November 3, 2023

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CEO MESSAGE

The other day I saw a photo on Instagram of friends on vacation together in Palm Springs. I knew seven of the individuals but couldn’t place the eighth although he looked somewhat familiar. I finally texted my buddy who posted the image to ask who it was. Turns out I knew the guy but he had physically changed so much over the last decade, I didn’t recognize him.

Unfortunately, the older one gets, the more often these kinds of situations happen. Similarly, many times I’ve visited a destination several years after my first visit and forgotten what I had seen on previous trips, partly because the place itself has morphed into something different.

On that note, earlier this week I joined a few professional colleagues for Air Canada’s first Vancouver to Dubai direct flight for a series of meetings with United Arab Emirates (UAE) business leaders and associations. By way of background, I was part of the lobbying effort to convince the federal government to approve a new bilateral agreement between Canada and UAE (Air Canada and Emirates Airlines) on this new venture…hence the reason I was invited on the trip.

The last time I visited this Middle Eastern hub was more than a dozen years ago when the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa) had yet to open. I was with Tourism Vancouver at the time who, along with Visit Dubai, was a member of the BestCities (meeting) Alliance.

To say Dubai has changed since my last visit would be a gross understatement. The city is exploding with development consisting of thousands of new office towers, condos, hotels, marinas, restaurants, shopping centres, highways, rapid transit, attractions and more. Everywhere you look there are cranes in the sky as yet another project is completed at Mach speed. I almost didn’t recognize the place.

Nearly four million people now call Dubai home, 75% of them ex-pats. Some 40,000 Canadians live there lured by the exceedingly friendly business climate which makes it easy to move to the United Arab Emirates, set up a company, and service the needs of countries in the Middle East, Africa, India, Europe, and beyond.

From a tourism perspective, Visit Dubai is active in 50 markets worldwide with offices in 22 cities overseas. Their role extends well beyond what most DMOs do to include responsibilities such as issuing licenses to new tourism businesses, training tour guides, providing incentives to prospective tourism entrepreneurs, and assigning a rating to each of the 820 hotels in the city that remit a visitor tax commensurate with their ranking. With 170,000 hotel rooms and 87% average occupancy for all but the summer months, Visit Dubai’s revenue and budget is what most DMOs could only dream of. Hence the reason the city attracts upwards of 16 million international visitors annually.

To a person, every executive our delegation (Air Canada, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, YVR, Vancouver Hotel Destination Management Association, TIABC) met with during our whirlwind visit was thrilled with the new Air Canada direct flight from YVR to Dubai.

All cited tremendous opportunities for partnerships across British Columbia’s major business sectors, including tourism. Many businesspeople from UAE have significant business and real estate holdings, including hotels, in British Columbia. Others are looking to invest in tourism products such as resorts and events. Their enthusiasm for BC was infectious.

The priority now is to leverage the contacts our group established with directors of the Canadian Business Council of Dubai, the UAE-Canada Business Council, Visit Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre, among others and link them with key sector and business leaders in Vancouver and other parts of BC to steadily build long-term relationships that benefit both cities and our province.

Although Dubai is not a key visitor market for BC or Canada (at least not yet), the potential is there especially considering its main airport is the world’s busiest for international passenger volume with easy access to India, Africa, Europe, and now Western Canada. Air Canada anticipates the Vancouver-Dubai route to be immensely popular. Although limited to three times a week seasonal service for now, daily flights are a realistic goal vis-a-vis trade and tourism opportunities between BC and UAE’s largest city in the ner future.

At the rate they're going, Dubai will have changed significantly again by the time I visit next. The city prides itself on seizing business opportunities, planning/building for the long term, getting things done quickly and easily, securing partnerships, solving problems, and helping entrepreneurs succeed. Notwithstanding other issues the country faces or will need to contend with, from a purely business perspective, it’s a model BC and Canada could stand to learn from.

Everyone we met with was grateful to call Dubai home. By the same token they absolutely love British Columbia and see it as a desired business and leisure destination for Dubai residents, especially during the summer when the desert heat is unbearable.

Several of my new Dubai contacts have already reached out to connect through LinkedIn or other channels. One in particular took a photo of the two of us and linked it to her contact information so I could put a face to the name each time we touch base. Brilliant! Unlike the old friend in the Instagram post that I didn’t recognize, I won’t forget her anytime soon and look forward to establishing a long-term working relationship for the benefit of BC’s visitor economy.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

Last Chance to Register! | TIABC AGM

Please join TIABC's Board of Directors in welcoming Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport as she provides opening remarks and updates on the priority files of her ministry.

