Province Supports Emergency Operations Centres

to Keep Communities Safe

As British Columbia responds to increasingly frequent climate emergencies, the Province is funding local projects to better equip local governments and First Nations to respond to emergencies and support people who are evacuated.

The Province is providing nearly $7 million to support 139 emergency operation centre projects, benefiting 183 communities through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. These funds will be used to purchase supplies and fund training and exercises to support staff and boost response capacity. Emergency operations centres co-ordinate people, actions and resources, and support first responders on the ground. They also ensure people receive timely information, shelter assistance and other vital services throughout an emergency.

Read the full announcement from the Province HERE.

ICYMI | Province Advancing Easier Ways of Doing Business

The Province is launching an ease-of-doing-business review, with the goal of streamlining processes to reduce barriers, cut red tape, foster innovation and create a more supportive, business-friendly environment in BC.

Businesses are invited to share their ideas, challenges and suggestions through an online website portal until fall 2025. Information gathered throughout the review will help government establish a set of performance measurements to make it easier for companies and organizations of all sizes and sectors to do business in BC.

To learn about the ease-of-doing-business review and submit feedback, visit HERE.

BC Ferries Selects Shipyard to Construct four New Major Vessels

BC Ferries announced earlier this week they have selected China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards (CMI Weihai) to build four New Major Vessels (NMVs.

In their first 10 years of service, BC Ferries anticipates investing over $230 million locally on refits and scheduled maintenance for the four currently approved NMVs, and more than $1 billion over their expected 45-year lifespans. In addition to this reinvestment, the NMVs are expected to generate approximately 17,200 job-years of employment, $1.2 billion in wages, and contribute $2.2 billion to B.C.’s GDP over their service lifetime.

• Read the full announcement from BC Ferries HERE.
• Learn more about the economic impact HERE.
• More information about BC Ferries’ fleet renewal plans and what these new vessels will mean for customers is available on the BC Ferries website HERE.

go2HR Release May 2025 Labour Market Update

According to the latest labour market report from goHR, BC’s tourism and hospitality industry experienced a noticeable decline in employment and labour force participation in May, highlighting sector-specific challenges as the busy summer season approaches.

While overall employment levels remain relatively stable, regional variations and rising unemployment rates underscore the ongoing need for strategic workforce support and resilience planning.

Key Highlights

• Employment dropped 3.7%, totalling 336,500 jobs, down slightly from May 2019 levels
• Labour force participation decreased by 2.2%, with notable declines in Food & Beverage, Recreation & Entertainment, and Transportation & Travel
• Unemployment rate rose to 6.5%, surpassing the May 2019 pre-pandemic rate of 4.8%

Regional Trends

• Employment rose in Cariboo, Northern BC, and Kootenay regions
• Declines observed in Lower Mainland, Thompson Okanagan, and Vancouver Island
• Northern BC and Thompson Okanagan remain below pre-COVID employment levels; Cariboo, Lower Mainland, and Kootenay surpassed pre-pandemic figures; Vancouver Island remained stable at pre-COVID levels

Check out the go2HR Employment Tracker and read the full Labour Market Update for May 2025 HERE.

Commercial Bear Viewing Association Deliver Welcome Message to U.S. Visitors

TIABC member, the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC (CBVA) recently brought their members together to deliver a message to American visitors who may be feeling uneasy about visiting Canada due to the rising political tension. A two-minute video "You Are Always Welcome" is aimed to target the American visitor and is distributed on the CBVA website and social media channels.

The video features the 15 members of the association who speak directly to the camera from their various locations and respond to the concerns the individual companies have been hearing from American visitors booked to travel to BC this year.

The video has also received wide attention from other various media outlets that include radio, print, television (local and national) and YouTube.

Learn more about the campaign HERE. Watch the video in the link below.

TIAC Introduces New Board of Directors

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has

announced the appointment of new and returning members to its Board of Directors, confirmed during their AGM earlier this week. Leading the TIAC Board are:

Chair: Matt Jelly (President, Maritime Fun Group)

Vice-Chair: Teresa Ryder (Director of Business Development, ITAC)

Vice-Chair: Dave McKenna (President, Ridge North Group)

TIABC CEO Walt Judas stepped down from the TIAC Board after serving for four years, including acting as Chair of the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Associations (PTTIA).

Meet the new TIAC Board of Directors HERE.

Downtown Victoria Report HIghlights Plight of Businesses Across British Columbia

The Downtown Victoria Business Association’s (DVBA) recently released its 2025 Report on Downtown, in which nearly half of the surveyed businesses said they would consider closing if they were not tied to their lease. As a result, the Save Our Streets Coalition is echoing the organization’s call on governments to start treating this as a crisis.

