November 1, 2024

CEO MESSAGE

As a kid, when you wanted something badly enough for your birthday or Christmas, did you ever pressure your parents by saying, everybody at school has one? Truth be told, maybe one of every five classmates actually possessed whatever it was you coveted but it felt like you were the only one that was left out.

Today when I hear people say things like, "everyone loves Destination X" or "nobody goes to Destination Y anymore," it begs the question, "who’s nobody or who’s everyone?" In other words, show me credible data from a reliable source and I’ll believe you.

For the tourism sector, thankfully we’ve made great headway in recent years vis-à-vis how, what and by whom data are captured and reported with many leading organizations like Destination BC, the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (Symphony Tourism Services), Destination Canada, community DMOs, post-secondary institutions, sector associations, individual companies, as well as independent consultants working collectively and collaboratively to coordinate, complement and align tourism research to benefit our industry.

Many of the aforementioned organizations spoke of their comprehensive research initiatives at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Summit earlier this week in Vernon. One of the speakers though, dug a bit deeper and unveiled some interesting data on the state of tourism globally, as well as other findings worth noting.

He pointed out that internationally, tourism is bouncing back. Year over year growth is roughly 4%, which is down from the average annual growth rate of 7% between 1950 and the start of the pandemic, but is nonetheless a good sign. 2024 will realize a staggering 1.1 billion international arrivals. And while domestic travel led the way after COVID, international travel is surging but not yet back to 2019 levels, largely because airline seat capacity is still catching up.

Some other points that caught my attention revolved around trends. For example, solo travel has doubled since 2018 with the leading demographic being those 45 and older, and predominantly women who tend to stay longer in a destination, spend more and frequent local businesses. Multi-generational family travel is also growing exponentially while wellness travel (e.g. outdoor activities, healthy food, peace & quiet) is set to quadruple by 2027.

All of these trends bode well for BC’s visitor economy, but the speaker from Skift also spoke of issues to pay attention to including concerns by residents over too many visitors that add little value to a local community. He also referenced climate related emergencies that are wreaking havoc with popular destinations, as well as geopolitical challenges that could impact Canada, and technology innovation such as artificial intelligence whose influence will be greater than the internet.

There were some recommendations put forward on what BC’s tourism sector needs to do to stay ahead of the curve but ultimately regularly conducting research and analyzing data is at the core of being able to respond accordingly, and more importantly, the key to being innovative in our approach to tackling problems and seizing opportunities in order for businesses and communities to leverage tourism to benefit both residents and visitors. It's good to know that our industry's research and analysis capabilities are leading-edge and constantly evolving.

Last month I asked my grandson Jake what he wanted for his birthday. He told me that he’d like a pair of crocs because every kid in school has them. I wasn’t sure I believed him until his Mom sent me a photo of a giant pile of colourful crocs left at the front door by the boys attending Jake's birthday party. Good thing I bought him a pair so he wouldn’t feel left out. 😂

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

Air Canada to Resume Daily Service to Beijing, Increase Shanghai Flights

Air Canada announced earlier this week the airline will be resuming daily service from Canada to Beijing and will be increasing its Shanghai flights to daily. Both routes will operate from the airline’s Vancouver (YVR) hub.

The airline suspended the Vancouver-Beijing route during the pandemic and now plans to resume daily flights on that route starting January 15th. Additionally, by January, the airline plans to increase its number of non-stop flights between Vancouver and mainland China to 14 from the current four flights.

The 10 additional flights that Air Canada plans to add mean there will be 2,980 additional seats per week for those flying not only to China but also to other parts of Asia.

Learn more about the Shanghai and Beijing schedule from the official Air Canada announcement HERE.

TIABC Responds to Air Canada Increasing Frequency Between Vancouver - China

TIABC CEO Walt Judas applauded the good news from Air Canada this week, explaining the impact Chinese tourists have on BC's visitor economy.

Read the full interview with Business in Vancouver HERE.

North Runway Modernization Program Launches Spring 2025

YVR is moving ahead with a modernization program to refurbish its north runway.  

