Driving through a remote part of New South Wales a number of years ago, I was thoroughly enjoying the sights of the countryside until I saw a Subway fast food restaurant in the most random place. Similarly, while travelling through Swaziland, I was gobsmacked that in the centre of a small town called Piggs Peak…with its dirt roads, tiny fruit stands, ramshackle homes, and stray animals…there stood (out) the nicest KFC I’ve ever seen. My jaw dropped for all the wrong reasons.

This is not a shot at those fast food outlets in particular, but an acknowledgement of how easily an authentic visitor experience can be ruined by something that simply doesn’t fit.

Contrast that experience with one that I had earlier this week when I had the good fortune to explore the pristine Cariboo Mountains near Valemount as part of a fam trip with Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH). It was the first time I had ever been rock climbing and hiking to an area only accessible to most by helicopter. There are no roads, logging, mining, or other blatant intrusions into the Cariboos backcountry to spoil the topography. More importantly, both the chopper, as well as CMH guests and guides leave an extremely light footprint to mitigate any impact on the landscape. In fact, the company works diligently and deliberately on sustainability initiatives to enhance biodiversity.

As for the trip, there are simply not enough words to describe how amazing it was. Seeing and learning about the magnificent glaciers, various mountain peaks, different species and vegetation, early explorers and habitants, history of the Cariboos Mountain Lodge, and more was not only good for the mind but also the soul.

I did some things I never thought I would do (e.g. via ferrata beside a deep canyon with a raging waterfall soaking me as I ascended the cliff) but thousands of others before me have done thanks to the incredible and professional CMH team.

The entire experience was transformational mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually at a time when it was most needed. The added bonus was that I also made some new friends from CMH, its parent company Alterra, and with tourism professionals from TOTA and elsewhere.

The iconic experiences that BC offers are second to none, especially when it comes to guided wilderness tours. It’s exactly why we need the tourism sector and companies like CMH to be stable and lead the charge in sustainability efforts, reconciliation, education, product development, and in generating demand for our province for the foreseeable future.

At the same time, CMH needs help from TIABC and our Adventure Tourism Coalition sector partners to push for legislative and regulatory changes vis-a-vis land use and tenure security, taxation, access, emergency management, and many other policies that I’ve been harping about that would allow our industry to excel, prosper and contribute to the greater good.

Unfortunately, the advocacy journey so far has been like a long, steep hike minus the reward of reaching the top of the peak and experiencing the majestic views of the valley below. But onward we go hoping to realize our goals.

While hiking in the Cariboos, never once did I miss any of the modern conveniences I enjoy at home or when travelling to various destinations. Instead, all of my senses absorbed the spectacular surroundings as I paused several times each day to recognize how grateful I am for the privilege of working in the tourism industry and calling British Columbia my home.

One day when my grandchildren have the opportunity to join CMH or any other operator for an authentic BC experience, I hope they never come across a fast food outlet or anything similar where it’s not supposed to be, especially in the back country.

Added note: – TIABC empathizes with the thousands of BC tourism operators who are seriously hurting following devastating wildfires in parts of the province. To that end, we are working with and supporting the collective efforts of our colleagues at TOTA, BCHA, BCRTS, BCDMOA, ATC and other sector associations and stakeholders in appealing to senior levels of government for immediate and long-term support to ensure businesses survive and rebound.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

The Province announced yesterday, that with continued fire risk in many regions of BC, and tens of thousands of people still under evacuation order and alert, the Province is extending the provincial state of emergency until September 14th to ensure public safety and support the response to the wildfire situation.

Recent rain provided some relief to southern and coastal regions. However, Northern BC is expected to continue to see unseasonably warm temperatures, dry conditions, smoke and strong winds, which could lead to extreme fire behaviour.

BC's Wildfire Act provides the legislative tools for the province to acquire wildfire fighting resources without a provincial state of emergency. A state of emergency allows the Province to enact other emergency orders that may be required, such as the order restricting travel for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation that the Province announced on August 19th - travel restrictions have been fully lifted as of August 25th.

Read the official announcement HERE.

TIABC Chair J.J. Belanger joined BNN Bloomberg earlier this week to discuss the impact of the wildfires on BC's tourism industry.

View the interview HERE.

TIABC CEO Walt Judas told the Canadian Press this week that while it’s difficult to immediately quantify how severe the impact of wildfire disruptions and associated bans will be on businesses, “August is typically the busiest month for visitors.”

Read the full story HERE.

BC Ferries is advising residents and travellers that between August 31st and September 5th, they will sail 1,503 round trips fleet-wide to help an anticipated 520,000 passengers and 200,000 vehicles get to their destination.

