Updated Cabinet Includes New Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Premier David Eby has announced a shift to his cabinet stating it is "in order to centre jobs, the economy and the needs of British Columbians in their communities." 

According to the news release issued by the Office of the Premier yesterday, the changes prioritize the specific skills and experience of ministers to meet the current moment. Included in the shuffle is the appointment of Hon. Anne Kang who becomes the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. The position was formerly held by Hon. Spencer Chandra-Herbert, who has now assumed the role of Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

The cabinet is tasked with working on the province’s biggest challenges: growing the economy, seizing investment opportunities, and strengthening public services.

TIABC extends its sincere thank you to outgoing Minister Chandra-Herbert for his dedicated leadership and unwavering support of British Columbia’s tourism industry. We look forward to working with Minister Kang to advance a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable visitor economy for our province.

Read the official news release from the Office of the Premier HERE.

TIABC Extends Congratulations to Minister Kang

Following yesterday's announcement by the Premier, TIABC extends its sincere congratulations to Minister Kang on her appointment as the new Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

TIABC looks forward to working collaboratively with Minister Kang and her team during this important period for BC's tourism industry. We have extended an invitation to meet with the Minister to discuss TIABC's current advocacy priorities and to gain insight into the Ministry's vision and objectives for the sector, both now and into the future.

Read the letter to Minister Kang HERE. 

Update from Minister Valdez

As we continue to look forward to a successful summer tourism season for small businesses and tourism operators, Honourable Valdez, Minister for Women and Gender Equality, and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), wants to ensure that you and your network remain closely in the loop on the federal government’s priorities and policies. Please see a curated list of key developments and initiatives below.  

• Pre-Budget Consultation
• Launching the Canada Strong Pass
• Meeting with Provincial and Territorial Status of Women Ministers 
• Meeting with Provincial and Territorial Tourism Ministers
• One Canadian Economy Legislation Passes Parliament
• Pride Month and Support for 2SLGBTQI+ Communities
• National Indigenous Peoples Day

If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, you are encouraged to reach out to the Minister's office.

BC Hotels & Emergency Response | Have Your Say

At the end of April, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) made the decision to defund the Emergency Management Booking Portal pilot, which had been active in Kamloops, Kelowna, and Prince George. 

Since then, the BC Hotel Association - alongside the Tourism Industry Association of BC and a broader industry coalition - has engaged in multiple discussions with EMCR and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport to underscore both the value and the urgency of reinstating the portal. 

Despite our continued advocacy, the Province has signalled that it will proceed with an alternative approach centred around a $200 e-transfer allowance, leaving evacuees to navigate accommodations on their own during a crisis. This approach increases the risk of fragmented, inconsistent local responses, and may delay emergency shelter access at the very time it’s needed most. 

The BC Hotel Association is seeking your input following the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR)’s decision. Together, your feedback will help us press for the reinstatement of this critical platform before it's too late. Complete the poll in the following link.  

Save Our Streets Meet with Federal Liberal

BC Caucus

The Save Our Streets coalition (SOS) is calling for an end to inter-jurisdictional finger pointing and for senior governments to show leadership in bringing about real change to our legal system.

The coalition met earlier this week in Kelowna with the

entire Federal Liberal BC Caucus to discuss the federal government’s role in curbing the level of crime, violence and public disorder disrupting and threatening communities throughout B.C.

Read the full update from the SOS coalition HERE.

go2HR Release June Labour Market Data

According to the June’s labour market data released by go2HR, there was a solid month-over-month employment increase, surpassing pre-pandemic employment levels by 7,000 jobs (4.2%) compared to June 2019. However, regional variations remain evident, with some areas still lagging behind their pre-COVID benchmarks. Employers are encouraged to stay attentive to fluctuating sectoral trends, especially considering the steady decline in U.S. travel to Canada, which may continue to reshape demand dynamics throughout the season.

Key Highlights

• Labour force participation rose by 2.3%
• The unemployment rate decreased notably from 6.5% in May to 4.7% in June, though still above the 3.4% seen in June 2019.
• Employment growth occurred in the Lower Mainland, Northern BC, Thompson Okanagan, Kootenay, and Vancouver Island regions. Cariboo was the only region to experience an employment decline in June.
• Employment increased in accommodation, food & beverage, and recreation & entertainment, but slightly decreased in transportation & travel.

For detailed monthly updates and regional breakdowns, visit go2HR’s Employment Tracker HERE.

BC Tourism FC Launches Strategic Playbook Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™

As the province prepares to take the global stage for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, tourism partners across BC are encouraged to get their game face on with the new BC Tourism FC Playbook, a foundational guide designed to help BC’s tourism industry capitalize on this once-in-a-generation opportunity.

