In honour of Remembrance Day, our office will be closed Monday, November 13th. We will resume our regular business hours on Tuesday, November 14th.
TIABC's Board of Directors and staff join Canadians nationwide in remembering those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice. We express our gratitude for their service.
Lest We Forget.
| |
CEO MESSAGE
Last summer I was walking my son’s dog near his home in Kelowna when I stumbled upon a massive garage sale coordinated by six university students who had recently moved into a rental house. Seems the property’s former tenants not only bolted, but they left all of their junk behind for the landlord and new renters to dispose of.
The students told me that the previous occupants were a nightmare and hadn’t paid rent in months…likely why they vanished overnight. Unfortunately, the landlord was left with lost income, property damage, and extensive cleanup of the garbage and stuff the former tenants chose not to take.
I’ve heard similar stories many times from friends who own rental properties. Evicting tenants for good reason is nearly impossible given provincial regulations that tend to favour renters as opposed to landlords even if the occupants are causing problems or are months behind in rent payments.
Dealing with rogue tenants was a specific topic at the BC Lodging & Campgrounds (BCLCA) Ideas Forum this week in Parksville where campground and RV park operators spoke of their challenges with guests who breach their 180 day limit for occupancy, refuse to leave when asked, and instead file a complaint with the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) claiming that because they’ve been on the site for six months or more, they are now considered permanent residents and not visitors…which creates a whole new set of problems for operators.
Many campgrounds operators lamented about having tenants well past their six-month allowance which shifts the regulatory landscape from the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act to the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) when it comes to rights of the operator versus occupant. In other words, it becomes increasingly more difficult to force the tenant to leave even if they are blatantly breaching local bylaws or campground rules. As I alluded to earlier, the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) tends to side with renters in the majority of disputes, which makes operators even more wary of who they offer sites to for an extended stay of up to half a year.
At the forum, lawyer Lisa Mackie provided excellent advice on what RV Park owners need to do vis-a-vis contracts or agreements with campers at the onset of their term to avoid these kinds of disputes.
Similarly, now that the new short-term rental (STR) legislation has passed, I am increasingly hearing from property owners all over the province that are deeply concerned about housing permanent tenants instead of transient visitors because of situations like the one I described earlier with the Kelowna university students. By all accounts, the owners claim the Residential Tenancy Act actually dissuades them from entering into long-term agreements for fear of conflicts with bad tenants or falling offside with the RTA.
To be fair, the majority of renters are good, law-abiding citizens that pay their lease on time, maintain their unit, and have good relationships with their neighbours and landlord. But I’ve heard enough horror stories recently and over the years to compel me to further explore whether TIABC needs to advocate for more balance between the rights of property owners versus tenants, especially given that new short-term rental rules will force some landlords to revert to long-term rentals or leave their units vacant. In other words, we may need to address related issues in order for the new STR legislation to work as intended.
To be sure, many advocates on both sides (i.e. landlords & tenants) have been deeply entrenched in this issue for years but there may be support that TIABC can offer on behalf of the tourism sector given the new STR rules. If you have recommendations on what policy or regulation changes need to be considered in the context of the RTA, feel free to share them with me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Aside from the six cars parked on the front lawn, the student house in Kelowna looks decidedly cleaner these days. Admittedly I helped them dispose of some junk by buying a couple of old wooden paddles and tennis rackets that I use as décor in my den. At the very least, the tenants and landlord appear to be content for the foreseeable future with no need for more disposal bins or another garage sale…at least not before the school year ends.
Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
| |
Introducing TIABC 2023-2024 Board of Directors
The Annual General Meeting of the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) was held virtually on November 9th, where Chair J.J. Belanger delivered an overview of the year to date, and Committee Chairs presented a summary of the many priorities and achievables. Director Sandra van Steijn, Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee presented the financial statements of the Association for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport delivered opening remarks, touching on some of the challenges our industry faced this year, with a focus on the positive momentum of recovery that is expected to continue into 2024 and beyond.
