The Voice of the BC Tourism Industry
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Chair's Message
 Like most TIABC members and tourism employers in the province, I am a small business owner that works extremely hard (especially during the spring, summer and early fall) to eke out a decent living as a seasonal operation. I love what I do and wouldn't want to do anything else.
That said it's becoming increasingly more difficult to earn enough income to make operating a small tourism business worthwhile. The high cost of housing/land, lack of workers, increasing wages, multiple taxes, inflation, escalating costs for goods/materials, and even mother nature's wrath (among other things) all affect the bottom line. For many operators like me, we can barely pay ourselves let alone meet all our accounts payable obligations.
Now on top of all that, the federal government is proposing tax reform that will directly impact small business owners. Finance Minister Morneau is looking to change the rules on income splitting, holding passive investment in a private corporation, and converting income into capital gains under the guise that small business doesn't pay its share.
What? Really? Hands up if you think we don't pay enough in various taxes to all levels of government already. Small business is the lifeblood of British Columbia's (& Canada's) visitor economy. We don't need yet another obstacle...especially government imposed...to try to keep the doors open.
Our federal counterparts at TIAC will be meeting with the Parliamentary Finance Committee later this month and tax reform is likely to be raised by opposition MPs. If you're concerned about the government's proposal, I'd love to hear from you so I can pass those sentiments along to TIAC and ultimately the federal government.
On a separate note, TIABC's upcoming
AGM and Summit is shaping up nicely thanks to a robust agenda, strong partner support and healthy registration numbers so far. If you haven't done so already, please register straight away. I know it will be worth your while to join us and look forward to seeing you there.
Jim Humphrey
Chair, TIABC
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Early-Bird Deadline Approaching for TIABC Summit
This one-day Summit is bringing together the following industry partners:
Summit Agenda
Wednesday October 11:
Aboriginal Tourism BC is hosting a
Stakeholder Forum (1:00-4:00pm) and co-hosting a Networking reception (4:00-6:00pm) with TIABC at the Musqueam Cultural Pavilion - 4000 Musqueam Avenue in Vancouver, BC. The Networking Reception is open to all Summit delegates.
Thursday October 12:
8:15 am - registration opens
9:00 am - TIABC and AtBC AGMs
10:00 am - Break
10:30 am - Town Hall featuring TIAC, Aboriginal Tourism Canada and Destination Canada
12 noon - Lunch and Keynote Speaker
2pm - Break
2:15 to 3:15 pm -
MPs on the Hotseat featuring
John Aldag (Liberal), Blake Richards (Conservative) and Gord Johns (NDP)
3:15 to 4:15 pm - Destination Development update by Destination BC
4:30 pm - Wrap-up
Following the Summit,
BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is hosting their AGM and Sector Presentation
at the Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport from
4:45 - 8:30 pm
. All BCLCA members are welcome to pre-register and there is no cost to attend. Contact
anne@bclca.com
Friday, October 13: BC DMO Association Fall Meeting fat the Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond. Timing/agenda/RSVP details to be forwarded to BCDMOA members.
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Register Early to Win!
Register for the TIABC Summit
by September 27th
for a chance to win a
$200 gift certificate
for shopping at McArthurGlen Vancouver Designer Outlet.
Voted the Best Outlet Centre at the MAPIC Awards, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport is located just three minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from downtown. With Armani, Coach, Michael Kors and many more for up to 70% less all year round, plus tempting cafés and restaurants, McArthurGlen is the city's premier fashion destination for label lovers.
TIABC member McArthurGlen Vancouver is also offering all TIABC Summit attendees a Fashion Passport for an additional 10% discount on a range of designer brands. Free parking, free Wifi, free lockers for carry-on bags, and free travel on Canada Line between YVR Airport and the McArthurGlen are available. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10am - 9pm; Sunday: 10am - 7pm. Just minutes from our event venue at the Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport.
