Honouring Excellence in British Columbia

To celebrate service excellence, the Province invites the public to nominate outstanding individuals for the Province’s two highest honours: the Order of British Columbia and the Medal of Good Citizenship.

The Order of British Columbia

• The Order of British Columbia represents the highest form of recognition the Province can extend to its people.
• The order recognizes outstanding achievement, excellence or distinction by a former or current BC resident whose contributions benefit the province and elsewhere.

The Medal of Good Citizenship

• The Medal of Good Citizenship honours individuals whose selfless volunteerism, generosity and contributions have a positive effect on their community.
• Youth nominations are also accepted (ages 15-25), as well as posthumous nominations.

Learn more, including how to submit nominations for the Order of British Columbia and the Medal of Good Citizenship HERE.

GVHA CEO Search Begins | Don Krusel Appointed Interim CEO

The Board of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has initiated a formal search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

To support GVHA during the recruitment period, the Board has appointed Don Krusel as Interim CEO. Don brings more than 35 years of port and maritime experience, including his tenure as President and CEO of the Port of Prince Rupert, and will provide experienced leadership throughout this transition.

• Read the full announcement HERE.

The GVHA also recently released their Year-in-Review, highlighting the organization's events and activities.

• Read the Year-in-Review HERE.

Job Opportunity | Destination Vancouver

Director of Sales, Meetings & Conventions, US Association & Convention Services

Destination Vancouver is seeking a strategic and dynamic Director of Sales, US Association & Convention Services, to lead their business development efforts in the US Association market. This is a pivotal leadership role, managing a team of sales professionals as well as working in close partnership with the Vancouver Convention Centre and Destination Vancouver.

Learn more including how to apply HERE.

In Memoriam | Petrus Rykes

With great sadness, we have learned of the passing of Petrus Rykes, a long-time owner of Eagle’s Nest Resort in Anahim Lake.

Petrus was a passionate advocate for tourism and land-use planning in the Chilcotin Region of the province. He played a pivotal role in the development of the Anahim Round Table Land Use Plan, successfully bringing together diverse interests including ranchers, tourism operators, forestry companies, and guide/outfitters. This collaborative model became so influential that it has been replicated in other regions and studied in educational institutions. Petrus also tirelessly lobbied for the Chilcotin to be recognized as a distinct region in central BC - a vision that ultimately became a reality.

TIABC's Board of Directors and staff extend our sincere condolences to the family of Petrus, as well as to industry colleagues and the staff of Eagle’s Nest Resort who had the pleasure of working with him.

A friendly reminder that registration is open for the 2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference. The conference will take place at the Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna, March 4 - 6, 2026. 

Don’t miss out - register by January 14th to secure early bird pricing and save!

Episode #45 - Starr McMichael

Meet Starr McMichael, owner and president of Starrboard Enterprises, in a conversation with TIABC’s CEO and host of the Voice of Tourism podcast, Walt Judas.

Starr shares her journey from cleaning the heads on the historic Princess Marguerite turboelectric vessel, to building the Truffles Group and becoming a governance leader with her Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Rotman School of Business.

She reflects on co-founding the IMPACT Conference, now entering its ninth year, which brings together clean-tech innovators, Indigenous leaders, and tourism professionals to advance regenerative business practices. Starr discusses the power tourism professionals have to drive change, the importance of including local communities in business decisions, and why she believes the conversation around regenerative tourism is still evolving.

Start 2026 Strong: Book a Free Winter JHSC

Drop-In Session

A strong start sets the tone for the year, and in Tourism & Hospitality, health and safety must stay front and centre from day one. As operations continue and plans take shape for the months ahead, now is the right time to refocus your Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) and reinforce safe, effective practices that support successful operations.

go2HR’s free, expert-led JHSC Drop-in Sessions are designed to help committees stay engaged, informed, and confident in their role. These 30-minute, practical sessions can be added to your regular JHSC meetings, either virtually or in person, and are tailored to real-world challenges across BC’s Tourism & Hospitality industry.

