SAVE THE DATE | VICTORIA IS CALLING!

Planning is now underway for the 2027 BC Tourism Industry Conference, taking place at the Victoria Conference Centre.

February 24–26, 2027 | Victoria, BC

Each year, BCTIC brings together tourism leaders, operators, partners and decision-makers from across British Columbia. In 2027, we will gather around the theme The Next 50 Years, celebrating how far our industry has come while focusing squarely on the ideas, opportunities and conversations that will shape what comes next.

Expect big conversations, fresh thinking, valuable connections and a room full of people who care deeply about the future of tourism in British Columbia.

You’ll want to be there.

For now, mark your calendar and start planning for Victoria.

Registration, programming, accommodation and travel information will be announced in the months ahead.

Join Our Team!

TIABC is looking for a Membership Engagement Coordinator who brings energy, strong communication skills and a genuine interest in building connections across BC’s tourism industry.

This is a great opportunity to work with a fast-paced provincial organization, connect with industry leaders and help strengthen TIABC’s growing membership community.

Send your CV and cover letter to info@tiabc.ca by September 30, 2026.

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this with them.

Learn more about this opportunity HERE.

Assembly of First Nations Approves Resolution to Recognize Indigenous Coalition of Tourism Champions

In a joint release received today from Mi’kma’ki Territory, Coast Salish Territories, and Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation in Ontario, the Indigenous Coalition of Tourism Champions (ICTC) announced that the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has formally recognized ICTC as the national Indigenous tourism body representing First Nations and Indigenous tourism across Canada.

The coalition currently includes Indigenous Tourism BC, Indigenous Tourism Ontario and the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network and is open to all Provincial/Territorial Indigenous Tourism Organizations. ICTC is focused on advancing Indigenous-led tourism through a collaborative, regionally driven approach that supports cultural sovereignty, economic prosperity and self-determination.

Read the joint press release HERE.

go2HR Deliver August Labour Highlights

BC’s tourism and hospitality workforce continued to grow in August, with increases in both employment and overall labour force participation. However, growth varied across sectors and regions. Despite the overall employment gains, the unemployment rate rose slightly.

August Highlights include:

• Employment increased by 1.1 percent to 362,250 in August.
• The unemployment rate increased from 4.4 percent to 4.6 percent.
• Employment increased in the Cariboo, Lower Mainland, and Thompson Okanagan, while the Kootenay, Northern BC, and Vancouver Island regions recorded a decline.
• Employment increased in Food and Beverage, Recreation and Entertainment, while Accommodation, Transportation and Travel recorded declines.

For detailed monthly updates and regional breakdowns, VISIT HERE.

You're Invited | Destination BC Fall Industry Update

Tourism partners across British Columbia are invited to join Destination BC for a Fall Industry Update.

Date: Thursday, October 1

Time: 10:00–11:00 a.m. (PT)

This one-hour session will feature the latest updates from across Destination BC’s program areas, along with information on resources and supports available to industry as we head into the final months of the year.

Tune in to hear where BC’s tourism sector stands, what’s on the horizon, and how Destination BC’s work across marketing, market development, and destination management is helping support tourism partners and communities throughout the province.

What will be covered:

• CEO update: current tourism performance and forecasts for the rest of the year.
• Marketing updates: a World Cup wrap-up and a look at recovery marketing efforts.
• Market development updates: a China market spotlight and new programs to support industry.
• Destination management updates: the DEIA Framework, new learning resources, and the 2027/28 Co-op Marketing intake.
• Iconics update: pilot projects and emerging success stories from growing the Iconic areas and routes.

ICYMI | Apply to Join Destination BC’s Tourism Marketing Committee

Destination BC is seeking applications for its Tourism Marketing Committee, which provides strategic advice to Destination BC’s Board and executive team on tourism marketing and destination management priorities across the province.

There is a unique opportunity for two representatives from the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region to join the committee for the 2027–2029 term. 

This is a chance to bring regional perspectives to provincial discussions and help influence the future direction of BC’s tourism industry.

Applications close September 29, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT. Learn more and apply HERE.

The Beautiful Dome Lives On | A Lasting FIFA World Cup 2026™ Legacy

After becoming one of Vancouver’s defining images during FIFA World Cup 2026™, The Beautiful Dome at Science World is beginning its next chapter.

The 131 custom panels that transformed Science World into a 40-metre recreation of the adidas Trionda™ official match ball are now being removed. Selected panels will be donated to local organizations that include Science World, BC Place, the BC Soccer Association, Canada Soccer, the Province of British Columbia, the Museum of Vancouver and Destination Vancouver as part of a legacy initiative, while the remainder will be creatively upcycled into The Beautiful Dome 2026 Collection.

The limited-edition collection will give the installation a second life through items including patio umbrellas, duffle bags and shopping totes—a lasting keepsake from Vancouver’s World Cup experience.

• Read the news release
• View the products

Call for Presenters | 2027 Taste of Place Summit

The Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) is currently accepting speaker proposals for the 2027 Taste of Place Summit.

Hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance in partnership with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, the Summit will connect people working across food, agriculture, tourism and community development to exchange ideas, learn from one another and explore practical ways culinary and agritourism can strengthen communities and local economies.

The CTA is looking for practical, inspiring sessions that connect to culinary and agritourism and align with the pillars of the National Culinary & Agritourism Action Plan.

The Call for Presenters is open until September 25. Learn more and submit proposals HERE.

Counter Tariffs Take Effect

On September 8, the Government of Canada introduced new counter-tariffs of 15%, 25% and 50% on $27.6 billion in U.S. imports, including products and equipment used by tourism businesses.