This is the first edition of the BC Tourism FC Playbook, which provides an initial set of tools and examples such as messaging guidance and practical activation ideas. The Playbook offers resources to help you engage with FIFA World Cup 2026™. Explore each section to discover approaches that best suit your organization. Additional chapters and materials will be developed and released as new information becomes available.

Okanagan Gondola Project Breaks Ground

Ridge North America has begun construction on the Okanagan Gondola, a new all-ages tourism destination located between Kelowna and Vernon, offering panoramic views, immersive trails, and elevated dining. The project aims to enhance the region’s cultural and outdoor appeal while blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. 

Ridge North America, along with officials from the Regional District of North Okanagan and project partners held a ground-breaking ceremony in the hills above the lake July 10, marking the start of construction at the gondola’s summit station and base area.

Learn more about this exciting project HERE.

Provincial and Territorial Museums and Galleries Join Canada Strong Pass

Yesterday, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced that 86 provincial and territorial museums and galleries will be participating in the Canada Strong Pass. The participating institutions will offer free admission for children aged 17 and under and 50 percent off admission fees for youth aged 18 to 24.

Until September 2, 2025, the Canada Strong Pass will help families save money by enjoying expanded access to Canada’s nature and culture, and while supporting the tourism industry and local economies and jobs across the country.

Read the official announcement including more about the Canada Strong Pass HERE.

WCC Research & Project-Based Capstone Opportunities

As part of Western Community College’s (WCC) experiential and work-integrated learning curriculum, students are currently developing research papers and capstone projects focused on real-world challenges in hospitality and tourism.

WCC is actively seeking input from industry partners to inspire meaningful, solution-oriented projects. If your organization has a research topic, operational challenge, or area of interest that aligns with hospitality or tourism, you are invited to share. Your contribution could become the foundation for a student-led research or project-based capstone, where students will explore the issue, analyze potential solutions, and present actionable recommendations for your organization to consider.

To get involved or learn more, please contact Dhananjay (DJ) Kshirsagar, Director Of Hospitality Programs, dhananjay@wcc.ca.

Kootenay Rockies Tourism CEO

Announces Retirement

Earlier this week, Kathy Cooper, CEO of Kootenay Rockies Tourism (KRT), shared the heartfelt news of her upcoming retirement, effective at the end of November 2025. Chemistry Consulting Group will be leading the executive search for her successor,

Kathy’s announcement marks the culmination of an extraordinary 38-year journey with KRT—12 of those years at the helm as CEO. Throughout her career, Kathy has been a steadfast champion of tourism and hospitality, leaving an indelible mark not only in British Columbia but also in Ontario, where her contributions first began.

Her leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment have helped shape the tourism landscape of the Kootenay Rockies region and beyond. As she noted in her message, "To say that I love the region I work on behalf of is an understatement; this place is truly home."

TIABC'a Board of Directors extends its deepest appreciation and warmest wishes to Kathy as she turns the page on an exceptional career. We remain committed to our strong partnership with the Kootenay Rockies Tourism region moving forward.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism is a podcast that gives a voice to British Columbia's vibrant tourism industry.

EPISODE #36 - Sandra Oldfield

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Sandra Oldfield, founder of Elysian Projects and former CEO of Tinhorn Creek Winery, for a compelling conversation on entrepreneurship, wine tourism, and leadership. Sandra shares her journey from California to BC’s South Okanagan, reflecting on her role in building a destination winery and the lessons she’s carried into her work mentoring small businesses. She also discusses her contributions to tourism policy through her involvement with TOTA and TIABC, and how rural tourism operators can balance growth with personal well-being.

Now more than ever, it's time to celebrate the beauty, energy, and unforgettable experiences found right here at home.

Would you like to be part of our weekly Postcards from BC feature? Send a photo of you enjoying a BC destination to deborah@tiabc.ca.

Welcome back to the bi-monthly feature with Peter Pilarski, Founder of the Tourism AI Network. Peter shares his expertise to demystify the AI landscape and provide essential understanding, helping us to simplify technology, embrace innovation, and navigate the exciting world of AI.

How One Company Avoided an AI Adoption Disaster 

A few months ago, I guided a company through our structured AI Adoption Framework. The leadership team was eager—they wanted to become absolute industry leaders in AI. But when we surveyed their employees, the reaction was strikingly different: several team members were so worried about job loss that they said they'd leave the organization if AI moved forward.

It’s a powerful reminder: AI adoption starts with your people, not technology. Do you know how your employees feel about AI adoption? 