The Annual General meeting of the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) will be held on the following date:

Date: Thursday, November 9

Location: Virtual

Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am (PT)

The meeting is called for the purposes of:

• To receive the financial statements of the Association for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2022
• To approve the minutes of the November 18th, 2022 Annual General Meeting
• To elect five (5) Directors

1. Register for the AGM in the link below
2. Learn more about the TIABC Board of Directors and nominees HERE
3. Vote early for qualified candidates for election as directors by Nov. 3rd @ 5:00 pm HERE

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

Boating BC Responds to OBWB Recommendations to Ban All Boats Entering the Province

As followup to the story delivered in last week's TIABC Voice of Tourism bulletin, Boating BC has responded to the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) recommending a total ban on boats entering the province to combat the potential importation of the invasive species of Zebra Mussels.

The letter acknowledges that mussels have been detected on boats from other Canadian provinces, however, inspection stations are there to intercept and provide information to boaters entering the province.

Boating BC also state that there is no question that Zebra Mussels are invasive and can spread quickly with very detrimental effects, however, believe banning the movement of boats across provincial and national borders is an over-reaction to a problem that does not yet exist in the province and the banning of boats entering the province will have a drastic affect on tourism.

Boating BC urges the provincial government through the Ministry of Lands, Water & Natural Resources to carefully consider all the ramifications of such a blanket ban and urges the provincial government to step up inspections at our border crossings, invest in more targeted information campaigns and look to see how other jurisdictions throughout Canada and US are dealing with the issue.

Vancouver's 2023 Cruise Season Reports Record Breaking Year

According to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), Vancouver's cruise season this year experienced a record breaking year with a record 1.25 million passengers.

The previous record for cruise passengers in a year was 1.1 million, set in 2019.

The season included 15 of Canada Place's 20 busiest-ever days for cruise passengers. There were 332 cruise ship calls between April and October 2023, which was a new record for the Canada Place cruise terminal and one more than the VFPA had anticipated in April. That number of ship calls was an increase of 9% compared with 307 visits in 2022, according to the VFPA.

Highlights for 2023 cruise season:  

• Overall, the average cruise ship passenger occupancy rate for 2023 was 95% compared to 69% in 2022. Pre-pandemic occupancy rates typically ranged between 93% and 99%, including 98% in 2019. 
• In 2023, nearly 75% of cruise calls were shore power enabled compared to 70% in 2022 and 50% in 2019. Demand for shore power has steadily increased since 2009 when the Port of Vancouver became the first port in Canada to introduce shore power for cruise.
• Six inaugural vessels docked at Canada Place in 2023.

According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the BC's cruise sector is responsible for 17,000 jobs and $2.7 billion to the provincial gross domestic product. Read more of the 2023 cruise season highlights HERE.

Air Canada Announces Q3 Was A

Busy & Demanding Summer

Earlier this week, Air Canada reported its third quarter 2023 financial results and noted the airline performed strongly in the third quarter, generating solid operating revenues of more than $6.3 billion, a 19% increase over the same period last year. The airline noted their focus on growing the international network, building scale at their hubs and leveraging partnerships is key to delivering strong results. 

For the fourth quarter of 2023, Air Canada plans to increase its available seat miles (ASM) capacity by about 10% from the same quarter in 2022. 

Learn more HERE.

Pacific Coastal Airlines Expands Winter Service to Penticton 

Pacific Coastal Airlines announced this week an addition to its winter schedule, offering enhanced connectivity for travellers in BC.

Starting on Thursday, January 4th, 2024, the airline will introduce four additional morning flights per week between Vancouver International Airport South Terminal (YVR) and Penticton Regional Airport (YYF) for the winter season.

This additional winter service to Penticton will be available through to April 26th, 2024, making it easier for travellers to enjoy both cities’ winter attractions and experiences.

To learn more about the schedule, and to book flights, visit HERE.

ICYMI - Episode #14 in TIABC's Voice of Tourism Podcast Series

Meet Christopher Nicolson, CEO of Canada West Ski Areas Association as he discusses the ski tourism sector and some of the policy issues affecting the industry that require government attention with TIABC CEO and Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas.

Now Available on Spotify or the following link:

More Transparent Job Postings

Now in Place

Now in effect, BC employers are required to include salary or wage information on all publicly posted jobs under BC's Pay Transparency Act, which passed into law this year.

The act means BC employers are no longer able to ask prospective employees for pay history information or punish employees who disclose their pay to co-workers or potential job applicants.

According to Statistics Canada, women in BC are paid 17% less than men. The pay gap disproportionately impacts Indigenous women, women from visible minorities and immigrant women. While average hourly wages for men were $35.50 last year, Indigenous women earned an average of $26.74 per hour, visible minority women earned an average of $27.44 per hour and immigrant women earned an average of $28.78 per hour.

