November 24, 2023

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CEO MESSAGE

Often when interviewing a Voice of Tourism podcast guest, moderating a panel or catching up with a colleague, I will ask the question, “what keeps you up at night” because nearly everyone can relate to losing sleep over someone or something. While occasionally the answers catch me off guard, most responses are predictable.

Regardless of whether I’m speaking with tourism business owners, not-for-profit leaders or sector association executives, these days virtually all are concerned about diminishing revenues and growing expenses...something I can also relate to. While rising costs are increasingly difficult to contain given the lack of direct influence over things like taxes, insurance, and rent, as well as other variables such as inflation, wages and supplies, most organizations have at least some measure of control over generating income.

At the TIAC Congress this week in Ottawa, I paid particular attention to the many creative ways organizations are raising revenues to sustain and/or grow their operations in a challenging operating environment. For example, Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Quebec (the equivalent of Destination BC) manages the province’s wayfinding program, producing highway signs that promote tourism businesses and destinations to help direct travellers to visitor products, experiences, and services. With revenues split between the PDMO and Quebec government, it’s a hugely successful initiative that also benefits operators. My provincial/territorial counterparts and I drooled with envy when our colleague described the program. In parts of BC we have enough trouble getting broken highway signs repaired or replaced, never mind adopting new signage policies or turning the wayfinding program over to a tourism sector association.

Another innovative and progressive revenue generating program I learned about was the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada’s new Indigenous Tourism Destination Fund (ITDF), which has been set up to tangibly support progress towards realizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action #92 – to build respectful relationships and ensure that Indigenous communities gain long-term economic benefits from activities that take place on their lands or use their resources.

The basis of the program is to enlist the help of Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses to charge consumers an additional .25 cents per transaction and contribute the incremental revenues to the ITDF. With a fund goal of $2.6 million, monies raised will be invested in infrastructure, workforce, Indigenization of airports across Canada, marketing of Indigenous tourism, and expanding transportation access to remote communities, among other things. The initiative is designed to help ITAC progress toward its 2030 vision to increase the number of Canadian Indigenous businesses by 800, create 21,000 new jobs, and grow Indigenous tourism’s GDP contribution by $4.1 billion (to $6b).

Some companies like Rocky Mountaineer are already early adopters and have chosen to up the ante to $5.00 per customer booking. Every business that participates in ITDF will be recognized as an official Indigenous Tourism Reconciliation Partner.

As TIABC begins its strategic planning process in the coming weeks, budget will be a critical area of discussion. Our reliance on membership dues and profits from the annual BC Tourism Industry Conference may not be sustainable over the long-term, nor generate the income to do what we need to do on so many advocacy files. Suffice it to say, I’m guilty of losing sleep over it at times.

At one of the TIAC Congress plenary sessions, the moderator asked each panelist what keeps them up at night. Given the seriousness of the topic, none of us expected to hear, “my husband’s snoring.” Nonetheless, it drew a good laugh.

By the way, as I contemplate new revenue sources for TIABC, did I mention that conference registration is open and sponsor opportunities are available?

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

PTTIA Committee Meet Pre-Congress to Address Current Industry Issues

TIABC CEO Walt Judas (pictured 4th from left), chaired an all-day meeting with his provincial and territorial counterparts prior to the start of the TIAC Congress this week in Ottawa. The Provincial Tourism and Territorial Industry Association (PTTIA) Committee tackled issues such as business insurance, workforce, debt, and other priorities at a national and provincial/territorial level.

The group also spent some time on association best practices and discussed advocacy strategies with Federal Tourism Caucus Co-Chair, Senator Karen Sorensen. 

 New Canada Tax Rule Addresses STR's

As Announced in Fall Economic Statement

Earlier this week, Federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced a crackdown on short-term rentals (STRs) in her fall economic statement. She stated that to free up more rental properties, government would be denying income tax deductions for owners of STRs in provinces that have taken action to restrict short-term rentals. The new rules apply as of January 1, 2024.

People renting out their properties for vacation and business visits will no longer be able to deduct interest on mortgages and other expenses incurred on their short-term rentals when filing tax returns. The federal government is also earmarking $50M over three years to support municipal enforcement of restrictions on short-term rentals.