In this week's article, you'll discover how this company turned potential chaos into full alignment. I'll share exactly how they navigated challenging conversations, clarified their AI vision, and ultimately brought their entire team—leaders and employees alike—on board with a clear, collaborative roadmap.

Read the full article in the link below to see how they did it—and how you can too.

Tourism Burnaby Release New Economic Impact of Tourism Study

According to the new Economic Impact of Tourism in Burnaby study recently released by Tourism Burnaby, (in partnership with InterVISTAS), record-breaking tourism levels in their city are contributing to economic growth for Burnaby.

Burnaby welcomed approximately 1.3 million visitors in 2023 — including 953,500 domestic travellers and 339,900 international and U.S. visitors. These visitors generated $990 million in total tourism-related spending, spanning accommodations, activities, and entertainment.

Tourism also plays a critical role in the city’s labour market. In 2023, visitor activity directly supported approximately 7,240 jobs, generating $250 million in wages. This accounts for roughly 12% of direct employment impact across Greater Vancouver. The economic impact of these activities stands at $350 million in direct GDP and $730 million in total economic output across British Columbia.

Read the official news release that includes the Burnaby Economic Impact of Tourism Study HERE.

Tourism Fernie Celebrates Morrisey Boat Launch Project

Congratulations to Tourism Fernie, as one of the most loved and utilized river access sites along the Elk River was finally celebrated this past month after many years of hard work. Tourism Fernie is recognized as the lead in the project for developing and confirming partnerships, funding agreements and approvals for improvements to the site. 

The Elk River infrastructure improvements initiative started in 2021 thanks to the outcomes from the RDEK Area A Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Tourism Master Plan developed by Tourism Fernie with consultation from area businesses, residents and stakeholders. The river is a vital asset to the region, the residents and the economy. Improvements to existing access sites ensures their long-term sustainability and supports river and riparian stewardship.

Learn more about the Morrisey Boat Launch Project through the official news release HERE.

Tigh-Na-Mara Expands Signature Spa Experience with Launch of Garden Oasis | Welcomes New Sales Manager

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre has shared exciting updates about their property. The launch of its new Garden Oasis, an open-air expansion of the award-winning Grotto Spa, featuring cedar barrel saunas, fire tables, and ocean view seating.

They’ve also welcomed Karen Dizon as Sales Manager who will be working to grow the group, conference and leisure markets as well as have completed guest room renovations.

Read more about Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre HERE.

Innovative Non-profit Funding Models

Join the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC for a free webinar on Innovative Non-profit Funding Models. Learn creative strategies for generating income beyond traditional grants and fees.

Date: Tuesday, July 22

Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm (PDT)

Guest speakers include Dougal Browne (United Riders of Cumberland), Kathleen Ayre (Kootenay Connex), and Jason Llewellyn (RDBN), sharing real-world insights and funding solutions.This session is perfect for non-profit staff and volunteers looking to diversify revenue. Expand your fundraising toolkit!

Register HERE.

CONFERENCES & SPECIAL EVENTS

BC Hospitality Foundation | Tee Up for Two Unforgettable Golf Events

Join the BC Hospitality Foundation for two premier golf events this summer—each offering an incredible day of competition, camaraderie, and hospitality at its finest. Whether you're in Vancouver or Victoria, these tournaments promise an unmatched experience on the greens. i

Mark Your Calendar:

• August 20| 9th Annual Victoria Golf Tournament | Olympic View Golf Club

Visit HERE to learn more and to book!

Diverse Abilities Discovery Fair | Inclusive Hiring Starts Here

Looking for fresh ways to build an inclusive, skilled, and people-first team? This event flips the script on hiring — and puts Tourism & Hospitality potential front and centre.

Date: August 8

Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (PDT)

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

Hosted by the Tourism Workforce Accessibility Clinic and the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Diverse Abilities Discovery Fair invites you to connect with job seekers who are often overlooked in traditional recruitment.

Register by email HERE.

19th Annual Partners In Tourism Invitational Golf Tournament

The Partners in Tourism Invitational Golf Tournament is a fundraising event organized by Partners in Tourism to support future generations of tourism professionals. The tournament raises funds through various means, including sponsorships and donations, which are then used to provide scholarships and awards to students and programs in the tourism and hospitality industry. 

Date: Thursday, August 28

Location: Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club

Learn more including how to register and how to donate HERE.

Wine Capital Weekend Returns to Oliver!

The Oliver Tourism Association is thrilled to announce that Wine Capital Weekend will return for another unforgettable celebration. As the Wine Capital of Canada, Oliver welcomes locals and visitors alike to experience three days of wine, craft beverages, food, live music, team competitions, and family-friendly fun.