Present your TIACBC Summit 2017 name badge at Guest Services to receive your Fashion Passport.
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Numbers You Need to Know
International Tourism - Strongest Half-year Results Since 2010
 Destinations worldwide welcomed 598 million international tourists in the first six months of 2017, some 36 million more than in the same period of 2016. At 6%, growth was well above the trend of recent years, making the current January-June period the strongest half-year since 2010.
Arrivals from international markets were up 8% in June and 6% year-to-date, with all 11 markets up year-over-year over the first half of 2017. Mexico continues to see exceptional growth, up 60% in June and year-to-date.
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#BCTourismMatters
Tourism Kamloops Reporting Record Breaking June 2017
 Performance indicators have reported a record breaking June for tourism in Kamloops. June 2017 shows a 26% increase over June 2016 - this increase represents the single highest MRDT reporting in Tourism Kamloops' history. Year to date indicators to the end of June have also accounted for a 2% increase over the same period in 2016.
Tourism Vernon Showing Strong Results
 June MRDT for Vernon was up 25.7% even with the flooding and no power boats on the lakes.
Vernon is currently hosting the BC 55+ Games for their 30th anniversary. Vernon also hosted the first BC 55+ Games in 1987. The games bring some 3,600 athletes to Vernon.
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Mountain Bike Tourism Symposium
underway in Revelstoke
It's conference season and TIABC CEO Walt Judas is in Revelstoke this week with industry partners attending the Mountain Bike Tourism Symposium.
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| Walt Judas and Backcountry Lodges of BC Executive Director Brad Harrison |
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| Walt Judas and Mountain Bike BC Executive Director Martin Littlejohn |
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| Meghan Tabor Marketing Manager at Tourism Revelstoke and the Revelstoke Accommodation Association and Walt Judas |
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#BCTourismMatters
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Short Term Home Rental Regulation in BC
How Some Communities are approaching the Issue
 Source: BC Lodging & Campground Association (BCLCA)
Dogwood Express, September 2017
The march to regulate short term vacation rentals such as Airbnb and Homestay has begun with the major centres and tourism hot spots leading the way. Airbnb rentals are kind of like jaywalking; technically illegal, but everyone's doing it and no one's really enforcing the rules. Many people have homes and a spare room so it is easy to take advantage of services such as Airbnb and it is not frowned upon by politicians as these homeowners are the local voters.
However, now that the short term vacation rental pools are getting extremely large; the long term residential rental market has shrunk; and neighbours are being impacted by commercial activity in their neighbourhood, politicians are being motivated to act. Airbnb no longer just serves homeowners wanting to rent out a room for a few nights a year but short term hotel operators have cottoned on to the fact they can run a business with multiple home or apartment rental locations through Airbnb thereby circumnavigating the rules.
So what is really being done to combat the rise of the short term vacation rental? Here is a quick summary of the approach some communities are taking, gleaned via the media.
Tofino-requires vacation rentals to be licensed and has done so for some 10 years with fees up to $375 per annum. Unfortunately, in the past, the rule has been ignored and was only enforced on a complaint basis. Tofino is now stepping up notification, education and enforcement as they have a shortage of long term rentals for employees.
Victoria-is moving to regulate and limit short-term rentals by way of zoning regulations, housing agreements, and working with the B.C. Assessment Authority to ensure properties used for rentals are under the appropriate class. City staff are recommending regulations and city-wide enforcement to target houses, basement suites and garden suites being used for short-term rentals.
Vernon-Airbnb owners need to be licensed as bed and breakfasts to be authorized but the city of Vernon only has a few licensed and is not actively enforcing.
Penticton-has a licensing structure specifically for short-term vacation rentals, which entails a $175 annual licensing fee plus a $200 tourism fee. The city also has a fine of up to $500 for anyone operating a short-term vacation rental without a licence.
