My first visit to Prince George (PG) in 1981 was as part of a tour of BC radio stations with fellow BCIT broadcast journalism students. I recall waiting to depart from the Burnaby campus and observing the last of my classmates climb on board our bus carrying nothing but a 24-pack of beer and a toothbrush. I knew instantly it would be an unforgettable trip.

I’m sure the Inn of the North was relieved that our stay in PG was brief. Seems while our group was out for dinner one night, Jim 24-pack stayed behind and rearranged the numbers on every single hotel room door, wreaking havoc for both guests and hotel staff.

Whether guilty by association or not, I didn’t dare show my face in Prince George for the better part of three decades. However, since joining TIABC nearly eight years ago, I’ve visited BC’s northern capital at least a dozen times on business, even staying at the Inn on multiple occasions.

As I’ve mentioned in this space before, I love the north for many reasons, not the least of which is the people...who are some of the friendliest, helpful, down-to-earth, most resilient, hospitable, and forgiving folks you’ll ever meet. Just ask the delegates at this week’s BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference. Some two-thirds of attendees had never been to Prince George before and learned first-hand why this part of the province is so special.

At the opening reception, Northern BC Tourism and Tourism Prince George delivered a northern experience that delegates will be talking about all year. Aside from great food, entertainment and socializing with friends and colleagues, many attendees went snowshoeing or cross-country skiing for the first time at the wonderful Caledonia Nordic Ski Club..

Because the city remained under a deep blanket of snow all week, it created the kind of winter atmosphere that we had hoped for. More importantly, virtually all the delegates stayed within the conference centre throughout the day so the plenary sessions and workshops were well attended.

To be sure, there were some travels challenges…ironically not in Prince George but in Vancouver the day before the conference began. However, most delegates ultimately arrived thanks to the heroic efforts of our partners at Air Canada, as well as the other airlines that service PG. To an individual, the effort and patience to find a way to attend far outweighed long waits on the phone or at airports in other parts of BC to board a flight.

Every food server, bartender, guest services agent, bus driver, audio/visual technician, retail clerk, conference volunteer, and civic representative treated us like gold. PG Mayor Simon Yu couldn’t thank us enough for taking our conference to northern BC for the first time. He also asked everyone to help spread the word that his city is keen to welcome more visitors, especially given that the local economy is set to take a hit with the impending closure of two mills.

Stellar workshops, exceptional plenary sessions, and a wonderful Indigenous-themed BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards Gala were also among the highlights this week. I wish to offer my sincere thanks to our host partners (Tourism Prince George, Northern BC Tourism, City of PG, Lheidli T'enneh First Nation), our anchor partners (Destination BC, Indigenous Tourism BC) conference management team (ConnectSeven Group), volunteers, speakers, government officials, event and award sponsors, delegates, BCHA partners, and especially the community for making this year’s conference so unique and so successful.

To the best of my knowledge, no one pulled any practical jokes that will run me out of town for a long period of time again. If anything, this trip to PG will be unforgettable for all the right reasons.

I feel sorry for those that missed out on the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference. Fortunately there is always next year in Victoria (March 6-8) or perhaps another opportunity to stage the event in the north somewhere down the road.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

During the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Awards Gala, the industry gathered to remember our colleagues and friends who we have sadly lost this past year. Forever in our hearts, we honour their memory and the impact they had on our lives and our work. May their legacy continue to bring us guidance and joy.

Click HERE to view.

Winners of the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards were announced during a gala celebration last night, presented by Indigenous Tourism BC.

Nine awards were given out that recognized and celebrated excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality sector, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers.

The winners and finalists of the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards include:

WINNER: Sport Surrey, City of Surrey

Finalist: The BC Bird Trail

Finalist: Vernon Adaptive Program

Businesswoman Of The Year | Sponsored by Prince of Whales 

WINNER: Kate Cox, Barkerville Heritage Trust

Finalist: Lan Do, Banh Mi Tres Bon

Finalist: Sarah Vallely, OPUS Hotel Vancouver

WINNER: Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre

Finalist: Destination Campbell River

Finalist: John Rae, Resort Municipality of Whistler & Karen Goodwin, Tourism Whistler

WINNER: Sun Peaks Resort

Finalist: Gooseneck Hospitality

Finalist: Oswego Hotel

WINNER: Northern FanCon

Finalist: Barkerville Historic Town and Park

Finalist: Rambo First Blood, Tourism Hope, Cascades & Canyons

WINNER: Klahoose Wilderness Resort

Finalist: Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours

Finalist: Nemiah Valley Lodge

Innovation Award | Sponsored by Acera Insurance and CapriCMW 

WINNER: Beyond the Haunting Investigations

Finalist: Driftwood Outdoor Guide & Business Apprenticeship

Finalist: Misty Isles Economic Development Society

WINNER: Destination Greater Victoria

Finalist: Tourism Ch'illiwack

Finalist: Tourism Prince George

WINNER: The Parkside Hotel & Spa

Finalist: Monte Creek Winery

Finalist: Spirit of the West Adventures

“These distinguished winners have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in their respective professions and have provided an exceptional experience to all visitors to our province. We are proud to recognize their contribution to the vibrant and diverse tourism and hospitality industry in British Columbia.” - Walt Judas, CEO TIABC

Ingrid Jarrett, president and CEO of the BCHA, said, “The winners and finalists of the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards are a testament to the rich talent and hard work of those in the hospitality and tourism sector across our fair province. We are delighted to honour their achievements and recognize the impact they have made.” 

