October 6, 2023

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In observance of Thanksgiving, our offices will be closed on Monday, October 9th. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, October 10th. May you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday with family, friends and loved ones.

CEO MESSAGE

In 1993, Kim Campbell became Canada’s first female Prime Minister while Bill Clinton was inaugurated as the 42nd President of the United States; Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey were at the top of the music charts; Madonna, Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks and Whitney Houston were among the most popular performers; Sleepless in Seattle, Schindler’s List, Mrs. Doubtfire, Jurassic Park, The Fugitive, and Philadelphia were the year’s must-see movies; the North American Free Trade Agreement became law; Beany Babies were all the rage; Nelson Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize; Slovakia became a country; the price of gas was under $.50 cents a litre; the average house in Canada cost $150,000; the World Wide Web officially launched; and importantly for our sector, Tourism Human Resources Canada (THRC) was born.

Like the Internet and Snoop Dogg, THRC continues to thrive in spite of how much has changed in our world since the early nineties. Under the leadership of Philip Mondor, the organization has been providing solid advice and recommendations to government on policy, as well as comprehensive HR services to businesses, sector associations, and myriad stakeholders since its inception some thirty years ago.

Given the enormous workforce shortages in Canada’s visitor economy, THRC is more important than ever. At its annual Tourism Labour Market Forum in Ottawa this week, THRC briefed some 100 stakeholders from across Canada on the dire state and rapidly changing nature of the tourism workforce, new policies that need to be implemented or affirmed, and where our industry must focus its efforts to solve the severe staff shortages in every part of the country.

I can’t even begin to download all of the information I gleaned from the two-day session. However, I do wish to share a few interesting observations that might help a few tourism colleagues recalibrate their HR strategies moving forward. Some of this may be familiar to you but still worth mentioning. For example:

We’re starting to see a movement where instead of employees, companies are hiring only contractors (e.g. gig workers) to fulfill a specific role on either a full-time or seasonal basis; the chasm between the skills needed by employers and those offered by workers is growing wider; the rise of social equality and equity is a huge factor in where people are choosing to work; recruiting workers has become more of a community effort given obstacles such as accessible transportation and affordable housing; and prioritizing mental health and wellness is now equally acknowledged by employers and staff.

Each one of these ‘trends’ present both a huge challenge and opportunity, and that’s where organizations like Tourism HR Canada and BC’s own go2HR can help steer our industry in the right direction.

The THRC Forum also heard from Keith Henry of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada who spoke about the need for a federal government led Indigenous labour strategy… a concept that’s already been initiated by Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) here at home.

I am encouraged to see so much good work being done by all the aforementioned organizations, as well as many others in British Columbia and across the country to address the issues pertaining to recruiting and retaining tourism workers to meet the growing demand.

For TIABC, our role has and will continue to be focussed on workforce related policy changes that benefit the tourism sector specifically…a list of which was included in our federal pre-budget submission with more to come in the weeks ahead after our learnings this week in Ottawa.

In the meantime, congratulations and a sincere thanks to Tourism HR Canada for three decades of outstanding efforts on behalf of Canada’s visitor economy. As the hardest working individual in the industry, Philip has been there almost since day one and can recall every single year of his tenure, which is quite a feat. Normally I can’t remember what happened three years ago let alone 30 years ago (& yes, I used the World Wide Web to research 1993 trivia), although ironically, 2020 is one year I won’t soon forget.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

Province Tables Emergency and Disaster Management Act

Earlier this week, the Province introduced new emergency management legislation: the Emergency and Disaster Management Act. Once brought into force, it will replace the current Emergency Program Act.

In addition to tabling the new Act, the Province has also announced a 14-person Expert Task Force on Emergencies, mandated to provide recommendations related to emergency preparedness and response prior to the 2024 wildfire season.

Premier Eby has appointed representatives from the Province, First Nations, local governments and other experts to the Task Force. The team will identify lessons learned from the 2023 wildfire season, and opportunities to improve preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery to better support people on the front lines of emergencies. When passed, the new emergency and disaster management act will implement a more proactive approach to emergency management – with an emphasis on disaster risk reduction – to safeguard people and communities.

