One way to virtually guarantee a face-to-face conversation with a provincial cabinet minister or MLA is to hang out at the Helijet or Harbour Air terminals in downtown Vancouver or Victoria. Similarly, when the House of Commons is in session, the Air Canada lounge at YVR is a good place to find BC-based MPs en route to Ottawa on a Sunday morning.

Chance as they might be, these encounters often produce the best results since politicians tend to be more open and forthright, not to mention unencumbered by the formalities of gathering in an office at the Legislature or on Parliament Hill with a bevy of bureaucrats in tow.

Of course, the more common practice is to set up meetings with a specific agenda and intended outcome where discussions are generally recorded (by a staff member) and commitments made to follow-up and exchange further information or ideas.

Regardless of the preferred tactic, each year (although paused during COVID) our national counterparts at TIAC organize what’s called Hill Days, which consists of a two-and-a-half-day blitz on our nation’s capital to meet with various Members of Parliament to discuss tourism issues, as well as policies the federal government might consider to help the industry move forward. Some of my provincial counterparts and fellow TIAC board members, along with a few DMOs, related sector associations, and private business operators are also part of the Hill Days caravan.

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, I tag-teamed with Whistler-based Brady Smith of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada to meet with BC MPs representing both government and opposition…the purpose of which was to reiterate the key recommendations in TIAC’s submission to inform the impending Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. Of course, Brady and I brought an Indigenous and British Columbia lens to our discussions while ensuring every politician understood the key tenets of TIAC’s brief.

Yet, not unlike running into a decision-maker in an airport, the informal evening reception on Wednesday was another conduit to advancing some of our provincial and national objectives given the attendance of multiple Members of Parliament.

I had the opportunity to connect with Federal Tourism Caucus Co-chair Patrick Weiler (MP for West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Sea-to-Sky country) who asked me about federal issues that impact TIABC members. I referenced the jurisdictional division over the Species at Risk file, arbitrary fishing measures imposed by DFO, tax leakage by international companies in the sharing economy space, unsettled treaties, and the unfair tax rate imposed on campgrounds deemed by Revenue Canada to be investment vehicles for developers instead of what they really are…small, seasonal businesses largely owned by families that desire to keep operating their campgrounds.

Fortunately, Patrick is not only a strong supporter of our sector but is committed to working with TIABC and our sector partners in the coming months to further understand the issues, and more importantly, advance solutions for government consideration. I’ll have more to share in the near future on next steps for all concerned.

In the meantime, hats off to TIAC CEO Beth Potter and her entire team for coordinating the annual Hill Days event, intentionally timed this year on the heels of federal pre-budget submissions forwarded by TIAC, TIABC, ITAC, THRC, and many other tourism agencies. I believe our collective efforts will pay off down the road.

Incidentally, the Air Canada lounge at YOW is a great way to connect with BC-based professional colleagues who also regularly travel to Ottawa to advocate on behalf of their sectors or organizations. Despite the distance, ironically, it’s occasionally a more convenient meeting place and often leads to collaborative strategies and partnerships.

I’m curious to know who I’ll bump into during my next trip to YOW in November. Regardless, I'll be prepared with key messages and requests.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

As highlighted in the CEO message, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) kicked off its first in-person Hill Days advocacy campaign in two years this week.

TIAC and its members from across the country, including TIABC CEO Walt Judas, reinforced the message that despite some improvement over the last few months, tourism businesses continue to struggle financially, face barriers to attracting investment, and have considerable challenges attracting and retaining the necessary workforce to run their operations.

In its recent submission to guide the federal government in its development of a new Tourism Growth Strategy (see link below), TIAC outlined key priorities to help tourism rebuild. TIAC's plan centres on four key pillars of action:

These key points figured prominently in the organization’s Hill Days discussions this week in the discussions to recommend the way forward.

TIABC and the Tourism Innovation Lab are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership to foster and inspire tourism innovation and entrepreneurs in British Columbia.

The two organizations are joining forces to support tourism innovation and development programs in the province, including the Lab’s “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program and TIABC industry events, training workshops and market resources. They will work to broaden their reach, partnerships and collaborations with tourism entrepreneurs, start-up incubators, business groups and public sector stakeholders through the creation of a “Spark” Program alumni and tourism innovation network across British Columbia.