See the full list of conference sponsors HERE.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport released its report that summarizes what government heard from over 170 tourism partners about the future of tourism in British Columbia.

From September 2022 through January 2023, the Ministry undertook targeted engagements across the province as part of the Tourism Renewal Initiative. The engagement process, including regional engagement sessions, in-depth conversations, and one-on-one interviews, was designed to seek input from industry partners on the future of tourism and how we might reimagine tourism in our province to generate greater competitiveness and long-term resiliency.

The report reflects participants’ feedback about the current challenges facing tourism in BC, as well as the opportunities and ideas to bolster BC’s competitive and collaborative tourism ecosystem and improve the lives of British Columbians through tourism. Throughout the engagement, several key themes emerged:

This process has confirmed the industry is engaged and focused on generating ideas that support a more sustainable and resilient visitor economy. It is also clear that continued collaboration should be the foundation of the Province’s approach to developing the policies, practices, and programming needed to achieve collective success, especially in a system as large and complex as the British Columbia visitor economy.

The Business Council of BC (BCBC) is concerned that Budget 2023 includes no mention of getting back to fiscal balance nor a clear path to the type of sustained per capita economic growth that supports prosperity for families and businesses and sustains government revenues over time. In its statement, BCBC notes:

Read the summary of Budget 2023 released by government HERE.

The Business Council of BC has recently released the BC Economic Review and Outlook - February 2023. The report explains that even if BC avoids outright recession, with GDP growth in the vicinity of 1% and population growth around 2%, GDP per capita is set to fall significantly this year. In addition, if the economy expands as expected in 2024, per capita GDP may gradually claw its way back to 2017 levels – meaning no gains in per person prosperity over a period of 6-7 years. "This is not a picture that BC policymakers should be satisfied with," they state.

The BC government announced earlier this week they are taking action to lower fare increases for people who rely upon BC's coastal ferry service through $500 million in new funding for BC Ferries.

Through a recent submission to the BC Ferries commissioner and the impacts of global inflation over the past 18 months, it was clear BC Ferries users could face fare increases of 10.4% a year for the four-year period of 2024 to 2028. With this $500-million investment, the BC government’s goal is to keep annual average fare increases below 3% a year. Final fare increases will be determined by the BC Ferries commissioner.

The increase in core costs like fuel, along with higher inflation are factors in driving up overall costs for BC Ferries. The $500 million will also support greenhouse-gas-emissions reduction through electrification of vessels and other initiatives to green the fleet and operations.

The preliminary annual fare increases (price cap) for the next four-year period commencing April 1, 2024 should be determined by March 31st, 2023.

Read the official announcement HERE.

Earlier this week, the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association (BCRFA) sent a letter to Minister of Labour Harry Baines expressing concerns with respect to the future of the hospitality sector and ways in which the provincial government can continue to support the industry.

The letter reminded government that the industry is in a very weakened state as a result of the pandemic and the impacts of inflation on the cost of goods and labour, labour shortages, and the unacceptable processing times for employer certification for foreign workers, continues to increase the burden on small businesses.

The BCRFA has advised government that without immediate action on the above items, the industry will continue to see small business close in British Columbia at a rate not seen since the pandemic and the considerable work and prior support from the provincial government will be wasted.

Learn more about the BCRFA HERE.

One of the roles ABLE BC plays on behalf of their membership is to create an economic snapshot of the industry. This includes surveying private liquor store members on an annual basis to help develop KPIs or benchmarks for beverage licensee businesses in the province.

In 2023, ABLE BC revamped the Licensee Retail Store (LRS) Benchmark Survey. The LRS survey now comes in two versions: for independent stores and chains.

LRS Benchmark Survey - Independent Stores: This survey is intended for independent liquor stores that do not share ownership with any other store. Take the survey HERE.

LRS Benchmark Survey - Chain Stores: This survey is intended for chain liquor stores that share ownership with other locations, whether under the same brand or not. Take the survey HERE.

Please complete by March 24th. Individual results and any business information shared will be kept confidential. Results will be presented as aggregate data.

The Province has put together a Digital Accessibility 101 webinar through the Ministry of Citizen Services, via the Accessibility Community of Practice and the Accessibility Secretariat, for digital accessibility practices, as well as a toolkit.

