Restaurants Canada Proposes Recommendations for Premier Eby to Consider In View of Tariffs

Restaurants Canada is deeply concerned about the potential impacts of a tariff dispute between the US and Canada on BC's 15,000 foodservice businesses that directly employ more than 190,000 workers in the province. In a letter sent to the Premier earlier this week, Restaurants Canada stresses how the food and beverage industry depends on the United States for numerous products for the operation of their businesses. 

As the fourth largest private sector employer in the country, with 1.2 million employees

nationwide, the organization is also concerned that tariffs on food could result in widespread job losses. The letter also identifies how government can work with industry to protect jobs and is encouraging BC's tourism and hospitality sector to engage in the issue as well, to hopefully minimize the impact of a possible trade war on the tourism and hospitality industry and respective members.

Read the letter to the Premier HERE.

GVBoT Launch Advocacy & Communications Initiative

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBoT) has launched a significant advocacy and communications initiative called: "The 3% Challenge: Agenda for Economic Growth”.

The 3% Challenge aims to address concerns regarding stagnating economic growth in the province by advocating for policies that will drive growth, create jobs, and enhance the province’s competitiveness—ultimately benefiting the average British Columbian. This campaign sets a provincial target of 3% annual economic growth and calls on Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to adopt and take action to achieve the target.

Throughout the year, the GVBoT will be releasing a series of policy reports under the campaign, offering actionable recommendations to support economic growth.

More information about the campaign can be found on the link below that also includes an introduction video by Bridgitte Anderson, president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, outlining the goals and priorities of the 3% Challenge.

TIAC Member Update : Current State of

Canada-US Relations

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is actively monitoring the discussion surrounding trade tariffs between Canada and the United States of America and is committed to advocating on behalf of its members for policies that protect and support our industry, working closely with government stakeholders to minimize any potential challenges or negative impacts. 

Strong international trade relations and effective government policies are essential for the movement of people, goods, and services between countries. When trade flows smoothly, tourism grows. A strong relationship with our American neighbours means more business travellers in our hotels, more international events in our venues, and more visitors exploring our communities.

TIAC is engaging with decision-makers to recognize the vital role the tourism sector plays in achieving our country’s economic goals and to carefully consider the consequences of restricting the ease of movement of goods and services across borders. 

TIAC wants to hear from its members on this important matter. Should you have any questions or comments, they invite you to reach out directly via email HERE.

Destination BC Launches British Columbia Tourism FC

With less than 500 days away from welcoming the world to the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Destination BC has launched the British Columbia Tourism Football Club (BC Tourism FC) and officially launched a new website.

BC Tourism FC reflects the spirit of teamwork and shared goals of its members, including Destination BC, Destination Vancouver, Indigenous Tourism BC, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, the BC Destination Management Organization Association (BCDMOA), and the City of Vancouver.

The new website marks the beginning of this exciting journey and as we move closer to 2026,and more events and news become available for the BC tourism industry, DBC will continue to expand resources and opportunities.

• Read the full announcement from Destination BC and learn more about the strategy and what industry can do to participate HERE.
• Visit BC Tourism FC website HERE.

Letter to Minister MacKinnon: Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Fee

The Canada Employment Insurance Commission has submitted a letter to The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour with regards to the Labour Market Impact Assessment Fee (LMIA), advising that the fee can be a deterrent to employers trying to sustain their businesses and keep their Canadian workers employed.

The letter addresses key concerns for employers regarding the LMIA fee, and warrants the recommendations for the Minister to consider regarding both cost concerns as well as service standards and transparency.

Read the letter to Minister MacKinnon HERE.

New Rules for Eligible Deductions from STR Income

Changes to the income tax rules now deny income tax deductions related to non-compliant short-term rentals (STR's) after 2023. If you rented out a residential property for short periods, these changes may affect you.

When calculating a taxpayer’s income from a business or property, the Income Tax Act generally permits the taxpayer to deduct reasonable current expenses incurred in the ordinary course of earning that income.

However, when calculating income earned from a short-term rental for a tax year after 2023, the new income tax rules do not allow the deduction of a non-compliant amount.