Customers can expect to see all ticket booths open at peak times, hydration and misting stations and children’s performers at the larger terminals. In addition, the company has taken steps to ensure relief crew is on standby for key positions, such as licensed officers, to help mitigate unanticipated staffing challenges.

Advanced bookings for the Labour Day weekend show high passenger and vehicle volumes and customers travelling without a confirmed booking are strongly encouraged to be dropped off at the terminal and travel as foot passengers as standby vehicle spaces are extremely limited.

Customers are advised to check HERE for updates prior to travelling to terminals.

Highway 4 Reopens Full Lanes For Travel

Highway 4 near Cameron Lake Bluffs has reopened to two full lanes of travel with crews having successfully stabilized the area to allow people to travel to and from the Alberni Valley and communities on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

The highway has been operating with single-lane-alternating traffic since the end of June as crews worked to stabilize the hillside from the impact of the Cameron Lake Bluffs wildfire.

Two additional detour routes are now available for drivers as crews continue to assess the major rockslide that closed Highway 97 north of Summerland on Monday. In response to the situation, the province has opened up several forest service roads to cut down driving time.

Approximately 3,000 cubic metres of rock came down on the afternoon of August 28th. Geotechnical engineers continue to assess the site and work continues to reopen the highway as soon as safely possible.

Highway 1 between Boston Bar and Lytton has reopened to travellers following a closure due to the Kookipi Creek wildfire.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and its contractors have completed the removal of dangerous trees and loose rocks from the bluffs above the highway to allow the highway to safely reopen to area residents and travellers.

Drivers will experience lengthy delays along this route, with single-lane-alternating traffic through the Falls Creek (Jackass Mountain) highway reconstruction project, and possible lane closures for fire-related repairs and maintenance.

For up-to-date information about road conditions throughout the province, visit DriveBC.

As part of the federal pre-budget submission process, TIABC recently submitted 10 recommendations for consideration in advance of the upcoming 2024 Federal Budget.

The recommendations are aimed to help enable stable employment, economic growth, resiliency, and investments needed within the tourism sector and are as follows:

Create a dedicated tourism sector stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW), akin to the agriculture sector stream.

Provide core funding to Tourism HR Canada (THRC) to bolster strategic initiatives in support of tourism workforce growth.

Cancel the repayment of the CEBA loans or extend repayment terms by an additional year. Similarly, modify the terms for the RRRF and HASCAP loans to allow more time and flexibility for repayment.

Launch a dedicated Tourism Infrastructure Fund to support major capital projects in the sector, with a particular focus on renovating and expanding conference venues, airports and attractions.

Establish a tax credit program to incentivize investment in housing for workers, as well as new tourism assets and the upgrading of existing infrastructure.

Within the Small Business Tax Deduction policy, eliminate the annual CRA adjudication and allow campgrounds that employ under five full-time employees to automatically be classified as active not passive businesses, even when closed due to their seasonality.

Bolster support for investment in the Trans Canada Trail network to maintain and build the use of this iconic trail.

Support Canada’s Blue Economy by understanding the contributions of tourism and consider the impacts which inform planning and decision making related to healthy and intact ecosystems.

Create and help fund a robust Canada- wide transportation system that links visitors and residents of rural communities to major centres through a motorcoach network and other modes of transportation.

Create a fund dedicated to improving tourism infrastructure vis-a-vis electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in rural areas enabling Canada to meet its 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air Strong Economy goals through a reduction in carbon emissions.

Northern Development recently sought input from communities, organizations and residents from across Northern BC to better understand passenger transportation needs and opportunities.

The purpose of the study was to:

A set of 12 recommendations for the province's consideration and potential partners were built within four pillars; Communication & Coordination, Funding, Policy & Regulatory Frameworks and Technical Studies.

an Excerpt from the Sept. 1 SFI Newsletter

While the 2023 fishing season is still far from over and will be remembered as one of the most productive in recent memory for anglers coastwide, there have been some troubling challenges with regards to consultation and fishery management.

Both of these issues have occurred without consultation and have been poorly communicated by DFO.  

On a positive note - Chinook, Coho, and Pink fishing and abundance has been extraordinarily good in many areas along the coast this season. Reports continue to show that there are excellent fishing opportunities to be had including the much-anticipated Chinook retention opening in the Vancouver area and the overdue Fraser River Pink opening from today.

As wildfires continue to affect many parts of the province, WorkSafeBC is reminding employers and workers to remain vigilant about the potential health risks posed by smoke exposure.

As the most effective means of protection, employers must eliminate smoke exposure wherever possible for both indoor and outdoor workers. Where elimination is not possible, employers must minimize exposure by implementing practical controls.