Operators may face higher costs for food-service and accommodation equipment, recreation products, building materials and facility supplies. These added expenses come amid an already challenging business environment and could further affect investment, growth and competitiveness across the tourism sector.

TIAC want to hear from you! What you’re facing, including affected products, increased costs, or changing investment decisions. Please contact tiac_advocacy@tiac-aitc.ca 

YVR Employees Remember 9/11 - 25 Years Later

An Excerpt from YVR

For those working at YVR on September 11, 2001, there was no watching history unfold from a distance. With U.S. airspace closed and dozens of flights diverted to Vancouver, 8,500 stranded passengers filled the terminals on top of thousands more whose flights from the airport were suddenly grounded.

As the scale and horror of what had happened in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania became clear, YVR employees found themselves facing an unprecedented situation that no one could have imagined when they woke up for work that morning.

Read their story - a day remembered through the voices of the people who lived it at YVR.

Supporting Your Team Through Burnout 

It's been a demanding summer for BC's tourism and hospitality industry, with full patios, staffing challenges, and little time to catch a breath. It's no surprise that burnout is showing up for a lot of people right now. go2HR shares how leaders can recognize the signs and support their teams through recovery this season.

Watch for signs of fatigue and burnout. Changes in mood, more errors than usual, withdrawal from coworkers, or increased irritability can all be signs someone is struggling. go2HR's Fatigue & Burnout Assessment Checklist for Supervisors offers a practical way to spot early warning signs and respond.

Build everyday check-in habits. A quick check-in can make a real difference. If you notice signs like withdrawal or increased mistakes, ask how they're doing, listen, and help connect them to support. A short team debrief after a shift can also help everyone process the day before heading home.

Be flexible where you can. Some employees may need temporary schedule or workload adjustments. Flexibility shows staff that their wellbeing matters.

Build a psychologically healthy workplace for the long term. Recovery from peak season is a good moment to look at the bigger picture. go2HR's guide on creating a psychologically healthy workplace offers a framework for building a more resilient, respectful workplace year-round.

Need help? You don't have to figure out how to support your team alone. go2HR's Health and Safety team offers free consultations and free health and safety advice. Book a consultation today.

BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is a non-profit trade association and consumer marketing organization that represents independently owned and operated small and mid-sized lodging properties, campgrounds, and RV parks across British Columbia. The association also owns and operates Travel British Columbia, an online platform helping travelers find campsites, cabins, lodges, and RV parks.

Learn more about the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association HERE.

Photo Credit: Destination BC, Southern Gulf Islands Tourism, Rob Wilson

WEBINARS

Driving Bookings with Sustainability Certification | Demystifying the Rules, Risks and Opportunities

Expectations around sustainability claims are rising. Travellers, corporate buyers and booking platforms increasingly want claims they can verify, and that verification is shaping where people choose to visit and stay.

Join Booking.com, Tourisme Montréal and GreenStep as they discuss how sustainability claims are viewed, what travellers and guests are asking for, and what certification does for credibility and booking demand.

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Time: 10:30 AM PT - 60 mins

REGISTER HERE.

CONFERENCES & SPECIAL EVENTS

UBCM Convention

Registration is now open for the 2026 UBCM Convention.

Dates: September 14-18

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver

Registration includes access to all Convention sessions. Additional fees apply for lunches, the agricultural tour, and the banquet.

Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

Save the Date | Wine Capital Weekend 2026

Wine Capital Weekend returns, welcoming visitors and locals alike to three days of wine, craft beverages, live music, food, and community celebration in Canada’s Wine Capital.

Dates: September 18 - 20 | Oliver

From the energy of the Kick-Off Party to the excitement of Cask & Keg and the iconic Festival of the Grape, the weekend showcases the very best of the South Okanagan during peak harvest season. Note: Early bird pricing is still available! Purchase tickets HERE.

WORTH Presents | An Intimate Evening with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

We’re getting into the stuff we don’t always talk about. The patterns we repeat. The experiences that shaped us. The relationships that challenge us. The things we chase in the name of happiness. The parts of ourselves we’re still trying to understand.

Join Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and Erin Treloar for a candid conversation that gets curious, personal and maybe even a little uncomfortable.

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Location: Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre | Vancouver

Time: Doors Open: 6:00 PM, Fireside Conversation: 7:00–8:15 PM

Sip, Socialize & Connect: 8:15–9:30 PM  

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

BC Rivers Day | September 27

The 46th annual BC Rivers Day is happening on Sunday, September 27. Whether your group is planning a shoreline cleanup, guided paddle, restoration project, interpretive walk, community celebration, or educational event, you are encouraged to share your event with the wider BC Rivers Day and recreation community.

Learn more and register your event with the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC HERE.

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.

Kootenay MTB Industry Roundtable

Dates: October 1–2, 2026 | Nelson, BC

Hosted by Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism and the Nelson Cycling Club. REGISTER HERE.

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.

TOTA AGM and Summit - "Confluence & Conscience: Investing in a Sustainable Future"

Mark your calendars! The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) AGM & Summit will soon bring together tourism leaders, partners, and stakeholders from across the region to connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities shaping the future of tourism.

Dates: October 7 - 8, 2026

Location: Coast Kamloops Hotel

Inspired by Kamloops’ geography, this year’s Summit explores the intersection of economic investment, community-driven sustainability, and Indigenous tourism collaboration.

Registration is now open. Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

VCM Industry Forum

The next VCM Industry Forum will be held on Oct. 15 in North Vancouver. 

Connect with tourism partners from across the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (VCM) tourism region for a day of learning, discussion, and relationship-building. Together, we'll discuss opportunities to strengthen partnerships and create positive impacts for communities and businesses.

Registration now open! 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. 

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.

Save The Date | 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. 

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.

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.