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October 28, 2022

CEO MESSAGE

It’s a long one today so put the fire on and settle in.

In the late eighties, credit card company American Express introduced the tagline, ‘Membership Has its Privileges’ implying that only their cardholders received certain benefits and opportunities. I am reminded of the Amex slogan each time I consider a new points program or membership in an organization. It stands to reason, why become a member if there are no advantages?

The question of benefits is one that a few of TIABC’s members have been asking after receiving membership renewal notices in recent months. Before I offer some thoughts, allow me to deliver a little history lesson on TIABC as told to me by various sources, and to provide some context to the gist of my message. (Note - please forgive me for missing a few key names or details)

In the mid-1970s, the regional tourism associations came into their own with individual marketing plans and began to realize how interconnected they were as visitor travel routes and the shared provision of tourism experiences for residents and out-of-province visitors. There was a growing awareness of the importance of long-term planning, particularly around transportation infrastructure and zoning. The impact of provincial policy (good or bad) became more apparent, notably the moves by seemingly unrelated government departments whose actions had an unintentional effect on tourism.

The regional tourism set up of eight-zones was created by CP Air’s Hugh Main and Dick Colby, the BC government's first Deputy Minister of Tourism. They'd sketched out the provincial map giving boundaries and designations as Region A = Vancouver Island, etc. Eventually each region hired a part-time coordinator to manage their affairs and report to a local board of directors. Other sector associations prominent in those days were the BC Motel, Resorts & Trailer Parks Association, the BC & Yukon Hotel Association, and the BC Restaurant Association.

As the story goes, three visionaries (Cariboo regional coordinator Duncan Myers; Three-Valley Gap proprietor Gordon Bell; and Dave Williams, owner of a Sicamous houseboat rental company) took a leadership role in bringing the regions together, eventually attracting the support of other provincial associations. Duncan was particularly conversant with the structure emerging in various tourism sub-sectors. He, Gordon, and Dave initiated a BC version of a pan-provincial tourism advocacy group and designated it the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC). Duncan was the first manager of TIABC, along with retaining his regional responsibilities.

Much was in flux in those days. For example, the Lower Mainland was at first known simply as Region B, then Mainland Southwest. Later the name changed to Southwestern BC Tourism Association, and eventually it emerged as a properly branded entity known as Vancouver, Coast & Mountains.

Some of those at the helm of TIABC included Rick Antonson, who was CEO of the Southwestern Tourism Association, Graham Bell, his successor, and Anna Pollock after that.

In the early eighties, there was a concentrated effort to broaden TIABC into a provincial organization beyond the regions resulting in another eight or 10 associations joining as members. TIABC's membership strategy was to align everyone with one voice and specifically set membership dues at an extremely affordable $200 per association annually.

At the same time, the BC Motels, Resorts & Trailer Parks Association (headed by industry powerhouse Jean Dann) pushed hard to have the Hospitality Industry Advisory Council (HIAC) become the provincial tourism umbrella group. HIAC were averse to joining TIABC and the only holdout amongst all the associations. In fact, in one memorable meeting, Jean rallied her board members with the intent of voting down participation in TIABC citing the cost of membership as the barrier.

It was a ruse, and from the back of the room a young Peter Armstrong, then president of Gray Line, called her bluff and offered to provide the funds. The room went silent. It worked. The HIAC board voted then and there to join TIABC, as did some of the other key associations.

There were of course many others involved and subsequent further iterations of BC's provincial tourism association along the way including a time when TIABC faltered and leaders such as Nancy Stibbard rallied the regional associations into the effective Council of Tourism Associations (COTA), resetting and renaming the remains of TIABC, keeping it alive, and eventually seeing it morph once again into a broader membership, attracting wider support, and being retagged as TIABC once again.

Fast forward to today and we’re still going strong with a membership upwards of 50 destination marketing/management organizations, 20+ sector associations, and well over 100 individual businesses. Considering the expansive membership rosters of the DMOs and sector associations, by extension we represent most of the 19,000+ tourism businesses in BC one way or another.

