Voice of the BC Tourism Industry
September 19, 2019
World Tourism Day 2019 - September 27
Tourism and Jobs: A better Future for All
#WTD2019
Chair's Message

Next week, tourism businesses across the world will celebrate World Tourism Day. This year’s theme, as designated by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is “ Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all ”.
 
As we’ve discussed at length in our newsletters, around the TIABC board table, and in direct engagement with many of our tourism colleagues, the labour shortage facing our industry continues to be an incredibly pertinent issue. This year’s World Tourism Day theme is, for this reason, quite fitting.
 
The role that tourism plays in job creation is often undervalued, despite the fact that tourism generates 10% of jobs worldwide.
 
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that one job in the core tourism sector creates about one-and-a-half additional or indirect jobs in the related economy. They also estimate that various individual tourism sectors such as accommodations and restaurants, will create jobs at the fastest rate among all sectors in the global economy over the next five years.
 
It’s clear that we are doing our part in  creating  the jobs. The problem, now, is the  filling  of said jobs.
 
The Tourism Labour Market Strategy (TLMS) conducted by go2HR earlier this year identified a number of strategic actions that can be taken to alleviate the constraints facing our industry, many of which we are hard at work on at TIABC. This includes providing input to government to help formulate employment-related legislation, regulation and policy; supporting employers in providing training opportunities to staff; and increasing awareness to change perceptions about tourism jobs and careers. We are committed to making a difference.     
 
World Tourism Day – particularly with this year’s focus on employment – is a reminder to us all to engage, wherever we can, in productive dialogue about one of the most pressing issues facing BC's visitor economy.
 
And, of course, It is also a day to celebrate the incredibly important work we all do across this province.
 
Happy World Tourism Day!

Alroy Chan
Chair, TIABC

SAVE THE DATE

2019 TIABC AGM

Tuesday, November 12 - Kelowna

Note - AGM will be held in conjunction with the International Indigenous Tourism Conference
TIABC Call for Board Nominations
**Closes September 27th**

TIABC is seeking five candidates for its Board of Directors for the 2019 - 2021 (2-year) term:

  • DMO category - one (1) candidate
  • Sector Association category - two (2) candidates
  • Business Membership category - two (2) candidates

As per the bylaws, the Tourism Industry Association of BC requests that all nominations from members be received 45 days prior to the Annual General Meeting. All nominations for director positions therefore, must be received on or before September 27, 2019.

Elections will take place at the TIABC AGM on November 12th in Kelowna.

The TIABC Board Nomination form can be downloaded   here  
or visit our website: www.tiabc.ca/2019-agm
TIABC 2019 Federal Election Toolkit

Canadians go to the polls on October 21st to elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent them in the House of Commons.

It is vital that industry stakeholders connect with local candidates from all parties to inform them about any issues and barriers to growth facing British Columbia’s visitor economy. Let them know that #BCTourismMatters.

Check out TIABC’s Guide to the 2019 Federal Election for suggestions on ways for you to be directly engaged in the lead-up to the federal election to ensure tourism’s voice is loud and clear in the debates, discussions and within party platforms.

Camping & RV Sector Election Toolkit

The Canadian Camping and RV Council has created an online Election Toolkit to ensure the camping and RVing sector message reaches political party candidates across Canada.

The lead up to the fall 2019 federal election provides us all with a unique opportunity to promote the interests and welfare of Canadian private campground wwners to make sure our future federal government leaders understand the industry’s significant economic impact.

The Canadian Camping and RV Council (CCRVC) is an Association comprised of the RVDA of Canada, the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association, provincial campground owners’ associations, and private campgrounds across Canada. BC Lodging and campgrounds Association is a founding member of the CCRVC.
Minister Beare Visits Northern BC

Northern BC Tourism recently hosted the Honourable Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. During the visit, Minister Beare met with industry stakeholders from several communities in Northwest BC to discuss opportunities and challenges in further developing the tourism industry in the region. The visit included stops in Prince Rupert, Terrace and The Nass Valley. The team at Northern BC Tourism thanks Minister Beare and her team for her leadership and continuous industry engagement, as well as all of the partners that participated in the insightful discussions and assisted in hosting the visit. Minister Beare shared more about her trip here .
YVR: Why Your Airport Matters

Craig Richmond, YVR’s President & CEO, recently delivered his annual presentation to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT).
 
