With Spring Break underway, it seems like an appropriate time for some spring cleaning...or housekeeping if you prefer.  Allow me to fill you in on some recent activities (in no particular order):

 

Many people I've spoken with over the last few weeks are still talking about how good the BC Tourism Industry Conference was. In early survey results, we're seeing high marks for speakers, content and other elements that affirm the desire and necessity of the conference.  Interestingly, I've connected with folks who couldn't attend this year that were sorry they missed it (based on what they heard) and plan to register for Kelowna next March.  If you joined us in Victoria and haven't yet filled out the follow-up survey, please do so this week before we close it off. One final note about the conference...checkout our new video that debuted at lunch on the final day. It provides a slightly different take on why #BCTourismMatters.

 

We are less than two months away from the provincial election, and although the writ hasn't yet been dropped, campaigning is well underway. As I referenced a few weeks ago, TIABC (with input from several sector partners) has produced a 2017 Guide to the BC Election that provides tourism stakeholders with suggestions on how to engage candidates of all political stripes in discussions about issues and opportunities related to B.C.'s visitor economy.  We believe you'll find this to be a valuable tool to help frame the relevant issues, as well as to learn more about party platforms/actions the next government will take relative to tourism. Review or download a copy of the guide from our website.

 

At the invitation of Tourism HR Canada (THRC), I attended a two-day meeting in Ottawa last week (along with 50 professional colleagues from across the country) to discuss labour shortages and other tourism HR challenges. The session provided important insight into government policy and priorities, industry needs and trends, initiatives by various organizations, and a desired path forward toward resolving some of the challenges.  I commend Tourism HR Canada for their leadership and for the work they do on this critical file.  A copy of the discussion topics and key stats can be found here.  Feel free to contact THRC if you require further information or clarification.

 

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to co-host a working lunch for members of the BC Liberal Caucus in Victoria to examine the concerns around the unregulated short-term vacation rental (STR) market that is affecting multiple communities around B.C. Along with BCHA's James Chase and TIABC board member David McKenzie (who is also BCHA chair), we discussed the key issues (e.g. lack of affordable & available housing for workers) and talked about possible solutions. Caucus was keenly interested in the STR issue. We look forward to continued dialogue in the coming months.

 

Recently in Nanaimo, TIABC board member Paul Nursey (CEO, Tourism Victoria), Chemistry Consulting's Frank Bouree and I presented to Mayor Bill McKay, a couple of municipal councillors and close to 30 members of Nanaimo's tourism and hospitality community regarding preferred approaches to destination marketing given that the city is absent an official DMO. While taking our remarks and suggestions into consideration, the city recently announced a new business relationship for sales and marketing of the conference centre, as well as destination marketing.

 

As you can see, lots on the go in our Q1 spring cleaning efforts. As always, we look forward to hearing from you.