June 21, 2024

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Three weeks ago, my wife and I embarked on a road trip from our home in Tofino to Edmonton and back, visiting friends and family along the way. We drove on highways 1, 3, 4, 5, 5A, 16, 19 & 97C, stopping for coffee, gas and other provisions in several BC cities, towns and small communities over the course of two weeks.

One thing that struck me during our travels was each town we visited seemed to be under some sort of water restriction, which is understandable given that Western Canada is experiencing drought conditions in many regions with smaller than normal snowpacks and little rain.

Some towns were at level 1 which, according to the province, indicates that conservation measures are needed, while others were at the maximum level – 5 – which means far more stringent action is necessary to mitigate the crisis.

From what I’ve observed over the last couple of years, provincial drought level classifications are not well understood or adopted on a community-by-community basis. For example, in some places, level 2 means you can only water your lawn on odd-numbered days, level 3 means you can’t wash your car or pressure wash the driveway, while level 4 means no use of water outdoors at all. In other towns, level 2 restricts outdoor use, while level 5 signifies the community is out of water so visitors are not welcome in the interim. Talk about confusing for tourists who travel throughout BC and encounter different rules wherever they go.

In Tofino, officials introduced a new system for water restrictions that encompasses stages 1 to 4. Level 1 is where residents and businesses can only water grass and gardens at certain times. Level 2 is where locals can only water food gardens by hand and are forbidden from filling or refilling pools and hot tubs.

At the property I operate (Crystal Cove Beach Resort), we're mandated to provide timers on all outdoor showers, pet and foot washes. If we were to reach level 3 drought conditions, we would need to limit shower times and other indoor uses. A level 4 classification (where we can only use water for drinking and sanitizing) would mean a dire emergency that could close Tofino to visitors, which is one step ahead of what the province commands according to the drought classification scale.

To my earlier point…the classifications don’t appear to be well understood or applied consistently across BC, leaving tourists with more questions than answers.

As you well know, water conservation has become an annual practice in BC. However, what we need is for the provincial government to be working with municipalities to agree on a water conservation plan where each level is clearly understood and measures consistently applied in every city, town or community in British Columbia. For tourism operators like me, this would help our guests more clearly understand the rules and do the right thing to contribute to our business and community sustainability measures no matter where in the province.

J.J. Belanger

Chair, TIABC

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day

Friday, June 21st marks National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, a day to honour, recognize and celebrate the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada.

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. The contributions of Indigenous Peoples to BC's past, present, and future run deep but are often not well recognized.

Every year, numerous activities and special events are organized across the province to celebrate the day. For a list of events happening around BC, visit HERE.

You can also learn more, including other events and activities during National Indigenous History Month by visiting the Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) website HERE.

TIABC and Sector Associations Provide Input Into Proposed CCNMCAR

As connected sector associations focused on the marine tourism environment, TIABC along with Boating BC, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Commercial Bear Viewing Association, Sport Fishing Institute of BC and Wilderness Tourism Association of BC provided input into the proposed Central Coast National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (CCNMCAR) as a follow-up to the recent briefing provided to various stakeholders by Parks Canada.

As noted in the submission, the sector associations agree that the Central Coast region within the Great Bear Sea is one of the richest marine environments in the world. Protecting it from multiple stressors and/or restoring areas that have been damaged is paramount to ensure the health of the entire marine ecosystem in this beautiful part of British Columbia.

At the same time, we are concerned about both the notion of a permanent conservation reserve and its potential impact on the tourism industry, as well as components of the consultation process.

In conclusion, we strongly encourage Parks Canada and its partners in this initiative to consult with all segments of the marine tourism industry during every phase of the CCNMCAR to ensure that the sector’s voice is heard, and that it can continue to contribute to the environmental, social, cultural, and economic needs of coastal communities and the province as a whole.

ICYMI | Water Conservation Toolkit

Now Available

BC’s tourism industry can play an important role in championing water conservation, inspiring both residents and visitors to protect one of our most precious resources.

The Tourism Emergency Management Committee, (co-chaired by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport and TIABC), has created a Water Conservation Toolkit for the tourism industry, with resources, shareable graphics, tips, messaging, and steps that businesses and industry partners can take, to promote and participate in responsible water use.

Visit HERE to access the complete toolkit.