Each session utilizes relatable industry examples and interactive discussions to help committee members better understand their responsibilities, address current hazards, and enhance both occupational and psychological health and safety awareness. The result is a committee that’s more effective, more confident, and better equipped to act.

Winter-relevant topics include managing snow and ice hazards, preventing cold stress and hypothermia, supporting staff after a critical incident, and addressing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

If 2026 is the year you want to turn your JHSC into a health and safety powerhouse, this is a practical place to start. Book your free JHSC Drop-in Session today in the link below.

Air Canada / Culinary Tourism Alliance Launch Youth Taste of Place Entrepreneur Showcase

The Air Canada Youth Entrepreneurship Contest will bring two outstanding young Canadian culinary and agritourism entrepreneurs to the 2026 Taste of Place Summit in Edmonton, Alberta on June 15 & 16.

The selected winners will receive the opportunity to participate in a featured Summit panel, moderated by Air Canada: How My Taste of Place Business Took Flight: Canadian Youth Entrepreneurs in Conversation with Air Canada

This initiative celebrates innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of Canada’s taste of place economy. This opportunity reaches youth entrepreneurs across the country.

Full contest details and how to apply can be found HERE.

BCHA's Fast Track Your Future Education Series

The BC Hotel Association's (BCHA) Fast Track Your Future education series is back! Designed for aspiring, new, and seasoned leaders who want to build practical skills, improve performance, and advance their careers.

Each series is designed to be accessible, relevant, and immediately applicable, helping individuals and teams grow their impact and contribute to long-term business success.

2025/2026 Series Schedule:

• Human Resources Strategy for Hospitality sponsored by VVS Global | Jan 14 – Feb 18, 2026
• Communication & Marketing Strategies for Hospitality | Jan 27 – Mar 3, 2026
• Managing Food & Beverage Operations | March 4 – April 8, 2026
• Advanced Leadership for Hospitality Professionals – level 2 | Apr 15 – May 20, 2026
• Guest Experience & Service Excellence sponsored by Stayntouch | Apr 21 – May 26, 2026 

Learn more about the Fast Track Your Future Series HERE.

go2HR | Building the Business Case for Psychological Health & Safety

In Tourism & Hospitality, great service starts with employees who feel psychologically safe and supported. This webinar will show how investing in Psychological Health and Safety (PH&S) reduces turnover, lowers sick days, and strengthens guest satisfaction.

Date: January 14

Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am (PST)

Drawing on real examples from the industry, you’ll explore the measurable benefits of making employee well-being a business priority, and gain practical strategies to build a strong case for investment.

Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

National Tourism Workforce Summit | Getting Organized, Setting an Action Plan

Tourism HR Canada looks forward to kicking off 2026 with the National Tourism Workforce Summit: a free, 90-minute webinar on the latest labour market research, including key trends, pressures, and opportunities shaping the national workforce.

Date: January 19 at 10:00 am (PST)

What you’ll gain:

• A concise, research-driven overview of current labour market conditions
• Clarity on existing workforce strategies and their effectiveness
• Actionable recommendations that support cross-sector collaboration
• A shared framework for aligning stakeholders around workforce priorities

Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

Tourism DMO Sustainability Training Course – Spring 2026

Synergy Academy is a new learning format from Synergy Enterprises, created to make real-world sustainability knowledge more accessible and actionable for the business community.

The courses empower executives, professionals, teams, and emerging leaders to integrate sustainability into their operations, strategy, and decision-making processes. The following courses are specifically designed for Destination Management Organizations:

A). 5 modules in workshop format from March 3rd to March 31st

• 1-hour, virtual, Live delivery
• 10 AM PST, Every Tuesday

B). 5 modules in workshop format from March 4th to April 1st

• 1-hour, virtual, Live delivery
• 10 AM PST, Every Wednesday

Learn more and register HERE.

CONFERENCES & SPECIAL EVENTS

Taste Around Abby

Taste Around Abby is a brand-new addition to the Taste of Abby experience and offers a unique two-week culinary experience.