For more information on deductible expenses, visit HERE.

New Study Aims to Better Understand Economic Benefits

of Trails in BC

Mountain Biking BC (MBBC) received funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport for a Trail Stewardship Enhancement Project which will be designated towards trail information kiosks and signage. The funding will also include a community trails impact study.

The study will be spearheaded in six pilot communities - Squamish, Golden, Fernie, Kamloops, Vernon, and Cumberland. The study will also reach out to other MBBC member communities around the province.

Using a mixture of mobile analytic data, focus groups, trail counters and interview intercepts, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the economic benefit of trails in the province.

Learn more about the Trail Stewardship Enhancement Project and Community Trails Impact Study HERE.

go2HR Introduces New Hub for Young or New Workers

go2HR has just created a new space for young or new workers—designed to boost confidence in workers and set them up for success.  

The new Workers Page provides a one-stop resource for:

• Your Role, Rights and Responsibilities: Learn about the role you play in maintaining a safe workspace and what responsibilities and protection you have under BC regulations.
• Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) Information: Understand the importance of participating in JHSCs, how they contribute to a safer working environment and how you can participate in JHSC activities in your workplace. 
• Training and Tools: Explore practical training courses and tips designed to help you upskill, navigate challenges and find new opportunities.
• Survey & Submission box: Help go2HR get a baseline of your Health & Safety understanding. Share your ideas and questions to help enhance the health & safety information and resources.

Learn more about the new Hub HERE.

ITAC Offering Reconciliation Training Program for

Non-Indigenous Businesses

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), in partnership with Legacy Bowes, is offering a reconciliation training program for non-Indigenous businesses and organizations in the tourism industry.

The Certificate in Reconciliation for the Tourism Industry is a hybrid virtual and in-person program that provides a safe space for staff and board members to learn more about Indigenous perspectives and explore their role in furthering reconciliation. 

Learn more about the Truth2Action Program HERE.

TIAC Seeking Members to Join Program Advisory Committee

TIAC has extended an invitation to its members to apply for consideration to join the Program Advisory Committee for the 2025 Tourism Congress.

This is your chance to help shape Canada’s premier tourism industry event by sharing your insights and expertise. Committee members will play a key role in curating sessions that address the industry's most pressing issues, trends, and opportunities.

Open to active Regular TIAC members only. TIAC welcomes applications; however, committee spots are limited, and selections will be made based on expertise and alignment with program needs. The deadline to apply is February 14.

Learn more and apply HERE.

Reminder | Know Before You Go

Drivers across the province are urged to use caution and be prepared when heading out on roads this weekend. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued winter weather advisories affecting much of the province, including snowfall, flurries, and winter storms.

Here are several resources to help you plan and prepare:

• Check DriveBC for current road and weather conditions or use the mobile app
• Please visit Emergency Info BC for updated details on emergencies including evacuation orders and alerts
• Access emergency messaging resources developed by the Tourism Emergency Management Committee, including messaging guidance and social graphics, to use in your own communications to help encourage responsible and safe travel in the province
• Visit the Destination BC #KnowBeforeYouGo website for more information and resources

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) is seeking input from its members and stakeholders to assess the level of satisfaction with the leadership that TIABC provides to the tourism industry, and to gain further knowledge from your insights and responses to each section of the survey to help shape our future direction, provide more value for members, and ensure our effectiveness as advocates for BC's visitor economy.

The survey will take approximately 12 minutes to complete. We respectfully request your response by end of day, Friday, February 7th.

We thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the survey. Your feedback and openness is very much appreciated. We will be sharing these results with you in the months ahead. NOTE: - Survey respondents have a chance to win a two-night stay at Crystal Cove Beach Resort in Tofino.

We’re hard at work at finalizing details to the 2025 conference program. Expect exceptional sessions by our valued partners at Destination BC, Indigenous Tourism BC, and Destination Canada, along with an outstanding selection of breakout sessions that will provide tools & insights, highlight innovations, and spark thought-provoking discussions.

Book your hotel room today!

A room block has been secured at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre to provide convenient and comfortable accommodations for attendees of the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Conference. Be sure to book your room early to take advantage of special rates.

