I first visited the Okanagan as a kid and in my late teens came very close to taking a job as a budding golf pro in Peachland but other interests (e.g. girlfriend) tethered me to the coast. Aside from the fact that my family spent the better part of every summer vacationing in what was then known as Westbank when my kids were growing up, today my two sons live in Kelowna, as did my daughter before moving to Saskatchewan. Suffice it to say, I’m in the Okanagan a lot and consider it my second home.

I recall in the early 80s stumbling upon a fledgling winery I’d never heard of called Mission Hill. There was hardly a soul around, let alone much infrastructure. To help generate additional revenue, the winery partnered with a helicopter company to offer 10-minute flights from its parking lot across the lake and back for $30. It was my first time in a chopper.

From one of only a handful of producers in the entire region at the time, Mission Hill morphed into a world renowned winery and attraction, helping to spawn a massive BC wine industry that today counts over 200 proprietors in the Thompson Okanagan alone.

As you are aware, wineries are synonymous with tourism in British Columbia. Close to 1.3 million tourists visit vineyards and tasting rooms in BC’s nine growing regions each year. The wine industry employs some 12,000 people and contributes close to $4 billion to BC’s economy (pre-pandemic figures). Suffice it to say, it’s a key tourism demand generator and an important sector for our province.

At the same time, producing wines in BC is becoming increasingly more difficult, raising concerns within the tourism industry. Many wineries are struggling for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, fewer avenues to sell; competition from other beverage manufacturers; shifts in consumer drinking habits; production costs exceeding profit margins; bad weather destroying acres of grapes and forcing the need to replant vines at a significant cost; fewer visitors due to various crises including COVID and wildfires; punitive government policies; and the list goes on.

Fortunately, Wine Growers BC (WGBC) is working hard to address many of the issues its members face. At their annual general meeting earlier this week, WGBC CEO Miles Prodan outlined several advocacy priorities, including addressing provincial and federal regulations.

For example the organization is pushing to make permanent BC wineries’ ability to deliver their liquor products directly to retail customers from their registered off-site storage facilities. They would also like the province to permit wineries to operate satellite tasting rooms away from their manufacturing plants, as well as provide ongoing support for BC wine tourism with dedicated marketing dollars to boost the BC Wine Tourism Strategy 2023-2027. Moreover, WGBC has diligently pursued a long-term strategy to increase demand, market share and margins for BC wines, position BC as a premier wine region, make BC wine country a benchmark for wine tourism, and strengthen wine industry leadership, among other priorities.

In spite of the challenges, the outlook for the wine sector remains cautiously optimistic. Federal government investment in the form of a $166 million to pursue opportunities and address some of the obstacles, (e.g. loss of excise tax exemption), was helpful relief that also included a one-year 2% cap on the excise duty annual inflation indexation, avoiding a whopping 6.3% increase.

Provincially, government stepped up to include (for the first time) wine grapes in a Perennial Crop Renewal Program to help offset the ravages of climate change in BC vineyards. At the same time, more policy changes and assistance will be needed for the foreseeable future to give many wineries a fighting chance to survive.

With tasting rooms, restaurants, accommodation, concerts, vineyard tours, product sales, special events, and other clever offerings on site, helicopter rides aren’t necessary to supplement revenues. What is needed, however, is residents and tourists to visit now, especially in the Okanagan where devastating wildfires and other factors have dissuaded customers from frequenting their favourite wineries.

On my next visit to the Okanagan, I plan to stumble upon a winery that I’ve not visited before and buy something to support the local economy. I hope you do the same no matter which BC wine region you visit.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

Read more from Tourism Kelowna and learn more about their forecast for September, and their plans for the fall and winter HERE.

Despite all travel restrictions now lifted in BC, communities and businesses in the Okanagan have shifted their traditional marketing campaigns to try and salvage the lost revenues and encourage visitation in the months ahead.

The common theme and message delivered by the region and communities is that they are open for business and eager to welcome visitors.