The meeting also called for the election of five directors for the 2023-2024 term; one (1) director in the DMO category and two (2) directors in the Business category. Elected to the TIABC Board for the 2023-2024 term are:
DMO Category:
- Chris Lewis, Director, Destination Development | Tourism Kelowna
Business Category:
- Nicole Ford, VP Communications, Sustainability & Stakeholder Relations | Rocky Mountaineer
- Sandra Oldfield, Partner | Elysian Projects
Returning to the Board by acclamation in the Sector Association category are:
- Michael J. Ballingall, Sr. V.P., | Big White Ski Resort
- Brenda Baptiste, | Project Manager, Osoyoos Indian Band Centre for Aboriginal Community Enterprise and Chair, Indigenous Tourism BC
The following TIABC Board members are mid-way through their term and will be returning to the Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 term:
- J.J. Belanger, General Manager | Crystal Cove Beach Resort
- Joanne Burns Millar, CEO & Owner | Pacific Destination Services
- Jamie Cox, General Manager | St. Andrews by the Lake
- Dennis Innes, Dean of Hospitality, Culinary & Baking | Vancouver Community College
- Miranda Ji, Executive V.P. Sales & Business Development | Destination Greater Victoria
- Mike Retasket, Director | Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association
- Sandra van Steijn, CEO | St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casiono
TIABC's Board of Directors wishes to thank all those who participated in the AGM, and looks forward to working on your behalf in the year ahead.
| |
New Employment Projections for
Tourism Industries Released
Tourism HR Canada and the Conference Board of Canada recently has just released the latest Projections of Tourism Employment in Canada, which offers a look at labour supply and demand through to 2027.
Among the key findings:
- Tourism employment through 2023 is expected to be just over 2 million, or 97.1% of its pre-pandemic (2019) levels. It is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2024.
- Projections of employment recovery to pre-pandemic levels vary across the industry groups:
- Recreation and entertainment passed 2019 employment levels in 2022.
- Food and beverage services and travel services are expected to pass 2019 employment levels in 2024.
- Accommodations and transportation are expected to pass 2019 employment levels in 2026.
- British Columbia is expected to surpass 2019 employment levels in 2024.
To complement the full report, Tourism HR Canada has published a short factsheet for each of the five tourism industry groups. These factsheets summarize some of the key findings, including projections by occupation and by region. Link to each of the factsheets:
-
Accommodations | Labour Shortages to Continue
-
Food and Beverage Services | Projections for Growth in the Medium Term
-
Recreation and Entertainment | A Period of Growth Ahead
-
Transportation | Impact Varies Among Operations
-
Travel Services | A Gradual Return
| |
Additional Major Events Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) Consultation
A new Major Events Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) of up to 2.5% on short-term accommodation sales may be available to communities.
The purpose of this tax is to help cover the cost of planning, staging and hosting eligible major international tourism events that generate significant international visitation and help bolster provincial tourism and the economy.
The province is inviting your comments on certain draft principles that will guide the development of the Major Events MRDT program requirements and application process. Interested parties should review the consultation paper which has been designed to guide the consultation and feedback process.
- Read the consultation paper HERE.
The deadline to provide feedback is December 29, 2023. Staff from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport will also be available during the consultation period for online discussions with interested parties. To set up an online discussion or to submit your feedback on the consultation paper, please email PST.Consultations@gov.bc.ca
Note: This consultation on the Major Events MRDT is not related to the Tourism Renewal Initiative process being led by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
| |
Have Your Say | Long Term Vision
for Coastal Ferries
BC Ferries is inviting British Columbians to share what they believe is needed to keep people, goods, and services in coastal communities connected and moving through to 2050 and beyond.
As part of Charting the Course, a visioning initiative for the coastal ferry system, BC Ferries is engaging coastal and Indigenous communities, BC Ferries staff, local and regional governments, and interest holders to define a vision and identify the strategies needed to enhance ferry services in coastal communities into the future.
- Online engagement is now open for public participation HERE.
BC Ferries want to hear from as many diverse voices as possible and encourage you to share this information and engagement opportunity with your valuable networks. All findings from the engagement activities will be made public online. The final vision is expected by summer 2024.
| |
Just Released! - Episode #15 in TIABC's Voice of Tourism Podcast Series
Meet Lisanne Ballantyne, president and CEO of Tourism Kelowna and Paul Nursey, president and CEO of Destination Greater Victoria. Lisanne and Paul discuss tourism sector recovery following the impact of this summer’s wildfires, and some of the policy issues currently affecting the industry that require government attention.
Hosted by TIABC CEO Walt Judas, TIABC's Voice of Tourism podcast features interviews with some of the most respected professionals in the tourism industry and has been developed to provide TIABC members and stakeholders with insightful content and a unique perspective on industry developments, policy directives, the work that sector associations are doing, and the opportunities that exist for businesses, communities, and government within the visitor economy
Now Available on Spotify or the following link:
| |
YVR and Native Education College Sign MOU to Advance Indigenous Education and Reconciliation
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Native Education College (NEC) announced this week they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), deepening the relationship between the two organizations and marking a significant step toward fostering cultural understanding, educational empowerment, and reconciliation.