Read the full Economic Statement HERE.

Registration is NOW OPEN for the

2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference

After enjoying a record-setting pace for revenues and visitation prior to the pandemic, recovery of BC's tourism industry remains uneven. While some sub-sectors and regions of the province have performed well, others continue to lag for myriad reasons. At the same time, the opportunity for BC's visitor economy to grow and prosper is bright thanks to the resilience, determination and expertise of operators, communities, destination management organizations, sector associations and other stakeholders who are willing to work together to shape the future of the industry.

Hence the reason why 'Shaping Our Future Together' is the theme of the BC Tourism Industry Conference in 2024. With both a 'knowledge and skills' track for workshops, delegates will not only be informed but able to apply their learnings within their own professional setting. Our goal is that in partnership, all elements of British Columbia's tourism industry will align to help the sector meet the challenges ahead but also create an environment to build back better than ever.

2024 REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Visit our website to view the 2024 registration fees. Early bird rates are available with member and non-member pricing options. Full conference registrations include complete access to all conference sessions, workshops, silent auction, welcome reception, and the awards gala. Register at our early bird rate before January 17, 2024 to save $100 on your registration!

2024 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Program details will be available in the coming weeks on the conference website - HERE.

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION

Visit our website HERE to book your accommodation in our conference room block at the Fairmont Empress and learn more about different travel options to Victoria. 

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.

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. Contact us at: info@bctourismconference.ca

In Memoriam

Over the past year, many of us have experienced the pain of losing some of our most cherished colleagues and industry friends.

At BCTIC 2024, we want to ensure that we honour all those who have passed away since the start of this year in a respectful and meaningful way.

If you wish to include a colleague in our In Memoriam slideshow tribute at the conference, please send direct submissions to info@bctourismconference.ca.

Just Released - Episode #16 in TIABC's Voice of Tourism Podcast Series

Meet Dave Cowen, CEO of the Butchart Gardens as he speaks with TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas. Together, they discuss the importance of BC's tourism sector, the impact of climate change and environmental impacts on the garden, 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:

New Coastline Cleanup Projects Underway Across Province

Coastal communities and First Nations are busy with a new round of beach cleanup projects as a result of new funding from the Province’s Clean Coast, Clean Waters initiative.

The Clean Coast, Clean Waters (CCCW) initiative partners with organizations to clean the province’s coastline. This year, eight projects were selected that are expected to clean more than 1,400 kilometres of shoreline and remove at least 70 derelict vessels, creating 630 new jobs in the process.

Recipients were awarded more than $10.5 million for projects that will focus on BC's coastal communities. The initiative has ties to the Coastal Marine Strategy, which is being co-developed by coastal First Nations and Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

Public input collected in the 2023 Coastal Marine Strategy "What We Heard" report shows strong support for marine-debris cleanup initiatives. A second application window will open in early 2024 to distribute remaining funds.

Read the full announcement HERE.

Destination Canada’s 2024

Business Events Plan

Destination Canada has just launched its 2024 Business Events Plan. This focused and targeted plan is aligned with global business event trends and Canada’s outlook for business events.

Further to their presentation to industry last September, they now share the details on how they plan to compete in 2024 with Destination Canada's unique brand, bold initiatives and united presence.

Destination Canada looks forward to collaborating with you to elevate Team Canada in attracting future business events.

Log in to the Partner Portal HERE to explore the details of the 2024 Plan.

Canadian Tourism Awards Recognize

BC Businesses

Winners of the 2023 Canadian Tourism Awards were officially announced by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) on Wednesday night in Ottawa. The annual awards are a prestigious recognition of outstanding achievements in the tourism sector and showcase the dedication, innovation, and excellence of individuals and organizations that contribute significantly to the growth and success of the Canadian tourism industry.

This year's awards ceremony brought together industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders to celebrate the remarkable achievements that have elevated Canada as a world-class travel destination.

TIABC extends congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the 2023 Canadian Tourism Awards, including three businesses from BC.

