how vital extending the CEBA repaying deadline is for both the stability and recovery of the sector.

In the coming weeks, TIABC will be supporting the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) by calling upon you to participate in a strategic campaign aimed at reinforcing our ask to the Federal Government. We need to continue demonstrating the strength of our industry and the importance of the CEBA loan extension. By standing together, our collective voice will resonate and push for positive change.

Today, TIAC is seeking your active participation. While TIAC represents the broad spectrum of the sector, it’s about the people. It’s about our communities. It’s about making sure our voices are heard, often. Together, we can make a difference and pave the way for a stronger, more resilient future for our industry.

If you’re struggling or if there’s something you want us to know, please share your story with us. Hearing your voice helps us paint a clear picture in our advocacy work, which extends beyond the walls of Parliament.

Reach out to TIAC and share your story HERE.

The preliminary insurance base rates for 2024 have just been unveiled by WorkSafeBC, impacting your annual insurance premiums. These base rates are influenced by various factors, including injury rates and return-to-work performance.

Our thanks go to go2HR who have compiled a list of tourism and hospitality business types with their corresponding preliminary base rates for 2024. There is some good news for pubs, bars, nightclubs, lounges, restaurants, and ski hills – they are set to benefit from decreased base rates, leading to significant cost savings for their businesses. Unfortunately, campgrounds, casinos, overnight accommodation and outdoor sports tours are among the tourism and hospitality classification units that will see an increase to their base rates for 2024. A reminder from go2HR - even if your industry base rate is going up, you can still secure discounts if you effectively manage health and safety within your own workplace.

Note these rates are preliminary, with final confirmation and communication to individual employers scheduled for November. According to the rate changes - across all industries, 54% of employers will see a decrease, 37% will experience an increase, and 9% will have no change in rates.

Visit HERE to search all classifications and preliminary base rates.

Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau announced this week changes to his cabinet that included Soraya Martinez Ferrada becoming Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Hochelaga in 2019. She has previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion (Housing), as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, and as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

TIABC looks forward to working with Minister Ferrada and our national counterparts on behalf of our members to help strengthen and grow the tourism sector in British Columbia and Canada.

Read the official announcement on Ministry changes HERE.

The Board of Directors of the Royal BC Museum (RBCM) has announced the appointment of Tracey Drake to the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective August 2nd.

Working alongside a strong executive team, Tracey will oversee museum operations, archives, and IMAX® Victoria, as well as the critical work underway with community engagement, UNDRIP implementation and the Collections and Research Building project.

Tracey joined the museum in 2021 as Head of Marketing, Communications and Business Development and was promoted to Vice President of Strategic Operations the following year. She is immensely passionate about the importance of the museum in truly representing diverse communities across BC and will steward the modernization of the museum.

Prior to joining the Royal BC Museum, her career in executive leadership and strategic management consulting spanned more than two decades, working with high profile organizations across the tourism, lifestyle, cultural, and non-profit sectors.

The board will now begin the important search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

Read the official announcement HERE.

The Highway 4 Cameron Lake Bluffs area has been impacted by wildfire causing restricted travel to west coast communities. As we restore the highway to full access, check for travel information about road conditions, highway openings and detour route.

On June 6th, Highway 4 closed at Cameron Lake Bluff, near Koen Road, because of a wildfire in the area. Travellers were asked to avoid travel in this area. Since then a detour route was established and work has been done to open the highway. Complications from the damage from the fire have impeded full reopening of the highway.

Drivers are reminded to obey all signage and traffic-control personnel as crews respond to the changing situation.

Learn more about the Cameron Bluffs Recovery Project HERE.

Travellers are also reminded to refer to DriveBC and clicking on the Emergency Travel Information banner on the left of the page.

According to the latest report from YVR, July through to September, YVR is on track to welcome nearly 7 million passengers. As Canadians and visitors continue to to travel, YVR has implemented new initiatives and digital resources to enhance the travel experience and facilitate navigation through the bustling airport. This includes:

The busiest travel days are projected to be Sundays in August.

Last but not least, July 22nd was a special day for YVR, as it is the day the airport opened its doors as the gateway from BC to the world. And this year, they are 92 years old.

As the tourism sector continues to adjust to the shifting post-pandemic labour landscape, compensation is one of the variables that business operators are grappling with. This includes wages, but also encompasses a wider range of business practices, from perks and benefits to the kind the culture a workplace fosters. This broader sense of ‘compensation’ is an important pillar in hiring and retaining a reliable workforce, so getting it right is worth the effort.

This new report from Tourism HR Canada explores some of the compensation-related decisions that tourism operators have made over the past three years, in response to both the pandemic and the general changes in the labour market.

