October 27, 2023

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CEO MESSAGE

I play pool every Wednesday night with a close friend I’ve known for over 50 years. He’s a lifelong bachelor in his early 80’s that lives on his own in a big house filled with old stuff. Because he plans to downsize at some point in the near future, I always ask him what he’s gotten rid of since we last saw each other.

One day he told me he threw out all his old trophies, which inspired me to pull a box of my old trophies from the crawl space to either put on display or get rid of. I had awards for hockey, soccer, golf, fishing, and even an ugly, two-foot high statue for finishing second in an Aardvark race during halftime at a BC Lions game. Most of the prizes held no special meaning so I kept a couple and gave the others away via Facebook Marketplace.

Although I wilfully disposed of junk others might treasure, I’m mindful that many awards, trophies, certificates, and honours are valued as a tangible acknowledgement of a significant achievement or milestone. Case in point, I’ve heard from many recipients of a BC Tourism Industry Award how special it is to be recognized by their peers for the outstanding work they do.

As you are aware, each year at the BC Tourism Industry Conference (BCTIC - March 6-7/24 – Victoria), our gala awards ceremony honours the best of the best in the tourism and hospitality sector with awards in several categories including Indigenous Tourism Operator of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, Remarkable Experiences, DMO Professional Excellence, Sustainability, Access and Inclusion, Innovation, and Community Contribution. Occasionally we also include a Lifetime Achievement Award to an individual that has made an extraordinary impact on the tourism industry in British Columbia over many years.

Earlier this week, the BCTIC Program Committee affirmed the aforementioned categories as we get set to launch the nominations process for the coveted BC Tourism Industry awards. We may also be introducing an additional award category to recognize even more industry leaders. Stay tuned.

For many years the annual awards gala during the conference has been hosted by Indigenous Tourism BC. Each honoured recipient receives a custom-made Indigenous artifact, carving, or art work that can be proudly displayed in the office or at home. It’s a keepsake to be proud of and held onto.

During the nominations process, we typically receive dozens of submissions to evaluate and ultimately determine award recipients. Regardless of who wins, I find it so inspiring to see the depth and breadth of the amazing work being done by many incredible individuals, organizations and tourism companies throughout BC. Suffice it to say, judging is an extremely difficult task taken on by a committee comprised of award sponsors and other stakeholders.

Watch for the BC Tourism Industry Awards nomination form in the near future and please respond accordingly. Also, stay tuned as more details, including registration, for next year’s BCTIC are released over the next few weeks.

I’ve inherited a few things that my buddy chose to get rid of but nothing that sits on a display shelf and collects dust. Some stuff I’ve passed along while other items such as a crokinole game I’ve kept and will pull out for when we’re both too old to hold a pool cue with a steady hand.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

One Minute Monitor Survey Results

Last Week's Question on Short-term Rentals:

1. Do you support the province's new legislation on short-term rentals?

2. Why or why not? Please explain.

Many respondents chose to comment on the new legislation. Here is a brief synopsis of key points:

• There is nothing wrong with the original aim of short-term rentals. However, the existence of unregulated hotels is bad for residents.
• Overall this is a great step forward as long as municipalities have the right tools to support enforcement.
• The legislation should be stronger.
• Property owners are not going to convert their rentals to long-term until government gives them some control over their properties.
• Vancouver Island relies on tourism and short-term rentals and should be excluded from the legislation. This will not fix the housing crisis.

Yesterday the province gave final approval to the new legislation. TIABC and its partner - BCHA - will work with the province on new regulations that will help address concerns expressed by communities and sectors regarding unintended consequences of the legislation.

TIABC's One Minute Monitor (OMM) is a short survey deployed as necessary to help us better understand members' views on pressing issues, and to help inform policy development and prioritize advocacy activities. We wish to extend our thanks to those that took the time to respond and provide additional input. Your comments are most helpful in better understanding our readership's perspective on this hot topic.

TIABC Responds to New Short-Term Rental Legislation Concerns

TIABC CEO Walt Judas explained to the Vancouver Sun's Joanne Lee-Young the shortcomings of proposed amendments to the legislation proposed by BC United.

Read more HERE.

TIABC Confident STR Legislation Will Help Create More Long-Term Housing

Despite concerns being raised since the announcement of new legislation on short-term rentals, TIABC CEO Walt Judas advised Global News Okanagan the new rules are designed to create more long-term housing for hospitality workers and will eliminate so-called ghost hotels.

Read the full story 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

Province Announces Support for More Infrastructure

Benefits BC Communities & Tourism Sector

Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport announced earlier today, 31 new infrastructure tourism projects aimed to help enhance visitor experiences and create vibrant communities throughout the province.

The projects will be funded through the Destination Development Fund. Recipients will receive nearly $15 million in 2023-24 with one-time grants.

Projects include new and expanded tourism attractions like the Bulkley Valley Cross Country Ski Club’s interpretive signage and groomer equipment; the expansion of the E.J. Hughes and Quw’utsun Galleries and new Kinsol Trestle Interpretation Centre at the Shawnigan Lake Museum; and the Sointula Resource Centre Society’s revitalized free bike program to include e-bike rentals.

The Province is also supporting the sector with $3 million through the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative. Led by Destination BC, the initiative will develop climate preparedness and adaptation strategies and action plans to mitigate climate risks, as well as provide a foundation for a long-term sustainability and climate-adaptation approach for people in the tourism sector.

Read the full news release HERE.

ITBC Announces $6M Tourism

Training Initiative

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), announced earlier this week they will be leading a $6 million Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative that will support current and aspiring Indigenous tourism workers and employers by providing Indigenous-led and culturally focused training and educational opportunities.