• Air Canada Tourism Business of the Year Award | Winner: Oak Bay Beach Hotel
• Air Transat Sustainable Tourism Award | Winner: 4VI
• VIA RAIL Innovator of the Year Award | Winner: Firecircle

Read more about the 2023 Canadian Tourism Award celebrations HERE.

Call for Presenters | 2024 Mountain Biking Symposium

Mountain Biking BC (MTBBC) is exploring a broad range of topics that are important to the mountain biking community such as sustainabilty, capacity building, risk management, inclusivity, funding, truth and reconcilliation, stewardship, destination management and more..

They are currently seeking presenters for the 2024 Mountain Biking Symposium to be held May 1-3 at the Naramata Centre. Presentations can be up to 45 minutes in length and must be informative and engaging. They are also seeking topics for panel discussions that benefit from having a variety of perspectives and insights.

If you have a topic idea or would like to present at the symposium please get in touch by sending an email to martin@mbta.ca.

DYK | BCCC Launches Indigenous Resources Webpage

In response to the BC Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) commitment to its reconciliation journey and supporting that of other businesses, the organization has developed a curated selection of education offerings and resources through their recently launched Indigenous Education & Resources webpage.

The webpage includes a curated selection of education offerings and resources that will evolve and expand overtime.

Visit the webpage and learn more HERE.

Sea Smart, Prince of Whales & North Island Kayak Partner to Amplify

Ocean Conservation

This year, to support Sea Smart’s youth environmental education programs, Prince of Whales and North Island Kayak are pledging to match donations made on Giving Tuesday, providing a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $20,000 CAD. This initiative seeks to galvanize support for Sea Smart's ongoing efforts to empower youth to protect and conserve our oceans, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that has defined their partnership.

Sea Smart extends an invitation to individuals and organizations to participate in this matching opportunity and collective effort to fortify the preservation of our oceans. Every dollar contributed will be doubled, making a tangible impact on the organization's initiatives, from marine research to conservation advocacy. 

For more information on Sea Smart and the Giving Tuesday campaign, please visit HERE.

Spirit of Hospitality Lottery

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce that the 2023 Hotels to Help lottery is back! Renamed Spirit of Hospitality, it represents hospitality at its best!

Created by the Hotel Association of Vancouver (HAV) to benefit the BCHF, this year’s lottery offers three early- bird packages and 11 fantastic prizes with an overall value of over $30,000. Tickets will be sold until 11:59 pm on December 10th.

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

SURVEY CLOSES NOVEMBER 30TH

Tourism New Westminster Earns National Attention

#SearchForPhilip

Tourism New Westminster received national media attention this week as they sought a Price is Right contestant that lost out on “an amazing trip to beautiful Canada,” and a stay in New Westminster.

The contestant overestimated the value of the trip while playing the balance game on the show. The 64-year-old is an admitted Price is Right junkie who went to a taping in August for his birthday, and was picked out of the audience to compete. 

Upon hearing the news, Tourism New Westminster extended a special invitation for Phillip to come to New West and invited everyone to join in the fun by helping them in their #SearchForPhillip campaign! ⁠This week, Tourism New Westminster announced that the contestant, Phillip Fitzpatrick was found, ending with #WeFoundPhillip.

Tourism New Westminster is now working on putting together an expansive experience package for Philip when he arrives sometime next month - #PhillipInNewWest. (Pictured left to right: Contestant Philip Fitzpatrick with game host Drew Carey)

Read more about how this campaign unfolded HERE.

Wellness Travel BC Nominated for

International Award

Congratulations are in order to Cheryl MacKinnon, Founder of Wellness Travel BC (WTBC) who recently received three nominations for the International Wellness Tourism 2023 Leading Light Award given by the International Wellness Tourism Association.

Cheryl was the first runner up to this year's winner. WTBC continues to lead with their vision to have British Columbia, Yukon and ultimately all of Canada known as leading destinations for year-round wellness experiences in travel.

Crystal Cove Resort

Crystal Cove Beach Resort is located on the shores of spectacular MacKenzie Beach, five minutes from the town of Tofino and 15 minutes from Pacific Rim National Park. The resort offers several accommodation options that includes cabins, glamping and RV camping.

