In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’ve been talking turkey with many members in recent weeks during my travels across the province. While at the Canada West Ski Areas Association BC-Yukon Fall Division Meeting at Sun Peaks this week, as well as the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Whistler last month, I took the opportunity to connect with sector association partners, DMOs, and operators to discuss issues that affect their stakeholders or businesses.

Not surprisingly I heard about workforce and housing issues as primary concerns. More importantly, members offered policy recommendations for TIABC to advocate for. For example, an extension to wage and rent subsidies offered by the federal government during the height of COVID would be extremely helpful…only in this instance paid directly to workers to assist with the high cost of living in many parts of the province.

Similarly, in housing challenged communities where some outside workers travel up to two hours from neighbouring towns, a transportation subsidy or dedicated vehicle (e.g. bus or van) would be welcome given how long and expensive commutes prompt many people to quit their jobs after only a few months.

Still with housing…while TIABC has been advocating for some provincial oversight and additional powers for local communities to enforce regulations vis-a-vis short-term vacation rentals, I heard one tourism leader say that implementing more rules or restrictions won’t necessarily compel owners of multi-million-dollar homes in his community to rent to long-term tenants instead of temporary visitors. Because of problems with the residential tenancy act, owners would rather leave their suites empty than deal with tenant problems.

In a meeting with a few sector association members in Kamloops, I learned that we’re regressing instead of progressing on the issue of secure land tenures for operators in the adventure tourism sector, largely due to new government policy and misalignment of decision-making authority (i.e. Forests ministry instead of Tourism ministry).

Although none of the aforementioned issues are insurmountable, a strategic advocacy approach by TIABC and our key sector partners is necessary to achieve desired outcomes that help our industry in its recovery and growth objectives.

While I’ll continue to talk turkey with stakeholders during my ongoing travels in the coming weeks, there will be an additional opportunity in the form of a member survey that will allow our sector partners, DMOs and businesses to identify top priorities and give TIABC its advocacy marching orders for the foreseeable future. Watch for the survey in your inbox next week and please take a few moments to respond.

In the meantime, in spite of our challenges we have much to be grateful for. I trust you’ll take the time to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends this weekend. Gobble gobble.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

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

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

12:00 PM - Complimentary lunch for AGM attendees

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

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

Evidence shows us that women are held back due to biases based on gender, race, age, sexual orientation, disability, and other elements of identity. This workshop will delve into our unconscious bias, how it presents in the industry, and how we can combat it.

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

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

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

Earlier today, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced the temporary lifting of the 20-hour-per-week cap on the number of hours that eligible post-secondary students are allowed to work off-campus while attending school.

The move is in response to the call by Tourism HR Canada and a number of sector associations across the country to help both students and employers vis-a-vis workforce challenges.

From November 15th, 2022 until December 31st, 2023, international students who are in Canada and who have off-campus work authorization on their study permit will not be restricted by the 20-hour-per-week rule. Foreign nationals who have already submitted a study permit application, as of today, will also be able to benefit from this temporary change, provided their application is approved.

The temporary lifting of off-campus work hours is aimed to assist employers who are facing unprecedented challenges in finding and retaining the workers they need. This initiative will provide many international students with a greater opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Canada, and will increase the availability of workers to sustain Canada’s post-pandemic growth.

Learn more and read today's official announcement HERE.

Municipal Election Day is just over a week away! On October 15th, residents of communities across the province will head to the polls to elect local politicians, school board trustees, and/or park board commissioners.

Decisions made by civic leaders are extremely important to our visitor economy and it is incumbent on the tourism industry to pay attention and get involved. TIABC's Municipal Election Toolkit has been developed to help you play a vital role in shaping the conversation and outcome of these elections.

TIABC's THREE-STEP kit is designed to prime you with the right data, messages, and questions that will elevate the importance of tourism in BC and your role in it.

Earlier this week, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, along with Rachel Bendayan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, announced the recipients of National Priorities Stream (NPS) funding.