Also starting this month, large and medium-sized employers in the province will gradually be required to publicly post reports about their gender-pay gap. This requirement is being introduced in phases so the Province can work with employers and give employers time to prepare.

Regulations have been developed to provide employers with more details about new reporting requirements and these will be refined each year based on feedback from employers.

Learn more about the Pay Transparancy Act HERE.

Note: Listen to Joanna Jagger, Founder, WORTH Association in the link below who spoke with Gloria Macarenko (CBC/Radio-Canada) earlier this week on why pay transparency is so important in our industry.

Small Businesses Can Soon Apply For Help with Vandalism Costs

The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, along with the BC Chamber of Commerce and PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP has launched its $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program, which will provide small businesses with funds for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs, or to implement eligible preventative measures.

Rebate Details:

There are two types of rebates available, each is retroactive to January 1st and will run through to December 31st.

• Reparative - available as a one-time rebate of up to $2,000 for each of 2023 and 2024. 
• Preventative – available as a one-time rebate of up to $1,000 for either 2023 or 2024. 

Timeline:

The application portal will launch on November 22nd and remain open until January 31st, 2025.

• Read the official announcement from government HERE.
• Click HERE for more information including complete details about the program.

Just Released | Stewardship Inspiration Guide

The Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia has released a new Stewardship Inspiration Guide.

The new guide aims to empower outdoor recreation groups and residents to become stewards of the places they love to explore through tangible ideas, inspiration and resources.

The guide includes case studies featuring the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club, BC Snowmobile Federation, Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council, Canadian Council on Invasive Species, BC Marine Trails, Kimberley Trails Society, KORE, Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association, Four Wheel Drive Association of BC, Caledonia Ramblers and BC Wildlife Federation.

Read and download the guide in the link below.

New Process to Shape the Future of Tourism in the Comox Valley

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is partnering with 4VI and Experience Comox Valley to administer the process of embarking on a comprehensive tourism strategy planning initiative that will have a 10-year scope. This tourism strategy plan aims to provide a roadmap for sustainable tourism development while ensuring economic growth along with environmental and social well-being for the region.

Part of the process includes engaging with local residents, businesses, stakeholders and rightsholders to collaboratively design a tourism strategy that aligns with the region's values, sustains its natural resources and maximizes economic benefits.

To facilitate this process, the CVRD and Experience Comox Valley will be hosting a series of public sessions, workshops, and one-on-one consultations in the coming months, providing an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and ideas.

Learn more HERE and register for the Nov. 9th public engagement session.

Help Tourism HR Canada Transform Tourism Certification

Tourism HR Canada is seeking participants for various activities to update the Emerit Certification Programs for supervisors and for event managers. They are actively recruiting 10 to 15 supervisors and 10 to 15 event managers from different regions across Canada, who have diverse experience and who work in a variety of different sizes and types of environments. 

Participants are expected to contribute to open discussions and provide information based on their own experiences. Your experience and insight are critical to ensuring that the tools to be developed meet the needs of the tourism industry.

Learn more about the opportunity and how to participate HERE.

ITAC Call for Board Nominations

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has issued a Call for Nominations to member organizations wishing to represent their province or territory on ITAC’s Board of Directors.

This notice is to provide information on how to nominate a Director (board member) for election at the upcoming ITAC Annual General Meeting (AGM) being held December 14th at Dakota Dunes Resort in Saskatoon at 10:00 am (CST).

Note: British Columbia is open for nominations to represent the province. Directors will be elected by eligible Voting Members only within their respective territory or province

The deadline for nominating a Director to serve on the ITAC Board is Friday, November 10th at 5:00pm PST. Accordingly, the Board of Directors Application and supporting documentation must be received prior to this deadline date.

Visit HERE for more information, or email: nominations@indigenoustourism.ca

Job Opportunity | DBC

Manager, Destination Development - Iconics

The Manager, Destination Development – Iconics plays a strategic role in driving and influencing engagement in Destination BC’s (DBC) destination development and management activities. This position leads all aspects of the cross-functional team that provides collaborative destination planning and development programming that engages the Province, First Nations, Indigenous Tourism Association of BC (ITBC), communities, businesses, DMOs (regional and community), sectors and other industry and business partners to develop plans and activities that will enhance BC as a destination of choice and increase the tourism industry’s long term competitiveness.

This position is responsible for developing, managing and evaluating a best in class strategic Iconic development approach, that integrates destination development and management activities with place branding and marketing activities, to support delivery of Destination BC’s Invest in Iconics Strategy. 

