September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a national holiday to honour the survivors of Canadian residential institutions and those who never made it home.

This day is a time for reflection that Canada is responsible for the deaths and suffering of Indigenous children at residential institutions across the nation. A time to face the truth of a dark side of Canadian history that is not taught in schools or spoken about.

What does reconciliation really mean? This is a very complicated and personal question that will take each of us on a journey of reflection and exploration of our lived experience, personal history, and will make each of us examine our very own identity. It is a process that will be uncomfortable, shocking and sometimes heartbreaking. This is journey is not for the weak and will require courage, empathy and a desire to diligently seek truth - no matter what. However, the outcome will be profound and life-changing, and will be transformative for each of us both individually and collectively.

As an Syilx (Okanagan) woman, I have spent much time in the past few months contemplating this question and reflecting on the meaning of the word, the context of how it’s used and how this fits within my cultural values and beliefs.

According to the Oxford dictionary Reconciliation means:

1. The restoration of friendly relations.

2. The action of making one view or belief compatible with another.

Within my traditional language, we have no word that means “I’m Sorry”, and when I asked my grandmother about this, she taught that the Okanagan-Syilx language did not need a word for sorry because first, we must do our best to not hurt or harm anyone or anything in this world; however, if we inadvertently did then it is our responsibility to make things right. Reconciliation is about action not words. We show that we care enough to actively seek to create the harmony and caring that are part of the core principles of the Okanagan-Sylix people. We may not always be successful as some things such as historical wrongs and trauma cannot be undone. Lands taken will never be given back. Language and culture taken cannot be fully brought back. It is reality.

I have come to understand that reconciliation is a reciprocal relationship and responsibility. In order to begin the process of healing and reconciliation requires a commitment on both sides to actively seek understanding, awareness, learning, creating a safe place for dialogue and most importantly, creating a a space of silence so that we can truly listen and hear the other’s perspective.

My mother was a residential school survivor, and I was impacted by the inter-generational trauma, as were my children and grandchildren. Aside from stating that she went to St. Mary’s Residential school, she rarely went into the details of her experience if something triggered her trauma. However, she did say that children would go missing and no one ever knew what happened to them. She witnessed the violence and deprivation, but was always warned against talking to anyone about it or she would suffer the same fate. So she kept the secret, and even as an adult she feared retribution is she ever told. As her only daughter, it was often hard to understand her lack of knowledge about family life and parenting decisions, and her reluctance to teach us our language and culture as she was one of the few remaining fluent speakers of Okanagan.

As an adult, I realized that she didn’t understand family relationships or parenting because she had never experienced it. She was taken forcibly from her family at age 5, so her family model was that of an institution, church and the clergy. At 5, she could only speak and understand Okanagan, and was beaten for speaking her language so she couldn’t even ask basic questions about her surroundings or the expectations for behaviour. She learned that there are things you do that are correct because you don’t get beaten, and when you make a mistake – you got beaten.

She and my father chose to not teach us our language because they feared that we would be harmed, taken away or the knowledge would be used to hold us back from becoming successful adults. The hard thing about this is that all of our cultural values, beliefs, principles and teaching stories are embedded within our language. Many teachings and ceremonies have been lost, we have an oral history that can never be reclaimed, and the Okanagan Sylix people have very few fluent speakers left. The loss has been devastating and can never truly be restored.

When she was in her 60’s, she asked me to take her to Cranbrook for “unfinished business”, as she was sick and felt that she didn’t have much time to do this work. My role was to take care of her, but to also stand as her witness for the “work” so that I can pass the story on to my children and grandchildren. During this 4 day trip, she told me all that she had experienced – the trauma, pain, loneliness, and helplessness. Plus the everyday living conditions at the school.

Not all of the stories were bad, she also told me how she had made life-long friends and created a secret family within the school without the staff knowing. She told me funny stories of how they would sneak food out for the younger ones, and at rare times could pull the wool over the staff’s eyes for stolen moments or treats. She also visited the unmarked gravesite, which the children all knew was there and said her goodbyes to those that would never come home again. Although I was truly honoured and blessed to have this time with her, and hear the truth, it came at an emotional cost that has changed my life in many ways. It was painful, however truth often is the heart of pain, and it led to a deeper, richer understanding of my mother and who she was. Her resilience, her courage, her strength and her determination that this would never happen to her children and grandchildren have formed part of who I am as a person and I am grateful. She was daunting as an activist and advocated for the rights of Indigenous people until the day she passed.

Using the day and every day to reflect on the true history of Canada, and how they have treated Indigenous people then; and how some of this continues today. Many Indigenous communities still do not have adequate drinking water, housing, food security and other basic needs that all Canadians should have. Realistically looking a historical truths the true and come to terms with the dark side of Canadian history.

