The Voice of the BC Tourism Industry
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| Two of Canada's most photographed icons brought together for this amazing image: 112 Mounties on the Capilano Suspension Bridge to commemorate our country's 150th birthday. |
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Chair's Message
The beginning of summer always seems to conjure up a feeling of anticipation as small tourism operators like me look forward to better and more consistent weather, a steady stream of customers/visitors, multiple activities and events in our local communities (e.g. Canada Day) that help drive business, late evenings outside with family and friends, and whatever else this great province of ours has to offer.
However, this summer begins with a sense of nervousness about what lies ahead in B.C.'s political landscape. The charade in Victoria regarding who will ultimately govern our province has been somewhat of a distraction to our industry especially during a time when we need certainty to continue the momentum British Columbia's visitor economy has gained in recent years.
As we anxiously await the formation of a new provincial government, and by extension, a new tourism minister, we've been diligently compiling a list of questions we need answers to in order for our industry to continue to grow and prosper. For example:
- Will the new government support the recently introduced formula-funding model for Destination British Columbia or is there another alternative for consideration?
- Will the new government eliminate tax regulation 78(1)b to help communities manage the growing problem of affordable and available housing through enforcement?
- How will the new government address labour shortages throughout B.C. and work with the federal government on some relief options including a 'seasonal tourism workers program'?
- What are the new government's plans for B.C. Ferries?
- How will the new government help businesses address the proposed minimum wage increases and other changes to the B.C. Labour Code?
There are dozens of other questions to be sure. However, we are unlikely to see much traction in the near term until things settle down, a new cabinet is appointed and up to speed, and TIABC has its audience with new cabinet ministers and staff to brief them on the various issues, challenges and opportunities. When all of this happens is anyone's guess.
In the interim, we will continue to communicate and seek input from our members and stakeholders to ensure we're fully prepared when the time comes for us to present our industry and its importance to British Columbia to the new government.
Jim Humphrey
Chair, TIABC
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Save the Date: TIABC AGM & Summit - October 12
TIABC's AGM and one-day Summit takes place October 12th in Richmond in conjunction with annual general meetings by BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association, as well as Aboriginal Tourism B.C. The day also includes a
Town Hall with participation by TIAC, Destination Canada and Aboriginal Tourism Canada.
Stay tuned for more details.
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Wildfire PSA
Summer is here and with it comes the hot weather and threat of wildfires. Download our Wildfire Public Service Announcement to remind visitors and residents of their responsibility for preventing fires.
#BCTourismMatters
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TIABC YouTube Channel
 Did you know that TIABC has a YouTube channel where we're collecting Power of Tourism videos from tourism operators and stakeholders to support the #BCTourismMatters campaign? We're looking for more videos to share with government, residents and decision-makers.
Check out our more recent video compilation from #TourismWeek 2017.
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YVR and Musqueam Sign 30-Year Agreementt
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| Craig Richmond (left) President & CEO of YVR, and Chief Wayne Sparrow of the Musqueam Indian Band |
A major step forward in the future of the airport and the community happened recently as the Musqueam Indian Band and YVR signed The Musqueam Indian Band - YVR Airport Sustainability & Friendship Agreement
, a 30-year agreement based on friendship and respect to achieve a sustainable and mutually beneficial future for the community.
Some of the details of the agreement include a path of education to employment with a number of scholarships and new jobs, 1% of annual revenue from YVR, identification and protection of archeological resources, and support for ongoing operations and long-term development at the airport.
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Canada-BC Job Grant
Training Dollars Available
The Canada-BC Job Grant (CJG) is an employer-driven, cost-sharing program that helps employers invest in training for their current or future employees. There are training dollars available for the tourism industry in BC for applications submitted by July 31st for training with a start date between September 1 and December 31, 2017.
The BC government has engaged organizations to act as delivery partners to help maximize the benefits of the CJG program for employers and British Columbians. Each delivery partner provides services to meet the needs of specific economic sectors.
Delivery partners support employers in priority sectors by helping them assess their training needs, identify their training options and submit applications. Delivery partners also help ensure that employers meet all eligibility requirements and are aware of their obligations under the CJG program.
Back In Motion, a CJG delivery partner, has sent TIABC a one-pager about their free services in order to provide more information for TIABC stakeholders. This information can be downloaded
here.
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Canadian En[tour]preneur Experience
Young Canadians from across the country are invited to apply for the
Canadian En(tour)preneur Experience in Ottawa from August 13 to 15, 2017. Here they will share ideas on tourism and learn about entrepreneurship in the sector, as well as network and engage with tourism operators and industry partners.
Applicants must be:
- 18 to 24 years old;
- interested in tourism and entrepreneurship;
- thinking about starting a tourism business;
- passionate about travel, especially within Canada; and
- interested in sharing input on how to make tourism experiences great for millennials.