The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is designed to help tourism entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations overcome challenges and barriers often experienced in bringing new tourism products to life. The “Spark” Program was first launched in Ontario in 2018 by the Tourism Innovation Lab and since 2021 has been offered across British Columbia with the lead support of Destination BC.

TIABC and the Tourism Innovation Lab have a shared vision of promoting tourism and economic development across British Columbia, elevating and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, connecting the private and public sectors, and encouraging more tourism entrepreneurship and innovation in the sector.

As the sector recovers from the impact of global pandemic and climate events and builds for the future, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport is taking the opportunity to reflect and learn from these circumstances and to explore what BC’s visitor economy can look like in the next decade. With the launch of the new Strategic Framework for Tourism in BC this past spring, the Ministry is engaging the sector in a conversation about the future of tourism and what enabling factors are needed for success in implementing the framework.

Starting this fall, the Ministry is conducting a series of regional roundtables. These sessions are an opportunity for regional representatives to share perspectives on the future of tourism in BC – what is working well, what is needed to generate greater coordination, resiliency and prosperity, and how BC's visitor economy can proactively adapt to meet the tourism challenges and opportunities of the future. This work builds on Destination BC’s recent Corporate Strategy discussions and will inform future provincial priorities to support a renewed tourism sector in BC post-pandemic.

TIABC CEO Walt Judas has been invited to participate as a member of the Advisory Committee to represent the interests of the tourism sector and share our collective perspectives on this important work. He joins Paula Amos (ITBC), Clint Fraser (representing RDMO's), Ingrid Jarrett (BCHA), Richard Porges (DBC) and Nancy Small (BCDMOA). For more information about this work, please email [email protected].

CLIA released its annual 2022 Environmental Technologies and Practices (ETP) report earlier this week. The report shows progress towards achieving the industry's vision of a net-zero carbon cruising globally by 2050.

The 2022 report reinforces the cruise industry's credentials as an innovator and early adopter of environmental technologies. Examples cited include the increasing number of vessels launching over the next few years that will be able to incorporate zero-emissions propulsion when available as well as the growing investment to equip ships to plug in to shoreside electricity where applicable. In fact, more than 15% of the vessels to be launched in the next five years will be equipped to incorporate fuel cells or batteries, and 85% of CLIA-member ships coming online between now and 2028 will be able to plug in to shoreside electricity, allowing engines to switch off at berth for significant emissions reduction.

According to a government news release last week, a record number of people made reservations for campsites, day-use passes, backcountry permits, cabins and picnic shelters in provincial parks this season.

More than 317,000 reservations were made on the new BC Parks reservation service for the 2022 season, for an increase of 26.5% since 2019.

The new reservation service, launched in March 2022 is part of a broader, ongoing redesign of BC Parks’ digital services to improve visitors' experiences from computer to campground. Designed with input from campers, park operators and other service organizations, the new reservation service includes more flexible search options, such as a map to find campgrounds by region, an interactive calendar that shows when booked sites will become available, saved booking preferences within customer accounts, information on nearby facilities, and large photos of campsites.

Read the official news release HERE.

As we move into fall and winter, check out the latest domestic sentiment report to learn how demand for domestic travel is looking in the coming months for in-province and out-of-province travel. Highlights of the report are as follows:

Compared to the previous month, likelihood to travel over the next nine months within British Columbia and to other provinces and territories has remained stable. Strongest demand for in-province travel for the remainder of 2022 is for October (31%) followed by December (17%); demand for inter-provincial travel is low at between 6% to 8% from October to December.

Compared to the previous month, demand for travel to British Columbia increased significantly from residents of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland & Labrador.

Every third Thursday of October, a locally driven earthquake drill takes place at 10:20am. It provides an opportunity to practice earthquake protocols to ensure safety should an earthquake ever occur. If you have yet to participate - resources and valuable tools have been developed by the BC Earthquake Alliance.

This comprehensive guide supports the tourism industry and businesses in their earthquake drills and safety protocols and includes considerations for staff, for residents and for visitors.

The Workplace Accessibility Grant provides direct supports to small business employers in BC by providing direct financial assistance towards creating an accessible work environment for persons with a disability(ies).