Originally opened in 1996, the north runway will receive a series of upgrades to enhance operational resiliency. Work is set to begin in spring 2025 and be completed by fall. Construction will be carried out during the existing nightly closure of the north runway, which runs from 10 pm to 7 am daily.

YVR is not anticipating any impact to flight schedules or passengers as the work is carried out.  

At an estimated overall cost of $133 million, the program includes a complete asphalt overlay and connecting taxiways with supporting works to upgrade drainage systems as well as electrical and lighting equipment.  

Learn more about the North Runway project HERE.

Record 2024 Cruise Season Concludes at Port of Vancouver

The final cruise ship of the 2024 season departed from Canada Place this week, marking the end of another successful year for Vancouver’s cruise industry.

The Canada Place terminal at the Port of Vancouver is expected to welcome 327 cruise ship visits and 1.32 million passengers between March 11th and October 29th —breaking the previous record for passengers set last year by more than 80,000 (a 7% year-on-year increase). The busy 2024 cruise season saw Canada Place have six of its top-10 busiest days ever for passengers, including its second busiest ever on April 29th when almost 20,000 passengers passed through the terminal.

A new Economic Impact Study released by the port authority earlier this year found passengers, crew and cruise lines spend more than $1.1 billion locally each year, including passengers spending an average of $450 each on hotels, restaurants, shopping, tours and local attractions, and more. Cruise lines meanwhile spend as much as $660 million a year on local goods and services, as Canada Place is a homeport for the Alaska market where cruise ships get re-stocked, re-fuelled and maintained between trips.

Read the full announcement from the Port of Vancouver, including more details about the 2024 cruise season HERE.

Destination Canada’s International Convention Attraction Fund Secures Major International Conferences

Destination Canada’s multimillion-dollar International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF), launched earlier this year has already supported 21 successful bids made by Canadian destination marketing/management organizations (DMOs) to host high-value major international conferences.

Created and administered by Destination Canada, and funded by the Government of Canada, the ICAF is a vital component of Destination Canada’s strategy to establish Canada as a leading destination for hosting business events and is especially important as many Canadian destinations have yet to meet the business-events activity level seen before the pandemic. This program is essential to secure future editions of these conferences and to recover booking pace.

The three-year program offers financial commitments of up to $1 million per event bid by eligible Canadian destinations and is part of an overall investment of $50 million from budget 2023 for the attraction of major international conferences to Canada.

Vancouver is one of the successful bids for hosting the 2027 World Road Congress, with an anticipated direct economic impact of $10.2 million.

• Learn more about the International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF) HERE.
• Read the official announcement from Destination Canada HERE.

Outdoor Recreation Council Advocating for BC's Outdoor Recreation Future

The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) has shared a letter with Premier David Eby, urging his newly elected government to prioritize investment in outdoor recreation across British Columbia. As noted by ORCBC, "outdoor recreation is a vital contributor to BC's economy, community well-being, and environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation is central to our province’s identity".

The letter highlights five key priorities:

• supporting their volunteer-driven organizations,
• investing in recreational infrastructure,
• preserving public access to crown lands and waters,
• integrating recreation into land-use planning, and
• capturing recreation’s impact through data collection

Read the letter from ORCBC to Premier Eby HERE.

DBC Wants to Know What's New!

Destination BC (DBC) wants to know what’s new in your destination or business. DMOs, sector organizations, and tourism businesses are encouraged to book product presentations with the Destination BC team, which will in turn help us promote your products, as appropriate, through our channels.

Product presentations are held three times a year, starting January 28, 2025 and are opportunities for tourism partners to let DBC know what's new in their destination or business. These presentations provide DBC staff with the potential to form quality business relationships with a wide range of businesses and, at the same time, they provide tourism businesses the opportunity to meet to discuss opportunities to work and align with DBC.

Book your presentation with DBC HERE.

go2HR Shares First Aid Webinar Series Recordings & Resources

go2HR is excited to share their recorded webinar series on the new regulatory requirements for workplace first aid.