During low tide on the beach, guests can enjoy easy access to the small islands out front of the resort or climb the rocks to the south for a jaw-dropping perspective. With one kilometre of sandy coastline, Crystal Cove Beach Resort is the highest rated accommodation on MacKenzie Beach.

Learn more about Crystal Cove Beach Resort 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

Innovations in Rural Destination Development

Join rural destination development colleagues from coast to coast to coast at Destination Dialogues: Innovations in Rural Destination Development, a free online event that aims to inspire, inform, and strengthen destination development in rural Canadian contexts. 

Designed to foster innovation, this 90-minute gathering provides attendees with a unique opportunity to gather insights and inspiration into destination development and regenerative approaches across Canada and the world, while engaging with a diverse group of industry peers. 

Date: Wednesday, November 29 (Virtual)

Time: 8:30 am - 10:00 am PST

Learn more and register HERE.

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER | Wednesday, November 29th - 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.

Optimizing Onboarding and Termination in Tourism and Hospitality Industry

The Gateway to Tourism and Hospitality program is an initiative dedicated to providing valuable opportunities for newcomers seeking employment within Tourism and Hospitality in BC.

The program aims to not only connect prospective employees with fulfilling positions but also to empower employers and businesses in the hospitality sector with the necessary tools and insights to foster positive and constructive working relationships. Recognizing the role that effective onboarding and termination processes play in maintaining a healthy professional environment, an upcoming online session will delve into these crucial aspects of workforce management.

Date: November 30th

Time: 10:00 am to 11:15 am (Virtual)

Topics covered:

Key onboarding and termination procedures to enhance employee experience and compliance.

Strategies for impactful onboarding and understand its significance on business outcomes.

Insights into the legal nuances and best practices for fair terminations.

Register HERE.

2024 Half Corked Marathon Ticket Lottery

Now Open!

Sign up now for your chance to purchase tickets

Wine glasses and running shoes at the ready! 

The perfect pairing heads for new heights during the annual Half Corked Marathon, taking place in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country. The lottery will close on November 20 at 11.59pm and winners will be notified the following day and will then have the opportunity to purchase tickets. Tickets cost $275 plus tax. 

Date: Saturday May 25, 2024.

If you’re keen to join us, CLICK HERE to sign up for the Half Corked Marathon ticket lottery.

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. Global Skills Strategy (GSS) November 29, 9am (PST)

2. Addressing permanent labour needs December 6, 2023 9am (PST)

3. Francophone Immigration December 13, 9am (PST)

Learn more and choose the webinars to attend HERE.

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.

National Tourism Job Fair

Tourism HR Canada, Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Baxter Media have partnered to connect tourism operators and job seekers from across the country with a new, virtual event: the National Tourism Job Fair. This free event will offer networking and learning opportunities

Date: February 1, 2024 (virtual)

Led by TIAC, the virtual platform will launch in January 2024, allowing job seekers to explore career options and network with industry leaders. Attendees can look forward to expert-led sessions on industry trends, skill development, and strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of travel and hospitality.

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.

Skal Vancouver | Annual Christmas Luncheon

Mark your calendar for the December meeting and annual SKAL Christmas luncheon.

Location: Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, Ballroom, 3811 Point Grey Rd.

Date: Monday, December 11, Reception at 11:00 am, Lunch & Club Meeting at 12:00 noon

Cost: $75.00 per person or $599.00 for Reserved Table For Eight

Purchase your Skal Christmas Luncheon Tickets by December 7th and be eligible to purchase tickets for the epic Skal Club - $2500.00 Christmas Raffle*

Donations & New Unwrapped Toys for Teen/Child are being collected for distribution by the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

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.

2024 BC Mountain Bike Symposium

Mountain Biking BC has announces the next symposium to be held will be on May 1-3, 2024 at the Naramata Centre in the South Okanagan. 

Date: May 1-3, 2024

The venue is just 15 kilometers north of Penticton on the east side of Okanagan Lake and has many great riding options to offer including the extensive Three Blind Mice trail network and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail that connects Naramata and Penticton along the scenic Naramata Bench.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend! Details to follow soon.

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.