Learn more about this exciting opportunity and apply HERE.

Kelowna Set to Host the 2025 Montana's Brier

Curling Canada has announced that for the first time since 1968, the world’s most famous national men’s curling championship will be played in Kelowna! The 2025 Canadian men’s curling championship will take place February 28th March 9th, 2025 at Prospera Place. The city was tapped to host the Brier in 2021, but that event was moved to the bubble in Calgary due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be the eighth time the event has been played in British Columbia, with the most recent edition in 2014 in Kamloops.

It is estimated that this popular event will deliver an estimated 9,000 total room night bookings and an estimated economic impact of $8 million to $15 million for local businesses. 

Read more about this exciting announcement from Tourism Kelowna HERE.

Tourism Fernie Launches New

"Fernie Fills My Cup" Campaign

Tourism Fernie has launched a new campaign to drive incremental leisure stays throughout what is a traditionally slower time of year in the community. This year's campaign is called 'Fernie Fills My Cup.'

The ‘Fernie Fills My Cup’ campaign encourages overnight visitation for new, direct bookings (2-night min.) with guests receiving up to $150 in local gift cards (while quantities last) to utilize during their stay for shopping and dining.

The campaign consists of a digital component - display, video ads and Google targeting CAN & US drive markets, and radio ads in Alberta.

Learn more about the campaign HERE, or watch it on YouTube HERE.

BC Fishing Resorts & Outfitters Association

The British Columbia Fishing Resorts and Outfitters Association represents the Fresh Water Tourist Fishing Industry. They work with others in the public and private sector to protect those areas currently in use and to preserve the wilderness experience in British Columbia for the enjoyment of future generations.

It is an industry lobby group whose members are dedicated to providing a quality outdoor experience for their clients, and to fostering an appreciation of the richness and sensitivity of the natural environment among all users.

Learn more about the BC Fishing Resorts & Outfitters Association 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

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 Jamie Cox, President with other directors on the BCLCA board in attendance.

Visit HERE to register.

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.

2023 Premier & Cabinet Luncheon

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

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

Date: December 7

Location: Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver

Time: 11:00 am - 1:45 pm (PT)

Learn more and purchase tickets 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 month -

stay tuned!

Visit HERE for more details or email us at info@bctourismconference.ca if you have any questions. 

Okanagan Wine Festivals Launches

New "Grape Talks" Series

The Okanagan Wine Festivals organization is launching a new educational program called Grape Talks - a series of in-person conversations dedicated to understanding the roots, teasing the palate and connecting their captive audience to the wine community.

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

Grape Talks Volume 2 - "Exploring Chardonnay"

Date: November 3

Location: Manteo at Eldorado Resort

Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Challenging the stereotype and elevating the misjudged grape. A conversation and tasting of different expressions of Chardonnay from the Valley and beyond.

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

4VI Delivering Fall Industry Sessions

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. Join the 4VI team from 4pm-7pm on any of the following dates:

Campbell River - November 3 - Maritime Heritage Centre

Ucluelet - November 30 - Ucluelet Community Centre

We encourage anyone who is interested to register HERE for the nearest event to you.

IGNITE | Whistler Wellness Weekend

Wellness Travel BC is very excited to share that one of our leading BC partners, is offering IGNITE, a weekend wellness retreat to help you make the seasonal transition. Bring your partner, a bestie or two, or maybe your mom and sister to attend this weekend of inspired workshops, delectably good eats, and accommodations.

Date: November 3-5

Location: Fairmont Chateau Whistler Chateau

Learn more and sign up HERE.

International Symposium on Destination Stewardship

Destination Canada is excited to be hosting the International Symposium on Destination Stewardship.

Dates: November 6-8

Location: Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau, Quebec

This three-day event will bring together global thought leaders, stakeholders, partners, and knowledge keepers from diverse sectors for a unique discussion on redefining tourism and destination stewardship. 

Building on the excellent work already taking place in this space, the Symposium will explore how we can transform ourselves into destination stewards, while unpacking how a regenerative approach to tourism can have a positive impact on residents, their communities, culture, economy, and the environment. 

Learn more and register HERE.

Register | Crisis Communication Training 

Is your organization prepared for the next emergency or crisis? Tailored for leaders of Destination Management or Marketing Organizations, Visitor Centres, and Provincial Experience Sector Associations, this 2-day session aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools to build or update a robust crisis communication plan for quick response in crises.

This session will also help attendees understand their organization’s role during an emergency or crisis within BC’s Tourism Emergency Management Framework. 

Date: November 7 & 9 (2-day sessions)

Please review the eligibility criteria HERE before registering. Learn more and register HERE.

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 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.