As the Voice of Tourism, we work as either the lead or in partnership with other sector associations, DMOs and stakeholders to develop policy to positively influence regulatory or legislative changes within government to solve industry issues. We’re a small but influential organization guided by a 13-member elected Board of Directors and several committees of industry experts representing multiple sectors and all regions of the province.

Aside from revenues earned by coordinating and hosting the annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, TIABC relies on member dues to help fund our advocacy efforts and priorities. While we purposely refrain from offering rewards or group buying discounts, reduced credit card fees, or supplementary advantages that many other sector associations provide to their members, the primary benefit we continue to deliver as part of our core mandate is well-researched, strategic, and effective policy on behalf of the tourism industry for government consideration. FULL STOP! It’s what TIABC has done for decades.

My original intent for this message was to talk about the importance of our upcoming annual general meeting (Nov. 18) and encouraging you to attend, not only for the AGM portion but also the subsequent workshop on Building Back Equal - Addressing Industry Barriers & Biases. But I couldn’t resist reminding both members and non-members who read this newsletter, of both the history of TIABC and why membership in this organization is integral to allow us to continue to do the work that we do.

If you’ve gotten this far, allow me another minute to make my simple pitch. If you’re not yet a member and support our advocacy efforts, desire to get more involved, and recognize our vital role as the Voice of Tourism, please consider a membership in TIABC (as an adjunct to your existing sub-sector association membership). If affordability is in an issue, talk to us. We’ll work something out.

Like Amex, membership in TIABC has its privileges. Voting on directors for the organization is but one. Having a say on our priorities is another. Getting involved as a committee level is yet one more. But helping us advocate good policy on behalf of our industry supersedes everything else.

I hope to see you at our annual general meeting next month in New Westminster and to welcoming you as a member of TIABC in the near future.

Walt Judas,
CEO, TIABC
BC Government Will Not
Support 2030 Olympic Bid

The BC government announced yesterday that it would not be supporting a bid to bring the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games back to the province. The Games were to be hosted by the four First Nations.

In the government statement, they advised the Indigenous-led review had been reviewed for more than a year but said it was worried that billions of dollars in direct costs would jeopardize its "ability to address pressures facing British Columbians right now."

The decision comes less than a year after the bid was announced in December 2021. It was the first Indigenous-led Olympic bid in the history of the Games, with the Squamish, Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Líl̓wat Nations spearheading the effort alongside Vancouver, Whistler, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Chief Jen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation says an Indigenous-led bid to host the 2030 Olympics in British Columbia is over after the province declined its support.

TIABC has been a strong supporter of the bid and met with Games' proponents and government officials in recent months to help advance the opportunity. While we know that BC is well poised to host the Games in 2030 with world class venues and talent, we're hopeful that another opportunity will emerge in future.


TIABC Comments on Government Decision
Regarding 2030 Games

In an interview with City News 1130 yesterday, TIABC Chair J.J. Belanger stated that while the tourism sector would have welcomed the Games to BC in 2030, the industry recognizes the challenges that governments are currently facing and the Invictus Games and the World Cup are opportunities for BC to showcase what the province can do.

Read the full interview HERE.
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New Premier to be Sworn In

David Eby will be sworn in as British Columbia’s 37th premier by Lt. Gov. Janet Austin on Friday, November 18th.

The ceremony will take place at Government House. Timing and other details for media will be provided in the coming days.

In a government news release on Oct. 25th, the premier-designate announced the team that will help him transition and tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the province.

Matt Smith will serve as Chief of Staff and Shannon Salter will be the Deputy Minister to the Premier and head of the public service, while Amber Hockin and Don Bain will continue in their roles as Deputy Chiefs of Staff. In addition to key staff roles, former Finance Minister Carole James and award-winning lawyer and First Nations negotiator Doug White have been appointed to co-chair the transition team.

The November break of the fall legislative session will be extended leading up to the swearing-in ceremony. Premier-designate Eby will meet the legislative assembly as premier during the week of Nov. 21st.
In Memoriam | Trisha Larsen

TIABC is deeply saddened by the passing of Trisha Larsen, who was not only a big supporter of our organization but also who we worked closely with in our advocacy efforts on behalf of the golf sector.