Seek truth and start dialogue with courage, and a willingness to create safe places for dialogue and understanding.

Observe ORANGE SHIRT DAY and attend in person or virtually events and learning opportunities.

Find out whose traditional territory that you live, work and visit. Then explore and get to know their people, culture and lands in a respectful and appropriate way. Indigenous culture is founded on hosting guests, so be a respectful and grateful guest in their community and territory.

Reconciliation requires actions – not apologies.

Think about what your CALL TO ACTION is. Whether you are an individual, business owner, parent – what are you doing to increase awareness and support healing during this process?

Educate yourself and pass this knowledge on to others. There are many resources available within Indigenous, government and public organizations. Seek knowledge actively.

Donate, shop, and support Indigenous people in communities to build strong economies. This helps to fight the financial inequities, and provide the resources to begin restoring cultural programming. Purchase Indigenous art.

Eat at Indigenous restaurants. Tour with Indigenous guides. Stay at Indigenous accommodations. Invest in Indigenous.

As an organization, TIABC must ensure that there is an Indigenous voice at all policy and sector tables. And remain true to the principles of UNDRIP and commitment to Reconciliation in all things. TIABC must be an advocate for these principles in all areas, including building a network of strong, collaborative relationships with Indigenous people in the province.

With Canada's second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation taking place tomorrow, Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and Indigenous Tourism Canada (ITAC) have shared additional resources to commemorate the occasion.

ITBC announced that over the next year, they will share unique Indigenous stories of truth and reconciliation. With ongoing national dialogue, they share the first steps on a long journey toward a safe space where true collaboration, partnership, and reconciliation can happen.

Read more about the steps ITBC is taking on truth and reconciliation HERE.

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 to be an ally to Indigenous Peoples and communities.

Orange Shirt Day | "Every Child Matters"

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.

Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School (1891-1981) Commemoration Project and Reunion events that took place in Williams Lake, in May 2013.

The events were designed to commemorate the residential school experience, to witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.

The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year.

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

St. Eugene Resort is an inspiring story of a resilient and proud nation, determined to reconnect with their past, honour the present and build a bright future. With over 10,000 years of history in the region, the Ktunaxa people are resilient, proud and have a unique culture to celebrate.

One of the government acts that continues to have a significant impact today was the

establishment of residential schools. More than 130 schools were built and operated across the

country, including one in the Ktunaxa territory. The schools were part of a policy to assimilate Indigenous people into the non-Native population The Mission building was once the Kootenay Indian Residential School until it closed in 1970.

In 1973, the British Columbia government leased the Mission with the intent of turning it into a

facility for psychiatric care. The building was stripped of its historic fixtures and artifacts,

however, after spending $750,000 on renovations, the project was abandoned. The following

winter, the pipes burst, flooding the building and causing severe damage. For the next 20 years,

the building remained empty and abandoned, a constant reminder to the Ktunaxa people of a

dark period in history. In 1992, inspired by the powerful words of Elder Mary Paul, former Chief Sophie Pierre began the journey to reclaim the Mission building.

taken away, it should be within that building that it is returned.” - Elder Mary Paul

It took 10 long years to restore the Mission Building and develop the surrounding Resort. Federal job development money allowed band members to learn valuable skills while the school was gutted and restored, stripping the interior back to its original red brick walls.

In June 2017, St. Eugene Resort became solely owned by the four Canadian Ktunaxa bands and

the Shuswap Indian Band. The 18-hole championship golf course opened in May 2000 and the

Casino of the Rockies opened in September 2002. The resort fully opened its doors in January of

2003 and then added an RV park in 2018.

As announced by Premier John Horgan yesterday, Honourable Melanie Mark resigned her cabinet role to go on medical leave and deal with "urgent personal matters."

“Today, Minister Melanie Mark advised me of her decision to resign her cabinet portfolio and go on medical leave to focus on pressing and urgent personal matters. While I regret that she will not be at the cabinet table, I respect her decision and her commitment to her constituents.

Following the Premier's statement, Minister Mark added on social media, “I value my role and remain committed to the constituents of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant. I thank my family and colleagues for their support at this time.”

TIABC extends it deepest appreciation to Minister Mark for her tireless commitment to the tourism sector during her time as Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, & Sport. Despite the extremely difficult circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, she remained laser-focused and her earnest determination and passion for our industry was instrumental in addressing and leading us through monumental challenges.

We are very grateful for Minister Mark's regular engagement with TIABC and our members and stakeholders, and extend our best wishes to her as she focuses on new priorities.

TIABC also welcomes Hon. Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services, who will assume responsibility for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport immediately. We look forward to working with Minister Beare in the tourism portfolio again.