May 2024 Labour Market Information

According to the latest go2HR Employment Tracker, employment in the tourism and hospitality sector saw a small decrease of 2.5% from April to May 2024, dropping from 342,500 jobs to 334,000. Current employment remains 4,750 jobs below 2019 levels. Here are some of the latest trends noted for May 2024:

Sector Trends:

• Increased Employment: Accommodation and Food & Beverage sectors
• Decreased Employment: Recreation & Entertainment and Transportation & Travel sectors

Regional Dynamics:

• Employment Increases: Kootenay Rockies and Vancouver Island regions.
• Employment Decreases: Lower Mainland, Northern BC, Thompson Okanagan, and Cariboo regions.
• Pre-COVID Comparison: Employment in the Lower Mainland and Northern BC remains below pre-COVID levels, while other regions have surpassed those levels.

Unemployment Rates:

• Increased from 4.5% in April 2024 to 6% in May 2024, which is above the 2019 benchmark of 4.8%.

For more information, visit go2HR's Employment Tracker for updated monthly and current data on the tourism and hospitality industry in BC.

Accessibility Standards for

Employment & Service Delivery Consultation Process

The Provincial Accessibility Committee (PAC) is an advisory body to government and responsible for providing advice on measures to promote accessibility for persons with disabilities.

PAC is required to consult broadly on any recommendations it develops before submitting those recommendations to government for consideration. This current consultation is an important opportunity for organizations to help shape these recommendations. Here's how you can participate:

• The public consultation on draft accessibility standards is open and you are invited to provide input on BC's draft accessibility standards recommendations.
• PAC is hosting a virtual workshop on July 4 - share your perspectives on the draft accessibility standards.

If you are unable to attend the Workshop, but would like to provide feedback, complete the Online Survey, or submit your written feedback to: AccessibleBC@urbansystems.ca

ICYMI | Episode 24 - Charlayne Thornton-Joe

Meet Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Visitor Experience and Facilities Coordinator at the Chinese Canadian Museum Society of BC and recent Destination Greater Victoria Miracle Award recipient, who joins TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas to discuss her career path, her work with tourism as a former Victoria City Councillor, and what communities need to grow and prosper as tourism destinations.

4VI Launches "For The Whales" Video

Hoping to quell negative impacts to the marine mammals in the coastal waters around Vancouver Island, 4VI has partnered with the Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) and the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA) to create an awareness campaign for visitors.

The organizations have expressed that while viral videos showing surprise close encounters with whales and other marine life may be captivating, the results are often not positive in the long-term. Sharing imagery of close encounters, even when legitimately a surprise, creates confusion about national laws meant to reduce disturbance to marine mammals.

A short video, For The Whales, has been developed to help inform visitors that operators in the Vancouver Island Region are committed to setting and following global best practices for marine mammal viewing. Operators in the Vancouver Island Region are being offered guidance and support by 4VI and partners to help develop and reinforce their policies. Learn more by connecting with 4VI.

Operators and partners are encouraged to share this video on their own social media platforms prior to, and during, the busy summer season.

Park Expansion in Northeastern BC

A major expansion of Klinse-za Park, located west of Chetwynd and Hudson’s Hope in northeastern BC., will better protect sacred sites and wildlife habitat, and contribute to the goal of protecting 30% of lands in the province by 2030.

The expanded Klinse-za/Twin Sisters Park (pronounced Klin-see’-za) will protect nearly 200,000 hectares of land, including two mountains known locally as the Twin Sisters, which are an area of cultural and spiritual significance for Treaty 8 First Nations.

The park expansion is the result of a historic 2020 partnership agreement between the governments of BC, Canada, Saulteau First Nations, and West Moberly First Nations. The expanded park, which is also home to at-risk species, such as fishers, bull trout, grizzly bears and wolverines, creates the largest provincial park established in BC in a decade.

Read the full announcement from government HERE.

Emergency Management Specialist Joins

Northern BC Team

Fran Haughian has joined the Northern BC Tourism team as the Emergency Management Specialist. She has an extensive background in emergency management, economic development, and business support through 30 years of experience in the non-profit and local government sectors. Fran’s strengths include community capacity building, collaboration, and building strong networks to provide vision, direction, coordination, and motivation toward achieving emergency management goals.

Coquihalla Canyon Park Will Partially Reopen

Next Month

A portion of Coquihalla Canyon Park, including the first two Othello Tunnels, will reopen in mid-July.  

In November 2021, an atmospheric river brought heavy rain and severe flooding, damaging more than 30 sites in the park, including the historic Othello Tunnels built in 1914. The first phase of restoration work to safely reopen the park is underway and will allow people to access the park from the parking lot to the end of the second tunnel.

The exact date of the reopening will be posted on the park webpage and BC Parks social media in the coming weeks. The rest of the park is projected to open in 2025.