With the upcoming changes taking effect today, (Nov. 1st), tourism and hospitality industry employers need to understand the new standard, update their first aid programs, and ensure compliance. The 3-part webinar series covers essential topics, including:

• An overview of the new regulatory requirements
• How to conduct a first aid assessment
• Required procedural updates and industry best practices
• How to meet the new, mandatory first aid drill
• 
  

go2HR is also offering First Aid Assessment workshops this month. During these practical sessions, they will guide you through the assessment process, step-by-step, to make it easy for you to complete your own. Sign up for the following sector focused session by clicking the the following links:

• Ski & Other Recreation (November 7, 10 am)
• Accommodation (November 12, 10 am)
• Food & Beverage (November 14, 10 am)

Opportunity | Corporate Communications Specialist - Destination Canada

Destination Canada is seeking a Corporate Communications Specialist who will play a pivotal role in both media relations and industry communications.

The successful applicant will work on data-led communications and presentations, contribute to communication plans for our events, represent Destination Canada at events where media are invited, and liaise with partners on joint partner initiatives and their respective communications.

The ideal candidate will have a track record of successful media campaigns, a deep understanding of the current media landscape, and the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Learn more about this position and other career opportunities with Destination Canada HERE.

Opportunity | Tourism Nanaimo

Sport Tourism Coordinator

Tourism Nanaimo is seeking to fill the role of Sport Tourism Coordinator. The successful candidate will be responsible for securing and facilitating the successful delivery of sport events in Nanaimo by collaborating with the City of Nanaimo, Tourism Nanaimo, community partners, including area hotels, sports venues, and event organizers. This role involves developing annual events during need periods to drive sustained social, sports, and economic impact for the community, aligning closely with the overarching sport tourism strategy. Additional responsibilities include administrative tasks and consistent reporting. Application deadline is November 15th.

Learn more about this position HERE.

Kathy MacRae Recipient of King Charles III Coronation Medal

Congratulations are in order to Kathy MacRae, Executive Director of the Commercial Bear Viewing Association, President of the Wilderness Tourism Association and member of the TIABC Policy committee who was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by former Minister of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship and Minister Responsible for Fisheries, Nathan Cullen.

During the ceremony, Minister Cullen noted Kathy was receiving the award due to her ability to work with people and unite them, as well as her ability to make the government take note and listen with a specific focus to her dedication and passion on the BC's Land Act.

Pictured left to right: Kathy MacRae, Executive Director, Commercial Bear Viewing Association and President, Wilderness Tourism Association with Deputy Minister Lori Halls, Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship.

Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours Becomes First Whale Watching Operator in Canada to Achieve Rainbow Registered Accreditation

Congratulations to TIABC member Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours who has made history as the first whale watching company in Canada to receive the prestigious Rainbow Registered accreditation from Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). This achievement solidifies the company’s position as an industry leader in promoting inclusive tourism and reflects its commitment to building a welcoming, diverse environment for all guests and employees.

Here’s a quick summary of the highlights:

• They are leading the industry by becoming the very first whale and wildlife watching company in Canada to achieve Rainbow Registered Certification.
• A commitment to inclusivity and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
• Their Annual Pride Harbour Cruise helps raise funds for North Island Pride, supporting local 2SLGBTQIA+ initiatives.

This achievement has addressed the growing need for tourism businesses to reflect the values of today’s travellers by combining environmental responsibility with diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Read the full announcement HERE.

The Adventure Group

The Adventure Group Whistler represents a variety of activities and things to do in Whistler, offering high-quality experiences that are fun, safe and convenient for their guests.

Year-round attractions include the Vallea Lumina and Superfly Ziplines, winter snowmobiling and snowshoeing, summer rafting, aerial obstacle courses, hiking, and side-by-side tours. .

Learn more about The Adventure Group HERE.

Would you like to be featured in our weekly Voice of Tourism newsletter, 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.

Join Us! | 2025 BC Tourism Industry Conference

We’re excited to share that a program overview, registration rates, and hotel room booking details for the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Conference are now available to view on the conference website (https://bctourismconference.ca/) While detailed timing will be released later this fall, we're pleased to announce that the program will return to a Wednesday-to-Friday format. Stay tuned for updates on keynote speakers, engaging sessions, networking opportunities, and more. 