WorkSafeBC emphasizes that effective risk management requires ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of control measures based on changing conditions. Employers should regularly consult with their workers to assess the effectiveness of their wildfire smoke controls and adjust as needed.

View the FAQ from WorkSafeBC HERE.

Congratulations are in order to the following businesses who have taken their commitment to the next level and recently became GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Certified.

Learn more about the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Certification for tourism businesses and tourism destinations HERE.

The 2023 Northern BC Tourism Summit has been postponed until the fall of 2024.

Due to many different circumstances, NBCTA has not received an adequate level of registration and have made the decision to postpone the event. Their team is committed to ensuring a successful summit next year with a new date to be released early in the new year.

NBCTA will still be proceeding with their Annual General Meeting in the virtual format this year, with details about the meeting coming out soon.

As part of a dynamic team, and reporting to the Economic Development and Tourism Manager, the Business Development Officer - Tourism will oversee the City’s community Tourism Business Development Program and develop and implement strategies and programs that support business attraction, retention, and expansion in the community.

Learn more and apply HERE.

A reminder that before travelling anywhere within the province, check for travel restrictions, wildfire updates, road closures, evacuation alerts, evacuation orders and other prohibitions. Follow all instructions from First Nations or local authorities.

Destination BC (DBC) has developed a comprehensive resource and links to official sources for the latest emergency news and updates to ensure your travel plans are safe:

With challenging news breaking frequently these past several days, sometimes we have to be reminded that there’s a lot of good in this world.

TIABC, along with our industry partners want to hear your positive, heartwarming stories about our industry's good Samaritans, random acts of kindness, and thoughtful and inspiring people that have come forward during these difficult times.

Conversely, it's also important that we hear of the impacts of the wildfires and travel orders on your business so that TIABC can advocate on your behalf for support or other measures needed to ensure your business survives and rebounds.

Please send to deborah@tiabc.ca or media.relations@destinationbc.ca and include your name of business or community, what they are doing, contact info, and note if there are photos or links.

BC wineries want to remind everyone they are open and waiting to welcome you back to tasting rooms. They are grateful for all the firefighters and first responders who have worked tirelessly to protect our communities. Amidst the evolving wildfire situation, the BC wine and food industry came together.

Please refer to the link below to read and discover the incredible stories that have unfolded during these challenging times. Thank you to Jennifer Schell for gathering these remarkable stories.

Better Table has an opportunity for F&B operators to boost their profits with a unique funding opportunity from Vancity. 10 F&B operations in BC will receive a grant worth $1,500 to leverage the power of a BetterTable Food Audit, which has previously enabled restaurants to save at least $1,000 per month. Plus, one lucky business among the 10 will have the opportunity to win a grand prize worth $10,000.

DON’T MISS OUT on this fantastic opportunity.

Learn more and apply HERE.

Meet Will Harding, Founder of Travel Local and proud member of TIABC. Hear why his business recently became a member of TIABC and why he encourages other businesses and organizations to consider a membership.

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.

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

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.

TIABC continues to identify your concerns, raise your voice, champion your needs, and push for support and programs while encouraging policy changes at both the provincial and federal level.

Contact info@tiabc.ca for more information, visit our website HERE or the link below.

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) are pleased to offer TIABC members an opportunity to extend their membership. Effective now, TIABC members in good standing can enrol in TIAC’s Associate Program FOR ONLY $25.

By visiting this link, you can become a TIAC Associate Member, enjoy access to a range of TIAC benefits and add your voice to National efforts.

Note: If you are already a TIAC associate member, you will receive a renewal notice before your anniversary date. If you are currently a full TIAC member, you already get enhanced advantages. You will continue to enjoy added benefits and savings over and above what is available to associate members, including the TIAC Member Advantage program at Rendez-vous Canada.

You are 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.

The official First Call for Nominations has been sent out to WGBC full members with available Board of Director positions to be elected/acclaimed by those members present and in good standing at our Annual General Meeting.

Date: September 6 (Virtual)

Wine Growers BC encourages all eligible Full Winery Members in good standing to consider soliciting nominations from their same Winery Category for the position of a Board Director. Request your nomination package HERE.

A reminder that during the AGM, all Full Winery Members will have the opportunity to vote for each director for which there is an election required.

Register for the AGM HERE.

Camping Appreciation Weekend will soon be here and it's a time when many Canadian campgrounds coast-to-coast say thank you to campers for their patronage.

Dates: September 8-10.

The weekend is organized and sponsored by the Canadian Camping and RV Council and supported by the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association to:

It’s not too late to sign your campground up to participate. Email Joss Penny at jpenny@bclca.com or sign up online HERE.