Mr. Richmond's address included a look at YVR’s strong growth over the last decade, its history as a unique, community-based, not-for-profit organization, and the many activities and future plans that will help the airport achieve its vision to be a sustainable, world-class hub. During his presentation, Mr. Richmond announced that, in order to ensure YVR continues to deliver on its vision and mandate—to provide social and economic benefits for our communities—YVR will be increasing its Airport Improvement Fee (AIF). He also shared early results from YVR’s latest economic impact study showcasing the airport’s role in driving economic benefits for the region.
 
YWCA Tourism Essentials

YWCA Tourism Essentials is a FREE 12-week program that prepares young women for rewarding careers in tourism and hospitality. 

Participants are paid for the training and practicum hours. Next start date is September 30.



Who is Eligible?
  • Women between 15-30 years of age
  • Interested in creating a sustainable career in the tourism industry
  • Unemployed and able to participate in a full-time, 12-week program (ie. not a full-time student)
  • A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or confirmed refugee status
  • Not currently receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada
  • Completion of high school not required 
Join the Conversation on Accessibility and Inclusion

The Province is asking British Columbians to help define future legislation that will make BC a more accessible and inclusive province for both residents and visitors alike..

British Columbians will have several ways to engage in the consultation process. They are invited to read the Accessibility Framework document, fill out an online questionnaire, file a written submission and attend a meeting.

Community groups, libraries and other organizations can apply for $2,000 to host open discussion sessions in their communities and provide feedback.

The opportunity to provide feedback opened earlier this week and will remain open until Nov. 29th at 4 p.m. (Pacific time). Feedback will be used to help develop legislation.

This legislation will help to create a barrier-free BC. It will promote inclusion and accessibility by addressing barriers (including physical, technological and attitudinal barriers) within areas of provincial jurisdiction that prevent the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in BC communities. Areas could include service delivery, employment, buildings and public spaces, information technology and transportation.
Destination Greater Victoria to Sponsor IITC for 3 Years

Destination Greater Victoria  and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada have signed a memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) for Destination Greater Victoria to sponsor the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

The IITC is a three-day conference with presentations focused on inspiring communities and entrepreneurs to explore Indigenous tourism as an economic driver. The 2019 conference will be held in Kelowna from November 12-14 in the traditional territory of the Syilx Nation and in partnership with the Nlakapamux and Secwepemc Nations, Tourism Kelowna, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Indigenous Tourism BC. TIABC is also a conference sponsor and is hosting its AGM in conjunction with IITC.
Keith Henry Keynote


Keith Henry, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada’s president and CEO, was a keynote presenter on how Indigenous tourism is reshaping tourism overall in Canada, during the American Indian Tourism Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma earlier this week.
Call for Board Nominations
Our national counterparts at TIAC are seeking to fill three vacancies for 2019-2020. TIAC is particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals with a strong background in finance or financial management; individuals in the Destination, Accommodation or Attraction categories; and individuals representing organizations based in Quebec or the Atlantic provinces. Nominations MUST be received at the TIAC Office no later than Friday, October 4th.
Learn more by d ownloading the Call for Nominations info sheet here and the Nomination form here
ABLE BC is currently seeking nominations for four director positions: one from Vancouver Island, two from Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region, and one from the Thompson Okanagan region. All completed nominations forms must be submitted to the ABLE BC office no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, October 4th.
The First Nations Education Foundation (FNEF) is a not-for-profit and federally registered charity that collaborates with First Nations’ communities to preserve and revitalize at-risk Indigenous languages using the power of technology. FNEF is working with the Yuułu?ił?ath Government (Ucluelet First Nation) in Ucluelet, BC on an innovative pilot project for preserving Indigenous languages. In recognition of the importance of Indigenous language and culture and the 2019 UN International Year of Indigenous Languages, FNEF has also commissioned a Language Revitalization Pole in Port Alberni from renowned Nuu-chah-nulth carver, Tim Paul.

In a newly-released 4-minute  video   posted on the FNEF website, Tim Paul talks about the spiritual support recent visitors gave to the carving team and how it gave them the strength to carry on and make sure they finish the pole this year to bring recognition to Indigenous languages throughout the world.