Dates: September 19-21

The weekend will once again feature:

• Kick-Off Party at District Wine Village – This year’s musical act will be GLASS TIGER
• Cask & Keg Festival – A celebration of craft beer, cider, and spirits featuring delicious eats, live entertainment, yard games, a family zone, and the crowd-favourite Beer Olympics.
• Festival of the Grape – The South Okanagan’s premier wine tasting event returns for its 26th year.

Early-bird deadline for tickets is June 30th! Learn more, including how to participate and purchase tickets HERE.

TIAC | One Hill of a Party | A TourismCan Reception

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is inviting you to an unforgettable evening celebrating tourism’s vital role in shaping Canada’s economic future. Join trade professionals, industry leaders, Members of Parliament, and policymakers as we come together to recognize tourism’s power to connect Canadians, boost competitiveness, and shape the nation’s future.

Date: Monday, September 22

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Sir John A. Macdonald Building (144 Wellington St, Ottawa)

Register Deadline: Thursday, September 18

Hosted in collaboration with the Provincial and Territorial Tourism Industry Associations (PTTIAs), the reception will highlight tourism’s essential contribution to Canada’s economic growth and the vitality of our communities.

Please note that this event is for TIAC members only and invitations are non-transferable. Learn more including how to register HERE.

4TVI | 2025 Vancouver Island Stewardship Summit

You are invited to the 4TVI Vancouver Island Stewardship Summit. The 2025 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.

Date: October 2-3

Location: Coast Bastion, Nanaimo 

Registration is now open. 

Early Bird Registration (until July 31): $199 + GST

General Registration $299 = GST

Learn more and register HERE.

Northern BC 2025 Tourism Summit

The Northern BC 2025 Tourism Summit, a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the development of a strong tourism sector in Northern British Columbia.

Ready to connect, learn, and lead the future of tourism? The Northern BC 2025 Tourism Summit is your opportunity to be part of the region’s most dynamic gathering of tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, and community changemakers.

Dates: October 15-17

Location: Courtyard by Marriott, Prince George

Learn more and register HERE.

Mark Your Calendar | TOTA AGM and Summit

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has announced the dates for the 2025 TOTA AGM & Summit.

Dates: October 22-23

Location: KF Centre for Excellence, Kelowna

Last year's Summit was a sold-out event that brought together tourism industry professionals from around the region for two days to network, engage in industry-specific workshops, and learn from experts. 

Stay tuned for more details, including registration and speaker updates.

Save the Date!

Boating BC 2025 Conference: Rocking The Industry – Navigating Disruptive Times

Presented by Mercury Marine, this is the must-attend event for marine professionals across the province — a dynamic two-day experience packed with industry insight, leadership, and valuable networking. We’re also excited to announce our first confirmed speaker: Vaughn Palmer of the Vancouver Sun, returning to share his always-popular perspectives.

Dates: November 18-19

Location: River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond

To learn more about the conference sponsorship opportunities, visit HERE. Early bird tickets go on sale in early September — stay tuned!

IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit - 2026

Registration is now open for 2026's iteration of the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit Victoria

Dates: January 25-28

Get ready to explore Aligned action, shared direction, and real progress alongside global changemakers. With a brand-new Workshop Series, immersive case studies, and hands-on tools to take home, IMPACT 2026 will equip you to transform your destination into one that's not just visited, but nurtured.

Learn more and secure your spot HERE.

SAVE THE DATE | 2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference

The 2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference (#2026IITC), hosted in partnership with Indigenous Tourism Alberta and Explore Edmonton, will be held on unceded Treaty 6 Territory in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton).

Dates: February 17-19, 2026.

The many Nations that call the area home, including Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Sioux and Métis People, are excited to welcome you to their territory at this amazing celebration of Indigenous tourism. Save the date! 

SAVE THE DATE | 2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference

It's hard to believe the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Conference is behind us! While planning for 2026 won't begin until early fall, we're excited to announce the date and location:

Dates: March 4-6, 2026

Location: Delta Hotel, Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna

Mark your calendar - we can't wait to see you there and celebrate our incredible industry together!

Save the Date | BC Outdoor Recreation Conference 2026

The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC is celebrating 50 years of advocacy in 2026, and we’re marking the occasion in a big way! Join us at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC, for this milestone event.

Dates: May 20-22, 2026

Location: Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops

This conference will bring together outdoor recreation leaders, advocates, and enthusiasts from across British Columbia to reflect on our past, celebrate our achievements, and shape the future of public recreation. Look forward to engaging speakers, insightful panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and valuable networking with recreationists, land managers, and decision-makers.