TIABC CEO Walt Judas spoke with Emergency Management & Climate Readiness Minister Bowinn Ma earlier this week regarding his role in meeting with and providing recommendations to the Task Force on behalf of the tourism industry, as well as the Tourism Emergency Management Committee. Engagement is set to begin within the next few weeks.

The Province has yet to announce any long-term financial supports.

Read the official announcement from government HERE.

TIABC and Restaurants Canada Submit Joint Gig Economy Consultation Brief to Government

Restaurants Canada and TIABC recently submitted a joint Gig Economy brief as part of the province's consultation on protections and benefits for gig economy workers, specifically focussed on app-based ride-hail and food delivery drivers.

The brief provides feedback and recommendations on behalf of BC’s tourism and hospitality industries that continue to struggle to regain profitability as result of soaring input cost increases, pandemic related debt, and acute labour shortages.

Restaurants Canada and TIABC believe that any changes to provide additional protections for app-based delivery drivers must recognize the reality that app-based work is fundamentally different from traditional employment allowing for greater flexibility and independence for app-based delivery drivers. The focus of any changes should be on supporting greater protections for delivery drivers as independent contractors while also protecting the business model of app-based delivery platforms in British Columbia.

Province Invests in Affordability of Safe, Reliable Coastal Ferry Service

As Detailed in the BC Government News Release of October 3rd

BC Ferries is poised to enter its next four-year performance term, beginning April 1, 2024, with a focus on improved capacity and reliability, buoyed by a $500-million investment from the Province to keep fare increases down. The term expires March 31, 2028.

The BC Ferries commissioner has confirmed fare increases of an average of 3.2% over each of the next four years. Without provincial funding, fare increases would have been approximately 9.2% per year for the next four years.

The province’s investment allows BC Ferries to remain on course with its capital plan, which includes investments in new ships, more staff, and terminal and technology upgrades. The province is also working with BC Ferries to improve reliability by including penalty provisions for core-service sailings missed due to insufficient crew. Details of how penalties will be applied will be confirmed in the spring.

YVR Welcomes 7.1M Passengers Over

Busy Summer Season

Earlier this week, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) released passenger numbers for the summer season, confirming a busy travel period marked by a number of achievements and events. 

YVR welcomed more than 7.1M passengers from July through September, a 21.7% increase over the same period last year and on par with 2019. August was YVR’s busiest month of the summer, with the BC Day weekend seeing the most passengers.

The report noted the passenger increase was fueled by expanded services from its airline partners, including significant continued growth from Air Canada, adding key US destinations.

Read more about the YVR highlights from the busy travel season HERE.

ICYMI - Episode #12 in Voice of Tourism Podcast Series

Meet Martin Littlejohn, Executive Director of the Western Canadian Mountain Bike Tourism Association (MBTA). TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Martin about the work they're doing for members around the province, the importance of the industry as part of BC's visitor economy, and the supports needed for local bike clubs.

Now Available on Spotify or the following link:

ICYMI | Short-term Rentals and the Housing Crisis

Several weeks ago, the BC Hotel Association (BCHA), the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) and David Wachsmuth collaborated in a powerful presentation that identified the current situation with short-term rentals and the housing crisis from both a national and provincial perspective. The presentations highlighted the following:

• 28,510 STRs active each day in BC houses, operated by 21,700 hosts
• Earned $133.8 million ($5,800 per listing, although the median was $3,000)
• Rapid year-over-year growth: 17.8% listing growth and 17.3% active listing growth
• BC's STR market now at an all-time high

In summary, the presenters provided the following recommendations to the engaged audience:

• Familiarize yourself with the Regulatory Toolkit
• Advocate for the 4 STR recommendations
• Engage your community members
• The Province should establish a single mandatory STR registration system for all of BC which regulates platforms instead of booking durations
• Municipalities or the Province should establish principal-residence requirements to redirect STR markets towards home sharing and away from commercial operations.