Whistler--The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) requires anyone marketing or leasing short-term rentals - such as those listed on sites like Airbnb - to acquire a business licence or face hefty daily fines. However, those offering property in neighbourhoods not zoned for rentals will be deemed illegal and unable to obtain a business licence. Those found contravening the bylaw could face fines of $1,000 per day for infractions.
Richmond-Council settled on a proposed framework which prohibits entire dwellings from being rented out for 30 days or less. Single-family homes can still be rented out short-term but only if the owner is licensed as a bed and breakfast operator with the city (subject to fees and inspections) and also lives full-time on the property.
Under the Richmond bylaw, homes with secondary suites or laneway/coach houses cannot be rented out short-term. Bed and breakfasts in the same area must be separated by at least 500 metres to prevent the commercialization of neighbourhoods.
Property owners operating short-term rentals must also notify their neighbours and provide them with direct contact information. Bylaw officers will be able to fine violators $1,000 a day per offence up from $250.
Vancouver--is proposing a ban on short-term rentals in secondary homes, which would in effect cut out large, commercial hosts. Homeowners and renters would be allowed to rent out part or all of their principal residence, but rentals of secondary suites or laneway homes would be prohibited.
Operators will be required to get a $49 annual business licence, in addition to a one-time $54 "activation fee." The city will require the hosts to post a valid business licence number on their postings; the bylaw will also stipulate that short-term-rental sites only list rentals with valid business licences. This approach means the city expects the online platforms to take on some of the burden of enforcement.
As BCLCA becomes aware of more approaches throughout BC we will update you through a future article. If you have any comments, regulations to share, or anecdotal stories please contact the Association office.
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New Memorandum of Understanding with AtBC
Two New Positions with Northern BC
Northern BC Tourism and
Aboriginal Tourism BC
are excited to announce a new working relationship where their organizations are taking a coordinated approach to promote and grow Aboriginal cultural tourism within northern BC. With tourism being one of
the fastest growing industries in BC, Aboriginal people have an important role to play and many resources to be proud of, including amazing cultural and heritage products. Developing authentic and interactive experiences in northern B
C will support both cultural sharing and a sustainable tourism economy.
A key component of this new partnership is the establishment of an Aboriginal Tourism Specialist for northern BC. This full time role based in northern BC will work with both the AtBC and NBCT teams to focus on developing networks and relationships with aboriginal communities, connecting them to programs and opportunities within the tourism industry, including Destination Development Planning.
For full details on this position, click
here
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In addition, Northern BC Tourism is hiring an Industry Development Coordinator, based in northeastern BC. This position will focus on growing tourism in that area of our region. Destination development, the Remarkable Experiences program and stakeholder outreach are some of the key responsibilities of the role. For full details on this position, click here.
Applications for both positions are due on September 29.
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Tourism Chilliwack Welcome Figures
Two 18-foot high Welcome Figures, carved by local carver Terry Horne, were raised at a ceremony in Chilliwack on September 13th. The two figures, one man and one woman, stand with their hands raised in a gesture of welcome.
"The goal of this project is to foster relationships between the Stó:lō and other members of the community, beginning at a young age. By installing hand-carved Stó:lō welcome figures at the Visitor Centre, we will be able to represent the importance of the Stó:lō to both our community and the visitors who come by our centre," said Allison Colthorp, Tourism Chilliwack executive director.
The project was celebrated with a community BBQ on September 13th.
Tourism Chilliwack welcomed b
ack Vanessa Oddy, Destination Marketing Manager, from maternity leave on Tuesday, September 5th.
Welcome back Vanessa.
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Congratulations to B.C. Finalists (& several TIABC members) for Canadian Tourism Awards
 The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented annually by TIAC and the Toronto Star to recognize success, leadership and innovation in Canada's tourism industry, and to reward those people, places, organizations and events that have gone above and beyond to offer travellers superior tourism experiences in Canada.
The winners will be announced during TIAC's Tourism Congress on November 29th.