Colleague Chris Elder of The Web Advisors stated, "Trisha's always energetic self did not let on that she had been heroically battling pancreatic cancer for the past year.

Trisha started her tourism marketing career in the golf industry almost three decades ago working in Kelowna at the Harvest Golf Club, then on to lead the sales & marketing at Predator Ridge Golf Resort in its early days. A move to Vancouver Island 18 years ago, connected her as a marketing consultant with a fledgling golf tourism marketing organization called Golf Vancouver Island.

From those early beginnings, and a family move back to the Okanagan, Trisha grew her agency, The Web Advisors, into a tourism marketing powerhouse that collaborates with clients throughout British Columbia across regions, sectors, communities and businesses.

Trisha was a tourism marketing leader in British Columbia, and her impact on golf and destination marketing has been instrumental in the growth of many organizations around the province. Her energy, insight and drive will be sorely missed by her team and surely felt across an industry she was so passionate about.

It is impossible to convey in words the tenacity to do great work that Trisha brought to every effort. She was truly a special person that cared deeply about all those she worked with.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Trisha's family has requested that you please consider a donation in her name to your local SPCA or the BC Cancer Foundation".

TIABC offers its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Trisha. As Chris stated above, she will be sorely missed by her tourism industry colleagues across the province.
$10 Million in Gov't Funding to
Science World

On October 24th, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister for International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $10 million in funding for Science World through the Tourism Relief Fund.

This funding will support critical infrastructure and gallery renovations, including improvements to the dome, new energy efficient lighting, and mechanical upgrades. Enhanced accessibility features will allow visitors with mobility challenges to experience every floor of the inspiring space.

In 2023, Science World will also launch a new exhibit, the Creative Technology Gallery, in partnership with DigiBC. This gallery will immerse visitors in an exploration of the relationship between science, technology and art.

Read more HERE.
Modernization of Commercial
Passenger Vehicle Industry

The Province has tabled Bill 40, proposing changes to the Passenger Transportation Act that will enhance safety and accessibility for BC's taxi and ride-hailing industries.

The Passenger Transportation Act applies to drivers of commercial passenger vehicles, such as taxis, limousines and ride-hailing vehicles.

The proposed amendments will enable the registrar of passenger transportation to operate an accessibility program that will support increased availability of accessible vehicles and services.

The accessibility program will support the province’s requirement that the taxi industry increases the number of wheelchair-accessible vehicles on the road. It will also advance the province’s commitment made under the Accessible British Columbia Act to improve accessibility standards in a range of areas, such as employment, education, transportation, and buildings and infrastructure.

Bill 40 further proposes changes to increase safety. It will clarify the authority of the registrar of passenger transportation by providing additional authority to prevent ineligible people from driving passenger-directed vehicles. It will also clarify the evidence drivers must produce at roadside to confirm their eligibility to drive passenger-directed vehicles.

The proposed amendments will also provide clarity to the Passenger Transportation Board regarding its authority to set terms and conditions for licensing service providers.

Read the full announcement HERE.
Air Canada Reports First Positive Operating Revenue Since Pandemic

Despite operational challenges, the summer was good to Air Canada. Operating revenues doubled, capacity increased by 130%, and it was the first quarter since the pandemic where the airline reported positive operating income.

Air Canada’s third quarter (July, Aug. Sept.) results for 2022 seem to indicate the company has turned a corner and is finally recovering from pandemic shutdowns.

Here are highlights of its Q3 results, issued today:

  • Operating margin of 12.1%, first positive quarterly operating margin since the pandemic began
  • Operating revenues of $5.322 billion, more than double the third quarter of 2021
  • Net loss of $508 million compared to a net loss of $640 million in the third quarter of 2021
  • Total liquidity of over $10.2 billion at September 30th, 2022

For the fourth quarter of 2022, Air Canada plans to increase its available seat miles (ASM) capacity by about 60% from the same quarter in 2021 (or approximately 85% of fourth quarter 2019 ASM capacity). 

