Reminder | B.C. Provincial Election Toolkit

As British Columbians prepare to head to the polls on Saturday, October 24th, TIABC would like to remind tourism stakeholders to review and share its 2026 Provincial Election Toolkit. This practical, non-partisan resource highlights the importance of B.C.’s visitor economy, key industry priorities and questions to consider when engaging with local candidates.

The toolkit provides valuable information to help reinforce the tourism sector’s contributions to communities across the province and the policies and investments needed to support a strong, resilient visitor economy.

TIABC encourages members and industry partners to share this resource within their networks.

• Provincial Election Platform Brief

go2HR Release September 2026 Labour Insights

As British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality industry shifted from the busy summer season into fall, September saw declines in employment, labour force participation, full-time positions and hours worked, alongside an increase in the unemployment rate. Following several months of summer employment growth, the seasonal slowdown was felt across most regions and three of the industry’s four sectors.

Key highights for September include:

• Employment declined by 4.5 percent to 348,750 in September.
• The tourism and hospitality labour force contracted to 373,750 workers.
• The unemployment rate increased to 6.8 percent.
• Employment decreased in the Cariboo, Lower Mainland, Thompson Okanagan, Kootenay, and Vancouver Island regions; Northern BC remains unchanged.
• Employment declined in Accommodation, Food and Beverage, and Recreation and Entertainment, while Transportation and Travel recorded an increase. 

Learn more from go2HR's Tourism & Hospitality Employment Tracker HERE.

CBSA Announces Changes to Hours at Nine BC Border Crossings

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced adjustments to operating hours at nine land border crossings in British Columbia, following the province's decision to adopt permanent year-round daylight saving time.

As the United States will continue to change its clocks seasonally, these adjustments will ensure operating hours remain aligned between neighbouring Canadian and U.S. ports of entry, supporting consistent cross-border travel.

The revised hours will take effect November 1, 2026, and remain in place until March 14, 2027. Travellers and tourism operators are encouraged to check border crossing hours when planning cross-border travel.

Learn more HERE.

Latest Domestic Travel Insights Now Available

Canadians are increasingly choosing to explore their own country, with the proportion travelling outside their home province within the previous three years rising from 49% in 2024 to 52% in 2025.

The latest findings are available through the Canadian Travel Insights Dashboard and available through the Canadian Tourism Data Collective, information is updated annually. The dashboard allows users to explore travel trends by province of origin and traveller segment, helping tourism businesses and destinations make informed decisions about marketing, experience development and future planning.

Explore the dashboard and discover the latest trends shaping domestic travel in Canada HERE.

Robb MacDonald Appointed WTA Executive Director

Congratulations are in order for Robb MacDonald, who has been appointed Executive Director of the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC (WTA).

With more than 25 years of experience in tourism, outdoor recreation, sustainability and strategic leadership, Robb brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. Most recently serving as Managing Director of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Robb has demonstrated a strong commitment to destination development, industry collaboration and sustainable tourism.

TIABC extends its sincere congratulations to Robb and looks forward to working with him in this exciting new role.

Spirit of Hospitality Lottery Has Returned!

The Spirit of Hospitality Lottery is back for its 8th year, and TIABC is joining in celebrating the BC Hospitality Foundation’s 20th anniversary with 20 prizes for 20 years, including three early bird draws.

Launched last week and running through November 4, this year’s lottery features more than $35,000 in prizes, including luxury getaways, a Rocky Mountaineer rail tour, golf experiences and more. Every ticket purchased helps support the Foundation’s important work across British Columbia.

go2HR Introduce LeadSafe | Health and Safety Training for Supervisors

go2HR’s new LeadSafe training is here! Built specifically for supervisors in BC’s tourism and hospitality industry, LeadSafe gives frontline leaders the practical skills they need to keep their teams safe, supported, and confident on the job.

Take the complete package or choose the individual modules that fit your team’s needs:

1. Health and Safety for Supervisors
2. Supporting the Different Needs of Your Team
3. Injury Management & Return to Work
4. Everyday Safety Leadership
5. Effective Safety Communication

You are encouraged to take the lead on building a stronger safety culture with your team today. 

Learn more HERE.

AI Adoption Skills Have Little To Do With Code

People who excel at AI adoption tend to be curious, willing to experiment, and confident in their own judgment, and most of them aren’t technical. That’s the main point of a recent episode of The Tourism AI Podcast, where Peter Pilarski and Kendel Lavallee of Tourism AI Network discuss what those traits look like in a working day.

