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In any given year, I only pay close attention to specific dates such as family birthdays, my wedding anniversary, annual work-related deadlines, and maybe statutory holidays. Otherwise, most dates don’t resonate with me but perhaps some should.

For example, every September 27th is World Tourism Day, an observance set aside by the United Nations (UN) to promote awareness and action related to the global visitor economy. So, why should I care?

Notwithstanding that I earn a living from this vital sector, I spend most days advocating for tourism’s rightful place within the social, economic, cultural, and environmental fabric of British Columbia, and am deeply convicted of its importance to our province, country, and world.

In its Tourism Day manifesto, the UN notes that tourism employs one in every 10 people on earth and provides livelihoods to hundreds of millions more. It also serves as a first entry point to the world of work, especially for women, youth, migrant workers, and rural populations in developing and least developed countries (LDCs). Women represent a majority of the tourism sector workforce, while half of that workforce is under 25 years of age.

Moreover, in many parts of the world, the protection of biodiversity and conservation rely heavily on the tourism sector and the revenue it generates. In fact, the UN calls tourism an essential pillar of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and a catalyst for meeting goals with respect to decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, as well as life below water, among others.

As most people acknowledge, tourism allows us to experience some of the world’s cultural and natural riches and brings people closer to each other, highlighting our common humanity and understanding of diverse cultures and practices.

And as proven over the course of the pandemic, we are also a resilient sector with a bright future contingent on addressing some major challenges including, but not limited to, climate change and sustainability, reconciliation, diversity, equity and inclusion, and myriad issues at a more granular level.

Contrary to what TIABC does for Tourism Week in Canada at the end of May each year, we are not planning any major initiatives for next Tuesday given multiple pressing priorities and time constraints. At the same time, we encourage you to take some time to acknowledge fellow members, colleagues, and stakeholders for their dedication and valuable contribution to our industry and province.

Even more importantly, let’s together ponder ways we can leverage the skills, knowledge, experience, and determination we have as tourism professionals to make our communities and province a better place, and help chart a course to a brighter future for generations to come.

For the record, September 27th is now a place marker in my brain to recognize and celebrate World Tourism Day annually. Now if I could only remember when Valentine’s Day is each year.

PS: On a related note...stay tuned for a special edition of our newsletter next Thursday to recognize National Truth & Reconciliation Day, which is on September 30th.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

TIABC is excited to announce it has joined the Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality (WORTH) Association’s Leadership Circle with dedicated funding to support WORTH’s exceptional programs.

The new partnership demonstrates TIABC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that elevate, educate and empower self-identifying women in our industry. In addition to a financial contribution, TIABC will commit one or more board members as mentors to women in the tourism and hospitality sector, helping them build leadership skills, develop industry connections, and ascend to leadership positions throughout the province.

“TIABC is thrilled to partner with WORTH Association whose exceptional work to advance women in our sector through education, elevating and empowering women to achieve their leadership ambitions aligns with our values and what we hope to accomplish through the work of our board and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Reconciliation Committee,” said Board Chair JJ Belanger.

In addition to joining the Leadership Circle, TIABC has signed on to be a key partner in WORTH’s mentorship program. The two organizations are committed to ongoing consultation to examine our shared roles in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation efforts across the province.

The Order in Council that outlines most of the COVID regulations for entering Canada expires on September 30th, and reports throughout the week indicate the federal government will suspend current regulations.

That would mean an end to vaccine requirements for non-Canadians entering Canada, mandatory testing and quarantine for unvaccinated visitors and residents, and elimination of the ArriveCan process.

With the federal government expected to let measures like vaccine mandates and mandatory use of the ArriveCan app expire at the end of the month, a report from the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable says current border restrictions are largely ineffective at protecting Canadians from COVID.

At the time of this bulletin, there has been no official announcement from government.

On June 20th, Canada suspended COVID-19 vaccine mandates for domestic travel on planes and trains and outbound international travellers. Government has also since lifted COVID-19 vaccine mandates for federally regulated workers, including those in public service, the RCMP, and transport workers, including truckers.

As Canada gets moving again, travel providers have introduced measures to put the public’s health and safety first. The Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable has prepared a detailed report on how they are ensuring a safe and healthy end-to-end travel experience.

Each year, September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

September 30th is also Orange Shirt Day - an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

Download the government commemorative promotional resources and share how you will mark this day by using the hashtag #NDTR on social media.

TIABC encourages all British Columbians to wear orange to honour the thousands of survivors of residential schools.

In honour of the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), Indigenous Tourism Canada (ITAC) has created a comprehensive communications brief which includes background information on the NDTR, key messages, and shareable infographics, videos and reels, and blog posts. This brief also includes caption examples for reference.