Please click the link below to access the recording and accompanying presentation slide decks.

TIABC's revised policy on short-term rentals, which aligns with BCHA, UBCM and others, can be found HERE.

Nominate a Community Hero

Wines of BC is inviting all BC residents to nominate a deserving individual who stepped up for their community during the wildfire crisis. Whether a first responder, community volunteer or someone who supported evacuees, we want to recognize those who were there for us when we needed them most.

Let’s celebrate someone who went the extra mile. Give your community hero a chance to win a VIP BC Wine Country Trip for two.

All BC residents are invited to nominate a deserving individual who will win a VIP Grand Prize Trip to BC Wine Country for two, valued at $2500.

To nominate your Community Hero for their chance to win, visit HERE.

BCDMOA Launches Refreshed Website

The BC Destination Marketing/Management Organization Association (BCDMOA) has just launched its new website! Significant improvements to the site's design and functionality have been made and also includes a member's only section that is populated with relevant resources and tools aimed to bring additional benefits to members of the BCDMOA.

You are encouraged to take some time to scan through the website and become familiar with the organization.

Learn more about the BCDMOA through the new website HERE.

BCLCA Reminder | Province Offers Plenty of Winter RVing & Camping Opportunities

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) want to remind everyone that winter camping is growing in popularity in many parts of British Columbia with RV Parks and campgrounds now offering year-round camping opportunities.

They have produced a resourceful winter camping map and compiled blogs on winter activities for passionate RV travellers.

Vancouver Attractions Group

The Vancouver Attractions Group, established in 1986, is a marketing cooperative of over 25 "Must See" visitor attractions offering the best savings on line for independent travellers. Their partners offer a wide range of cultural, historic and recreational experiences for guests of all ages and demographics.

Learn more about the Vancouver Attractions Group 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

Transform Your Organization with AI

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a luxury but a necessity for small- and medium-sized businesses looking to stay competitive.

Join us for a dynamic session that provides an understanding of how AI can help individuals and organizations become more productive, innovative and resilient.

Date: October 18

Time: 8 - 9:30 am (GMT)

Learn more and register HERE.

The Great BC Shake Out - 2023

Are you and your staff ready to drop, cover, and hold on October 19? Join hundreds of employers across BC as we practice how we drop, cover, and hold on during an earthquake drill. Employers can also plan their earthquake drill as the Great ShakeOut has free online resources for all industries including tourism and hospitality. Plan and develop a earthquake safety plan for employees and register today!

Date: October 19

Time: 10:19 am (PT)

Learn more on how to participate and register HERE.

BCLCA to Host Fall Parking Lot Meetings

for Members

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is inviting their members to join in for 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.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email via zoom containing information about joining the meeting. A reminder email will be sent one day before the event.

Confirmed Dates and Topics for Parking Lot Series Meetings:

• October 26 - 9:00 am – 10:00 am - Guest Speaker from Go RVing Canada
• November 23 - 9:00 am – 10:00 am Guest Speaker Stan Duckworth, Pathfinder Ventures.

The sessions will be moderated by Jamie Cox, President with other directors on the BCLCA board in attendance.

Visit HERE to register.

Online Charity Wine Auction to Support BCHF

Trialto Wine Group has proudly partnered with The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) to host an online auction consisting of over 25 collectible Magnums and large formats. The rare formats are a special collection procured through our winery partners, targeted to support BCHF’s charitable work and highlight Trialto's 25-years of importing special wines to Western Canada.

"Magnums & More" online auction items will include:

1. Rare back vintage magnums perfect to add to your cellar
2. Signed magnums from winery proprietors or wine makers
3. 3L and 6L rarities from the likes of Langmeil Winery of Australia, Felton Road from New Zealand, and Champagne Bollinger

The online auction will be open for bidding from October 1st, (8:00am) to October 21st (11:59 pm). To view online auction, visit HERE.