TIABC commends the many tourism and hospitality businesses who are working tirelessly towards a quick recovery and continues to work with all three levels of government during this challenging time. Here is an example of just a few of the many campaigns currently underway.

The Province announced earlier this week that Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) is now available for local governments and First Nations in regions that have been adversely affected by wildfires this season.

DFA is available to help community authorities cover disaster-related losses that are not covered by insurance such as wildfire damage to public infrastructure including roads, bridges and other publicly owned infrastructure.

First Nations communities and local governments that have infrastructure damage as a result of the wildfires since April 29th should submit a local government DFA application as soon as possible.

Visit HERE to learn more about eligible regional districts and to apply for assistance.

A reminder that Destination BC (DBC) has developed a comprehensive resource and links to official sources for the latest emergency news and updates to ensure travellers are safe:

TOTA and the BCHA are working together to assess the immediate and long-term impacts on Thompson Okanagan tourism stakeholders as a result of the accommodation travel restrictions order by the Province, originally effective August 19th to September 4th.

The survey is intended to collect details on the impacts of the order on hotels and tourism operations to present a summary of the findings to the Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture and Sport (MTACS) and to share with the other ministries.

Learn more HERE.

The BC Economic Development Association is seeking responses to their Wildfire Business Impact survey.

This survey is applicable to any wildfire-impacted businesses in BC’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Impacts can include road closures, evacuation alerts/orders, smoke, public perception of closure and more.

Responses are vital in helping to distinguish businesses’ and communities’ short and long-term needs.

In an interview with City News this week, TIABC CEO Walt Judas explained why BC's tourism sector is open to tighter regulations on short-term rentals and that the playing field should be evened between the accommodation industry — which includes hotels — and the short-term rental market.

Read the full story HERE.

TIABC is pleased to introduce episode #10 in our Voice of Tourism podcast series. Host Walt Judas speaks with Scott Benton, Executive Director of the BC River Outfitters Association, about the advocacy work they do on behalf of their members and the impacts of the pandemic on the river rafting sector.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism podcast feature interviews with some of the most respected professionals in the tourism industry and has been developed to provide TIABC members and stakeholders with insightful content and a unique perspective on industry developments, policy directives, the work that sector associations are doing, and the opportunities that exist for businesses, communities, and government within the visitor economy.

Now Available on Spotify or the link below.

Destination Greater Victoria (DGV) is commending Victoria City Council for approving funding for an affordable workforce housing project aimed at addressing the critical issue of suitable and affordable housing for hotel and hospitality workers in the region.

On September 7th, Council approved the Greater Victoria Housing Society’s request for $2.5 million from the Victoria Housing Reserve Fund to assist with the construction of a 40-unit affordable workforce housing project at 2558 Quadra Street. This decision is in accordance with DGV’s 2022-2026 contract with the City of Victoria to allocate online accommodation platform (OAP) Municipal & Regional District Tax (MRDT) revenue for affordable housing purposes.

According to DGV, the pressing need for affordable housing has been a long-standing concern in Greater Victoria and DGV CEO Paul Nursey noted that while workforce housing development isn't core to DGV’s work, the organization and its partners can contribute to addressing the issue of workforce housing.

Read the full media release from Destination Greater Victoria HERE.

Wine Growers BC held their Annual General Meeting on September 6th, where WGBC President & CEO Miles Prodan presented a review of their advocacy work, as well as a comprehensive overview of the BC Wine Grapes and Wine 2019 full economic impact (see accompanying fact sheet).

Elected or re-elected to the WGBC Board were:

The WGBC AGM was recorded, and can be viewed in the link below.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), released earlier this week its 2023 Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Report. This year shows a significant step up in the advancement toward alternative fuels and environmental technologies—as cruise lines continue to transform the modern fleet to protect the oceans, air and destinations enjoyed by millions of passengers each year.

Highlights of the report are noted as follows:

For more information on this report, visit HERE.

The BC Chamber of Commerce would like to understand the impacts (if any) on your business, of the employer-paid sick leave, Employer Health Tax and increase to the minimum wage, all of which have been introduced by the province in recent years.

Responses are essential to inform and help guide advocacy efforts.