Read the official announcement from government HERE.

27 BC Restaurants Make Open Table Top 100 List

Congratulations to BC's outstanding food and beverage industry!

OpenTable, an online reservation and review company announced their top 100 outdoor dining restaurants in Canada last week, and out of those listed, 27 are from BC! The results were found after more than 1.1 million reviews and metrics Feb. 1, 2023 - Jan. 31, 2024 were analyzed. 

View the full list of recognized restaurants HERE.

Would you like your image to appear in our weekly Postcards from BC feature? Contact deborah@tiabc.ca

Richmond Olympic Experience

The Richmond Olympic Experience is the first member of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Museums Network to be located in North America.

Visitors enjoy a highly interactive and dynamic experience that conveys the power of the Olympic spirit through digital media, hands-on virtual sport simulations, physical challenges, informative displays and artefact exhibits.

Learn more about the Richmond Olympic Experience HERE.

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

Become a Member in 2024

Your Membership is Important to Us!

We strongly encourage you to consider membership or renew your membership with TIABC in 2024 to support our important advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire visitor economy.

TIABC continues to identify your concerns, raise your voice, champion your needs, and push for support and programs while encouraging policy changes at both the provincial and federal level.

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

TIAC's Associate Program for TIABC Members

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

By visiting this link, you can become a TIAC Associate Member, enjoy access to a range of TIAC benefits and add your voice to National efforts.

Note: If you are already a TIAC associate member, you will receive a renewal notice before your anniversary date. If you are currently a full TIAC member, you already get enhanced advantages. You will continue to enjoy added benefits and savings over and above what is available to associate members, including the TIAC Member Advantage program at Rendez-vous Canada.

BC Accessibility Standards: Business and Industry Associations Session

The Accessibility Directorate will hold a series of virtual sessions with government and non government parties to collect input on proposed Accessible Service Delivery and Employment Accessibility standards. Join the conversation, help remove barriers for people with disabilities in the province and shape BC's first accessibility standards.

Date: July 4th - VIRTUAL

Time: 2pm - 4pm (PT)

Learn more and register HERE.

Okanagan Wine Festivals Has Returned

The Okanagan Wine Festivals returns this month with three weeks in wine country you don’t want to miss. There is no better time to visit BC Wine Country than in June. Just before the summer season kicks into high gear, you can explore all your favourite wineries and discover hidden treasures. The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival will focus on a TASTE and SIPS series of events throughout the Okanagan Valley.

Dates: June 2-23

The official launch of the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival will take place at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on Friday, June 7th, following the BC Wine Awards private reception, where the 2024 BC TOP 50 and the Wine of the Year will be announced.

Learn more about the Okanagan Wine Festivals, the various events and how to purchase tickets HERE.

Celebrating Roots & Fruits

The festivities begin with the 4th annual Rock & Roll Picnic. You won't be able to resist the electrifying performances of two amazing rock bands while indulging in gourmet hotdogs created by our top local chefs.

The excitement continues on Sunday with non-stop music, entertainment, kids' activities, and a diverse range of vendors to explore lasting well into the night.

Dates: June 20-23

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

Art of Leadership for Women Returns

to Vancouver

The Art of Leadership Women is returning to Vancouver! This year's conference features a riveting collection of renowned world leaders, business icons, esteemed academics, and bestselling authors who share strategies and insights on the most critical issues confronting leaders in our world today. Don't miss this unique opportunity to develop your leaders, engage your talent, and build high-performing teams.

Date: June 24

Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

Use promo code TIABC40  and save $100 per pass.

Learn more and register HERE.

BCAC Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the BC Aviation Council is scheduled for:

Date: Tuesday, June 25th at Noon | Virtual via ZOOM

Informative, transparent, entertaining, topical - pretty rare for an AGM!

• Must be a paying BCAC Supporter member in good standing to vote.
• One vote per organization, please.

Everyone is welcome - Please register HERE.

2024 CanSPEP National Conference Registration

Join event entrepreneurs at CanSPEP featuring immersive programs, networking and awards in Victoria, BC.

Dates: June 25-28

Early registration is now open until May 3rd. Learn more and register HERE.

2024 CITAP+ Annual General Meeting

The 2024 CITAP+ AGM will be held electronically via Zoom on Wednesday, June 26th. Online registration through Zoom will open in early June, so please stay tuned! There will be no cost to attend the meeting.

Date: Wednesday, June 26

Time: 10:00-11:00 AM

Place:  Zoom Cloud

Learn more HERE.