Selected participants will:
- travel to Ottawa to meet tourism operators and youth from across Canada;
- mingle with representatives from the top five tourism-related service sectors-accommodations, food and beverage, recreation and entertainment, transportation, and travel services;
- find out how entrepreneurs are promoting their business ventures and experiences; and
- learn more about entrepreneurial opportunities in tourism.
The deadline is Friday, June 30 at 5:00 p.m. (ET).
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Numbers You Need to Know
Tourism Indicators
Passenger volume to YVR has increased by 7% in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same time last year. Restaurant receipts are up 6% compared to 2016, increasing to $1.6 billion. For other tourism indicators, visit the Destination BC website:
Customs Entries
In March, BC and Canada had impressive increases in Asia/Pacific arrivals, up 6.6% and 20.6% respectively compared to March 2016. The International Visitor Arrivals publication summarizes customs entries data to British Columbia and Canada from selected markets of origin. See the full report on international visitor arrivals on the Destination BC website:
The monthly International Arrivals by Province publication provides insight into overnight visitor arrivals for each province. This publication can also be found on the Destination BC website:
Thanks to the 1.3M travellers arriving in Canada, April 2017 was Canada's best April ever!
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B.C. Cities Clamp Down
on Short-term Vacation Rentals
TIABC was recently quoted in a
Globe & Mail article regarding
the desperate housing shortage in BC communities, which is being exacerbated by conversions of long-term rentals to vacation rentals.
The news story references the communities of Tofino, Revelstoke, Whistler, Vancouver, Kelowna, Penticton, Rossland, Sun Peaks, Kamloops, Victoria and Fernie.
The issue of short-term vacation rentals remains a key advocacy priority for TIABC.
Source:
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#BCTourismMatters
Economic Impact of Mountain Biking in Whistler 2016
The 2016 Whistler Mountain Bike Economic Impact Study commissioned by Tourism Whistler, WORCA, Whistler Blackcomb, RMOW and conducted by the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA) has been released.
The combined spending of out-of-town riders on riding activities such as the bike park and renting bicycles, along with tourism related expenditures in Whistler totalled $47 million, supporting $75.9 million in economic activity in British Columbia including $58.6 million in economic activity in Whistler alone. The 2016 mountain bike season generated $25.1 million in wages and salaries in the province through the support of 488 jobs, of which 388 jobs and $18.1 million in wages and salaries were realized in Whistler.
Source:
Vancouver Ranked #2 Destination by AAA
The American Automobile Association (AAA) ranks Vancouver #2 in their list of top 10 summer travel destinations in North America based on bookings.
British Columbia Embraces Aboriginal Experiences in Tourism
 A recent Toronto Star article interviewed Paula Amos of Aboriginal Tourism BC (& TIABC Board Member) who explained that
aboriginal tourism expects to attract 2.2 million visitors and generate $1.5 billion in spending on trips with an aboriginal experience within five years. It already has more than 90 experiences and is only in its early stage of development.
Source:
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Capilano University
Seeks Tourism Teaching Position
Capilano University is excited to share with you a posting for a full-time teaching position within the School of Tourism Management beginning this fall. The position builds bench strength within the hotel and resort concentration of the degree and is will be an integral part of our department.
Download more information
here.
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Tourism HR Canada Appoints New Board Members Including TIABC Director
TIABC past-chair, Christine Willow of Chemistry Consulting, and Keith Henry, president & CEO of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada were both recently elected to Tourism HR Canada's Board of Directors.
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Air Canada Named Best Airline in North America
Air Canada was today named Best Airline in North America by the 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards at the International Paris Air Show. It is the sixth time in eight years Canada's flag carrier has been named the continent's best airline by Skytrax, whose survey of almost 20 million air travellers is recognized as the global benchmark of industry excellence.
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Canadian Tourism Awards
Nominations Close June 30th
TIAC is looking for the most outstanding businesses, places, events and people for the 2017 Canadian Tourism Awards.
The Canadian Tourism Awards are the standard of excellence for the nation's travel industry, showcasing our country's best tourism products, services and experiences. They honour the people, places, organizations and events that have gone above and beyond to offer travellers superior tourism experiences in Canada.
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| In this Issue |
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Chair's Message
TIABC News
Industry News
#BCTourismMatters
Calendar of Events
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| Events |
July 10, 2017
July 28, 2017
September 13-15, 2017
Revelstoke, BC
September 19 - 21, 2017
Sidney, BC
Registration open!
September 25-29, 2017
Vancouver, BC
October 12, 2017
Richmond, BC
2017 Kootenay Rockies Tourism Industry Conference& AGM
October 17-18, 2017
Golden, BC
November 1-2, 2017
Kamloops, BC
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism AGM
November 3-5, 2017
Williams Lake, BC
Calgary, Alberta
November 6-8, 2017
November 28-28, 2017
Gatineau, QC
BC Tourism Industry Conference
March 7-9, 2018
Kelowna, BC
Visit TIABC's
Event Calendar for more events.
Tell us about your event and we will add it to the list.
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