Be sure to reserve your room before Monday, February 10th! After this date, reservations and rates are subject to availability. 

Detailed programming including updates on keynote speakers, engaging sessions and networking opportunities are available on the conference website.

ABLE BC | Celebrating 50 Years!

2025 marks 50 years of advocacy from ABLE BC on behalf of the private liquor (and, more recently, cannabis) industry, with the first iteration of ABLE BC, the Neighbourhood Pub Owners’ Association, which was formed in 1975.

ABLE BC is celebrating this anniversary all year with special events, social media campaigns, and updated promotional materials. They would love to include testimonials from their members, government partners, advocacy colleagues, and industry friends in our celebration materials, so they have created a quick survey to help prompt reflections on ABLE BC, their impact, and their legacy.

ABLE BC is asking respondents to feel free to make your answers as long or short as you like, skip questions if needed, and opt to keep your testimonial anonymous or not. You are also encouraged to share this survey with colleagues or anyone else who may want to contribute.

Take the survey HERE.

Tourism HR Canada Offering New Supervisor Professional Certification from Emerit

Developed with invaluable input from supervisors actively working in a wide range of tourism businesses, this program reflects the current and emerging knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a supervisor. The program entails:

• An online, multiple-choice exam that assesses the knowledge and application of the competencies in the Supervisor National Occupational Standards
• A work history verification, wherein candidates must provide evidence of having worked 3,000 hours (or 1.5 years, based on full-time hours) in the tourism sector, with a minimum of 750 hours in a supervisory role (about 6 months full-time)
• A performance evaluation, in which the candidate partakes in a virtual, structured interview with a trained assessor, and shows that they can apply the competencies in the Supervisor National Occupational Standards

Learn more about the Supervisor Professional Certification Program HERE.

CampConnect | Navigating Municipal Challenges and Zoning Issues

Members of the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) are invited to register for a FREE series of webinars. As a reminder when you join BCLCA your business is automatically enrolled as a member of the national Canadian Camping and RV Association (CCRVA) organization. Registration now open for the first CampConnect Webinar.

Date: February 6 

This informative session is free to attend and will cover the key topics you need to know to successfully navigate the complexities of zoning laws, municipal regulations, and the permitting process that affect campground operations.

Learn more and register HERE.

CONFERENCES & SPECIAL EVENTS

Destination BC | Tourism Digital Academy

The Tourism Digital Academy is a FREE, 8-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.

Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. From setting your goals, to building a better SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, analytics and more. You'll leave the program with the confidence and knowledge to put that plan into action. There are two intakes:

Dates: January 21 - March 12 and January 29 - March 19

Learn more and register HERE.

Dine Out Vancouver is Back

Sip, savour and sous vide your way through Canada’s largest food and drink festival. Experience curated fixed-price menus at over 350 of Vancouver’s hottest restaurants and discover unique culinary events that span everything from sea foraging to dumpling fests.

Dates: January 22 - February 9, various locations throughout Metro Vancouver

Learn more about the Dine Out Vancouver participants and events HERE.

Coldsnap | Prince George Winter Music Festival

The 18th annual Prince George Winter Music Festival "Coldsnap" is returning! Audiences can expect amazing live music events in a variety of venues across Prince George every day of the festival!

Dates: February 5-9, various locations

Learn more about the festival schedule, how to purchase tickets and lineup of exceptional performers HERE.

RiSE | Capilano University's School of Tourism Management Annual Celebration

Industry partners are invited to join Capilano University's School of Tourism Management for their annual celebration - RiSE. Organized by the tourism and recreation student association, this event connects students, alumni, and industry partners while celebrating the vibrancy of Vancouver’s tourism industry. This year’s theme is "Tourism in Vancouver", which highlight the diverse offerings that the lower mainland has to offer for people visiting our beloved city.

Date: Monday, February 10

Location: JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, Kitsilano Ballroom (39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC)

Time: Registration starts at 5:00 PM

Dress Code: Business Casual

Tickets are free or by donation and include a complimentary beverage, food, prizes and more. Help celebrate the local tourism industry while networking with students, alumni, faculty members, and tourism professionals! Note to Industry: Use the promo code RISECOMPLIMENTARY to receive a free ticket to this event.