Earlier this week, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Carla Qualtrough and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) Sean Fraser announced that new amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Temporary Foreign Workers) are now in force.

The new regulations will better protect TFWs and help to prevent mistreatment and abuse during their stay in Canada by:

In addition, employers are now required to provide reasonable access to health care services. Employers using the TFW Program, are also required to provide private health insurance when needed.

Click HERE for for more information and to read the official announcement.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has received Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation by Airports Council International, making it the first airport in Canada and only one of three in North America to achieve this status.

The Level 4+ accreditation recognizes YVR’s role in setting a course for its own carbon reduction while actively working with aviation partners to drive broader emissions reductions.

YVR is also focused on supporting the decarbonization of aviation overall and is working with partners to support them in reducing their emissions. This includes providing ground power units for airlines to plug into electric power at the gate and shut off engines, and using technology through YVR’s digital twin to monitor aircraft movements and map more efficient routing on its airfield to reduce carbon emissions.

TIABC wishes to extend congratulations to YVR and their ongoing efforts in carbon reduction.

Learn more HERE.

Destination BC has been working to transform the way BC is seen through the eyes of travellers around the world. Together with the support of Indigenous Tourism BC, BC’s tourism industry, and communities throughout the province, DBC is branding, marketing, and supporting the development of globally compelling places and routes that span the entire province of the province.

The goal is to disperse our visitors to more places in the province, at more times of the year.

To learn more about this work, including the strategy overview, timelines and engagement, FAQs and more, checkout the refreshed Invest in Iconics Strategy Hub HERE.

A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas in the Thompson Nicola area of the Thompson Okanagan tourism region in British Columbia was announced this week.

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

Applications can be submitted from September 27th to November 4th and are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations based in the Thompson Nicola area including the communities of Kamloops, Sun Peaks, Valemount, Clearwater, Blue River, Merritt, Lytton, Cache Creek, Clinton, and surrounding areas.

Click HERE to learn more.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, BC’s tourism industry has continuously adapted to changing regulations to keep travellers, communities, and British Columbians healthy and safe. While COVID-19 is still around, Destination BC has extended a heartfelt thank you and their deepest gratitude to the devoted hoteliers, hospitality employees, businesses and attractions, airport, airline, Canada Border Services Agency and COVID-19 testing staff, and all health care workers for their dedicated efforts and hard work over the past two years.

Effective October 1st, all air travellers will no longer have to:

TIABC Chair J.J. Belanger discussed how BC's tourism industry is feeling after the federal government announced that mask mandates and the ArriveCAN app were no longer required.

Listen to the full interview HERE.

As passenger rail service between Vancouver and Seattle resumed this week after more than two years out of operation, TIABC CEO explained to Global News that this is yet another boost for BC's tourism sector and one more avenue that travellers can use between our respective countries.

View the full interview HERE.

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 [email protected] p. 604.530.9979

Please be advised, the TIABC 2022 AGM will be held on Friday, November 18th at the Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster.

The purpose of the AGM is:

Following the AGM, TIABC will host a special workshop with Joanna Jagger, Founder and President of WORTH (Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality).

More details including registration to follow in the coming weeks.

Earlier this year, Patrick Lucas, a BC community planner, writer, storyteller and mountain bike enthusiast delivered the keynote address for Bike Night at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF).

In preparing for his talk, Lucas kept thinking about how the capacity for play has played a critical role in his life, that has included being the Founder and Director of the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program and his learnings about the history of humanity.

He has said, "If there is one thing I've learned working with Indigenous Peoples, it is that they have always used their sense of play to create relationships and thrive on the land. But even more so, play, means so much more than shredding, it means pushing ourselves, facing our fears, and stepping up as stewards and allies to care for and protect the land. If we do that, we can find away to live on this land, we can become relations."

TIABC wishes to thank Patrick for allowing us to share his personal and insightful presentation from the VIMFF that introduces the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program and this video titled "Balance & Momentum; using bikes to foster reconciliation and navigate the climate crisis.."

Working with community partners throughout the province, the BC Bird Trail has developed self-guided itineraries to guide visitors and locals through some of the most renowned birding areas in the country.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just taking off, The BC Bird Trail is your guide to exploring birding, conservation, and community in British Columbia.

The BC Bird Trail has just expanded, and now includes the new Sea to Sky Bird Trail featuring Tourism Squamish and Tourism Whistler. 

Learn more about the BC Bird Trail 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.

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 10

Register online at: vancouvertourismawards.com/gala or contact [email protected]

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.

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.

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

Date: Thursday, October 13th from 9 to 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.

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.

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

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

Date: Wednesday, November 9th at the 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.

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 [email protected] 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.

Drop us a line at [email protected].

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.