Among the notable finding of the survey, which received a record number of responses, were:

• 48% of businesses would consider closing if their lease were up within the next 12 months;
• 39% businesses reported a decline in net profit over the past year;
• 69% of respondents said they think crime has increased over the past year; and
• nearly 54% of businesses gave downtown a C+ or lower as a place to do business.

In its report, the DVBA identified key advocacy priorities based on member feedback with municipal government, provincial government and federal government.

1. Read the full DVBA 2025 Report on Downtown HERE.
2. Learn more about the Save Our Streets Coalition HERE.

National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 21

It's a time to recognize and celebrate the traditions, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis. National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

For generations, many First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection and celebration.

Learn more on how to get involved and find an event or activity near you HERE.

An Invitation to Participate in an Engagement on AI

The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation is currently exploring how industries in British Columbia are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and wants to hear directly from BC businesses about their real-world experiences with AI. Whether your business is developing or adopting AI, or have yet to adopt AI, your story matters.

To support this work, the Ministry is collecting stories from BC businesses about their real-world experiences with AI to better understand what’s working, where challenges exist, and what kinds of support could make a difference. This feedback will help shape future policies, programs, and strategy for AI in BC.

The stories are anonymous and takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete.

We hope you are enjoying Season Two of Postcards from BC as we highlight TIABC members out exploring and enjoying everything British Columbia has to offer. Now more than ever, it's time to celebrate the beauty, energy, and unforgettable experiences found right here at home.

We would love you to be part of our weekly Postcards from BC feature. Send a photo of you enjoying a BC destination to deborah@tiabc.ca.

BC Aviation Council Explores the Future of Air Access and Tourism at Annual Conference

The BC Aviation Council hosted their annual conference in Kamloops last week with the theme, “Innovation – Eyes on the Horizon”, focusing on the innovations needed to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and competitiveness in the industry.

An industry panel on tourism innovation featured guests Dawn Rueckl, Director of Industry Development at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport; Destination BC’s Director of Destination Development & Stewardship, Erica Hummel; Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO & President of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association; and Chief Frank Antoine (kukpi7) of Bonaparte First Nation and founder & CEO of Moccasin Trails.

Key themes from the panel included:

• Advancing Indigenous-led tourism rooted in respect and reciprocity
• Coordinating across provincial and regional levels to amplify opportunity
• Fostering sector-wide collaboration for community and economic resilience

The discussion focused on how air access can unlock sustainable, year-round tourism and help support the full spectrum of world-class destinations across BC. 

Big White Ski Resort Announces $9.4M Investment in Infrastructure and Operations for 2025

Big White Ski Resort is investing $9.4 million in infrastructure and operations in 2025 as part of a long-term plan to modernize services, boost sustainability and elevate the guest experience.

A key focus this year is the expansion of electrical infrastructure to the top of the Ridge Rocket chairlift. The resort is also extending fibre optic lines to key lift areas — Ridge, Bullet, Powder, Gem Lake and Black Forest — with the goal of enabling real-time communications and digital signage across five zones. Facility improvements include a new daycare and expanded Kids’ Centre, set to open in the Village Centre Mall on Opening Day.

The resort states that this year’s projects are part of a broader strategy to enhance lift reliability and support sustainable operations in both summer and winter.

go2HR Introduce "Dear go2HR" Advice Column

Got a tricky HR situation? You’re not alone — go2HR is ready to help.

Dear go2HR is the new advice column for Tourism & Hospitality employers across BC. Each month, they tackle real questions from real leaders — on hiring, mental health, team dynamics, and more.

Want to submit a question for a future column? Send it in anonymously. They have your back!

• Read the first article HERE.
• Submit a question HERE.

Now Available | 2025/26 Super Camping & Select Lodging Guide

For over 35 years, this go-to resource has helped travelers discover exceptional campgrounds, RV parks, glamping experiences, and unique lodging options across the province.

Includes:

• Over 52 pages of listings for campgrounds, RV parks, cabins, resorts, glamping sites, and motels
• Symbols for easy identification of on-site facilities
• Helpful travel planning resources, including BC pull-out map

Download the Super Camping & Select Lodging Guide HERE.

Sport Fishing Institute of BC | BIG SPRING RAFFLE - Countdown to the Final Deadline!

The Big Spring Raffle is wrapping up soon—don’t miss your chance to get tickets or top up while there’s still time! There are incredible main prizes including the Grand Prize: a Kingfisher boat, Yamaha motor, and Scotty downriggers package.