The MOU brings together YVR and NEC, creating the opportunity for a range of joint initiatives that will benefit Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners, communities, and partners.
As part of this agreement, NEC will be providing annual Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training sessions for Vancouver Airport Authority employees. YVR and NEC will also collaborate on networking opportunities, marketing initiatives, and event planning. NEC works with First Nations, Métis, and Indigenous communities to deliver accredited post-secondary and adult upgrading programs in locations throughout British Columbia.
Read the official announcement HERE.
| |
Province to Add Five Provincial Parks
The Province announced earlier this week it has acquired 109 hectares of land to be added to five provincial parks, enhancing protection of the province’s biodiversity.
The newly acquired land includes:
- Naikoon Park (Haida Gwaii): 64 hectares
- Wells Gray Park (near Clearwater): 33.25 hectares
- Gladstone Park (near Grand Forks): 8.28 hectares
- Bowron Lake Park (near Quesnel): 3 hectares of an inholding on a forested hillside above Bowron Lake. The addition will contribute to the diversity of the park’s landscape, including lower-elevation mature spruce, subalpine fir and western red cedar forests.
- Mount Pope Park (near Fort St. James): 0.15 hectares
British Columbia has 1,039 provincial parks, recreation areas, conservancies, ecological reserves and protected areas covering more than 14 million hectares or approximately 14.4% of the land base.
Learn more HERE.
| |
Parkside Hotel & Spa Wins International Sustainable Tourism Award at 2023 Skål World Conference
Congratulations are in order to TIABC member - The Parkside Hotel & Spa for receiving the 2023 Skål
International Sustainable Tourism Award in the Urban Accommodation category.
Since opening in 2009, The Parkside Hotel & Spa has been an industry leader in practicing and encouraging sustainable tourism. In 2022, the hotel reached various sustainable milestones, becoming Biosphere Certified and joining Beyond Green as their first urban hotel in the world.
Skål International is a leading global organization driving social responsibility and environmental conservation within tourism.
Learn more about the Parkside Hotel & Spa and award HERE.
| |
4VI Adds Four New Members to
Board of Directors
4VI (the Tourism Association of Vancouver Island) held their Annual General Meeting last week where four new members joined the Board of Directors.
Joining the 10-member board are Nik Coutinho from Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures; Alison Evans from Gulf Island Seaplanes; Gordon Johnson from SilverBirch Hotels, and Lara Kemps from Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.
Janet Docherty from Merridale Cidery & Distillery remains as Chair and is joined by Vice Chair Leif Bogwald from Vancouver Island Expeditions, and Travis Wilson from Wilson’s Group of Companies who will continue to serve as Secretary & Treasurer.
Additional directors remaining on the Board include Gloria Hatfield from Pages Resort Group; JP Obbagy from Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours; and Ian MacPhee from Terreberry and MacPhee Accounting.
Outgoing Board members include Andrew Jones from Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures; Claire Macdonald from The Wickaninnish Inn; and Jeremy Milsom from Salt Spring Inn.
Learn more about the 4VI governance HERE.
| |
Tourism Ucluelet Executive Director
Announces Departure
Denise Stys-Norman (pictured) has announced she is leaving her post as Executive Director of Tourism Ucluelet to pursue a new opportunity. Read her message to industry below:
"It is with mixed emotions I share this announcement; I am leaving Tourism Ucluelet. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities and relationships that have formed over these last 10 years. Know that this network of dedicated people who make up the tourism industry; your collaborative approach and support throughout the years helped Tourism Ucluelet evolve from a grass-roots marketing sub-committee to the destination management organization it is today. For this, we say, Thank you!
Beginning December 11, I am delighted to share, I will be joining the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport as a Policy Analyst. The knowledge I have gained during my tenure with Tourism Ucluelet has been invaluable; I hope to be able to bring my local DMO and RMI community perspective into this new role and am excited to contribute to provincial policy work within the realm of tourism. I am fortunate that this is a remote position, which will allow me and my family to remain on the west coast.
I reflect on the years of evolution, where I started and have ended, it feels surreal. I could not have done this without the support of the Tourism Ucluelet staff, the dedication and encouragement of my past and current board of directors, and finally my colleagues within the industry, thank you. I wish you all the best in 2024!"