Eligible businesses can apply for funding for projects that improve workplace accessibility in the business, while addressing and removing barriers in your workplace for people with disabilities. Grant funding is available up to $2,500.

Access to funding is available through Small Business BC until April 30, 2023 on a first-come first-serve basis.

Learn more and apply HERE.

The 2022 Collective Perspective Survey—the largest economic snapshot of BC's business environment—captures insight from businesses of every size, and from every sector and region in the province.

The BC Chamber of Commerce wants to hear from you on topics that are top of mind including the skilled labour shortage, supply chain challenges and the rising cost of energy so that we, and our network of chambers of commerce and boards of trade, can ensure our provincial and local advocacy efforts are laser-focused on what matters most to business.

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is seeking motivated individuals to join their Board of Directors. The election and voting will be held digitally via online voting. Six Directors will be elected to the Board by ITBC Market/Export Ready Stakeholders at the 2022 Annual General Meeting on Thursday December 1st – Friday, December 2nd.

There are six (6) seats available including:

Please fill out the Board of Director Application form and send it along with all relevant files to Executive Coordinator, Leilani Kraushaar at [email protected]. or 604.833.2303

Deadline for applications – Tuesday, November 1st at 4:30 pm.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held last week that included the Board election results.

TIABC joins in congratulating the new and returning Board of Directors that includes TIABC directors Michael J. Ballingall, (elected TOTA Chair) and Sandra Oldfield, (elected Vice-Chair).

Joining the new TOTA Board are TIABC members Monica Dickinson (Tourism Kamloops), Kelley Glazer (Destination Osoyoos), Dale Sivucha (Coast Capri Hotel) and Cassandra Zerebeski (Destination Silver Star).

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.

Harbour Air has been flying float planes for four decades! From the big moments to the small, and everything in between, they’ve had quite the journey to get to where they are today. What started in 1982 with two pilots, two seaplanes, and a dream to revolutionize the aviation industry has grown into one of the world’s largest all-seaplane airlines in the world, flying over 500,000 passengers a year.

Over the past 40 years Harbour Air has grown from two to 40+ aircraft fleet, expanded to 14 scheduled locations (including the start of international service!), increased from two pilots to over 400 team members, and made history becoming the world’s first fully carbon neutral airline and launching the world’s first electric aircraft.  

Read the announcement HERE.

Destination Canada has partnered with Air Canada enRoute to create Canada’s Best New Cookbook inspired by over two decades of their Canada’s Best New Restaurants series.

This cookbook features a selection of coveted recipes from over 30 of the top 10 restaurants in Air Canada enRoute’s Canada’s Best New Restaurant series. Accompanying recipes from across Canada, stories about the people and places that make Canada such a sought-after destination for food lovers can be found sprinkled throughout. The cookbook is now available online and in stores at Indigo.

Tourism Prince Rupert - also referred to as Visit Prince Rupert is an independent not-for-profit society whose purpose is to promote Prince Rupert as a world-class destination for leisure travel, outdoor adventure, and coastal community amenities.

Tourism Prince Rupert also aims to grow Prince Rupert’s tourism sector by creating new opportunities for tourism-related business & investing in existing tourism infrastructure.

Click HERE to learn more about Tourism Prince Rupert, including suggested itineraries and services in the community and region.

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.

You are invited to engage and share feedback on the vision and insights on what a successful 2030 Games means to you. We encourage everyone to visit us in-person.

Date: October 25th

Time: 12:30–3pm

Location: BC Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, Gate A, BC Place Stadium

Open House and Free Admission

Click HERE for more information and to apply.

Designed for destination management or marketing 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 BC Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome John Horgan as he wraps up five years as Premier of British Columbia. First elected to the legislature in 2005, Mr. Horgan became Premier in 2017, and is BC's longest-serving NDP Premier. a cancer survivor, Premier Horgan announced he would be stepping down as premier and leader of his party in June.

In an exclusive on-stage conversation with CKNW's Simi Sara, Premier Horgan will provide his candid perspective on his time in politics, the accomplishments and challenges faced by his government, and offer practical insights into BC's post-pandemic political economic future.

Date: Thursday, November 17th

Location: Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver

11:30 am Registration

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Event Program

1:30 pm Event Close

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.

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.