Other top prizes feature unforgettable fishing trips with Langara Fishing Adventures in Haida Gwaii, Brightfish Charters in Campbell River, and BonChovy Charters in Sidney.

For tickets and details visit the Big Spring Raffle site HERE.

The final draws take place on July 11th at 12:00 pm, with purchase deadline on July 10th at midnight or while they last! 

BC Wine Wisdom Quiz

Wine Growers of BC is asking if you know how sustainable wine-growing benefits the wine in your glass?

a) It ensures wine is made only from organic grapes

b) It focuses on low-cost packaging only

c) It supports practices that preserve the land, water, and local ecosystems

The answer is HERE.

Culinary Tourism Alliance | Release of National Culinary & Agritourism Action Plan

You are invited you to a special webinar hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) where

Canada’s new National Culinary & Agritourism Action Plan will be unveiled.

Date: June 17

Time: 10:00 am (PDT)

This informative and inspiring session will explore how we can work together to elevate Canada as a globally recognized delicious destination. You’ll gain insight into the CTA’s evolving vision and discover ways to contribute to our shared goal of making culinary and agritourism key drivers of sustainable local economies.

Register HERE.

You're Invited | FIFA World Cup 2026 Tourism Industry Update

As we approach the one-year countdown to FIFA World Cup 26™, you are invited to join in for an update from Destination BC, the Host City of Vancouver, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport on planning, upcoming activations, and the key milestones ahead.

Date: June 18

Destination BC will also share and update on our consumer-facing marketing activities for World Cup 26™, including the recently launched Beautiful Seats campaign.

Register for this webinar HERE.

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

An Introduction to Psychological Health & Safety in Emergencies: Implementing a People- Centred Approach to Crisis Preparedness and Response

As temperatures rise and wildfires threaten communities across British Columbia, it’s crucial for tourism and hospitality employers to prioritize their team's psychological health and safety. Join go2HR for this free webinar.

Date: June 19

Time: 10:00 am (PDT)

In this session, you'll gain valuable insights into why psychological preparedness is essential for employee resilience and organizational continuity. Understand how proactive planning can significantly reduce the emotional and mental health impacts of crises on your team, ensuring they feel supported and secure during challenging times.

Learn more and register HERE.

Fortis BC: Small Business Engagement Program Information Sessions

GreenStep Solutions, in partnership with FortisBC, is hosting a webinar to introduce the FortisBC Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses program.

This program is tailored to help small businesses implement energy-saving strategies, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

In addition to the webinar, professionally designed marketing materials will be provided to organizations that choose to support this program through their platforms.

Please register for this informational session by selecting the link that works best for you.

• June 24 at 10:00 am (PDT)
• July 10 at 10:00 am (PDT)

CONFERENCES & SPECIAL EVENTS

June is RVing & Camping Month

The annual Canadian RVing and Camping Week has shifted focus from a post-May long weekend event to a month-long celebration in June.

Organized and sponsored by the Canadian Camping and RV Association, this expanded month long initiative is designed to encourage Canadians and international visitors to get outside to enjoy a fun, safe and secure camping experience with family and friends.  

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association has provided valuable resources to share and encourage you to join in this year's camping season. Learn more HERE.

BC Family Fishing Weekend

2025 marks the 26th anniversary of this annual celebration, which coincides with Father's Day each year. Happy BC Family Fishing Weekend and Father's Day!

Dates: June 13-15

The BC Family Fishing Weekend offers all British Columbians a chance to experience some of Canada’s vast landscapes and stunning scenery, along with the simple joy of casting a line and catching a fish. A reminder: during BC's Family Fishing Weekend, both freshwater and tidal water licences are free.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate and participate. Visit the website for further details HERE.

23rd Annual Coast Hotels Shuhachi Naito Golf Classic

We’re excited to announce that registration for the 23rd Annual Coast Hotels Shuhachi Naito Golf Classic is now open.

Date: Thursday, July 10

Location: Tsawwassen Springs Golf Club, Delta

You’ll find the event registration form attached to this email.

This year’s tournament will kick off at 12:00 PM with a shotgun start and follow a Texas Scramble format—guaranteeing a day full of friendly competition and great fun on the course.

We’re proud to once again support the ALS Society of B.C. and the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre as this year’s beneficiaries.

Learn more and register HERE.

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 Calendars:

• July 17| 15th Annual Vancouver Golf Tournament | Tsawwassen Springs
• August 20| 9th Annual Victoria Golf Tournament | Olympic View Golf Club

Visit HERE to learn more and to book!

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.

Learn more, including how to participate and purchase tickets 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.