Learn more and download the full report HERE.

Destination Indigenous has launched its new tourism careers website DiscoverIndigenousTourism.ca to help address the labour crisis for Indigenous-led tourism businesses and job seekers to find exciting opportunities within Canada’s vibrant tourism industry.

Learn more HERE.

TIABC member Prince of Whales, a prominent eco-tourism company specializing in marine wildlife experiences, has recently announced its Biosphere Certification. This prestigious recognition highlights Prince of Whales' enduring dedication to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and responsible tourism.

The Biosphere Certification serves as a mark of distinction for companies deeply committed to environmental protection, conservation of resources, and the well-being of local communities in alignment with the United Nations 17 sustainable goals.

Prince of Whales consistently demonstrates its alignment to this program and its commitment to minimizing ecological impact and upholding the integrity of the marine ecosystems it operates in and underwent a rigorous assessment and audit to achieve this certification.

Read the official announcement HERE.

Attention Accommodation Operators - the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) needs your support in helping to shape BC's Hospitality Industry!

Contribute to the essential workforce survey before August 4th, 5 pm, and help address the crisis at national and provincial levels in the following key areas:

The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada (RVDA), the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) and the Canadian Camping and RV Council (CCRVC) are undertaking a comprehensive study to determine the current economic impact of the camping and recreational vehicles sector in Canada. The resulting economic portrait will help strengthen the industry by providing stakeholders with information to guide their business decisions and influence public policy.

BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association is supporting this study and asking that if you have not received an invitation, you can access the survey by clicking on the link below.

ABLE BC has created free resources to help businesses encourage responsible drinking habits. Tips include: drinking responsibly, supporting a healthy lifestyle, and understanding Canada's low-risk drinking guidelines.

Visit their online store or if you are a member of ABLE BC, log in to the member portal to download a free pdf brochure on low-risk drinking.

Download the brochure HERE.

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) annual flagship fundraising lottery has raised over $190,000 for the Foundation. Coming off the success of 2022, which was their first campaign since 2019, they are in the process of planning this year’s lottery with an ambitious goal of raising $100,000! In order to expand their reach, they have rebranded the lottery to Spirit of Hospitality Lottery, presented by the Hotel Association of Vancouver.

The BCHF is currently in the recruitment process, securing donated packages from hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators. The BCHF will be packaging up tourism activities/experiences, hotel, and restaurant packages to submit to BCLC by August 23rd to secure our license. We are asking to please consider a donation to this valuable cause. Contact Alana for further information and to submit your package.

The BCHF is the only hospitality worker-specific charity in North America and since its inception 17 years ago, has provided financial assistance helping over 293 people across the province with more than $1,175,000 in support. In 2023 alone, we have provided $79,000 in support.

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.

Congratulations are in order to TIABC Director Chris Lewis (Director of Destination Development, Tourism Kelowna) and Ceri Chong (Director, Destination and Industry Development, Tourism Richmond), member of the TIABC Membership & Communications Committee who both earned their CDME credentials and were recognized earlier this month by Destinations International during their annual conference.

The Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. The CDME program prepares senior executives who want to advance their careers to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment.

Ceri and Chris were the sole BC recipients of the 41 recognized achievers from British Columbia. On behalf of TIABC, we wish to express our heartfelt congratulations to both Chris and Ceri for their hard work, dedication and achievement!

Read the official press release from Destinations International HERE.

Pictured left to right: Chris Lewis and Ceri Chong

The Don't Love It to Death program is an initiative by the Sea-to-Sky Destination Management Council. They recently launched a new video to raise awareness about the negative impacts facing natural spaces and communities.

The video seeks to drive conversation and inspire residents and visitors to respect and protect the wild places they love. Launched ahead of the May Long Weekend, the video has since garnered nearly 500,000 impressions and over 100,000 video views and continues to fuel and facilitate conversations about responsible recreation in the Sea to Sky region and beyond.

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is an outlet mall on Sea Island in Richmond. It is located in close proximity to Vancouver International Airport and currently has around 80 retailers in over 340,000 square feet.

McArthurGlen Vancouver is the first designer outlet to open in the Vancouver area, bringing you shopping at its finest with exceptional dining, tailormade events and your favourite designer brands all in one place.

The outlet mall is served by the Templeton station on the airport branch of the Canada Line. Visitors can travel for free, both ways, between Vancouver Airport and the mall by selecting a “Sea Island Only” ticket at the train stations.

Learn more about McArthurGlen Outlet HERE.

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.

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!

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, 2024

Location: Coast Capri, 1171 Harvey Ave., Kelowna, BC

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.