The $15 million NPS, administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, will leverage the reach and expertise of national tourism organizations to help address the challenges faced by the Canadian tourism sector on its path to recovery and growth. The NPS is part of $1 billion in tourism supports announced in Budget 2021.

The following four national organizations, tourism sector leaders with a wide reach and valuable expertise, have been selected as recipients of NPS funding: the Tourism Industry Association of Canada; the Hotel Association of Canada; the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada; and Tourism HR Canada.

These national organizations have the presence and partnerships—at the national, regional and local levels—to maximize the impact of the government investments aimed at addressing national gaps and priorities. Various activities will advance priorities such as destination development, seasonal and geographic dispersion, and workforce challenge mitigation.

The NPS complements the $485 million regional priorities stream of the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), which aims at helping tourism businesses and organizations improve their products and services and position themselves for post-pandemic economic recovery.

Earlier this week, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) introduced YVR EXPRESS, a new program that allows travellers to reserve a spot at the security checkpoint ahead of their flight. The goal of the express bookings is to provide a more balanced flow of passengers through security screening at YVR, helping reduce wait times for security checkpoints and create a more predictable experience for both passengers and staff.

Through YVR EXPRESS, travellers add their flight information and the number of people in their party. The system automatically displays open booking times to choose from.

YVR EXPRESS is free to use and currently available for travel to the U.S. with flights scheduled between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm at the airport’s E gates. Travellers can schedule their appointment to enter security screening up to 72 hours ahead of their flight’s scheduled departure time or when they arrive at the airport, until 90 minutes before flight’s scheduled departure time.

To learn more about YVR EXPRESS and to book a spot for security screening for travel to the U.S., visit HERE.

REMINDER: travellers returning to Canada from the U.S. or another international destination are reminded that while ArriveCAN is no longer mandatory, passengers can use the app to digitally submit their customs declaration in advance.

Some BC businesses celebrated what they called a 'record-breaking year' as the cruise season wraps up next week.

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, cruise returned to BC waters in April and started to once again generate millions of dollars for the province's economy.

With a look around the province this cruise season, Tourism Prince Rupert estimates that around 60,000 cruise tourists made Prince Rupert one of their travel destinations, marking a record-breaking year for the community even when compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Cruise tourism has also been a major source of revenue for downtown Vancouver and Victoria. By the end of this cruise season, Victoria will have welcomed 331 ships as Canada's busiest cruise port of call, bringing just over 725,000 passengers.

While the revenue cruise tourists have brought in this year still lags behind pre-pandemic levels, business owners are optimistic for the next season.

Read the full story HERE.

Government has introduced legislation allowing a permanent fee cap, which would limit the fees that core-services delivery companies can charge restaurants.

If passed, the suggested permanent cap would limit these companies to a 20% charge per order for core services (online ordering and delivery) and an option to pay for additional services like increased marketing and device rental.

This would also include the ability of bars and tourism operators with liquor licences to purchase beer, wine and spirits at wholesale prices permanently and the authorization of thousands of Temporary Expanded Service Areas, helping businesses weather the pandemic and serve more patrons while complying with health orders.

In a letter to Honourable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation on Sept. 29th, Jeff Guignard, Executive Director for the Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) and Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association expressed their support of a mechanism that would provide optionality to restaurants and made reference to the noted permanent cap.

They both strongly advocated that the government "supports a mechanism that will maintain an affordable option for restauranteurs without compromising the ability to have increased control and flexibility into the hands of restaurants—to design a partnership that meets the needs of their business and their own economic realities."

Learn more and read the official announcement HERE.

Read the joint letter to Minister Kahlon HERE.

With Crush 2022 underway, Wine Growers BC (WGBC) has reported that crop yields will be closely monitored for a comparison to the January 2022 WGBC study, demonstrating that the industry has experienced a multi-year decline in crop yield.

In spring, 2022, the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Foods supported the efforts of the BC wine grape industry to examine potential factors impacting BC wine grape production through initiation of the BC Vineyard Resilience study. The study utilized production and climate data, cross-jurisdictional reviews of other wine growing regions, and interviews with representative BC wine grape producers.