TIABC's Board of Directors and staff extend our best wishes to Denise as she embarks on her new role, and while she will be missed at Tourism Ucluelet, we look forward to working with her in her new capacity with the Ministry.
| |
Benefit From Being Part of the 2024
BC Tourism Industry Conference
TIABC is thrilled to host the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference as an opportunity for every level of our industry to gather, learn and celebrate as a collective.
Our sponsors are critical to what makes the BC Tourism Industry Conference a consistent success. Aside from helping to offset the costs of staging this event, sponsors deliver benefits to delegates that help grow their businesses, as well as BC’s visitor economy as a whole.
If your company is keen to connect with tourism leaders and stakeholders throughout British Columbia, we encourage you to partner with us for the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference.
If you have a unique sponsorship idea that you would like to explore, please let us know. We offer the flexibility to customize packages to meet your unique business objectives. Packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Victoria. For any inquiries regarding sponsorship and marketplace opportunities, and to confirm your interest, contact us at info@bctourismconference.ca
| |
Spirit of Hospitality Lottery Returns
The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce that the 2023 Hotels to Help lottery is back! Renamed "Spirit of Hospitality" as it represents hospitality at its best!
Created by the Hotel Association of Vancouver (HAV) to benefit the BCHF, this year’s lottery offers 3 Early Bird packages and 11 fantastic prizes with an overall value of over $30,504. Tickets will be on sale until 11:59 pm on December 10th, 2023.
Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.
| |
Vancouver Island University
Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public university in the province and serves Vancouver Island and coastal BC. The campus opened as Malaspina College in 1969 and has grown into a university which plays an important role in the educational, cultural, and economic life of the region. The main campus is located in Nanaimo with regional campuses in Duncan and Powell River, as well as a centre in Parksville. VIU offers more than 120 programs, from graduate and undergraduate degrees to trades diplomas and certificates.
Learn more about Vancouver Island University HERE.
Would you like to be featured in our weekly Voice of Tourism, social channels and on our website? TIABC member testimonials provide visibility and exposure to the tourism industry and a wider audience for your business. If you want to be featured in an upcoming TIABC Voice of Tourism and other platforms, contact Deborah - deborah@tiabc.ca
| |
Your Membership is Important to Us!
We strongly encourage you to consider membership or renew your membership with TIABC to support our important advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire visitor economy.
TIABC continues to identify your concerns, raise your voice, champion your needs, and push for support and programs while encouraging policy changes at both the provincial and federal level.
Contact info@tiabc.ca for more information, visit our website HERE or the link below.
| |
TIAC's Associate Program Now Available to TIABC Members
The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) are pleased to offer TIABC members an opportunity to extend their membership. Effective now, TIABC members in good standing can enrol in TIAC’s Associate Program FOR ONLY $25.
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.
| |
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 - Noon
Join go2HR for a workshop led by EDI expert Kristin Bower, where we'll build a framework for a more inclusive and equitable workplace. In this session, we will:
- Explore the Business Case for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Understand the impact on employees and clients.
- Identify Unconscious Bias: Discover why it exists, common examples, and its presence in the workplace.
- Examine Culture and Privilege: Delve into their implications for society and the workplace and their impact on bias.
- Learn Bias Mitigation: Discover strategies to reduce bias and apply these insights at work.
Don't miss this opportunity to foster understanding and conscious inclusion
in your organization.
| |
MEET THE PRESENTER | Kristin Bower
Kristin brings over two decades of Human Resources experience creating equitable and inclusive workplaces to a wide variety of clients as an equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) consultant. She was Vancity Credit Union’s first Manager of Diversity and has led work in the areas of EDI strategy development, disability and inclusive employment programs, mental health awareness and psychologically safe and heathy workplaces, inclusive leadership, intercultural competency, and unconscious bias training.
Kristin is the co-author of the provincially and federally funded Untapped Talent: B2B Guide to Innovative Hiring and Retention. She also works as an EDI editor for Pearson reviewing post-secondary level textbooks for inclusive language prior to publishing.
| |
BCLCA Fall Parking Lot Meeting
for Members
The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is inviting their members to join in for the final session of their fall Parking Lot Series of Meetings.
Members will gather via zoom video to chat with the board and fellow operators about the summer business conditions. There is no FEE to attend but registration is required.
Date: November 23 - 9:00 am – 10:00 am Guest Speaker: Stan Duckworth, Pathfinder Ventures.
The session will be moderated by BCLCA President Jamie Cox, with other BCLCA directors in attendance.
