As I stepped up to the podium to offer a few remarks at the Vancouver Tourism Awards (VTA) Gala Breakfast the other day, I marvelled at the size of the audience. Some 400 award nominees were among the 740 attendees who came together to celebrate and recognize fellow colleagues for the extraordinary service they deliver to visitors each day.

The excitement and the energy in the room was palpable. The fact that myriad sub-sectors of our industry were back together at this event for the first time in three years brought both relief and a deep sense of satisfaction to VTA’s Board of Directors.

Aside from a hearty breakfast, dozens of prizes, music, and visiting with colleagues and friends, there was a serious component to the event that garnered the attention of nearly everyone in the Vancouver Convention Centre ballroom. Under the theme of resilience, special guest speaker, Dr. Susan Biali Haas (a Vancouver-based medical doctor, coach, health writer & author) introduced the signs of burnout and talked about coping mechanisms, as well as methods to deal with the effects of chronic fatigue…something all too familiar in our sector, especially since the start of COVID.

Given that I always look for practical solutions to problems, I was particularly intrigued by the homework assignment Dr. Haas gave attendees, which included a task to identify four life priorities that essentially drive us. She then suggested that we rank the ‘health’ of these areas on a scale of one to 10. To complete the process, we would need to define one simple way to take better care of each area of neglect.

Identifying one’s priorities (e.g. family, work, travel, exercise) is relatively easy. Doing an honest self-assessment of each and implementing practices to address areas where we’re struggling is decidedly more difficult.

Suffice it to say, it was a heavy subject and one not usually associated with a celebratory event. However, Dr. Haas’s presentation was both welcome and appropriate considering that so many in our industry continue to struggle with mental health.

This past Monday was World Mental Health Day. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the pandemic created a global crisis for mental health, fuelling short and long-term stresses and undermining the mental health of millions.

WHO’s goal is a world in which mental health is valued, promoted, and protected; where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and to exercise their human rights; and where every individual can access the mental health care they need. I’d venture to say virtually everyone in our sector can stand behind WHO's vision.

As I concluded my remarks at the VTA gala, I referenced the hardship that many colleagues experienced during the peak COVID years. I also spoke about the strength and resiliency of our sector and expressed confidence in a better future in the years ahead especially considering the talents and skills of the hundreds of tourism professionals in the room who remain committed and keen to serve visitors to our destination.

Finally, I also offered my gratitude to VTA Executive Director Peggie Terry and the entire Vancouver Tourism Awards board and committee for recognizing the importance of this event in bringing the industry back together to celebrate the best of the best.

I trust VTA committee members know that this wonderful demonstration of gratitude made a huge difference in the lives of more than 700 front-line tourism employees this week.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

Today, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) announced a total investment of almost $1.2 million through the fund to revitalize tourism and enhance visitor experiences in the Lower Mainland.

The Provincial and Territorial Tourism Association (PTTIA), chaired by TIABC CEO Walt Judas, recently submitted pre-budget recommendations to the federal government. The recommendations focused on four (4) key areas:

PTTIA reinforces in the submission that while the industry benefitted from a strong summer season, we now face myriad new challenges to deal with from supply chain disruptions, rapid inflationary pressures, and interest rate escalations. Combined, these issues may well impede the time it takes to recover and if not handled appropriately, may provide competing international markets with opportunities to court Canadian-bound visitors and tourism-oriented investors.

This is a last minute reminder that decisions made by civic leaders are extremely important to our sector. Therefore, please ensure that you vote tomorrow...if you haven't already.

The Province announced today they are investing an additional $50 million toward a new home for the Vancouver Art Gallery to protect and support the expansion of a cultural and tourism icon in BC.

The new Vancouver Art Gallery will be a multifaceted facility featuring a theatre, library and research centre, artist studios, child care, restaurants and retail space. There will be an Indigenous community space, along with five dedicated classrooms for specialized school programs and art instruction to serve more than 90,000 students annually. The project is expected to generate an estimated 3,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs in the tourism sector.