43rd Annual Kamloopa Powwow

Join in to celebrate three days of vibrant Indigenous Culture! The Kamloopa Powwow Society is honoured to host the 43rd annual Kamloopa Powwow. The Kamloopa Powwow expects another large turn-out with an estimated 500 dancers and drummers from all across Canada and the United States. Attendees can expect to enjoy amazing drumming and dancing, colourful regalia, great food, and shopping at the artisan vendor booths.

Dates: June 28-30

Location: Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Special Events Facility (the Arbour) within Secwepemcúl’ecw, Kamloops

By being together, we will celebrate our culture and lift our spirits up. Kamloopa Powwow helps to honour our personal pride as First Nations and share our beautiful culture and territory with the world.

Learn more HERE.

2024 BCHF Golf Tournaments

Registration is now open for the 2024 BC Hospitality Foundation golf tournaments. This year a new venue is being introduced to the Vancouver location which will bring a whole new experience: 

Dates:

• July 5 - Tsawwassen Springs Golf Club
• August 21 - Olympic Golf Club, Victoria

Learn more and register HERE.

Save the Date | Hidi Nishi Golf Tournament

The highly anticipated Hidi Nishi Golf Tournament is set to tee off! Golf enthusiasts and industry professionals alike will gather for a day of friendly competition and networking against the stunning backdrop of British Columbia’s scenic landscapes.

Dates: July 17

Location: Tsawwassen Springs Golf Club

To Register: please email the CITAP+ office at info@citap.ca to be invoiced for your preferred activities/ sponsorships. Please indicate the number of individuals that will be in attendance.

SKAL Vancouver | Tourism Industry Golf Tournament

This year Vancouver's tourism executive club: Skal, is hosting a different kind of tourism industry Golf Tournament; a KP (Closest to the Pin) Shootout.

Date: June 21

Location: Mylora, Richmond

Having 15 Par 3's to shoot at for $1000.00 in cash & prizes on a course anyone can play on, with a Shotgun start, is the way to go. More fun, no waiting around for 5 hours on a golf course, and a great barbeque onsite at the end.

We are looking for golfers, hole sponsors, a title sponsor for the event, the reception, and the KP shootout. For more information, visit THIS LINK. 

33rd Annual PNWER Summit

Advancing a Sustainable Regional Economy through Clean Energy & Innovation

Legislators, business leaders, academics, and policymakers from the U.S. and Canada will gather in Whistler for PNWER's 33rd Annual Summit from July 21-25 to discuss regional economic best practices and trade concerns. It will be an opportunity to engage with our region's key decision makers on both sides of the border. 

Dates: July 21-22

Location: Fairmont Château Whistler

Learn more and register HERE.

Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Awards Celebration 2024

At the annual Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Awards Celebration, the BCAC recognizes aviation and aerospace industry colleagues for specific achievements. As well, they disburse almost $150,000 through their Scholarship Awards Program to hard-working students enrolled in aviation and/or aerospace programs in British Columbia.

Date: October 18th

Time: 5:45pm - 10:00pm PDT

Registration is now open - learn more and register HERE.

Save the Date | NBC Tourism Summit

The Northern BC Tourism Summit is back for 2024! It will be the first time the summit has happened since 2019 and will bring together industry experts, travel enthusiasts, and local businesses to discuss the latest trends, strategies, and opportunities in Northern BC's tourism sector.

Dates: October 22-24

Location: Ramada Hotel, Prince George

Registration is now open - learn more and register HERE.

Save the Date | Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association AGM

The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association will be holding it's 47th Annual General Meeting & Tourism Industry Conference.

Dates: October 23-24

Location: Prestige Lakeside Resort, Nelson

Mark your calendar! Program details to follow!

Annual Lodging & Camping Ideas Forum

The Ideas Forum is designed to provide BC Lodging and Campground Association members and guests with an inexpensive learning opportunity thanks to our sponsors and suppliers. It’s a chance to network with the sponsors, suppliers, fellow members and meet the volunteer board of directors. This is where ideas are discussed, knowledge is shared, and members’ questions answered!

Dates: November 4-6

Location: Manning Park Resort

Registration and agenda to be available August, 2024.

Tourism Congress 2024

Join the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) in beautiful Vancouver for an immersive conference experience that brings together tourism leaders, stakeholders, and innovators from across Canada and beyond. Get ready to share insights, explore new ideas, and celebrate our industry's resilience and creativity. We are thrilled the Tourism Congress is hitting the road this year.

Dates: December 3-5

Location: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre

Learn more about Tourism Congress including group booking opportunities HERE.