The valuable tools are useful for multiple areas of your respective organizations work.

Access the Accessibility and Inclusion Toolkit HERE.

Destination BC (DBC) has just launched its latest campaign aimed to drive seasonal dispersion from the US market. The goal of the campaign is to motivate travellers from California and Washington to choose BC as their destination of choice for a spring vacation.

The Indescribable campaign showcases travel experiences that align with key California and Washington traveller motivators.

The campaign leverages tactics across digital advertising, social media, connected TV, paid search, and email to reach focus audience segments.

View the following campaign videos:

#NotMe is an ethical system that fosters corporate integrity and helps organizations manage and mitigate risks while building trust with their people.

In the organization's most recent blog, they speak about the hospitality industry and how the quality of your service is directly linked to employee experience.

The blog also explains that employees are the front line in interacting with your customers. Consequently when they have high job satisfaction, they’re more likely to provide excellent service that reflects well on your brand and builds customer loyalty. A demoralized, inexperienced workforce going through the motions of their jobs is not going to benefit the health or profitability of your hotel, restaurant, casino, or other hospitality venue.

Read the full blog HERE.

In 2023, BC Parks’ updated reservation policy allows the reservation of campsites four months in advance, meaning it is now possible to book sites for a June arrival.

A recent blog by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has provided a selection of BC Parks campsites that allow reservations, have vehicle access, and are on or near a stocked fishing lake.

Many BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails BC locations offer first-come-first-serve spots. This map on the Camping & RV in BC website provides detailed information on stocked lakes, provincial and national parks, Recreation Sites BC, and private camping and RV parks, as well as ideas on where to go fishing and camping.

Read the blog and learn more 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 

Don't miss out on this exclusive ticket offer for Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) members to attend Vancouver's biggest party of the year! Canada Sevens 2023 returns to BC Place March 3-5 for three full days of rugby, entertainment, and nonstop fun.

Each tournament pass equals three separate tickets to the event - one for each day of the tournament. All tickets are fully transferable. Visit our website at www.canadasevens.com for more information. For all ticketing inquiries, please contact tickets@canadasevens.com.

*Offer valid for General Admission and Reserved tickets only

Based in Vancouver, Fresh Tracks Canada has been creating personalized Canadian vacations since 1996. Their team has explored the country — because they love to travel too — and have used this insider knowledge to create more than 25,000 personalized trip itineraries, helping visitors explore all of what Canada has to offer.

Fresh Tracks Canada works with travel and tour suppliers in Canada — who are chosen for their excellence of service and high-quality experiences. Working with their partners, they offer packages that are exclusive to their company.

Click HERE to learn more about Fresh Tracks Canada.

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.

Positions: Outreach Instructors (Seasonal)

Locations: Abbotsford, Kamloops, Clearwater, Victoria, Fort Steele, and the Okanagan region

Instructors are responsible for delivering Learn to Fish and other Society outreach programs to the public (including youth and their families, schools, and community groups), as well as engaging with anglers and the public.

Position: Senior Research Technician & Outreach Coordinator (Regular, Full-Time)

Location: Vanderhoof

The Senior Research Technician and Outreach Coordinator at the Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre in Vanderhoof, provides technical and operational support to the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative (NWSRI) for the recovery of the Nechako River’s endangered white sturgeon.

If you are a team player committed to service excellence who enjoys working with the public, and seeks a rewarding opportunity to be part of an exciting organization, learn more and apply 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.

The I Love Mission team is asking you to “save the date” to join them in celebrating all things Mission. The event is to give the community the opportunity to come together to celebrate after two years of working through the pandemic, and to thank first responders for their dedication during this time.

A street map will be available in March with the description of each creation and a QR code linking to the Tourism Mission website offering more in-depth information and historic content for each light.

Save the Date: March 3rd

More information will be available HERE.

You are invited to join WORTH Association and women of recreation, tourism, and hospitality in Vancouver for an evening of networking with an inspiring panel discussion.

WORTH's Empower Her event aims to connect a community of leaders to expand their network and create meaningful relationships. Vancouver’s top female tourism and hospitality leaders will share inspiring ideas with the intention of sparking dialogue about issues that impact women in the workplace. Their perspectives will inform, inspire, and empower women to collectively identify ways to accelerate women to senior roles in the industry.

Date: March 6

Time: 5:30 - 10:00 PM

Location: Vancouver Marriott, Pinnacle Hotel

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

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

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

Date: March 7

Location: Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre

Learn more and register HERE.

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is excited to announce registration is now open for the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC).

This conference is designed to unite the global Indigenous tourism industry bringing together tourism operators, international delegates, members of parliament and tourism partners. IITC features collective sharing of best practices and networking as Canadian and global delegates participate in panel discussions, breakout sessions, keynote presentations and local cultural experiences.

Dates: March 8-10

Location. Treaty 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis - Winnipeg

Learn more and register HERE.

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!

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.