In the late eighties, I sold my prized new Honda Prelude to a friend and used the cash for a down payment on our first home in Steveston. While the house itself was relatively inexpensive at the time, interest rates were nearly triple what they are today. As young newlyweds and high-risk borrowers, we were saddled with first and second mortgages of 15% and 18% respectively. Combined with annual property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance costs, as well as basic living expenses such as food, gas, clothing, diapers, and other incidentals, we were spending more than our one-income household generated each month.

Although we refinanced our mortgage after a year, we still couldn’t afford to keep our old, small, poorly built house and ultimately sold it for a modest profit. After renting for a few months, we subsequently moved even further away from my downtown Vancouver office to purchase a slightly larger, more affordable home to raise our growing family. Then each time we added another member to our brood, we moved again…all the while increasing the size of our house and mortgage. Thankfully my regular paycheques were also growing exponentially so we could afford to pay our bills.

As tough as it was for us back then, it’s far more difficult today for anyone (especially young people and immigrants) to take out a loan of any size to purchase a home or finance a business. Exorbitant real estate prices, high taxes, rising costs for food, gas, and other necessities (i.e. record inflation), as well as the highest interest rates in over two decades have caused serious challenges for those trying to get into the market, or for homeowners renewing their mortgages. Monthly payments have become too much for the average household, particularly in larger centres around the province.

In a business context, tourism operators are also facing a similar dilemma vis-a-vis meeting their loan obligations since both fixed and variable cost expenses are far outpacing revenues. Many have few options other than borrowing from Peter to pay Paul or closing shop permanently. In fact, owners are pleading for a break on paying back loans due by year’s end for several federal government assistance programs offered during the pandemic.

Countless businesses in BC and across Canada are not yet in a stable enough financial position to retire these government-backed loans even though deadlines have been pushed back by a year.

For example…both the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) and the Regional Relief and Recovery Program (RRRF) offered borrowers up to $60,000 with as much as one-third forgivable if the loans are paid off by December 31st of this year. Despite an extended deadline, operators are worried they won’t be able to comply.

Our national partners at TIAC, with support from TIABC and our provincial and territorial (PTTIA) counterparts are set to launch a two-part survey later this month targeted to tourism business owners across Canada to ascertain the magnitude of the debt-servicing issue, with a goal to lobby for revised repayment terms that allow businesses a fighting chance to remain open and thrive again.

If this issue affects your business, we’re counting on your survey participation and prompt response since government is unlikely to act without sufficient data to support the need for another extension to loan repayment deadlines. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.

I am mindful of how fortunate I am not to be faced with a significant financial burden at this stage of my life, but I empathize with those who do, especially after experiencing a similar situation many years ago that forced me to sell my home and leave a community that I loved. With a solid strategy and active lobbying, we aim to help tourism operators avoid a similar fate for their business.

As for my beloved old Honda Prelude…I tried to buy the car back from my buddy for more than 20 years but finally gave up after the odometer turned over at 400,000 kilometres and the rusty front quarter panel fell off.  Looking back, seems to me he got the better deal.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

Last week, the Coalition of Associations that includes TIABC sent a letter to Premier Eby, expressing concerns regarding the pending increase in a minimum wage increase this year.

The letter explains that the undersigned associations are hearing persistent concerns from a wide variety of firms, especially consumer-facing businesses, that they cannot absorb another significant increase on top of all the other government mandated costs and other inflationary input cost increases in 2023. The increase is likely in the range of 6-7%.

The letter also states that "another significant minimum wage increase will force businesses to raise the wages of all employees to maintain relative wages and to deal with wage compression where new inexperienced employees are paid the same as more experienced employees. This ‘ratcheting effect’ leaves employees no further ahead on a relative basis and, in fact, may result in fewer opportunities for workers, may trigger business closures, or lead to more mechanized work where this is a viable option."

The coalition strongly recommends that the province cap this year’s minimum wage increase at 3% recognizing the labour cost increases that businesses are already struggling to absorb and that the BC government should also consider implementing minimum wage adjustment support programs that offer small business rebates to help minimize additional cost pressures of minimum wage increases similar to what both Newfoundland and Manitoba have implemented.

New pay transparency legislation was introduced by the Ministry of Finance earlier this week to help close the gender pay gap in BC.

Once the legislation is passed - effective November 1st, all employers will be required to include wage or salary ranges on all publicly advertised jobs. In addition, as soon as the legislation is in force, BC employers will not be able to ask prospective employees for pay history information or punish employees who disclose their pay to co-workers or potential job applicants – actions known to contribute to the gender pay gap.

When the legislation is passed, BC employers will gradually be required to publicly post reports on their gender pay gap. This requirement is being introduced in stages – by number of employees – to give employers time to prepare, as follows:

Learn more and read the official announcement HERE.