The study found that while acreage remained relatively unchanged amongst these vineyards over the period from 2017-2021, tons harvested declined precipitously following its peak in 2018 with a decline of 33% between 2018 and 2021.

In addition to the study, the WGBC BC Vineyard Resilience Task Group engaged various grower stakeholders in a series of workshops to discuss the state of BC vineyards and make recommend steps to mitigate the short crop. Task group recommendations will provide input to WGBC government advocacy priorities to secure government support and ensure BC vineyards are best positioned to support the growth and success of the industry.

Destination BC has announced that Alison McKay has been appointed to the permanent role of Vice President, Destination Management at Destination BC.

Since January, Alison has served as Acting Vice President, Destination Management, leading a comprehensive range of portfolio areas for the Destination Management division including Destination Development, Industry Development, Visitor Services, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, Indigenous and Regional Partnerships, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains tourism region, Invest in Iconics, Cooperative Marketing, and Municipal Regional District Tax programs.

As noted in the official announcement, Alison has been an integral part of the Executive Leadership team and brings unwavering focus when it comes to supporting the revitalization of a strong and sustainable tourism sector for British Columbia.

TIABC extends our congratulations to Alison and looks forward to continued engagement as she ventures into her new permanent role!

Read the official announcement HERE.

The Travel Foundation and 4VI (formerly Tourism Vancouver Island) have agreed to a multi-year partnership founded on a shared mission: to demonstrate new approaches in the global tourism industry that address the impacts and challenges of climate change and inequity.

Together they will focus on solutions that enhance 4VI’s new business model, while helping to ensure tourism is a force for good on Vancouver Island. Last week's news release explains they will also explore the wider challenges and opportunities the global tourism industry faces as it navigates toward a future that centres the needs of communities and the environment.

The partnership has specific and concrete aims under three pillars:

Click HERE to learn more and to read the official announcement.

A new initiative for our industry has just been launched this week. Paddle BC aims to share the rich history of paddling in the province, as well as inspire and inform residents and visitors alike about the modern-day adventures that can be had here.

Paddle BC is a collaboration between paddling associations and tourism organizations that has two main goals: firstly, to promote British Columbia as a world-class paddling destination that offers some of the most varied and fun waterways on the planet; and secondly, to endorse the safety of the sport with the help of local experts.

The new website introduces visitors to the people, businesses, associations, clubs, events, accommodations, services, and agencies that will ensure your paddling experience in BC is memorable and safe. The site also recommends trips, waterways, articles, and more to help reinforce the fact that BC is one of the best paddling destinations on the planet.

Visitor's to the Paddle BC website can search for information by three main categories; region, waterway, and experience.

Visit Paddle BC to learn more.

The BC2030 Feasibility Team continues to work under the leadership of the Líl̓wat (Lil’wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, to determine the feasibility of moving forward with a potential bid to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games back to Canada. In an effort to keep you informed on their progress, we are pleased to share a first edition of a Games Engagement newsletter. In the first edition (link below), you will learn about the following:

For full information on the 2030 project, visit HERE.

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

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

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

To apply for any of the above positions, please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@chemistryconsulting.ca or visit the Chemistry Consulting website HERE for more information.

As part of the Destination Management Division, the Manager, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (VCM) plays a strategic role in driving and influencing stakeholder engagement with Destination BC’s programs and services specifically in the VCM tourism region.

Key responsibilities for this position include overseeing the VCM tourism region contracts and programs (budget of $1Million) and leadership of the VCM team.

Providing strategic leadership in this position is required to align deliverables and resources with divisional and corporate goals, creating awareness of new initiatives, and developing team members.

Click HERE to learn more and to apply.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is looking for a dynamic tourism professional to join this incredible team as Managing Director.

The Managing Director for TOTA will bring qualities to the organization that will further assist in this journey of change, embracing a future-forward approach. They will take an active role in broadening TOTA’s commitment to responsible, regenerative tourism practices and building strategies that enable the tourism Industry in the Thompson Okanagan to move forward, thoughtfully and progressively.