Barkerville Historic Town & Park is pleased to announce that its 23rd annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is happening!

The festival honours the Cariboo region’s Chinese community and includes festival-themed activities throughout the day, evening entertainment at the Theatre Royal, and a lantern parade at dusk.

Date: Saturday, September 9

Location: Barkerville, BC

Learn more about Barkerville special events HERE.

The stɑl̓əw̓ Arts and Cultural Society, with head office located on Kwantlen First Nation land in Fort Langley, is delighted and honoured to host the second annual stɑl̓əw̓ pow-wow.

Date: September 15-17

Location: Langley Events Centre

Learn more including the list of daily activities HERE.

The Taste of Abby returns this fall, inviting everyone to explore Abbotsford’s agriculture and culinary scene.

This fall food festival launches with a night market followed by a week of unique farm experiences, seasonal bites, spirit, cider, and beer releases, a guided Circle Farm Tour, a foraging workshop, the art and wine walk in Historic Downtown Abbotsford, grape stomping, discussions on healthy food systems, and the annual Food and Farm Excellence Awards.

Date: September 15-24

View the full schedule of events and learn more HERE.

Local and guest chefs will unite to showcase their culinary talents, while the region’s wineries will be pouring wine for guests, creating an elegant yet relaxed outdoor setting for attendees to uncork together and celebrate the season’s bounty.

The star of the show? Pork. Talented chefs will be stationed throughout the location, preparing delectable pork-themed dishes that perfectly complement the exceptional wines of the region.

Date: Saturday, September 16

Time: 1pm - 4pm

Location: Taking place at Cellar Door & More

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

Registration for the 2023 UBCM Convention is proceeding at a record pace, with close to 1,800 delegates now registered.

This year’s agenda will feature sessions on the key issues facing B.C.’s communities, including housing attainability; the 2023 wildfire season; decriminalization; UNDRIP implementation and more. To secure your spot for this year’s event, be advised that advance registration will close on September 8, after which registrations will be accepted on-site at the event.

Dates: September 18 - 22

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

Learn more and register HERE.

The highly anticipated 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 HERE.

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.

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to be hosting the second annual Business Distinction Awards.

Date: October 25

Location: Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, Vancouver

These awards recognize businesses that have gone above and beyond to set themselves apart in the Greater Vancouver region in the areas of growth, employee engagement, community impact, sustainability and more.

Winners will be announced and celebrated at this event in front of colleagues, families and friends.

Learn more and register HERE.

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 pm - 10:00 pm

Location: Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre, Vancouver

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 Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association will be holding it's 46th Annual General Meeting & Industry Conference. You are encouraged to mark your calendar.

Date: November 1-2

Location: Copper Point Resort - Invermere

Details to follow in the months ahead!

Don't miss the opportunity to meet close 200 to decision makers from the wine, cider, beer, and spirit sector in BC.

Date: Wednesday, November 15

Location: Penticton Lakeside Resort, Penticton

The conference agenda is being finalized and delegate registration opens in early September.

Exhibitor and tradeshow information available HERE.

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

The agenda is being finalized and more information will be available soon!

Tourism Congress will soon be taking place. This annual event brings together over 500 industry leaders and peers from across the country and includes innovative programming, motivational speakers, expert panelists and a balance of networking and gathering opportunities.

The two-day event concludes with an evening of celebration at TIAC's Canadian Tourism Awards.

Date: November 21-22

Location: Westin, Ottawa

Learn more and register HERE.

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 - more information to be shared soon.

Date: November 21-22

Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott, 6055 Highway 17A, Delta

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 24th

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver

Following the Conference, also at the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Big Splash Gala will be held including fundraiser.

Much more information to come on each event, ticket sales will begin in September.

A partnership between Destination Greater Victoria, Synergy Enterprises, Tartan Bond Integrated Communications and Starrboard Enterprises.

IMPACT is a collaborative national dialogue on innovation. Do you:

Then IMPACT is for you.

Date: January 21-24, 2024

Location: Victoria

Registration is NOW OPEN - Visit HERE for more information.

Planning for the 2024 Tourism Industry Conference has already begun, and you are encouraged to "Save the Date" for this must attend conference. The conference will be held at the Victoria Conference Centre, March 6 & 7, 2024.

Stay tuned for updates on workshops, speakers, sponsor opportunities, daily activities, awards, as well as schedule and accommodation.

We look forward to seeing you in Victoria next year!

Join us and explore this vibrant, diverse and naturally beautiful city located on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people.

Date: May 28-30, 2024

Location: Coast Capri, 1171 Harvey Ave., Kelowna

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.