In addition, the new Vancouver Art Gallery’s Chan Centre for the Visual Arts will optimize capacity for safe and efficient storage of works of art in the gallery’s permanent collection, including Canada’s most important collection of works by renowned Canadian artist Emily Carr.

The new gallery will be the first Passive House art gallery in North America and will be the most environmentally sustainable art museum in Canada.

Learn more about the new Vancouver Art Gallery project HERE.

Air Canada announced earlier this week the strategic expansion of its international network for summer 2023, with the addition of new European services to Brussels, Toulouse and Copenhagen. It is also resuming key Asia services to Tokyo-Haneda and Osaka, and is restoring frequencies to leading destinations in the Atlantic, Pacific and South America regions.

In preparation for next year's operations, Air Canada continues to work with governments and other partners on the ongoing recovery of the air transport industry from the effects of the pandemic.

Click HERE to learn more.

The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, participated in MOU signing ceremony today and announced a first-of-its-kind national initiative.

The MOU between Trans Canada Trail and Destination Canada is focused on sharing resources, knowledge and expertise, including identifying opportunities and maximizing connections with destinations and communities. Today’s announcement is a first step in creating a longterm relationship that enhances Canada’s trail network and will ultimately generate wealth and wellbeing for all of Canada and enrich the lives of our communities as well as guests to Canada.

The Trans Canada Trail links over 15,000 communities from coast to coast to coast across 28,000 kilometres. The Trans Canada Trail in southern British Columbia runs from Vancouver Island to the Rockies, weaving more than 1,000 miles through seven mountain ranges. In northern British Columbia, the trail follows the Alaska Highway for 650 miles, from Watson Lake, Yukon, to the British Columbia-Alberta border.

Read the official announcement HERE.

The BC Chamber of Commerce wants to hear from you - how confident are you in the future of business in BC?

This annual survey captures insight from every region, sector and business size in the province - making it the largest economic snapshot of BC's business climate

The survey results will help to:

Please take the 2022 Collective Perspective Survey below — and share it with your network.

This survey will take approx. 5 minutes to complete and closes on Friday, Oct. 21st at 5:00pm PST.

The Government of BC is helping communities prepare for flooding and is ready to assist in response to floods where necessary.

The province is reminding residents that when fall rains return after prolonged dry weather, or drought, soils can increase runoff and river flows, but the ground quickly starts to absorb water again in response to typical fall storms each year.

Emergencies like flooding can impact travel, visitors, and businesses at any time, and potentially influence those who may be planning a trip to our province. Tourism operators are a vital source of information and direction for visitors during emergencies. Understanding the risks will ensure your disaster planning is effective. Visit the link below for step-by-step guides, templates and tools outlining how tourism businesses can prepare their staff for a fast and effective response during a flood.

TIABC would like to remind everyone to be prepared for the season that may soon be upon us.

Thursday, October 20th is the day millions of people worldwide will practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” during Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills.

While potential earthquake hazards depend on your location, everywhere in British Columbia is considered at high risk in relation to the rest of Canada.

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut is an annual opportunity to practice how to be safer during big earthquakes: “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” The ShakeOut has also been organized to encourage you, your community, or your organization to review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies, and to secure your space in order to prevent damage and injuries.

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

The Rainbow Registered program is the first and only nationally recognized LGBT+ inclusive & safe space accreditation program. It was developed in partnership with TourismHR Canada and funded by the Government of Canada.

The accreditation program is designed to ensure businesses (tourism-related and other industries) meet a set of standards ensuring that they are ready to welcome the LGBT+ visitor, as well as provide a safe space for their LGBT+ employees. It’s an affordable way to do a spot check on where your business or organization is at, and where it can improve. No matter where a business is on their journey toward inclusivity the accreditation process has shown to be beneficial in helping them create their strategies.