Further information can be found on the backgrounder document - download here

Those who would like to contribute to the Language Revitalization Pole project can do so through the donation link on the FNEF website at  https://fnef.ca/donate/
Industry on the Move
Erica Hummel Departing Tourism Prince George
After five and a half years at the helm of Tourism Prince George, CEO Erica Hummel has tendered her resignation to commence the next chapter of her career in Edmonton. Erica is also a valued member of TIABC's Board of Directors. Erica's insights, dedication to our industry and active participation on our Membership & Communications Committee will be great missed. We wish Erica much success in Alberta!
Robyn Goldsmith Joins Tourism Revelstoke
Tourism Revelstoke has hired a new media and events coordinator-Robyn Goldsmith. This is a new role with Tourism Revelstoke as the team expands to three full time staff. Robyn has a diverse background, having worked as a lawyer, an outdoor educator and guide, and as an event manager. She recently hung up her court robes and undertook a marketing program with the goal of working in the tourism industry.
#BCTourismMatters
Tourism Kelowna Website Receives International Recognition
Tourism Kelowna launched its newly designed website on May 14th seeing great success with  positive performance metrics  over the first couple of months. Now, the website has received international recognition with an Honourable Mention at the  2019 dotCOMM Awards.
Indigenous Language Exhibit to Tavel Across BC
The Royal BC Museum is taking its permanent Indigenous language exhibition on tour across the province. The museum has created travelling versions of its Our Living Languages showcase that are being sent to a series of regional museums and community centres.  
TOTA Enters Into Partnership with Bell Media
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has entered into a unique digital technology partnership with Bell Media. The Route 97 Digital Mobile Campaign was launched on September 15th, utilizing proprietary mobile technology in layered targeting strategies.
TRU Ranked #1 in North America in Sustainability
Thompson Rivers University has been named the top college or university in North America for sustainability by the Sierra Club — the first Canadian university to be ranked No. 1 in the annual survey.
For 13 years, the Sierra Club has been ranking colleges and universities according to which ones offer the best sustainability-focused courses, eco-friendly cafeteria provisions and carbon-neutral land and energy policies, as well as the most opportunities to engage with the environmental movement. This year, a record 282 schools vied to become the eco-savviest in all of academia, with TRU finishing atop the pack.
Tourism Richmond Free Shuttle Ridership Tops 2,000 Visitors
The Richmond Discovery Shuttle concluded its first year run on the labour day weekend. As Tourism Richmond received ridership numbers and driver comments from Landsea Tours week after week during the summer, it was clear that the free tourist shuttle was going to be a success.
Over 2,000 tourists took the Richmond Discovery Shuttle in its first year of operations.
Biosphere Adhesion Community
One of TOTA's recent newsletters featured Okanagan businesses focused on SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, as part of the Biosphere Adhesion Community. Watch for the Global Sustainable Tourism Council training workshop this fall in the Central Okanagan. The half day workshop will be held on Wednesday October 16th, exact venue TBD.
Penticton Featured in Explore Magazine
A recent Go Media post FAM tour hosted by Travel Penticton has resulted in an article in Explore Magazine: Ultimate Adventure Pairings: Wine, Beer, Hikes and Bikes in Penticton, BC.
Sarain Fox, host of APTN’s Future History and RISE on VICELAND, will be speaking at the upcoming  International Indigenous Tourism Conference (November 12-14) , hosted by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.

This year, the Conference theme is, “Inspire. Transform. Unite. Accelerating Indigenous tourism growth.” Indigenous tourism has the power to change perspectives, preserve culture, language, and community and provide Indigenous relatives with a platform to be the leading voice in reclaiming Indigenous space in history — both ancient and modern.
Upcoming Industry Events
September 23-27, Vancouver

September 25, Cranbrook

October 2-4, Whistler

October 3-4, Prince George

October 8-10, Nanaimo

October 20-21, Vancouver

October 23-24, Nanaimo

October 24, 2019, Courtenay

November 1-3, Barkerville

November 3-5, 2019, Victoria

November 12-14, Kelowna

November 19-20, Ottawa

January 19-22, 2020, Victoria

March 4-6, 2020, Victoria

April 6-7, 2020, Kelowna

April 28-30, 2020, Whistler


Send us your event listings and we can include it on our list!
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