Click HERE to read the full report and short-term outlook.
YVR Charts Course for Future Growth

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) continues to expand and innovate with ambitious plans to align with the future growth and needs of the community and economy as presented on Wednesday by President & CEO Tamara Vrooman at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

Vrooman announced projections of increased passengers and provided significant updates on key growth priorities centered around land use, cargo, climate, and innovation, including exciting opportunities YVR is exploring beyond core airport operations.

The airport redesigned its land use plan, unlocking significant opportunities for new development through 2072, and continues to focus on its cargo business by exploring and investing in digital infrastructure to improve goods movement.

YVR is leveraging its digital twin, which provides real-time information on airport operations, including modelling on optimizing operational efficiency. The tool can also be used to monitor and map more efficient aircraft movements to reduce emissions, supporting YVR’s and the industry’s climate goals.

Vrooman also highlighted YVR’s climate leadership through its recent Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation and its new Cascadia Corridor partnership.
Update | LDB Rebates for BC BQA

The Wine Growers of British Columbia is extending a message that the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is reminding BC Vintners Quality Alliance (BC VQA) suppliers that beginning January 1st, 2023, excise duty will be deducted from the supplier cost when calculating the BC VQA rebate amount for eligible wine received into the LDB warehouse, on the assumption that all BC VQA wines delivered to the LDB are packaged on or after June 30th, 2022.

In recognition that it may take additional time for wineries to move through excise exempt inventory packaged before June 30th, the LDB will adopt a one-year transitional process. This process will allow BC VQA suppliers to apply for a temporary adjustment on their BC VQA rebate calculation.

The BC LDB rebate calculation’s inclusion of excise will result in the unintended consequence of a unilateral decrease in the rebate and detrimental to BC wineries. Like the federal Wine Sector Support Program, WGBC advocates for an adjustment to the BC LDB rebate calculation in order to help the BC wine industry adapt to ongoing and emerging challenges.

Learn more HERE.
Congratulations to New NBCTA Board

The Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) held Board elections for 4 seats (NW Director and 3 Directors at Large) and are pleased to share the successful candidates, which were announced at their Annual General Meeting on Oct. 25th.

Join TIABC in congratulating the new Board of Directors:



Chair - Blaine Estby
Vice Chair - Sarah Gamble
Treasurer - Jared Davis
Past Chair - Gladys Atrill

Daniel Schildknecht - Director at Large | Northern Rockies Lodge & Adventures
Colin Carson - Central Rep. | Tourism Prince George
Blair Mirau - Director at Large | Gitmaxmak'ay Nisga'a Society
Ceilidh Marlow - Northwest Rep. | Tourism Prince Rupert

Collectively, these individuals will guide the direction of the Northern BC Tourism Association over the coming year.
DBC Welcomes New Board Member

Destination BC announced today the appointment of Annita McPhee to the Board of Directors.

Annita is from the Tahltan Tlingit First Nations located in Northwestern British Columbia. As the former three-term president of the Tahltan Central Government, Annita served three terms as the president of the Tahltan Central Council, and is the recipient of numerous awards for her vision and leadership. Annita was instrumental in the fight to save the Sacred Headwaters in Tahltan Territory, and was honoured with the The Leadership Award from Ecotrust for her work.

Annita has served as an advisor and director on several national and provincial boards including the Legal Services Society, Prospector’s Developers Association Canada, BC Hydro’s Strategic Aboriginal Engagement Committee and the Minister of Aboriginal Relations Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women and the BC First Nations Justice Council.

TIABC extends sincere congratulations to Annita on her new role with DBC.

Read the full announcement HERE.
Job Opportunity | Director, Destination Development & Stewardship

As part of the leadership of the Destination Management Division, Director, Destination Development & Stewardship leads in the development and execution of strategic plans, business action plans and programs for BC that create and sustain the long-term competitiveness of the tourism industry.

