Walt Judas Recognized for Leadership at IMPACT

TIABC CEO Walt Judas was one of two recipients to receive the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Award at a lunchtime ceremony in Victoria this week. The award recognizes thought leaders, innovators, and long-time supporters of the conference who inspire others to advance sustainability.

BC's Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, Hon. Anne Kang, (pictured right) joined IMPACT founders Paul Nursey, Jill Doucette, Deirdre Campbell and Starr McMichael to present the award at a lunchtime ceremony that included more than 200 IMPACT delegates from across Canada, the United States, South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and New Zealand. The other award recipient was Trina White, General Manager of Victoria's Parkside Hotel & Spa.

The annual IMPACT conference focuses on fostering sustainable and regenerative tourism through industry collaboration.

BC Parks Increasing Camping Fees to Further Invest in Parks & Recreation

BC Parks is introducing a new camping surcharge for people living outside of BC and updating camping fees for the first time since 2016.

As reported in this week's news release, the number of people visiting BC Parks now averages more than 27 million visits every year. Increased visitation as well as damage from floods and wildfires has put a strain on aging infrastructure, trails, day-use areas and the natural environment, particularly at BC Parks’ most popular locations.

Camping fees will be updated in 59 high-demand parks and four popular backcountry parks: Garibaldi Park, Golden Ears Park, Joffre Lakes Park and Mount Assiniboine Park. A new camping surcharge will also be introduced for people living outside of B.C.

Beginning May 15th, non-BC residents will pay an additional $20 flat rate for staying in front-country campgrounds, trips to backcountry parks, renting a cabin and using mooring buoys and docks.

Read the full announcement and learn more HERE.

Changes in Place to Pleasure Craft Licensing

Significant changes have been made to the Pleasure Craft Licensing (PCL) program. A pleasure craft licence is a unique number displayed on both sides of a vessel’s bow.

Key Changes

• Expiry Dates: All new, renewed, and transferred licences are valid for 5 years. Older licences that previously had no expiry date now have one (see schedule below).
• Fee: A $24 fee now applies to new, renewed, transferred, or replacement licences.
• Information Updates: You must update your licence details (e.g. name or phone number) within 30 days of any change. Updates are free.
• Licence Cancellation: Licences must be cancelled if a vessel is no longer seaworthy or under other conditions set by the Minister of Transport.
• Wind-Powered Craft: As of December 31, 2027, wind-powered pleasure craft over 6 metres will require a licence. This does not apply to human-powered vessels (e.g., kayaks, canoes, dragon boats).

Learn more HERE.

2026 ORCBC Release Endangered Rivers List

The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) has named Vancouver Island’s Cowichan River and the Heart of the Fraser - an important stretch of the Fraser River between Mission and Hope - as the top entries on its 2026 Most Endangered Rivers List. Climate change is the biggest threat to the Cowichan River while urbanization and development are noted as concerns for the Heart of the Fraser.

This year’s list also identifies several “rivers of concern” including the Elk River in the East Kootenays, the Kettle River in the Okanagan, the Stikine River in the North, and the Similkameen in the Okanagan. The crisis facing Thompson/Chilcotin river steelhead is also included. 

For more than 30 years, the ORCBC has released BC Endangered Rivers Lists to raise awareness about clean water and free-flowing rivers. Read more HERE.

Cruise Season Set for Record Year in 2026

According to the upcoming Cruise Industry News Annual Report, new brands and larger ships are propelling Alaska toward a record-setting cruise season in 2026. Cruise capacity in the Alaska market is expected to rise by more than 10% year-over-year, with more than 65 ships scheduled to operate in the region. With the increase in sailings and larger ships, West Coast ports including Vancouver, Victoria and others, are preparing for an especially busy season ahead.

The first ship to call at the Port of Vancouver this year will dock on February 26th with regular cruise arrivals beginning in mid-April.

Learn more HERE.

The 2026 cruise season in Victoria begins on April 10th with the arrival of Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam. Here are some highlights of what to expect in the Victoria port this season:

• 331 anticipated calls
• Two new cruise lines (Virgin Cruises and MSC Cruises)
• Six inaugural calls in May
• Last call on October 13

View the 2026 cruise schedule for Victoria HERE.