2023 BC Business Summit

You are welcome to join the Business Council of BC as keynote speakers, Hon. Lisa Raitt, Vice-Chair of Global Investment Banking at CIBC, and Andrew Coyne, renowned political columnist from The Globe and Mail, share their stories and provide actionable strategies for building the prosperity of BC.

Date: October 12

Time: 7:30 am - 2:00 pm (PT)

Location: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Ballroom, 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

View the full agenda and purchase tickets HERE.

2023 Small Business Week Summit

The BC Chamber of Commerce annual Small Business Week Summit celebrates BC's small and medium-sized businesses and allows them to engage directly with subject matter experts and thought leaders on topics that are important to them.

Designed to be current, relevant and practical, a carefully curated program of four virtual sessions will provide businesses with the opportunity to learn, ask questions and access valuable resources. 

• October 16, 8:00 am - 9:30 am; Making Sense of Today's Economy: How Businesses Can Navigate Uncertainty & Find Opportunity
• October 18, 8:00 am - 9:30 am; Transform your Organization with AL
• October 19, 8:00 am - 9:15 am; Business Reconcii-ACTION
• October 20, 8:00 am - 9:30 am; Business as an Engine for Good: Growth, Resilience, Impact

Tickets are complimentary, and each session will be hosted via Zoom webinar. Learn more and register HERE.

2023 Premier & Cabinet Luncheon

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

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

Date: December 7

Location: Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver

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

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

A Month of Spooky Spectacles

Burnaby Halloween Festival 2023

The spookiest season of the year is approaching, and Burnaby is gearing up to host its most thrilling Halloween Festival yet! The Burnaby Halloween Festival 2023 promises to be a bone-chilling, hair-raising extravaganza filled with a wide range of events and activities for all ages. We invite locals and visitors alike to join in the spine-tingling fun throughout the month of October.

Learn more about all the exciting events happening in Burnaby during the month of October HERE.

BC Hotel & Liquor Conference

The second annual SPARK BC Hotel and Liquor Conference is back!

BC’s Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) and the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) are joining forces once again to bring together industry experts in hospitality, liquor retail, and accommodation.

This event offers an unparalleled opportunity for liquor and hospitality businesses across BC to network with like-minded professionals, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights from informative sessions and speakers.

Date: October 16 & 17

Location: Anvil Centre, New Westminster

Learn more and register HERE.

BC Restaurant Hall of Fame 2023

The BCRFA BC Restaurant Hall of Fame is returning. The BC dining scene is recognized across the country as industry and trend leading.

The highlight of the evening is the 2023 BC Restaurant Hall of Fame awards presentation. This year’s inductees will join the almost 100 individuals whose contributions have been forever commemorated in the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame to date.

Date: October 23

Location: Italian Culture Centre, Vancouver

Tickets to attend the Inductee Evening are now on sale and are available HERE.

Silver Wings - 2023

Our highly anticipated annual Silver Wings Scholarship and Industry Awards gala event has been announced! Event details including Sponsorship Opportunities, Travel and Hotel Partners, Menus, and Entertainment.

Date: October 26

Time: 5:45 - 10:00 pm

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

A list of Industry and Scholarship Award Winners will be posted closer to the event date. Stay tuned for more information!

Learn more and register HERE.

The Annual Go Fish BC Photo Contest is Now Open!

It’s on again! Enter your BC freshwater fishing photos for a chance to win cash prizes.

Categories:

• Gone Fishing – for fishing photos, with no catch required! We're looking for snapshots of your favourite fishing moments from the river, lake, or campsite.
• Fishing Buddies – for photos that convey the social connections made through fishing. We're looking for images of your fishing buddies – friends, family, or pets. 
• Fishing Firsts – for photos of a first fishing moment. This can be an image of a first fish ever caught, first fish of the season, first time ice-fishing, first time fishing a new location.

Prizes:

First, second, and third prizes will be awarded for each category.

Entries close on October 31 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Learn more and enter 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.