They also lay out what a tourism team needs in place before AI tools can do useful work:

• A shared team account, so the organization has one place to build on and share what it learns
• An AI policy that sets which tools can connect to email, files and CRMs, and who makes that decision
• A written knowledge base covering how the organization communicates, the words it uses and avoids, and how the work gets done day to day

As Peter puts it, “If it’s not written down, it’s not useful to AI.”

For teams just starting out, the advice is practical: Name one or two internal AI champions, ask them to share how they got their results, and pick one recurring task to improve first.

WATCH THE EPISODE

BC Craft Brewers Guild / BC Ale Trail

The BC Craft Brewers Guild is the provincial association representing and advocating for B.C.'s independent craft breweries, supporting industry growth and a thriving craft beer sector. The BC Ale Trail, an initiative of the Guild, promotes craft beer tourism by connecting visitors with local breweries, communities and unique travel experiences throughout the province.

Learn more about the BC Craft Brewers Guild and BC Ale Trail HERE.

Photo Credit: Paddle BC / Dave Heath

WEBINARS

2026 Small Business Week Summit – Free Virtual Sessions

Small Business Week 2026 takes place from October 19 to October 25 and the BC Chamber of Commerce is inviting businesses to participate in the 2026 Small Business Week Summit, featuring practical insights and expert advice to help B.C. businesses navigate today's economic challenges.

With ongoing Canada-U.S. trade tensions impacting supply chains, costs and customer relationships, this year's Summit focuses on building resilience, protecting profit margins and exploring new market opportunities.

Registration is free, with five one-hour virtual sessions.

Times: From 12:00 to 1:00 PM PT

Participants can attend individual sessions or all five. Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

BC Wildlife Federation Hosts Election Webinar

The BC Wildlife Federation is hosting a virtual election town hall with representatives from the BC NDP and BC Conservatives. The discussion will cover public land access, funding for fish, wildlife and habitat management, and the federal firearms buyback program.

Date: October 19

Time: 5:00 pm (PT)

Register for the webinar HERE.

go2HR Delivers Mental Health First Aid Certification

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and knowing how to respond isn't always easy. go2HR's Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification Training gives tourism and hospitality professionals practical, scenario-based skills to support mental health and substance use challenges at work.

Dates: Tuesday, October 20 & Wednesday, October 21

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM PDT (virtual)

Cost: $299 plus taxes

Certification: pass a short quiz within a week of the training and receive a nationally recognized MHFA certification (valid for three years). Registration is now open HERE.

CONFERENCES & SPECIAL EVENTS

Mountain Biking BC To Deliver Industry Roundtables

Join Mountain Biking BC this fall for their industry regional roundtables! Mountain Biking BC is bringing together tourism and mountain bike sector partners this fall through two collaborative MTB Industry Roundtables. These roundtables are designed to align regional priorities, strengthen partnerships, and help shape the future of mountain biking in British Columbia. These working sessions will focus on practical discussion, networking, and provincial initiatives that support trail development, tourism, and the mountain bike sector.

Vancouver Coast & Mountains MTB Industry Roundtable

Dates: October 18–20, 2026 | Powell River, BC

Hosted by Sunshine Coast Tourism and the qathet Regional Cycling Association. REGISTER HERE.

2026 Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Summit & AGM

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism is excited to host the 2026 Tourism Summit & AGM.

The event will welcome delegates from across the region and all areas of BC's tourism industry to connect, network, gain knowledge, and support the tourism industry and economy. Designed to educate, provide networking opportunities, inspire new ideas, and recognize outstanding industry leaders in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, the Summit offers valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and celebration.

Dates: October 19–21, 2026

Locations: P’egp’ig’lha Community Centre (Summit & AGM) and Royal Canadian Legion Branch #66 (Awards Gala), Lillooet

Learn more and REGISTER HERE

2026 Northern BC Tourism Summit

Join tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for the 2026 Northern BC Tourism Summit. Connect through keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, and panels focused on the future of tourism in our region.

Dates: October 20 - 22

Location: Coast Prince George Hotel, Prince George

Gain fresh insights, spark new partnerships, and help shape a thriving visitor economy in northern BC. 

Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

2026 Vancouver Island Stewardship Summit

The 2026 Vancouver Island Stewardship Summit, presented by FortisBC, will bring First Nations, tourism business owners, staff members, community leaders, and residents together for a 1.5 day event in Ucluelet, BC.

The 2026 program will focus on the efforts of stewardship through destination management and collaboration. Speakers will provide tangible, inspiring presentations for attendees. The full day event will also include a State of the Region presentation from 4TVI.