Dates: January 21 - February 4

Local restaurants will feature exclusive three-course, fixed-price menus that highlight Abbotsford’s vibrant food scene and showcase the creativity of our chefs. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a new dining adventure, this is your chance to explore the best of Abbotsford.

Learn more including visiting participating restaurants HERE.

Dine Out Vancouver Festival

Savour and sip your way through Canada’s largest food and drink festival with experiences to please your palate. Choose from curated fixed-price menus at over hundreds of Vancouver’s hottest restaurants and discover unique culinary events that span everything from sea foraging to dumpling fests. 

Mark your calendars for Season 24 from January 21st to February 8th.

Learn more and check out the participating restaurants HERE.

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 | VCM Tourism Region Industry Forum

The Vancouver Coast & Mountains (VCM) Tourism Region is pleased to announce that the next VCM Industry Forum will take place in Burnaby.

Date: Wednesday, February 4

Location: Delta Hotels Burnaby Conference Centre

This free, in-person event will bring together tourism businesses, First Nations, and Community Destination Management Organizations from across the region. It’s a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and explore how collaboration strengthens tourism in British Columbia.

Registration details and a detailed agenda will be shared soon. For now, please mark your calendars!

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

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. Learn more and register HERE,

Wilderness Tourism Association AGM

Mark Your Calendar and plan to attend Wilderness Tourism Association's annual general meeting. This year’s AGM will be held in person, with hybrid options available for those joining remotely.

Date: March 3

Time: 4:00 pm (PST)

Location: Delta Hotels, Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna

More details—including agenda, and how to participate—will be shared soon.

SAVE THE DATE | BCDMOA Members Roundtable Meeting

It's that time again! Mark March 3rd on your calendar for the BCDMOA Members Annual Roundtable Meeting. In conjunction with the BC Tourism Industry Conference, the BCDMOA Roundtable Meeting will be an all-day meeting with engaging guest speakers and lively conversation. This meeting is open to all BCDMOA Members. Watch your emails for more information.

Location: Delta Hotels, Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna

Email info@bcdmoa.ca to register and be sure to book your accommodation for March 2nd, rooms space is limited!

2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference - The Transformative Power of Tourism

Registration is now open for the 2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference. Join industry colleagues for this must attend conference.

Dates: March 4-6

Location: Delta Hotels, Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna

Be part of the Transformative Power of Tourism and REGISTER TODAY!

BC Farmers’ Market Conference

This workshop is for farmers' markets, restaurants, food business operators and DMOs looking to ignite their community’s food tourism potential.

Date: March 6

Location: Pinnacle Hotel, North Vancouver

By attending this workshop you’ll walk away with a packed workbook of tools, frameworks, and real-world strategies to help you.

Learn more and reserve your seat HERE.

BCHA 2026 Summit

The British Columbia Hotel Association invites you to the 2026 BCHA Summit, taking place at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.

Dates: April 14-15

The Summit is the must-attend event for BC's hospitality industry, bringing together hoteliers, educators, suppliers, key industry stakeholders, and emerging leaders for thought-provoking sessions, valuable connections, and unforgettable experiences. 

This year's theme — Future Ready: Strategies for a Stronger, Smarter Sector — highlights the people, ideas, and opportunities that will elevate our industry.

Registration is NOW OPEN - Learn more HERE.

2026 Pig Out Festival

Get ready for the 2026 Pig Out Festival where local and guest chefs will take center stage, serving unlimited bites alongside tastings from award-winning wineries, live theatre, and culinary demos.

Date: Saturday, May 2

Location: Cellar Door & More!, Oliver

Adult tickets are $109 + tax, youth (13–18) $45, kids 12 and under free. Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

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

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.

Tickets on Sale now for the Culinary Tourism Alliance’s Taste of Place Summit

From Soil to Story

Hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, the Taste of Place Summit is a national gathering bringing together destination leaders, chefs, producers and marketers from across Canada to celebrate and advance culinary and agritourism.

Dates: June 15-16

Location: Westin, Edmonton

Delegates can expect immersive learning journeys, thought-provoking discussions during main stage programming and plenty of networking along the way.

Early bird registration is now open until Dec. 31. Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.