The Managing Director will work closely with the entire team to implement the updated 10-Year Regional Strategy.

Learn more about this position HERE. Please send cover letter & resume to HR@TOTABC.com by October 15th.

Produced over the course of a year "We're Always Game" is a video produced to showcase Prince George's amazing venues and help PG's event organizers stand out when vying for sport tourism opportunities across the globe.

Tourism Richmond has just announced the launch of the all-new Richmond EPIC Tourism Awards.

The awards celebrate the people, experiences, and attractions that make Richmond such a vibrant and welcoming place to visit. The four awards are designed to align with Tourism Richmond’s EPIC values.

The deadline for applications is October 23rd and winners will be announced at the Tourism Richmond Year End Celebration on November 30th!

Learn more and apply HERE.

The Oliver Tourism Association identifies and promotes tourism opportunities and activities within the town of Oliver and the surrounding area, encourages and supports tourism initiatives that will benefit the town of Oliver and the surrounding area, and develops and markets the destination branding.

The Oliver Tourism Association is a registered not-for-profit organization supporting businesses and organizations that either is directly tourism-focused or support tourism activities, with the goal of providing information and opportunities to visitors.

Click HERE to learn more about Visit Oliver.

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.

Join special guest Dr. Susan Biali Haas, an award-winning medical doctor specializing in mental health and resilience, as we pay tribute to tourism’s top performers at the 31st Annual Vancouver Tourism Awards Gala Breakfast.

Details: Wednesday, October 12th | 7am | East Exhibit Hall A | Vancouver Convention Centre East, 999 Canada Place | Tickets $75 each or $700 for a table of 10

Register online at: vancouvertourismawards.com/gala or contact info@vancouvertourismawards.com

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

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

Dates: October 17th - 21st.

Learn more and register HERE.

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

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

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

Click HERE for more information and to apply.

Thompson Okanagan tourism stakeholders are invited to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Date: Thursday, October 13th from 9-10 AM

Location: Best Western Kelowna Hotel & Suites, on the traditional, unceded, and ancestral territory of the Syilx Nation.

The new board candidates will be announced at the TOTA Annual General Meeting (AGM), along with reports on TOTA activities, finance, and governance.

Attendance is free however due to limited to capacity, registration is required. Register HERE.

The 29th Annual Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Golf Tournament is back! This year's TOTA Golf Tournament will be hosted at the Black Mountain Golf Club.

Date: Thursday, October 13

Time: From noon with a full day of food, drink, and fun.

Grab your golf clubs and join a team or register your own to meet colleagues, new and familiar, while helping to raise funds for the TOTA Tourism Student Bursary Program for the University of British Columbia Okanagan, Okanagan College, and Thompson Rivers University.

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

Are you interested in becoming a health and safety champion at your workplace? Save the date for an upcoming Certificate of Recognition (COR) Internal Auditor Training program coming this Fall. These interactive sessions will help you to learn what it takes to be a COR Employer.

Date: Thursday, October 13th - Virtual Event

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

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

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

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

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

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

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

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

Dates: October 24-25

Location: Hyatt Regency, Vancouver

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

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

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

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

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

Register HERE for the event.

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

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

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

Location: Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Avenue

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

Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

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

Hosted By: Deirdre Campbell, President, tartanbond

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

Location: Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

Save the Date: November 2-3

Location: Sandman Hotel, Castlegar

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

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

Date: November 3-4

Location: 100 Mile House

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

Visit here for more information on the CCCTA AGM.

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

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

Location: Virtual

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

Visit here for more information and to register.

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

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

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

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

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

Visit HERE to learn more.

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

Date: Tuesday, November 15

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

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

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

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

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

Dates: November 22-23

Location: Sheraton Vancouver Airport, Richmond

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

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

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

The theme for the event is: O P E N

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details.

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

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

Dates: March 8-10, 2023

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

Learn more and register HERE.

Drop us a line at 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.