You are encouraged to utilize and share the communications brief and recognize this important day and be an ally to Indigenous Peoples and communities.

When the Canadian government drops the COVID-19 vaccination requirement at the border, stops random testing and makes completing an ArriveCan form optional - it will be welcomed by the tourism industry, said TIABC CEO Walt Judas earlier this week. He noted that ArriveCan is one of the barriers to international travel.

Read and watch the full interview HERE .

Global News Morning spoke with TIABC CEO Walt Judas yesterday about the hope for the easing of restrictions next week, and the current impact it has had on businesses that rely on tourism.

Read and watch the full interview HERE.

To celebrate BC Culture Days, from September 23rd to October 16th, the Province is providing support for free and affordable activities and events throughout BC.

The opening ceremony for BC Culture Days 2022 was held in Vernon today. The event featured interactive art activities and performances, and served as the official launch for other community events throughout the province being held during the month-long recognition.

Culture Days is administered by the Society to Bridge Arts and Community, under its sister organization the BC Alliance for Arts and Culture, and supported by a $60,000 grant from the Province. This year’s recognition provides an opportunity for people to attend in-person events to show their support for artists after a difficult two years brought on by the pandemic.

In addition to community celebrations, each year emerging artists are appointed as BC Culture Days ambassadors. These artists are given the opportunity to participate in a mentorship program with an established artist and contribute to a creative project aimed at enhancing community engagement. This year, the ambassadors will be presenting a series of micro-documentaries to be shared on the BC Culture Days website.

Learn More about BC Culture Days HERE.

Restaurants Canada recently released the 2022 edition of Foodservice Facts, presenting the latest foodservice statistics, trends, forecasts and analysis that The tells a story of a bumpy road to recovery due to rising expenses, low customer counts, high debt, and low profitability.

According to the report, there are some positive signs from public opinion surveys:

Though foodservice remains one of Canada’s top employers, challenges filling labour vacancies leave the industry lagging behind other national industries when it comes to job recovery. Restaurant operators are shifting business models to navigate the labour shortage:

Pandemic incurred debt continues to wipe out profit margins. Based on a survey of independent full-service restaurants:

The Foodservice Facts report also highlighted inflation as another hindrance to full recovery, with rising food costs now being reflected on menus and the industry continues to see closures.

Residents are invited to provide input on what the Belleville Terminal needs as public engagement for the proposed Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project gets underway.

Some work planned to modernize the Belleville Terminal facilities and operations includes:

People can participate online from September 20th to October 20th by viewing the project boards and completing the survey HERE.

Residents are also invited to an open house on Tuesday, September 27th, from 2-8 pm at the Victoria Conference Centre to learn more about the project.

Discover Surrey, Destination BC and the Tourism Innovation Lab have partnered to launch a new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region.

The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants from the region with a tourism mentor, provide a $3,000 grant and additional partner support to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development.

Applications are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations based in the Surrey and White Rock area from September 21st to October 29th. Following a review process, five finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.

Click HERE for more information and to apply.

ICYMI - The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, is seeking nominations for positions on the Board of Directors of the Association.

The Board of Directors is made up of a maximum of nine (9) individuals. For this election, four (4) seats under Director at Large category are available. The Board will elect an Executive Committee following the Annual General Meeting.

If you are currently employed in or own a business in the tourism sector, have a strong understanding of the tourism industry, significant expertise, knowledge of the region and are currently involved in tourism or destination management, you are invited to apply. Deadline for application submissions is Friday, September 30th, 5:00 pm (PT).

Click HERE for more information and to apply.

If you are a TIABC member in good standing, have a strong understanding of the tourism industry, significant expertise, and industry knowledge and are currently involved in tourism or destination management, we invite you to apply. As per the bylaws, the Tourism Industry Association of BC requests that all nominations from members be received 45 days prior to the Annual General Meeting. Deadline for application submissions is Friday, September 30th at 5:00 pm (PT).

To receive the TIABC Board nomination form, or If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Deborah Kulchiski (Manager, Special Projects, TIABC) at deborah@tiabc.ca p. 604.530.9979

The Harbour Centre complex, including the office tower and Vancouver Lookout, was built over and around the original 1928 Spencer Building. Equivalent to 40 stories, at which time it was the tallest building in Vancouver. Now it is the 6th tallest at 168 meters (553 feet).

Take a glass elevator up to enjoy a 360° view that includes Stanley Park, historic Gastown, the Northshore mountains and the vibrant downtown core. Vancouver Lookout has been an iconic element of the city’s skyline since 1977.

Learn more about the Vancouver Lookout HERE.

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.

World River's Day highlights the many values of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. Rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead.