Visit HERE to register.
| |
IRCC Virtual Learning Series for Employers
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be offering a virtual learning series for employers in Fall 2023. The goal of this 4-week series is to help employers learn more about Canada’s economic immigration programs. Each week will feature a new topic and provide employers with an opportunity to ask questions. Employers may choose to attend one or all of the information sessions based on their interest and needs.
1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) & International Mobility Program (IMP) November 22nd, 9am (PST)
2. Global Skills Strategy (GSS) November 29th, 9am (PST)
3. Addressing permanent labour needs December 6th, 2023 9am (PST)
4. Francophone Immigration December 13th, 9am (PST)
Learn more and choose the webinars to attend HERE.
| |
Sport Fishing Institute of BC
Big Splash Raffle
The Sport Fishing Institute of BC (SFI) Big Splash ticket purchase deadline is coming quickly.
Grand Prize and Final Prizes drawn on
November 25th, at 12:00 pm! Ticket purchase deadline—November 24th or while they last!
Tickets $20. Only 8500 Available.
View the list of prizes and visit HERE to purchase tickets.
| |
Visas for International & Domestic Business Events in Canada
Update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- During this webinar the Special Events team from IRCC will provide the following information :
- An update on the current situation on visa processing
- An overview of IRCC's Special Events Services, including types of events that qualify and what it means to register an event with IRCC
- How organizers of international events hosted in Canada can support participants from visa required countries to ensure a successful event
- RCC guidelines on timelines for visa approvals by country
Date: Tuesday December 5
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM (PT)
Register for the webinar HERE.
| |
SAVE THE DATE
2024 Tourism Industry Conference
"Shaping our Future Together"
The stage is being set for the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference, to be held at the Victoria Conference Centre, March 6 & 7, 2024.
Building on the theme "Shaping our Future Together", the conference aims to engage tourism partners and provide tools for growth and development for all delegates.
This annual event brings together hundreds of tourism industry leaders and professionals, providing a mix of discovery, education, industry insights, and networking opportunities.
Registration is set to open next week!
Visit HERE for more details or email us at info@bctourismconference.ca if you have any questions.
| |
VCM Industry Forum
Attention DMO's and tourism businesses from the Vancouver Coast & Mountains tourism region. Registration for this year’s VCM Industry Forum is now open! Hear the latest updates from Destination BC teams and presentations from special guest speakers.
Date: Wednesday, November 15
Location: River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond
Learn more and register HERE.
| |
2023 BCHA Annual General Meeting
The BCHA invites you to join in for their Annual General Meeting.
Join in for a state of the industry update, with a focus on recovery and trends. Gain critical insights into the work their organization has led, programs and benefits, and network with industry colleagues.
Date: Tuesday, November 14
Time: 3:30 pm PST
Location: The Inn at Laurel Point - 680 Montreal St, Victoria
If you are unable to attend in person, please complete a Proxy Form and email to kyla@bcha.com
| |
FORTIFY | 5th Annual Business Conference & Tradeshow
Don't miss the opportunity to meet close 200 to decision makers from the wine, cider, beer, and spirit sector in BC.
Date: Wednesday, November 15
Location: Penticton Lakeside Resort
The conference agenda is being finalized and delegate registration opens in early September.
Exhibitor and tradeshow information available HERE.
| |
Save the Date | CCCTA AGM and Conference
Celebrating the rich heritage of the past, and the limitless possibilities of the future.
Join the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) for an extraordinary event celebrating "Discovering Tourism's Potential". The activities include the CCCTA AGM on Nov. 16th at 4:00 pm and the CCCTMA (Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Marketing Association) AGM on Nov. 16th at 4:30 pm.
Date: November 15-17
Location: Williams Lake
Learn more about the AGM and Summit HERE.
| |
Uplift Women's Business Summit
Unleash your limitless potential at Uplift Women's Business Summit.
Gain valuable tools and resources to enhance your entrepreneurial journey and to curate a positive shift in your life. You will learn how to overcome common entrepreneurial challenges, gain financial literacy and investment guidance for long-term success, discover marketing strategies and techniques, and prioritize self-wellness to maintain creativity and inspiration.
Additionally, you will be able to connect with other like-minded women and forge meaningful connections.
Dates: November 14 & 15
Location: Victoria Conference Centre
Times: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (PT)
Learn more about the Summit and reserve your spot HERE.
| |
2023 Tourism Congress
Tourism Congress will soon be taking place. This annual event brings together over 500 industry leaders and peers from across the country and includes innovative programming, motivational speakers, expert panelists and a balance of networking and gathering opportunities.