Congratulations to all finalists, particularly our BC partners listed below.
The Air Canada Business of the Year Award
- Eagle Wing Tours Ltd - Victoria
- Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre - Sun Peaks
The VIA Rail Community Outreach Award
- Hostelling International Canada - Pacific Mountain Region - Vancouver
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre Event of the Year Award
- Half Corked Marathon: Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association - Oliver
The VISA Canada Innovator of the Year Award
The Culinary Tourism Experience Award
- Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar - Whistler
- The Flight Across the Top of Canada: Edible Canada - Vancouver
The Accor Hotels Marketing Campaign of the Year Award
- "Arrive Thirsty. Leave Inspired." BC Ale Trail - Victoria
The Transat Sustainable Tourism Award
- Listel Hospitality Group - Brackendale
The Tourism HR Tourism Employee of the Year Award
- Debra Elless: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Vancouver
- Yolanta Malkovska: 8th Generation Vineyard - Summerland
The CANADA 150 Diversity Award
- Fusion Festival: City of Surrey - Surrey
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B.C.'s Minimum Wage Increases on September 15th
The B.C. government will increase the minimum wage by 50 cents to $11.35 an hour, effective September 15.
The new rate includes a 20-cent increase based on the BC 2016 Consumer Price Index (CPI), plus an additional 30 cents. There will also be an identical increase of 50 cents per hour to the liquor server minimum wage to $10.10 per hour.
With this increase, the minimum wage will have increased six times since 2011.
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Andrew Peller Limited to Acquire
Three British Columbia Wineries Including TIABC Member Tinhorn Creek
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Tourism Sun Peaks Seeks New Media and Communications Specialist
Reporting to the Director, Market Development, this position is responsible for the travel media and corporate communications program for Tourism Sun Peaks. This role involves conducting in-resort and in-market media relations activities, developing communications tools and ensuring all media related material is current. This position holds a key responsibility in developing and implementing proactive media efforts to grow positive media coverage for the destination.
Posting closes September 25th.
View the job posting:
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Special Offer: The Art of Leadership in Vancouver
The Art of Leadership is coming back to Vancouver on October 26th; join 1800+ leaders from across British Columbia for this exceptional day of learning.
This year's speaker lineup features Vice President Joe Biden (47th Vice President of the United States), Amanda Lang (Anchor, Bloomberg TV Canada and Bestselling Author), Welby Altidor (Executive Creative Director Formerly with Cirque du Soleil and Author) and more. For further details, you can visit:
The Art of Leadership
Registration
Register using promo code TIABC20 and save $50 off per pass. This conference will sell out so register early!
For further details on seating arrangements and other group assistance please contact Vivek Mehmi at 416.479.9701 ext. 320 or by email: vivek@theartof.com
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New 2016 Census Data Available
Statistics Canada released the fourth round of data from the 2016 Census of Population. These new data continue to enhance Canada's statistical portrait by providing information on individual, family and household income for various levels of geography and demographic groups.
To access your local data, try some of Statistics Canada's great interactive tools such as the
Focus on Geography Series, which provides a simple way to find data about your municipality.
Additional 2016 Census of Population data will be published on the following dates:
- October 25, 2017-Immigration, ethnocultural diversity, housing and Aboriginal peoples
- November 29, 2017-Education, labour, journey to work, language of work, mobility and migration
Statistics Canada wants to hear from you!
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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 |
September 19 - 21, 2017
Sidney, BC
Registration open!
September 25-29, 2017
Vancouver, BC
October 2, 2017
Vancouver, BC
October 12, 2017
Richmond, BC
October 11-12, 2017
Vancouver, BC
October 12, 2017
Richmond, BC
October 16-17, 2017
Prince George, BC
2017 Kootenay Rockies Tourism Industry Conference & AGM
October 17-18, 2017
Golden, BC
October 23, 2017
Vancouver, 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 28-29, 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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