As part of the Destination Management Division, the position operates with considerable autonomy in implementing a diverse set of programs. The Director oversees the ongoing development and implementation of long-range destination development strategies and action plans in conjunction with a wide range of business partners including governments (Federal, Provincial, Local, and First Nations), tourism associations (Sector and Destination Marketing Organizations), BC Chambers, and BC tourism business. As well, the Director oversees the development of strategic plans and program delivery for province-wide destination stewardship initiatives.
Restaurants Selected to
MICHELIN Guide Vancouver

In a ceremony held last evening, eight MICHELIN-starred restaurants joined the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Vancouver.

Considered by many as a hallmark of absolute excellence - Michelin stars are determined by esteemed "inspectors" that travel to a specific destination.

Congratulations to these outstanding restaurants:

  • Ana Lena - contemporary
  • Barbara - contemporary
  • Burdock & Co. - contemporary
  • Kissa Tanto - Japanese
  • Masayoshi - Japanese
  • Published on Main - contemporary
  • iDen & QuanJuDe Beijing Duck House - Chinese
  • Ste. Laurence - French

Recognized by many as a long-awaited validation for Vancouver's dining scene, Michelin's arrival in Vancouver is a boon for tourism with Destination Vancouver participating as a key partner.

Visit HERE to learn more about the selected restaurants.
Hotels to Help | Your Support is Needed

The Hotel Association of Vancouver is rallying the industry to support the Hotels to Help Campaign, with jaw-dropping prizes to be won! Funds raised support the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF), British Columbia's only hospitality industry charity that offers assistance to hospitality workers who are in imminent financial need due to a health condition.

Ticket options are:
  • 1 for $5
  • 3 for $10
  • 7 for $20
  • 20 for $50

Prizes Include: Weekend in Victoria with golf for 2; Hawaii luxury getaway and dolphin experience; Osoyoos lake views; wine tasting and dinner for 4; two-night getaway in Seattle; Los Angeles luxury weekend getaway; Tofino & Courtenay 4 day of bliss; great Canadian rockies getaway; and much more!

Draw Date November 4th - Purchase your tickets HERE.
Friday, November 18th at the Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster.

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.

Schedule of Activities

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

Special Workshop: Building Back Equal - Addressing Industry Barriers & Biases

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.

Admission to the AGM and WORTH presentation/workshop is FREE! Lunch is included. Registration is required.

Thank you to our sponsors The Fraser Valley DMOs and Fortis BC.
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Moments of Levity
As an industry that continues to face challenges, it's important to share a laugh, a good story, a beautiful image or an interesting anecdote to provide moments of levity during this most difficult time.
New Documentary to Air | Haunted Gold Rush

The T+E channel is kicking of Halloween weekend with the new two-part original documentary, Haunted Gold Rush, exploring the ghostly mysteries along BC's historic Gold Rush Trail.

Told through the lens of a strong female force of paranormal investigators, the documentary unlocks compelling and unnerving stories of those who suffered an untimely demise on the winding trail during the 1800s.

Be sure to watch: Sunday, October 30th at 9 pm (PT).

Here is an introduction to the documentary:

British Columbia’s Cariboo Gold Rush trail was a bustling, wild and often violent place in the 1800s. Today, the 650 km stretch of land is considered a hotspot for paranormal activity and has hundreds of stories of hauntings from more than a dozen locations. Ghost sightings along this trail are nothing new, but recently there have been numerous intense and dramatic reports. In the two-part documentary, the two sisters (Corine and Leanne) and their best friend (Kelly) have been called in to take an unprecedented road-trip and retrace British Columbia’s historic Gold Rush Trail, solving mysteries and witness hauntings along the way. Haunted Gold Rush features never-before-seen photos and video evidence of the suspected ghosts who haunt the historic towns within the trail. 

Learn more about the Gold Rush Trail HERE.
Victoria Harbour Ferry

Launched in 1990, the Victoria Harbour Ferry's little boats have been the highlight for tourist and locals alike with over 2.5 million passengers experiencing the various routes. The uniqueness of the Pickle Pub Crawl, Historic Tours and Water Ballet has put them on the front page and lead reports of major newspapers and TV news shows around the globe.

The small boats connect to Victoria’s waterfront neighbourhoods, parks and communities and connect to Victoria's network of trails and pathways while enjoying incredible waterfront views along the way.