Businesses who meet the standards will receive the accreditation; those who do not will receive feedback on how to get there, with one year to re-engage with their assigned Assessor to revisit their accreditation. Upon completing the accreditation with your assessor, you will be given the Rainbow Registered accreditation symbol to put on your digital assets and physical place of business.

View this video to learn more.

Tourism Tofino announced today the appointment of Brad Parsell as Executive Director. Brad joins Tourism Tofino from the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, where he was Executive Director for the last three years.

During this time, Brad chaired the Destination Management Committee for Kootenay Rockies Tourism. He also launched successful initiatives including Fernie’s first co-working space, and a workforce attraction website, and served as Chair of the Fernie Tourism Master Plan Committee.

TIABC extends its sincere congratulations to Brad as he ventures into this exciting new position at the end of November.

As they wrap up the first year back in the marketplace since they had to hit pause in March 2020, WTBC is excited to announce a refreshed website.

As noted in their announcement, "The past few years have been a roller coaster of emotions for our friends and colleagues in tourism and hospitality, who have weathered a tumultuous storm that rocked most to their very core – us included. Our small and mighty team pivoted and changed directions a few times over the course of the pandemic, yet here we are, and so proud of what is happening in the wellness tourism space."

The new website showcases the incredible wellness travel opportunities that exist throughout our province. They encourage you to connect and let them know what you think of the site.

Visit the website HERE.

Your participation and engagement is important to us! Plan to attend TIABC's AGM and workshop to connect with industry peers and be a part of an important discussion. The AGM will include the election of directors for the 2022-2024 term, committee reports on TIABC's strategic priorities, and approval of recommended bylaw changes.

11:00 AM - Reports of the Society and election of directors

12:00 PM - Complimentary lunch for AGM attendees

12:30-2:00 PM - Presentation and workshop on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with guest speaker, Joanna Jagger, founder & president, WORTH (Women of Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality) Association

Joanna will be delivering an interactive workshop exploring systemic industry barriers that harm women, and share solutions on retaining and developing female leaders.

We’ll examine how micro-aggressions, overt discrimination and problematic behaviours are being called out by communities that are collectively demanding action. Learn how organizations are responding and leading with empathy. If we are to “build back better”, we must all be held accountable to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Participants will receive a gender equity audit with tools to improve workplace policies and practices based on research conducted by Capilano University's School of Tourism, The Sociable Scientist, and WORTH Association.

Thank you to our sponsors The Fraser Valley DMOs and Fortis BC.

The Executive Director is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing the operations of the organization. The core areas of focus include destination sales, marketing, and media relations, enhancing destination development, and visitor services. The position requires building strong relationships with the local, provincial, and national tourism industry associations and partners.

The Director of Marketing will be instrumental in the development and implementation of the 4VI’s marketing services, strategies, and initiatives. This role will support the internal marketing of 4VI as a Social Enterprise, as well as managing the Destination British Columbia service agreement supporting initiatives for regional tourism on Vancouver Island.

Reporting to the president, the CFO will shape, build and support the strategy for the evolution and growth of this entrepreneurial-oriented business. The position directs the overarching financial leadership and strategy in addition to supporting the business with fundraising, investor relations, and effective risk management.

To apply for any of the above positions, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] or visit the Chemistry Consulting website HERE for more information.

Resting on sandy beachfront shores, Wood Lake RV Park and Marina is the go-to destination for RV and water sports enthusiasts. An amazing gateway to more than 50km of water recreation, sparkling Wood Lake is connected by canal to Kalamalka Lake–the most beautiful lake in the Okanagan.

Add to that Wood Lake’s well-deserved reputation for excellent rainbow trout fishing and you have the setting for the perfect holiday -adventure abounds in the great outdoors. With direct beach access, this incredible setting is a windfall for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

Click HERE to learn more about Wood Lake RV Park and Marina.

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.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic TIABC identified your concerns, raised your voice, championed your needs, pushing for support and programs while encouraging policy changes.