Following the initial statement from the BCBC last week on Budget 2023, this week Chief Economist, Ken Peacock provides an in-depth analysis of the new Budget.

According to the analysis, "the new Budget expands and builds on several years of substantial spending increases and delivers additional fiscal stimulus when the economy is already running hot. The Budget fails to embrace a balanced economic and fiscal policy agenda that fosters investment, supports innovation, and encourages the scaling up of businesses to strengthen the economy and lift real wages."

Read the complete analysis by BCBC HERE.

According to a new study - Economic Analysis of Hotel Supply and Projected Demand in Metro Vancouver, 2023 to 2050 - released this week by Destination Vancouver, without new investment, the lack of hotel supply in Metro Vancouver will translate into significant losses to the provincial economy.

Between 2022 and 2050, the cumulative economic impacts are projected to be:

The report also stated that cities of a comparable profile have been building new hotels at a steady pace. At the same time, Vancouver’s hotel supply has been contracting; Metro Vancouver is down roughly 2000 rooms since 2010, with 1500 of those rooms lost in Vancouver.

The pandemic removed an additional 550 rooms from the city’s inventory, with purchases by BC Housing and City of Vancouver which converted those rooms to supportive housing.

Royce Chwin, Destination Vancouver's president & CEO noted that “Lack of available hotel rooms will make visiting Vancouver even more expensive, and the city will be less competitive in attracting major conferences, large sporting events and leisure group travel...those visitors will just go elsewhere.”

Read the Destination Vancouver press release HERE.

The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation announced earlier this week, BC will become the first province in Canada to systematically amend provincial laws to remove outdated gendered and binary language, better reflecting the diversity of the province and ensuring everyone can access provincial programs and services.

New modernizing legislation was introduced that will correct outdated language by amending more than 2,300 instances of outdated gendered and binary terms from 21 ministries across 210 provincial statutes. Some changes to gendered words include amendments to ensure inclusive language acknowledging gender equity and diversity.

Read the official announcement HERE.

The provincial government announced today, owners of restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries will have more time to make outdoor seating areas permanent. This will allow establishments the opportunity to serve more people without disruption during the patio season.

Government is extending existing temporary expanded service area (TESA) authorizations one final time until Dec. 31, 2024.

The TESA program was implemented in May 2020 as a measure to help the food-and-beverage sector through difficult financial times during the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2021, the Province extended existing TESA authorizations to provide time for local authorities to update their patio policies and for licensees to apply to make those areas permanent.

Businesses wanting to make their current TESA permanent must apply through the Liquor and Cannabis Licensing Portal.

Read the official announcement HERE.

Tourism Week is an annual invitation for all tourism partners to come together to champion and promote Canada’s destinations, tourism businesses, and employees – from coast to coast to coast. After more than two devastating years for tourism, border restrictions have finally been removed. The rebuilding of Canada’s visitor economy is now underway, but there’s a long way to go before tourism reclaims being the $105-billion economic powerhouse it was pre-pandemic. That’s why this year’s theme is CANADA: Powered by Tourism!

TIABC will once again be partnering with Destination BC to introduce a number of initiatives or ideas for DMOs and businesses to implement. Preparation is currently underway as we gather and develop resources that will provide you with tools to help us spread the message that #BCTourismCounts. Until then, mark Tourism Week 2022 in your calendar and start preparing.

Here are some suggestions to help get you started:

Whether you are a destination, landmark, attraction, venue, hotel or other tourism business, TIAC is challenging all operators to light up in TIAC green (colour hex code #8BC53F) as part of its #GreenMeansGo social media campaign during Tourism Week to raise awareness of the industry’s economic, social, and cultural importance.

Download the social media shareables provided in the Tourism Week toolkit (below) and share these messages of support for the industry to your followers during Tourism Week.

Share a video on social media to speak about your company, its economic and cultural importance in your community, and to let your followers know that you and your business support Tourism Week. Don’t forget to hashtag it #TourismWeekCanada2023!

Prince of Whales Whale and Marine Wildlife Adventure recently announced a contribution of $30,000 to support Ocean Wise’s winter field study in the Salish Sea. The study will focus on the habitat use and diet of at-risk whale species, including Southern Resident Killer Whales, Northern Resident Killer Whales, Bigg’s Killer Whales, and North Pacific Humpback Whales.

Recent changes in the use of the Salish Sea by at-risk whale species have sparked concern among conservationists, with some species spending less time in the area during the summer months.

Funding from Prince of Whales will directly support the conservation and recovery of at-risk whale species by providing baseline data on their winter distribution, abundance, and diet. This information will be made available for the purpose of informing fisheries management decisions and recovery actions, as well as prioritizing targeted salmon conservation efforts. The results of this study will aid in future conservation efforts in the hope of protecting and recovering the amazing cetaceans of the Salish Sea.