For more information, reach out to joannajagger@capilanou.ca 

Okanagan Winter Wine Festival

This winter, the Okanagan is serving up two spectacular wine events that promise unforgettable moments, exquisite flavours, and world-class wines!

Taste Lake Country

Date: February 22

Time: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Scenic Sip Route

Winter Sips North

Date: March 1

Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Location: Hotel Eldorado, Kelowna

Learn more about these events and purchase tickets HERE.

Sunshine Coast Flavour Festival

Indulge in 10 days of culinary adventures from Gibsons to Lund. Enjoy exclusive menus, special offers, and unique events from over 35 local food and drink artisans, including restaurants, cafes, tasting rooms, food trucks, and specialty shops. This is your chance to sip, savour, and celebrate the vibrant culinary scene of the Sunshine Coast.

Dates: February 28 - March 9

Learn more HERE.

SPARK! - BC Liquor and Cannabis Conference | Early Bird Registration Closes January 24!

ABLE BC is excited to announce the highly anticipated, third annual SPARK conference returns revamped and revived with a focus on liquor primaries, private liquor stores, and now private cannabis stores. SPARK is being held in conjunction with the annual BC Tourism Industry Conference.

Date: March 5

Location: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre

Get pumped for a full day of advocacy updates, networking with like-minded business owners, and learning from industry experts in the liquor and cannabis fields. Learn more and register HERE.

Flourish 2025

Flourish is Vancouver Community College (VCC) Foundation's annual fundraising experience. It’s an opportunity to come together to support their students as they change their lives through the power of real learning and hands-on education.

Join in for an evening of food and wine, and help the community thrive.

Date: March 5

Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Location: VCC Broadway Campus, 1120 E. 7th Ave., Vancouver

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

WORTH Leadership Summit

Join WORTH for Western Canada’s only summit dedicated to women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality—an inspiring event designed to uplift women, elevate organizations, and drive progress across our industry.

Date: March 11

Location: Westin Bayshore, Vancouver

Held on the week of International Women’s Day, the WORTH Leadership Summit is for anyone dedicated to uplifting women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality—regardless of gender. Whether you’re a manager, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, the Summit offers valuable insights and connections to fuel your growth.

Learn more and register HERE.

Guide Symposium

Join the Commercial Bear Viewing association and the Marine Guides Association of Canada for two days of inspiring talks, skill-building workshops, and lively discussions on elevating the art of guiding.

Connect with fellow guides, share stories, and build lasting friendships.

Dates: March 15 & 16

Location: Vic Theatre, Victoria

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

Mark Your Calendars — BCHA Summit

The 2025 BCHA Summit is returning to Vancouver! The Summit brings together a distinguished gathering of hospitality industry leaders, including hoteliers, chief decision makers, and key stakeholders from across British Columbia.

Date: April 22-23

Location: Westin Bayshore, Vancouver. 

The BCHA Summit offers a dynamic program, Marketplace with 50+ exhibitors, and the prestigious Awards of Excellence.

Visit the conference website and learn more HERE

2025 Pig Out Festival

For those who are already dreaming of spring, this much-loved food and wine event is returning to the heart of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country set against the stunning vineyard backdrop of Cellar Door and More. 

Date: May 3

Location: Cellar Door Winery (and more)

The 2025 theme, “When Pigs Fly,” takes the festivities to new heights by incorporating creative poultry-inspired dishes, crafted by talented local and guest chefs. 

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

BC Chamber of Commerce AGM & Conference

Join us in Nanaimo to explore this vibrant urban centre found on the east side of beautiful Vancouver Island, located on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples - Snuneymuxw, Snaw-naw-as, and Stz'uminus.

Date: June 3-5

Location: Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Nanaimo

Connect with Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade executives, business leaders and association stakeholders from across the province who play a key role in shaping policy, fostering networking opportunities

and driving economic growth throughout British Columbia.

More information and registration to be available soon!

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 and 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.