FIFA Launches Canada Celebrates

FIFA has launched Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026, a first-of-its-kind program designed to unite communities across Canada during the tournament, running from June 11 to July 19.

Canada Celebrates will feature a series of free, one-day community events held nationwide, bringing fans together for live match viewings, football-themed activities, cultural programming, music, food, and shared moments of national pride.

The program will extend the excitement and spirit of the tournament beyond the host cities of Vancouver and Toronto, kicking off in BC and Nova Scotia simultaneously on June 11th and has up to 40 stops countrywide in total.

Learn more HERE.

Celebrating DBC's Kathleen Harvey's Retirement

After 20 memorable years, Kathleen Harvey is retiring from Destination BC at the end of January. Throughout her career, Kathleen has been an integral part of the organization, holding various leadership roles in Destination Management and helping to shape many of the projects and programs she has led and contributed to.

Her dedication, expertise, and passion have left a lasting mark on Destination BC and the broader tourism community.

TIABC's Board of Directos and staff join Destination BC in extending the very best wishes to Kathleen as she begins this exciting new chapter. As she prepares for retirement, DBC asked Kathleen to reflect on career-defining moments from her remarkable journey. Read about how Kathleen reflects on her career journey HERE.

CCCT| Regional Tourism Advisor

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism (CCCT), a Biosphere-certified organization, is seeking a Tourism Advisor to join our dynamic team. Committed to integrating the pillars of sustainability throughout our programs and projects, CCCT supports the tourism industry in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region through collaboration with tourism operators, communities, and First Nations to improve entrepreneurial abilities, communication, and collaboration, and to further responsible economic growth. This position works with both the development and marketing teams.

Learn more including how to apply HERE.

Job Opportunity | Heritage BC Executive Director

Heritage BC is seeking a visionary and strategic Executive Director (ED) to lead BC’s province-wide heritage organization into its next chapter. The successful candidate will bring a long-term, opportunity-driven mindset, strong financial literacy, and exceptional business acumen to oversee operations, programs, and partnerships.

The ED will inspire and guide a dedicated team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and empowering workplace. Heritage BC has limited administrative support. Applications for this role will be accepted until noon PST on February 27th. Learn more including how to apply HERE.

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 - learn more about the conference program and REGISTER TODAY !

EXTEND YOUR BC TOURISM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE

Pre | Post Activities

Big White Ski Resort

BC Tourism Industry Conference attendees can enjoy 50% off Big White Ski Resort lift tickets.

Enjoy Big White Ski Resort’s champagne powder leading up to or after the TIABC conference at 50% off.

Valid for conference attendees only. One ticket per attendee.

Dates: March 2, March 3, March 7, March 8

Location: Big White Ski Resort

Activities: Ski & Snowboard 

SilverStar Snow Day

Start your conference week with a full-day alpine adventure at SilverStar Mountain Resort.

Join fellow attendees for an all-inclusive day trip to the mountains featuring your choice of skiing or snowboarding or a snow adventure day with guided snowshoeing, skating, and snow tubing. 

Date: March 3

This seamless experience includes round-trip executive transportation, lift ticket or snow adventure access, lunch in SilverStar Village, and après-ski with local food and beverages. Skiers and riders will be grouped by ability and guided by locals who know the mountain, while snow adventurers enjoy a scenic forest snowshoe to Mountain View Cabin and afternoon winter fun.

Writing Your AI Constitution: What Tourism Leaders Can Learn from Anthropic's Claude

Setting up AI in your organization isn't just about tools. It's about governance. Anthropic took the time to write a clear set of principles for how Claude should behave. Tourism leaders can do the same.

In this article, we break down what an "AI Constitution" looks like, why it matters for your team, and how you can start building your own framework for responsible, effective AI use.

Whether you're rolling out chatbots, testing automation, or exploring AI-powered marketing, having clear guidelines keeps everyone aligned and protects your brand.

ICYMI | Episode #46 - Marsha Walden

Meet Marsha Walden, president and CEO of Destination Canada for an engaging conversation with TIABC's Voice of Tourism, Walt Judas, as she talks about her remarkable career journey and Canada's ambitious tourism future.