The Tourism Training Initiative will assist Indigenous communities, businesses, employees, and entrepreneurs to enhance their education and skills in Indigenous storytelling, marketing, social media, and workplace safety, and earn certifications required to work in the hospitality and tourism industry, including FOODSAFE and Serving It Right.

It is anticipated that more than 240 Indigenous tourism businesses will benefit from the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative, including 45 communities and more than 1,400 people. Read the official announcement by ITBC HERE.

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.

Just Released! - 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.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism podcast feature 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:

Input Needed | Hwy. 37 & 37A Transportation Corridors

The Province of BC is doing public engagement on the Highway 37 and 37A corridors in NorthWest BC and studying the long-term transportation needs of the communities and businesses that rely on the corridors.

The study will:

• Assess current and future highway performance
• Identify opportunities to improve the operation, maintenance, and safety of these highway
• Help identify and prioritize corridor improvements over the next 25 years

This is a great opportunity for tourism businesses and communities to weigh in and share perspectives on the long-term planning of this corridor.

The public engagement opportunity is open until November 24th. Learn more and complete the engagement HERE.

OBWB Calls for Immediate Action to Prevent Invasive Mussel Introduction to BC

The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has written a letter, seeking support from all tourism associations and calling on senior governments for immediate action to prevent the introduction of invasive mussels into BC.

The OBWB is highly concerned about the effects of invasive mussels on our economy, environment and way of life in the province and especially in those areas that are highly reliant on agriculture and water-based tourism and recreation. They are calling for an immediate ban on watercraft coming to BC from out of province to prevent invasive mussels.

The letter states that based on water chemistry analysis, every major population centre in BC is at moderate to high risk from invasive mussels.

The OBWB is also calling on the province to reconsider their previous call to action to require inspection for all watercraft entering the province, both at federal and provincial borders. The Water Board has prepared a short video presentation outlining the threat of invasive mussels, the current situation in the US, and the reasons behind the calls to action. You can view this video on the link below.

Less Than 2 Weeks Away! | TIABC AGM

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 HERE
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 HERE

GreenStep Approved as Affiliate Member of the UNWTO

Announced last week at the 25th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly, Kelowna- based GreenStep Solutions’ candidature as an Affiliate Member of the UNWTO was officially approved.

As an Affiliate Member, GreenStep will have the opportunity to collaborate with member states, companies, educational and research institutions, destinations and NGOs around the world, to share information, establish new business relationships, and create innovative products, with the common goal of advancing sustainable tourism.

TIABC extends congratulations to GreenStep on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing sustainable tourism to BC's tourism sector.

Barkerville’s Olde-Fashioned Christmas Returns December 16 & 17

Barkerville Historic Town & Park is pleased to announce that the heritage site will begin re-introducing shoulder season events starting with Olde-Fashioned Christmas on December 16th & 17th. This will be Barkerville’s first Christmas event since 2019! Those who visit can expect a wealth of activities that include holiday shopping, carolers, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and of course, plenty of snow. 

Visitors to Barkerville’s Olde-Fashioned Christmas are reminded to dress warmly and to be prepared for changing winter conditions when driving Highway 26. For more information about this exciting event and to book accommodations and purchase advance admission, visit HERE.

Mountain Escapes Podcast Returns

The Backcountry Lodges of BC (BLBCA) has just released two more exciting podcasts that you don't want to miss.

The first podcast is with Christoph Dietzfelbinger, owner/operator/guide of the Burnie Glacier Chalet, located in the Coast Mountains near Smithers. Often with humorous anecdotes, Christoph provides a revealing glimpse into the challenges and benefits of operating a backcountry lodge "up north."

The second podcast is with Bobbie Douglas, manager of Tyax Adventures, located in the Southern Chilcotin Mountains near Goldbridge. Bobbie shares insights into growing up in this amazing backcountry environment. This is where they put the "mountain" in mountain biking.

Be sure to check them out in the link below.

Pacific Destination Services

Pacific Destination Services (PDS) is a strategic, award-winning event production and top destination management company in Western Canada. They design impactful experiences fueled by their clients’ brand and vision. Today, after 25 years since inception, they are a collaborative team of dedicated professionals driven by innovation and passion to reach beyond the ordinary.

Learn more about Pacific Destination Services 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

Seats Still Available | In-Person Focus Group

Tourism HR Canada is partnering with the Conference Board of Canada to hold an in-person focus group next week in Vancouver. We are looking to connect with tourism businesses, operators, and other associated professionals to learn more about the current (and projected) labour issues impacting the sector in BC. We still have a few spots available in our session, and we hope that we can include you in our discussions.

Date: Tuesday, October 31

Time: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

Location: Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre (711 W. Broadway, at Heather St).

If you would like to be involved in the focus group, contact Evan Hazenberg: ehazenberg@tourismhr.ca

If you would like to be involved in the focus group, please contact Evan Hazenberg: ehazenberg@tourismhr.ca

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.

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.

There are two events scheduled for the weeks ahead:

Grape Talks Volume 1 - "You Planted What?!"

Date: October 27

Location: Penticton Trade & Convention Center

Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Discover the unconventional side of the Okanagan Valley. A conversation and tasting of lesser known grape varietals making a name for themselves in the Valley. Are they here to stay?

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.

Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association

AGM & Conference | Registration Open

The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association will be holding it's 46th Annual General Meeting & Industry Conference.

Date: November 1-2

Location: Copper Point Resort - Invermere

For more information on the conference and to register, visit 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 and 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.

Save the Date | CCCTA AGM and Conference

Join the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) for an extraordinary event celebrating "Discovering Tourism's Potential".

Celebrating the rich heritage of the past, and the limitless possibilities of the future.

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.