Your support and engagement is vital to ensuring businesses, DMO's and sectors are united and speaking with one voice on issues that impact BC's tourism industry.

The new reality for employers includes new business models, changing workplace structures, global supply chain challenges, as well as employee and public demands to address climate change, equity, diversity, inclusion, justice and mental health issues.

Join in at the 2022 Small Business Week Summit, hear from experts with cutting-edge research and insights on the most important issues facing employers today and receive practical next steps on how small- and medium-sized companies can navigate today’s challenging business environment. Attend one or all five of the virtual sessions. Access is complimentary.

Dates: October 17th - 21st.

Learn more and register HERE.

Designed for Destination Management or Marketing Organizations Organizations, Visitor Centres, and Provincial Experience Sector Associations, this free, two-day Crisis Communication Planning Training Series will coach participants with a step-by-step approach to developing a crisis communication plan. This practical training will share best practices for crisis communication management – how to prepare, how to respond, and how to learn from each crisis we face – to ensure your organization is ready to respond when the unexpected happens.

Whether your organization needs to refresh its existing crisis communication plan or needs help getting started, this training series will give you the information, best practices, and tools to be prepared, responsive, and responsible in a crisis.

Note: Due to limited capacity, only one representative from any organization will be accepted to participate.

Click HERE for more information and to apply.

The annual Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Awards gala celebration is an event when the BC Aviation Council (BCAC) recognizes colleagues for specific achievements within our province’s industry. The BCAC also awards over $70,000 in annual scholarships to aviation and aerospace students - the largest program of its kind in Canada.

We invite you to join us at this gala celebration with other industry leaders and influencers. The evening includes a lively awards ceremony, fine food, live entertainment, an online auction, a high-end travel raffle, a 50/50 draw, and superb networking opportunities.

Date: October 20th at 5:45 pm

Click HERE to learn more, to register and to purchase tickets.

Our 100% Speed-Jobing event connects BC employers with qualified bilingual immigrants willing to settle permanently in the local job market while keeping the advantages of its unique format. This Speed-jobing focuses on the Tourism, Non-Profit, Insurance and Finance sectors.

Date: Thursday, October 20th at 10:00 AM

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

Registration is now open for the 2022 Western Canadian Lodging Conference.

Dates: October 24-25

Location: Hyatt Regency, Vancouver

Join your fellow colleagues for interactive panel discussions and keynotes designed to educate and inspire. The Hyatt Regency Vancouver has been designated as the official host venue for the 2022 Western Canadian Lodging Conference. Book your room before October 11th and receive a special rate of $279.00 for a King room.

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

It's that time of year again. Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) will be holding its Annual General Meeting on October 25th.

Date: Tuesday, October 25th from 1-2:30 PM via Zoom.

The AGM will include a presentation by CEO Clint Fraser on the current state of the tourism industry in Northern BC and the work NBCTA has undertaken over the past year. This meeting is open to anyone. However, only registered stakeholders are eligible to vote at the meeting.

Register HERE for the event.

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

Join WORTH Association and women of recreation, tourism, and hospitality for an evening of networking with an inspiring panel discussion in Kelowna.

Date: October 18th, 6:00-9:30 PM

Location: Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Avenue

Hosted By: Ellen Walker-Matthews, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)

Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

Join WORTH Association and women of recreation, tourism, and hospitality for an evening of networking with an inspiring panel discussion in Victoria. Vancouver Island’s top female tourism and hospitality leaders will share inspiring ideas with the intention of sparking dialogue about issues that impact women in the workplace.

Hosted By: Deirdre Campbell, President, tartanbond

Date: November 2nd, 5:30 - 9:00 pm

Location: Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

Save the Date: November 2-3

Location: Sandman Hotel, Castlegar

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) will be holding their Annual General Meeting in person.

Date: November 3-4

Location: 100 Mile House

In order to better prepare for the AGM, CCCTA is asking for input through a short survey (less than 5 minutes) to give some important suggestions on how to improve this AGM and make it worth your while to attend. Take the survey HERE.