Visit the conference website for details on travel, accommodation and conference sponsorship opportunities. More information, including registration and program highlights, will be available next month. We look forward to seeing you in Vancouver next year!

6th Annual Spirit of Hospitality Lottery

Has Launched!

Last year, with the incredible support from our hospitality and tourism partners, we raised $34,000, and this year, we’re setting our sights on $60,000. We truly believe this goal is within reach, but we need the collective power of the entire hospitality community to make it happen.

This year's prizes are fantastic – including a stay at the St. Regis in Aspen, a Rocky Mountaineer rail tour, a Big White Ski Vacation, and a trip to Quebec City. These are sure to inspire people to participate, and with your help, we can spread the word and drive ticket sales.

• Lottery Closes: November 25
• Draw Date: November 26
• Early Bird Draws: November 5, November 12

Together, we can make a real difference. Please feel free to reach out if you need any additional information, and thank you so much for your continued support.

Learn more HERE, including how you can donate and how your business or organization can get involved!

DMO Strategies for Sustainable Food Practices

in Tourism & Hospitality

Join Ben Liegey, founder and CEO of BetterTable who will be delivering an engaging webinar on effective DMO strategies for implementing sustainable food practices in the hotel and restaurant industry. Learn first hand in a panel discussion how RDMO’s CDMO’s and industry leaders are developing best practices and innovative approaches while working to support their stakeholders on their regenerative journey.

Date: Tuesday, November 5 at 12:00 pm (Noon, PT), virtual

Panel participants:  

• Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
• Nancy Small, CEO, Tourism Richmond
• Julia Canton, Sustainability Manager, Huntington Hotel & Suites

This webinar is a joint partnership between the BCDMOA and TIABC. Learn more and register HERE.

VCM | Crisis Communication Planning

Training Series

Understand your organization’s role during an emergency or crisis, within BC’s Tourism Emergency Management Framework

• Understand the elements of a crisis and how it impacts behavior and response;
• Assess potential crises that could impact your local destination or organization.
• Create the tools and responses you will use in a crisis; and,
• Put your new skills to work in a simulation exercise.

This interactive virtual series will be facilitated by a crisis communication expert and will allow you to engage with other tourism professionals from regions and communities around the province to share ideas, information, and solutions to help in your planning process.

Date: November 5 & 7

Please note that this training is not suitable for tourism businesses. Due to limited capacity, only one representative from any organization will be accepted to participate.

This Fall 2024 workshop series is exclusively for DMOS and Visitor Centres within the Vancouver Coast and Mountains region ONLY! 

Learn more and register HERE.

WORKSHOP

Supervisors, Managers Needed to Enhance Key Tourism Resource

The Tourism Competency Framework is the sector’s digital library of the knowledge and skills needed for a wide range of tourism occupations. Hosted on the Workforce Management Engine, its competencies are used to develop National Occupational Standards, training resources, and professional certification programs.

As part of maintaining the quality of this important resource, Tourism HR Canada has developed new competencies to be added: these relate to leadership, client retention strategy, e-commerce, revenue management, health & wellness, workplace inspections, working from heights, and creativity.

Tourism HR Canada is seeking supervisors and managers in any tourism-related business or role to share their expertise to review the new competencies and provide feedback. Participate in a guided virtual working group.

Date: November 18

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

Learn more and register HERE.

Student Work Placement Program

Propel offers tourism, hospitality, and travel employers access to wage subsidies when they hire a post-secondary student for work-integrated learning: an internship, a co-op placement, a work experience placement, and more.

Join this one-hour virtual session to learn:

• Why work-integrated learning matters

• Who qualifies for the Propel program

• Where to post a job

• How to apply for a wage subsidy

• When the subsidy is available, and more.

Date: Nov. 21 @ 10:00 am (PT) 

A Q&A component will follow the presentation. Registrants can submit questions in advance via the registration form.

Learn more and register HERE.

Parkinson Ready Program Coming

to Vancouver

The World Parkinson Coalition is bringing its award-winning “Parkinson Ready” program to Vancouver. As the fastest growing neurological disease on the planet, you are probably interacting with people with Parkinson’s regularly, do you know how to support them?