October 22 - Evening Kickoff, hosted by Tourism Ucluelet, Community Partner.

October 23 - Stewardship Summit Day, presented by FortisBC.

For additional Summit details, visit HERE.

The Kootenay Tourism Summit

This 2-day event is the largest gathering of tourism professionals in the Kootenay Rockies region and provides awesome opportunities for networking, professional development and peer learning. There are so many incredible things happening in the tourism world in the Kootenays and they are excited to showcase them with you.

Date: October 27 - 28

Location: Best Western Plus Fernie Mountain Lodge

Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

Register Today | Canadian Outdoor Hospitality Conference

You are invited to attend a historic gathering! Save the Date for Canada’s National in-person Campground owners convention - the 2026 Canadian Outdoor Hospitality Conference.

Dates: November 1 - 4, 2026

Location: Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel

CampEx brings together more than 50 exhibitors, hands‑on workshops, and energetic keynote speakers, making it a prime place to explore new ideas, tools, and best practices for running a successful campground. Owners from across Canada are welcome — whether you’ve been in the industry for years or are attending for the first time.

Don’t miss out. Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

SAVE THE DATE | ITBC Annual General Meeting and Indigenous Tourism Gathering

This Indigenous Tourism Gathering is a milestone that belongs to everyone. ITBC welcomes all members to join in and to set a new direction for the next 30 years.

Dates: November 4 - November 6, 2026

Location: Coast Coal Harbour Hotel, Downtown Vancouver

This event is for Indigenous tourism operators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Two days and two nights of cultural connection, real conversation, and bold ideas. 

PNWER Infrastructure, Trade and Tourism Forum

The Forum will bring together over 150 legislators, policymakers, and private sector members from throughout Canada and the U.S. to develop a collaborative approach to modernizing infrastructure that moves people and goods across our region more efficiently. The event will also feature a debriefing session on the outcomes and lessons learned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Dates: November 12 - 13, 2026

Location: Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport Hotel, Richmond

Hybrid In-Person/Virtual Event

Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

2026 Tourism Congress

The Tourism Congress is Canada’s leading and only national-level event bringing together all sectors of the industry. The 2026 Tourism Congress is all about ACCESS: Unlocking Canada’s Tourism Advantage.

Dates: November 17 - 19, 2026

Location: Fredericton, NB

Early bird registration is now open! Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

Yes Shef Vancouver 2026

Canada’s Premier Celebration of Women in Food and Beverage

Mark your calendars, the countdown to Yes Shef Vancouver 2026 starts now.

Date: November 18

Location: Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver

This unforgettable evening of incredible food will bring together top culinary talent for a celebration of flavour, mentorship, and leadership. 

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference | "A Decade of Impact - From Vision to Practice"

The 10th anniversary of the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference is taking place in beautiful Victoria, BC.

Dates: January 24 - 27, 2027

Location: Victoria Conference Centre

Register now to reserve your pass to a transformative dialogue around sustainability and regenerative tourism in Canada, and around the globe. Leaning into the topics of human connection to place, biodiversity, resilience, and driving action, 2027's conference aims to build on a decade of progress to shape the future ahead.

Early bird registration is now open! Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

VCM Industry Forum

The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (VCM) Industry Forum is scheduled for:

Date: Tuesday, January 19, 2027

Time: 8:45 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier, North Vancouver

Updated details to the Forum will be distributed in advance.

BCHA 2027 Summit

The British Columbia Hotel Association invites you to the 2027 BCHA Summit.

Dates: May 10–11, 2027

Location: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel

Under the theme, Resilience: Leading Through Change, BC’s hospitality community will come together for two days of timely insights, valuable connections and celebration.

Early bird registration is now open! Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

Taste of Place Summit Coming to Kelowna in 2027

The Taste of Place Summit is heading to Kelowna, bringing together tourism and economic development leaders, marketers, producers and changemakers from across Canada and beyond to explore the future of culinary and agritourism.

Dates: May 17–18, 2027

Hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance in partnership with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, the two-day summit will showcase the region’s culinary and agritourism experiences while providing opportunities to exchange ideas, build connections and explore strategies for creating authentic tastes of place.

Learn more HERE.

Learn More | The READI™ Program

The READI™ program is designed to support the growth and resilience of Canada’s tourism industry. Whether you’re an independent business or an organization looking to support your members, READI™ gives tourism operators practical tools, training, and support to handle challenges and take advantage of new opportunities.

Participants can choose from various designation categories based on their organizational focus and goals. 

Learn more about the READI™ program HERE.