Visit here for more information on the CCCTA AGM.

Three world-class universities on the west coast of Canada have joined forces to offer a virtual fair unlike any other. Meet students and alumni from the top 3 universities in Western Canada - SFU, UBC & UVIC.

Dates: November 2-3, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location: Virtual

Showcase your organization and promote your opportunities to students and alumni from a wide range of faculties and programs in one single event.This is the recruitment fair that you don't want to miss!

Visit here for more information and to register.

Sport Tourism Canada and Edmonton Events have announced that Sport Events Congress 2022 will be held November 2-4 in Edmonton.

SEC22 promises to be everything that attendees know and love about Congress – interactive, educational, opportunities for business-to-business networking, evening social events (including an Edmonton Oilers NHL match-up at Rogers Place). View the preliminary schedule here.

After several years of virtual-only meetings, we are thrilled to announce that this year's Fall Forum and AGM will be held together, in person, on the Northern Sunshine Coast.

Please mark your calendars and watch for further details about this year's AGM in our October newsletter. We will also have information about hotel rates and transportation for those travelling from the Southern Sunshine Coast or beyond.

You are invited to join in for a weekend of arts collaboration, engaging dialogue and live performances to inspire the creative in you. Events take place at the Evergreen Cultural Centre.

Visit HERE to learn more.

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and ABLE BC have partnered to bring the first ever BC Hotel & Liquor Conference.

Date: Tuesday, November 15

Location: Granville Island, Waterfront & Nest Theatres, Vancouver.

The event will include targeted industry sessions, the BCHA AGM, a special lunch at Dockside restaurant, networking reception, and much more. All industry members are welcome.

Your feedback is critical in our efforts to produce a conference that will be impactful and engaging. Please reach out to BCHA Communications Manager, Kelsey Millman, at [email protected] to share your insights on what topics you'd like addressed.

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

The industry first hit, hardest hit, and last to recover continues to confront economic challenges. Over the last two years, while there have been many lessons learned, we are ready to RISE, REBUILD, and REIMAGINE.

The two-day, in-person event will host over 400 delegates from across the country, feature 11 thought-provoking sessions, and offer valuable networking opportunities. Following the Tourism Congress, join the celebrations at the 2022 edition of the Canadian Tourism Awards.

Dates: November 22-23

Location: The Westin, Ottawa

Visit HERE to learn more, to register and purchase tickets.

The 2022 Boating BC Conference entitled “Winds of Change” will explore our current business landscape and delve into “what’s next”. Learn from leading experts in business development, customer retention and industry best practices over two days of in-person sessions, keynotes and social activities. Safety protocols will be in place to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.

Dates: November 22-23

Location: Sheraton Vancouver Airport, Richmond

Visit HERE to learn more, to register and purchase tickets.

IMPACT Sustainable Travel & Tourism, January 23-25 and Day of IMPACT January 22, 2023.

Registration opens in early September, and we have confirmed fees to assist you with budgeting. The biggest change you will see is the option of including Sunday ‘s Day of IMPACT (January 22nd) into your overall registration.

The theme for the event is: O P E N

When we come together with open hearts and open minds, anything is possible. We see connections everywhere. We welcome all ideas, experiences, and ways of life—because this is how we learn, grow, and change.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is hosting the 2022 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit.

Date: Wednesday, November 9th at Thompson Rivers University Campus (Kamloops).

Tourism stakeholders are invited to come together as a tourism community to learn from everything we've been through and think differently about how we can co-create a more vibrant and resilient tourism industry in BC.

Registration will be announced shortly. Click HERE for more information.

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA) are excited to announce the date for next year's annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, taking place in Prince George, March 1-3.

Be sure to save the date and start planning now to connect with industry colleagues, DMO's, communities, and government leaders.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details.

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

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

Dates: March 8-10, 2023

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

Learn more and register HERE.

Drop us a line at [email protected].

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.