Marsha also discusses Canada's strategic goal to reach the global top 10 in tourism competitiveness. She also reflects on the industry's challenges and optimism, the innovative Open Home campaign reassuring American visitors they're welcome in Canada, and the transformative role destination organizations must play beyond marketing.

go2HR Offering Enhanced Safer Spaces Training & Support for BC’s Tourism & Hospitality Sector

go2HR has launched the next evolution of the Safer Spaces initiative, designed to help BC’s Tourism & Hospitality businesses foster respectful, harassment-free workplaces.

To better support your diverse workforce, the Safer Spaces worker course is now available in Spanish and Tagalog! They are also working on the Punjabi, and Mandarin translations.

Take Safer Spaces in Tagalog HERE.

Tourism Talk: Inside the TikTok Playbook of Top Tourism Brands

TikTok is the fastest-growing social platform and a major source of travel inspiration, but how can tourism brands actually use it?

Join Zoë Weldon, the creative mind behind Destination BC’s @SuperNaturalBC account and founder of marketing agency Seekerloverdreamer, to share how tourism brands can start from zero and build real results on TikTok.

Discover how top tourism brands are using TikTok to reach new audiences, create standout content, and turn scrolls into real-world bookings. Learn more and watch the free presentation in the following link.

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.

2026 Series Schedule:

• 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.

Destination BC Industry Call | Working with the Travel Trade

This webinar will serve as a practical introduction to help you understand what the travel trade is, who it’s best suited for, and how it can support long-term, sustainable business growth. Whether you’re just beginning to explore international markets or simply want clarity on the fundamentals, this session will help you build confidence and assess what makes sense for your business and community.

While the session is primarily geared toward tourism businesses and operators, CDMOs are encouraged to attend. It’s a great opportunity to better understand how international visitors discover and book experiences in BC, and explore additional ways CDMOs can help support local tourism businesses interested in this space.

Date: Tuesday, February 10

Time: 10:00am–11:00am PT - Online

Overview: Destination BC’s Market Development team will take participants through the fundamentals of working with the travel trade, including what it is, why it matters for the future of your business, and how you can assess whether it’s a good fit for you.

Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

Building Resilience in Tourism Teams

Tourism and hospitality teams face an endless cycle of demanding guests, seasonal pressure, unpredictable challenges, and physical exhaustion that can quickly lead to burnout and high turnover. Join us to learn evidence-based strategies to help your team bounce back from tough situations, adapt to constant change, and maintain their energy throughout even the most challenging seasons. Walk away with practical techniques that you can use to help build individual and team resilience.

Join Brandy Zimmerman, Workplace Mental Health Strategist, as she shares actionable ways to strengthen mental well-being, maintain team cohesion, and navigate workplace pressures with clarity and compassion.

Date: February 19

Time: 10:00 am (PST)

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.

12 Wellness Travel Prizes to be Won at the 33rd Annual Vancouver Wellness Show 2026

Wellness seekers will have a chance to dream, plan, and win their next rejuvenating escape at the 33rd Annual Vancouver Wellness Show, thanks to the show’s Official Travel Partner, Wellness Travel BC.

Consumers attending the show in person can enter for a chance to win one of 12 exclusive

wellness getaways generously donated by participating WTBC partners.

Dates: January 31 - February 1

Learn more about the 12 exclusive wellness getaways HERE.

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.

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.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR | WORTH Leadership Summit 2026

This full-day event brings together women from across recreation, tourism, and hospitality for skill-building, inspiration, and connection. With this year’s theme, Get Game Ready, attendees will walk away with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and renewed confidence in their leadership journey.

Date: April 1

Location: JW Marriott Parq, Vancouver

Bring a colleague or rally your team. Groups of eight or more from the same organization receive a discounted registration rate.

Learn more HERE or contact summit@worthassociation.com.

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.

CredX 2026 Symposium on Micro-Credentials, Badges, and Recognition

Join in for two transformative days of collaboration, innovation, and action-oriented dialogue at the 2026 CredX Symposium. This year’s symposium brings together diverse voices from industry, government, and post-secondary education to continue discussions on advancing access to higher education, addressing labour market and industry needs, all with the aim to tangibly advance how micro-credentials, digital badges, and recognition practices can positively transform British Columbia and beyond.

Dates: April 15 & 16

Location: VCC, Downtown Vancouver

Learn more and REGISTER 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.

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. Learn more and REGISTER HERE.

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.

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.