Join the celebration – Plan on attending an event near you or start a Rivers Day event of your own. Events can range from stream cleanups and fish enhancement projects to educational outings and community riverside celebrations.

Learn more about World River's Day HERE.

Visit HERE to learn more about river initiatives and organizations supporting this day.

This year, World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27th. This Day of Recognition celebrated across the globe acknowledges the importance of tourism and hospitality industry. go2HR and the Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division (CMHA BC) is taking a closer look at our fast-paced sector and sparking dialogue on what strategies can support and celebrate this industry’s ongoing resilience.

“Mental Health & Wellbeing at Work- A (Top) Chef’s perspective” is a free webinar by Top Chef Trevor Bird. Trevor has vast experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. As a Top Chef, he's seen firsthand some of the negative behaviours that can be the result of a stressful workplace and developed tools that you can use to strengthen connections and build resiliency.

Date: September 27th, 10:00 - 11:00 am (PT)

Save your seat and register HERE for the webinar.

With the theme of ‘Rethinking Tourism’, the International Day of Observance will this year focus on re-imagining the sector’s growth, both in terms of size and relevance. All UNWTO member states, as well as non-members and stakeholders from across the private sector, are being invited to host celebrations as well as to promote the day and its central theme.

The potential of tourism is enormous, and we have a shared responsibility to make sure it is fully realized. World Tourism Day has been held on September 27th each year since 1980.

Read the official announcement and learn more about how you can mark the day HERE.

After a long hiatus, World Tourism Day is back at Capilano University. The Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Student Association (TRECSA) is welcoming industry members, students and alumni to the Blueshore Theatre.

Date: September 27th at 11am.

Hear from some incredible panelists on the future of tourism, including:

Register HERE for this free event - everyone welcome!

Join the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC for this FREE webinar with outdoor recreation professional Magi Scallion to learn how to identify land owners, legislation associated with private land use, and how to build and maintain good relationships with land owners. Stewart Spooner, with the Kootenay Columbia Trail Society will share some of his experiences in working with private land owners on publicly available trails.

Date: September 28th.

Visit HERE for more information and to register.

Join Restaurants Canada, Technomic, and The Re-Seasoning Coalition (TRSC), for a deep dive on the Black experience in the foodservice industry. This conversation will look at the findings of recent Restaurants Canada and Technomic surveys profiling operator, employee, and guest experiences with racism and anti-Black discrimination and how guests expect foodservice organizations across the industry to evolve to become more equitable, diverse, and inclusive spaces for the benefit of their bottom line.

Date: October 4th, 11:00am - noon.

The report builds upon operator research conducted by Restaurants Canada to offer perspective into the guest experience at restaurants or with third-party delivery apps.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

In order to be successful, destinations and operators must ensure that LGBT+ customers feel welcome, accepted and are served in a way that exceeds their expectations and accommodates their needs.

To support efforts in developing market-ready products, CGLCC’s Navigating LGBT+ Diversity and Inclusion in the Tourism Industry helps tourism-based businesses learn about LGBT+ inclusion and how to effectively understand, value, and serve LGBT+ customers and employees.

This FREE training is presented as a workshop webinar, live via Zoom.

Date: October 4th, 1pm - 4pm (ADT).

Click HERE for more information and to register.

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 ten

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

The Meaningful Travel Summit is an event connecting industry professionals with local change-makers in places around North America. The goal is to learn from one another, infuse more sustainability into our businesses with the knowledge we’ve gained and roll up our sleeves to volunteer in and with the local community.

The North America Meaningful Travel Summit provides:

Date: September 28-30, Victoria

Visit the website HERE for more information about sponsorship opportunities and registration.

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 (PT).

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

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 12 PM 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 13 - Virtual Event

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

Registration has opened for the BCLCA Lodging and Camping Ideas Forum. Join fellow operators this fall, learn, network with sponsors, talk with exhibitors, and meet the volunteer board of directors. Together Again is sponsored by WorkSafeBC, Signature Risk, Insider Perks and Modern Campground. There are some quality speakers sprinkled through the agenda talking on several topics affecting the day-to-day operation of your business.

Date: October 18-20

Location: Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre, Kelowna or Online

Click HERE for in-person registration.

Click HERE for virtual registration

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 - 2:30pm (PST) 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.

Join WORTH Association and women of recreation, tourism, and hospitality for an evening of networking with an inspiring panel discussion in Victoria. WORTH's Empower Her event aims to connect a community of leaders who will expand their network and create meaningful relationships. 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 pm - 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

More details will follow in the coming months.

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, they are 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, 10:00am - 3:00pm

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.

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 and 23, 2022

Location: Sheraton Vancouver Airport, Richmond

Visit HERE to learn more and to register.

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 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.

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.