Please take a moment to provide your perspectives – the survey will take approximately eight minutes to complete.

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has established the Indigenous Tourism Destination Fund (ITDF) to accelerate the growth of Indigenous tourism in Canada.

The new growth strategy aims to grow tourism in Canada by 40%. The ITDF has been created to track direct investments to ensure Indigenous tourism provides a significant contribution to the tourism industry to support meeting this ambitious target.

The ITDF program will offer a new way for travellers, Indigenous businesses, and non-Indigenous tourism companies to participate and support Indigenous tourism by providing an optional fee to guests to support the fund, similar to the destination marketing fees hotels use to support their local visitor destination marketing/management organizations across Canada.

With a fund goal of $2.6 billion, the ITDF will facilitate investments in infrastructure, human resources and transportation as well as business development and marketing.

Learn more HERE.

ABLE BC’s Executive Director Jeff Guignard and Director Owen Coomer (Chief Operating Officer of The Taphouse) recently met with the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) to discuss their ongoing partnership with the hospitality industry. They discussed several priorities, upgrades to machines, improved communications, and other innovations from BCLC.

To ensure ABLE BC effectively works with BCLC on their members’ behalf, they are seeking committee members for a new ABLE BC Lottery Committee, chaired by Director Owen Coomer. The Committee will help shape feedback, advocacy, and lottery priorities in the coming months.

If you are an ABLE BC member in good standing and would like to join this committee, please reach out to Executive Director Jeff Guignard at jeff@ablebc.ca.

According to the latest report from the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF), this year has been a "fast and furious reintroduction to supporting our industry's workers."

Since January the organization has received a staggering 32 applications for assistance. Out of those, 18 families have received support.

The BCHF has helped sick people whose conditions have taken a turn for the worse, supported them with funds that make the final stages of their lives less stressful, and helped them connect with their loved ones.

Now in the second half of 2023, applications show no sign of slowing down with 3 pending applications in the queue.

Learn more about the BC Hospitality Foundation and how you can help HERE.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is seeking proposals from destinations to host the Tourism Congress and the Canadian Tourism Awards, in 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028.

All submissions must be received no later than September 28th by 6:00 PM, PST.

Explore camping in the true beauty of BC by enjoying the four campgrounds Parkbridge Resorts has to offer. Each campground is set along the different and unique scenic landscapes which makes camping in BC so desirable and for the ultimate family vacation destinations. Each destination is iconic and provides an exceptional experience while camping in British Columbia.

Learn more about the 4 unique camping destinations by Parkbridge Resorts 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.

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.

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

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

Entries close on October 31st, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Learn more and enter HERE.

Camping Appreciation Weekend will soon be here and it's a time when many Canadian campgrounds coast-to-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

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: 1 - 4pm

Location: 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.

Embrace the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday, September 30th as we delve into the immersive programming and captivating storytelling of Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl at the SLCC. Discover the living culture of these original inhabitants of Whistler's shared territory, fostering a meaningful connection through enriching experiences.

Date: September 30

Location: Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, Whistler

Learn more 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 Convention Centre

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

Learn more and register HERE.

The 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!

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening celebrating the remarkable women of BC’s food and beverage industry. After successful sold out events in 2019 and 2022, we're thrilled to announce that Yes Shef! is back and bigger than ever.

Date: November 6

Location: The Star Sapphire Ballroom, Fairmont Pacific Rim

During this unique culinary experience, over 300 guests will enjoy an array of tasting stations, savoring delights crafted and curated by female-led teams.

Learn more HERE.

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

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 24

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

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.

The 2024 Indigenous International Tourism Conference (IITC) is on the horizon!

IITC is a gathering of industry professionals, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and partners dedicated to promoting and celebrating the vibrant world of Indigenous tourism. The purpose is to showcase the diverse cultures, traditions, and tourism experiences offered by Indigenous communities in Canada and beyond.

But here's the catch – it's time to seize the moment and grab your Super Early Bird tickets before they're gone!

Date: February 26 - 28, 2024

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

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.