This FREE one-hour program is designed for professionals working on the front lines of the tourism and hospitality industry. Offered in-person, led by a locally based physical therapist and person with Parkinson’s, this program is designed to help people working in positions that interact with local citizens and tourists who may have Parkinson’s to:

1. Better understand Parkinson's disease, and
2. Increase their comfort level in working with and supporting people with Parkinson's

Dates: November 25 or 26

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

This is an amazing opportunity to prepare to meet this growing community. Limited seating, so we strongly encourage registering for a seat.

Learn more HERE.

Read the press release fron the World Parkinson's Coalition HERE.

Destination Canada | Annual Public Meeting

Save the date for Destination Canada’s Annual Public Meeting (APM), which will feature the official launch of their highly-anticipated Wealth & Wellbeing Index.

Date: Thursday, November 28

Time: 10:00 (PT) - Virtual

Learn more and register HERE.

SFI 2024 Big Splash Raffle

The Sport Fishing Institute (SFI) is excited to announce the annual Big Splash Raffle has launched. Early Bird tickets are now available. Prize draw deadline comes quick!

• Draws date: Friday, October 25 at 12:00 pm
• SFI Big Splash Raffle Sales Deadline: Midnight, Friday, December 27
• SFI Big Splash Raffle Draw: Saturday, December 28 at 12:00 pm

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

OC Cultivates

Ignite Your Senses and Spark Your Curiosity!

Part of the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival events lineup, meet and mingle over delicious pairings and live music, then sit back and enjoy storytelling from renowned local innovators passionate about Okanagan food, beverage and tourism.

Date: Friday, October 25

Location: Gymnasium, Penticton campus, Okanagan College

5:30 - 7:30 pm - Tasting and Experience Festival

7:30 - 8:30 pm - Innovators in Conversation

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

2024 ITBC AGM

An Indigenous Tourism Gathering

Let us unite as a community, reflect on the past year, and help shape the future of Indigenous tourism in British Columbia.

Connect with like-minded individuals, learn about the latest trends in Indigenous tourism, and be part of a community dedicated to promoting and preserving Indigenous cultures.

Date: November 4-5

Time: Commences 12:00 pm November 4

Location: Coast Coal Harbour, Vancouver

Learn more and register HERE.

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 is now open. Learn more and register HERE.

Yes Shef: Elevating Women in

Food & Beverage

WORTH Association is proud to announce Yes Shef: Elevating Women in Food & Beverage. We will join once again for an unforgettable evening celebrating the remarkable women of British Columbia's hospitality community.

During this unique culinary experience, guests enjoy tasting stations, savouring delights crafted and curated by female-led teams. Noteworthy Chefs collaborate with student apprentices from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts to develop and execute a signature dish. Leading Winemakers, Sommeliers, Brewers and Bar Professionals serve wine, beer and cocktail creations.

Date: November 6

Time: 5:30 - 9:30 pm

Location: Fairmont Pacific Rim, Star Sapphire Ballroom

Early Bird tickets are still available—use code 2024EarlyBird. Take advantage of the Restaurant Group Discount: purchase 4-8 tickets for your team and save 25%! Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

Vancouver Aquarium | Holiday Splash

There's no place like Vancouver Aquarium for the holidays! Soak up moments of holiday magic with more than 1 million twinkling lights, enchanting decor, a larger-than-life Jellyfish Snow Globe, and so much more.

No matter where your adventure leads—from daily Scuba Claus dives to a festive 4D experience—Vancouver Aquarium is flowing with holiday spirit. Dive into the joy of Holiday Splash starting Nov. 12!

To learn more about events at the Vancouver Aquarium, including Holiday Splash, visit HERE.

Food Synergy at The Cinematheque

Celebrate the launch of the first-of-its-kind feature documentary highlighting food heroes in BC and across the world fighting food loss and waste. Enjoy culinary delights of upcycled treats brought to you by the JW Marriott’s very own Chef Kunal Dighe in a night of visual and gastronomic culinary delights.