The two-day event concludes with an evening of celebration at TIAC's Canadian Tourism Awards.
Date: November 21-22
Location: Westin, Ottawa
Learn more and register HERE.
| |
Boating BC 2023 Conference
Be sure to save the date for Boating BC’s 2023 conference. There will be world class speakers, great discussions and amazing entertainment at the Cascades Casino.
Marina night will be on November 20th. Please mark the dates in your calendar.
Date: November 21-22
Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott, 6055 Highway 17A, Delta
Learn more and register HERE.
| |
2023 Policy Conference & Big Splash Gala
The Sport Fishing Institute (SFI) will be holding its annual Policy Conference and look forward to this highly anticipated annual 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.
Speakers have been lined up to address this year's theme; Changing Expectations and Changing Opportunities. The agenda is taking shape and will be made available before the event. For a sense of what to expect please visit the SFI Conference web page for details of last year's conference.
Date: November 24
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre
Following the Conference, also at the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Big Splash Gala will be held including fundraiser.
Early bird tickets now available until October 24th. Learn more HERE.
| |
4VI Delivering Fall Industry Session
4VI, who serves as the Regional Destination Management Organization for the Vancouver Island Region, will be touring this fall to engage with communities regarding their work for Destination British Columbia and give an update on their shift to operating as a social enterprise. Topics covered will include destination and industry development, travel trade and travel media, and content development.
Attendance is free and attendees will have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect with each other over local food and drink.
Ucluelet - November 30 - Ucluelet Community Centre
Time: 4pm - 7pm
We encourage anyone who is interested to register HERE for the nearest event to you.
| |
CITAP Winter Event
CITAP+ is ecstatic to announce that registration for the 26th annual Winter Function is NOW OPEN!
Early Bird registration deadline is October 6th at 5 PM PDT.
The event will consist of a full day of events, including morning educational sessions and an afternoon marketplace and dinner reception.
Date: December 5
Location: River Rock Casino Resort Hotel
Please note that in order to receive preferential member pricing, your membership must be in good standing.
Learn more HERE.
| |
IMPACT 2024
A partnership between Destination Greater Victoria, Synergy Enterprises, Tartan Bond Integrated Communications and Starrboard Enterprises.
IMPACT is a collaborative national dialogue on innovation. Do you:
- Design policies that affect tourism?
- Teach a tourism and hospitality course?
- Care about tourism’s positive or negative impacts on communities?
- Believe the positive, sustainable growth of tourism in Canada is a key economic driver?
Then IMPACT is for you.
Date: January 21-24, 2024
Location: Victoria
Registration is NOW OPEN - Visit HERE for more information.
| |
Dine Around Stay in Town Victoria 2024
The off-peak season is a challenging time for the hospitality industry in Greater Victoria. The Dine Around and Stay in Town (DASIT) program has an important mission: to drive more traffic through Victoria business doors during a typically slower time of year.
Date: January 26 - February 11, 2024
Gala Tickets: Coming Soon
Learn more about the event, and how you can participate HERE.
| |
International Indigenous
Tourism Conference
The 2024 Indigenous International Tourism Conference (IITC) is on the horizon!
IITC is a gathering of industry professionals, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and partners dedicated to promoting and celebrating the vibrant world of Indigenous tourism. The purpose is to showcase the diverse cultures, traditions, and tourism experiences offered by Indigenous communities in Canada and beyond.
But here's the catch – it's time to seize the moment and grab your Super Early Bird tickets before they're gone!
Date: February 26 - 28, 2024
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Registration is NOW OPEN - Visit HERE for more information.
| |
Save the Date
2024 Annual Conference | BCAC's "Soaring Above Challenges"
The BC Aviation Council (BCAC) is excited to announce that the 2024 Conference is now scheduled! Mark your calendar now and check in with our draft event webpage closer to the date for more details including agenda, speaker profiles, sponsorship opportunities, activities (including add-ons), travel and hotel partners, and more.
Date: May 27-29, 2024
Location: Nanaimo
View the draft event agenda HERE.
| |
2024 BC Chamber of Commerce AGM
Join us and explore this vibrant, diverse and naturally beautiful city located on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people.
Date: May 28-30, 2024
Location: Coast Capri, 1171 Harvey Ave., Kelowna
| |
Thank-you for your readership! We encourage you to send us your ideas or content that would be valuable for TIABC to share through our Bulletin.
| |
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. | | | | |