The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) regions are pleased to announce a new sustainability initiative called the BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN), launching this month with support from Pacific Economic Development Canada.

The BC Tourism Sustainability Network provides one-on-one support and resources to tourism businesses wishing to incorporate sustainability into their operations. This streamlined, supportive program will help tourism operators, regardless of prior experience, define a clear roadmap to integrate sustainability in their operations, strategy, and storytelling.

The first intake of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network is now open. Registration is free, quick, and easy. Space is limited. To get started, complete the form HERE. A Program Advisor will be in touch.

Did you Know...go2HR recently conducted a survey of over 200 tourism and hospitality employees in BC that explored perspectives of workplace sexual harassment, and the results were illuminating. 64% of respondents said workplace sexual harassment is an issue in our industry, while only 18% strongly agreed that their workplace is equipped to handle a sexual harassment incident.

This second in a series of trainings from go2HR focuses primarily on how to understand, determine and report sexual harassment should it occur, from your perspective as a worker The course covers the following learning topics:

Trigger Warning: Safer Spaces Worker training course deals with a serious subject matter.

The course is self-directed, takes place entirely online – and it’s free. We encourage you to integrate Safer Spaces into your workplace by taking the first course directed to employers and then having staff take the workers course. Registration for both courses can be completed below.

Effective April 1st, go2HR is discontinuing their Covid-19 discount price for the SuperHost® online courses and will go back to the regular course price of $59. You have until the end of March to register at the current discount price of $47!

Whether you're a worker or student training in customer service, this is a good time to register and become a SuperHost to your customers! If there is someone you know who might benefit from this course, make sure to share.

Employers...this is a good opportunity to register your workers and take advantage of a group purchase as seats don't expire. Register your workers to take the online course at $47 and see an increase in customer service satisfaction at your business. Employers can also apply for the BC Employer Training grant and receive a course reimbursement of up to 80%.

You have until the end of March to register.

After April 1st, the course price will go back to $59.

A reminder the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) provides assistance to hospitality workers who are experiencing imminent financial need due to a health condition experienced by themselves or a member of their family.

In order to be eligible for funding from the charity, an applicant must have explored all other potential avenues of funding. Whenever possible, we hope the BCHF help will enable individuals to recover and to return to work without the added burden of ongoing financial hardship.

Learn more and access application for assistance HERE.

The Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Toronto Metropolitan University has awarded Beth Potter, President & CEO of TIAC, its prestigious Industry Award 2022.

The award is presented in recognition of her significant work promoting the recovery of the sector, as well as her role connecting the industry to all levels of government. In addition, the award recognizes her past contributions to the School as a member of its Advisory Council.

TIABC extends our most sincere congratulations to Beth for this well-deserved recognition!

As part of the Winter Trails and Grooming Collaborative, Tourism Fernie was successful in being granted $45,000 from PacifiCan’s Tourism Relief Fund.

The money has gone towards purchasing three pieces of equipment to improve the grooming of winter trails around Fernie, with each to be operated by the various trails groups already providing the experience, structure, and volunteers to do the work.

Jikke Gyorki (pictured third from left) of Tourism Fernie said that local and visitor interest in groomed winter trails had been growing over the years, so the Winter Trails and Grooming Collaborative had been created to bring together the different trail groups and seek ways to work together better, to enhance the experience, and to source funding to support volunteer work in improving the trails.

Congratulations to Tourism Fernie on this exciting initiative!

Michael J. Ballingall, Sr. Vice-President of Big White Ski Resort, and TIABC Director was interviewed last week by News 1150 Kelowna regarding the closure of the Coquihalla Highway and the subsequent reopening over the weekend.

He explains his experience driving the highway after it's reopening, and the benefits the stretch of highway offers for the tourism industry, for the local and regional economies and for the ease of travel throughout our province in general.

Click HERE to listen to the interview.

Klahoose Wilderness Resort is located in the temperate rain forest between BC’s Salish Sea and the Coast Mountains. It is set on a remote channel named Thee chum mi yich – meaning further back inside (Homfray Channel) - the heart of the Klahoose Nation traditional territory.

​

The resort is owned by the Klahoose First Nation and resort tours are primarily led by Klahoose guides who are culturally trained and share legends, stories, language, and songs. The focus is on eco-adventure tours from May through August, then shifts to grizzly viewing tours from late-August until mid-October. They are committed to stewardship and community, which weaves through everything they do.

Congratulations are also in order. Last week, during the gala event of the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, Klahoose Wilderness Resort was honoured with the Indigenous Operator Or Experience Award.

Click HERE to learn more about Klahoose Wilderness Resort.

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.

If you have the right experience & credentials, and are passionate about sustainability — GreenStep Solutions would love to hear from you!