Click HERE to learn more about Victoria Harbour Ferry.
Become A TIABC Member

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.
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Crisis Communication Planning Available
for BC Tourism Organizations

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.

You must be available to attend both training sessions, held on:
  • November 8 (9 am–noon)
  • November 9 (10 am–3 pm, including one hour for lunch)

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

Click HERE for more information and to apply.
You are Invited | Closing Comments with Premier John Horgan

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

Event Schedule:
11:30 am Registration
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Event Program
1:30 pm Event Close
Mental Health Matters | Injury Prevention & Risk Management in the Workplace Webinar

The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is joining forces with the experts at go2HR and CMHA for a special webinar event to support with industry health and safety. Join the Canadian Mental Health Association's Aaryn Secker, and Go2HR’s Shane Lobsinger to explore more deeply the importance of mental health and wellbeing on the job, and other topics related to injury prevention and risk management in the workplace.

Date: November 23rd - 10:30 am (PT)

Click HERE to register for the webinar.
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Empower Her - Victoria

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
Panelists:
  • Assetou Coulibaly, Project Manager, Accent Inns
  • Madone Pelan, General Manager, Oak Bay Beach Hotel
  • Robin Grist, Owner, Girl About Town
  • Alexandra Wilson, Wine Club Manager, Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard
  • Anita Voorsluys, Senior Program Advisor, Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Date: November 2nd, 5:30 - 9:00 pm
Location: Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.
Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association
45th AGM and Industry Conference

Save the Date: November 2-3
Location: Sandman Hotel, Castlegar

Click HERE to learn more and to register.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast AGM

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.
West Coast Virtual Hiring Fair

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 Events Congress | 2022

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.
City of Coquitlam
2022 Cultural Summit

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.

Dates:
  • Arts Night Social - November 4th; 7-9pm
  • Cultural Summit - November 5th; 10am to 4pm

Visit HERE to learn more and to purchase tickets.
Sunshine Coast Tourism AGM
November 8th & 9th

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.

Dates:
  • Fall Forum - November 8th from 1-4pm at the Outdoor Learning Centre, Powell River
  • Annual General Meeting - November 9th from 4:30-6:30pm at the Rodmay Heritage Hotel's Rainbow Room, Powell River

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.
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BC Hotel & Liquor Conference

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

Date: Tuesday, November 15th
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.

Feedback on Sessions:
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 kelsey@bcha.com to share your insights on what topics you'd like addressed.

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.
SFI Policy Conference, Gala & Fundraiser

The SFI Big Splash Annual Gala & Fundraiser and Policy Conference returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre. The Conference will be held during the day beginning with a buffet lunch from 11:30. An agenda and full speakers list will be made available in advance. Presentations and remarks will be provided from a variety of perspectives regarding this year's theme: Selective Fishing: Achieving a Balance.

Date: November 18th,
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre - West

Visit HERE to learn more, to register and purchase tickets.
2022 TIAC Congress

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.
2022 Boating BC Conference
Early Bird Registration Now Open

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.
VC & M Industry Forum 2022

This year’s agenda features plenty of time for networking and reconnecting with your tourism peers in the region.
Hear from keynote speaker Tewanee Joseph, CEO of the Tewanee Group, a First Nations owned and operated company that delivers meaningful partnerships, communications strategies and planning, and training in communications and inclusivity.

Topics will also include the importance of creating a respectful workplace to retain staff, Indigenous tourism capacity building, and an update on Destination BC’s Invest in Iconics Strategy.

Date: Tuesday, November 29th, 9am - 4pm (PT)
Location: Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier, North Vancouver - 138 Victory Ship Way

Register through Eventbrite, or by emailing vcm@destinationbc.ca. 
Registration Open | IMPACT 2023

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.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit

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.
SAVE THE DATE | 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference

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.
Registration Now Open
2023 International Indigenous Tourism Conference

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

Early Bird pricing ends December 15th!

Learn more and register HERE.
Thank-you for your readership! We encourage you to send us your ideas or content that would be valuable for TIABC to share through our Bulletin.
Drop us a line at info@tiabc.ca.
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.