Date: Nov 12 @ 6:30 pm

Location: The Cinematheque

Price: $18 (including some food from Chef Kunal)

This in-person event promises to be a feast for the senses, celebrating the love of food in a cinematic setting, with analysis and discussion of food waste reduction practices from farm to table. Don't miss out on this exclusive event!

Learn more and purchase your ticket HERE.

Boating BC Conference

Enjoy discounted tickets, and as a special bonus, all early bird registrants from now until October 11th will automatically be entered for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Grey Cup at BC Place on November 17, plus a complimentary one-night stay at the conference host hotel, Delta Hotel & Casino. Early Bird Tickets Now Available!

Conference Details:

Dates: November 19-20 

Location: Cascades Casino Delta

Included with your registration is exclusive access to Marina Night on November 18, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. This special event will bring together leading experts from the marine industry, offering valuable insights and discussions. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss!

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

Save the Date! VCM Industry Forum

Mark your calendars for the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Industry Forum.

Date: November 21

Location: Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, Vancouver.

This free, annual event is for tourism businesses and Community Destination Management Organizations in the VCM region. Learn more about tourism trends, major events, sustainability, and more.

Learn more and register HERE.

Save the Date - 2024 Policy Conference & Big Splash Gala

The Sport Fishing Institute of BC (SFI) will hold its annual Policy Conference. This year's theme is Selective and Sustainable. This is a highly anticipated forum where elected officials, public servants and those in the sport fishing industry can meet, share their perspectives on the issues facing the recreational fishery and discuss expectations for the coming seasons. As last year, SFI will be providing the Pacific Salmon Foundation a portion of the day to share details about programs and projects that are funded by revenues generated from sales of the Salmon Conservation stamp on your tidal waters licence.

Date: November 29

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

Following the Conference is the Big Splash Gala and Fundraiser.

More information and ticket purchases are available HERE.

WinterFest 2024

WinterFest, the Royal BC Museum's outdoor multicultural holiday market, is back for another year.

Celebrating arts, culture and community, WinterFest brings together the best parts of the holiday season. Food, warm drinks and multicultural performances pair with local artists and artisans for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Dates: November 30 & December 1

Times: 10 am -5 pm 

Learn more HERE.

27th Annual CITAP+ Winter Function

You are cordially invited to save the date for the 27th CITAP+ Winter Function.

Date: Tuesday, December 3

Location: River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond

The event will be a full day in a familiar format, including morning educational sessions, the afternoon marketplace, and the dinner reception.

 Registration is now open! Early bird pricing is in effect until Friday, October 18 at 5pm PT. Sponsorship packages are available HERE. Please note that your 2024 CITAP+ membership must be in good standing in order to register for the Winter Function.

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.

SOS Coalition Announces

"Communities Driving Change" Forum

With crime, violence and street disorder plaguing communities large and small across British Columbia, BC’s Save Our Streets coalition (SOS) will hold a day-long “Communities Driving Change” Forum.

Date: January 23, 2025

Location: Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Vancouver

The Forum will explore solutions to these issues with community and business leaders, subject experts and political leaders.

The Forum, will feature moderated panel discussions, keynote expert speakers, and opportunities for virtual community participation from around the province. Topics to include judicial reform and resources, policing, addictions and mental illnesses, and the role of housing as components of the solution.

Note: If you have registered for the previous date of September 12th, 2024 and the date doesn't work for yoru schedule, please reach out and your registration will be cancelled.

Read the official news release and learn more about the SOS initiative HERE.

Registration Now Open

The 8th Annual IMPACT Sustainable Tourism & Travel Summit will be held again in Victoria.

Day of Impact: January 26, 2025

Dates of Conference: January 27-29, 2025

Early-bird registration is now open. Visit HERE.

Save the Date | BC Chamber of Commerce AGM & Conference

Join us in Nanaimo to explore this vibrant urban centre found on the east side of beautiful Vancouver Island, located on the traditional territories of the Coast

Salish Peoples - Snuneymuxw, Snaw-naw-as, and Stz'uminus.

Date: June 3 - 5, 2024

Location: Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Nanaimo

More information and registration to be available soon!