There are currently several exiting opportunities available:

Learn more about GreenStep Solutions HERE.

The ideal candidate is tech savvy, a self-starter, enjoys problem solving, has excellent customer service, communication organizations skills with terrific attention to detail. They must love working remotely and as part of a virtual team. Their primary area of responsibility is the Learning Management System and we are looking for someone who would thrive in a flexible, part-time position, approximately 20 hours per week, and is interested in at least a 2-year commitment.

The Tourism Cafe is an equal opportunity employer, and if you know anyone who would be interested in this position, please forward the link below.

Learn more about the position and how to apply HERE.

The Prince of Whales - Whale and Marine Wildlife Adventures is seeking various positions, both year round and seasonal. Opportunities are abound for amazing people in Victoria, Vancouver, Telegraph Cove and Remote. Join their passionate team in:

Learn more about the various opportunities with Prince of Whales and apply HERE.

Summer 2023 jobs are needed, and with summer around the corner, Capilano University is inviting you to post seasonal job opportunities to a select group of 150+ co-op and practicum students seeking paid and unpaid work experience.

Post on the custom job board, accessed only by their 2023 co-op/practicum students. The students are motivated to gain experience and contribute to your company or organization. See the attached for program details and job posting instructions.

Learn more about our programs including how to post HERE.

Learn more about the Tourism Co-op Program HERE.

For help and further information: tourismWIL@capilanou.ca 

go2HR and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (VCM) invite tourism industry partners from the VCM region to join this special webinar.

We've heard from many tourism employers that recruiting and retaining staff can be difficult. In this free webinar, we'll share practical advice and resources about attracting and keeping employees. There will also be a chance for employers to ask questions.

Date: Tuesday, March 28

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am (PT)

Registration is now open HERE.

The BC Chamber of Commerce is welcoming Premier David Eby and members of cabinet to its annual Premier & Cabinet Luncheon, a flagship event that offers business leaders the opportunity to connect with the Executive Council of the provincial government.

Attracting 200 guests from across the province, the event offers a coveted opportunity for leaders from private and not-for-profit sectors and First Nations to engage in deep dialogue with the Premier and Cabinet on issues that matter most in today’s business climate.

During the event, Premier Eby will deliver comments from the podium before engaging in an exclusive on-stage conversation with Fiona Famulak, president and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce.

Date: Tuesday, March 28

Time: 11:15 am - 12:45 pm

Location: Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

An introduction to the wines of British Columbia. The Level One course is designed to give you the basics to understand the key elements that make BC wine special and worth getting in your glass. Level One is a prerequisite for the in class experience offered in Level Two which is strongly recommended for wine professionals in the winery, retail, and restaurant setting.

Learn anytime, anywhere! This course is suitable for all levels of wine knowledge and a great introduction whether you are a seasoned professional or have a curious mind and palate, you’ll love getting to know BC and its remarkable wines.

Learn more and register HERE.

Looking to Hire? You might be interested in participating in the Spring Recruitment Speed Jobbing event. This event connects BC employers with bilingual candidates from across the country. If you're interested in participating, you can register today and reserve your virtual booth!

Date: Wednesday, March 22

Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (PT)

Location: Online

Learn more and register HERE.

Are you looking for a candidate in Healthcare, Hospitality, or Business field? Join Western Community College for a Mega Job Fair with 100+ other employers!

Date: March 23

Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Newton Recreation Centre, 13730 - 72nd Avenue, Surrey

Visit HERE for more information and to access entry passes.

Over 50 tourism businesses and events are expected to be exhibiting at TRUE Penticton, and it is completely FREE to attend, but donations of food items for the Penticton Community Fridge and Pantry are accepted and greatly appreciated. There will be adventure operators, rentals and tour companies, festivals and events, wine and craft beer tastings, artisan food samples, a kids scavenger hunt as well as the opportunity to win fantastic prizes.

Date: April 2nd

Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Penticton Trade and Conference Centre

Visit HERE for more information and to register.

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.

This year’s AGM and Conference theme will be Focusing Forward… Together.

Over the course of two days, public sector, private sector and Indigenous leaders will inspire us, challenge us to think outside-the-box and take steps to work together and chart a path to a future where businesses prosper, British Columbians thrive and communities flourish.

Date: May 31- June 2

Location: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, Whistler Way, Whistler

Registration will open March, 2023. Learn more 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!

The Art of Leadership Women focuses on the topics and trends most critical to leaders. This unique one-day conference features a riveting collection of world leaders, business icons, academics, and bestselling authors who inspire action.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn improved ways of leveraging their value, elevating their skills, and developing the strategies required to take their leadership and their organizations to the next level. This conference is not just for women, but for anyone who wants to champion change on behalf of women.

Date: June 6

Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

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.