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Voice of the BC Tourism Industry
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Tourism Prince George
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Kamloops Visitor Centre
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Thompson Okanagan Tourism
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#JerseysforHumboldt
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City of Delta
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Destination BC
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Just a few samples of the images flooding social media as Canada shows support for
#HumboldtStrong
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CEO's Message
Perspective.
When you're in the business of advocacy, it's a word loaded with meaning and context, especially when you preface it with the words...
put things into. The Oxford dictionary defines
perspective
as a mental view of the relative importance of things, while my handy thesaurus suggests words like viewpoint, angle and perception as alternatives.
Assessing an issue, developing a position, trying to understand the opposition's rationale, and continually seeking new information are all part and parcel of
putting things into perspective
. In some cases, we stand firm in our stance on an issue. In other instances we yield, and occasionally, after careful consideration, we may even align with our adversaries.
I was reminded of the fine line on
perspective by a series of recent events. For starters, the retirement of the beloved Sedin twins and the Canucks missing the playoffs again really doesn't matter when compared to the loss of 16 members of the Humboldt, Saskatchewan Broncos junior hockey team. Nearly everyone I've encountered since this terrible tragedy either knows someone or is but one or two steps removed from people directly affected by this accident. As Canadians we stand together and grieve no matter our hockey rivalries or political differences. Often tragedy
puts things into perspective.
Yes, tourism is thriving in most regions of the province yet there are several opportunities and some issues to address with government that require time, attention and thoughtful approaches. But, after learning about Minister Beare's unexpected heart surgery and lengthy absence from the house, some of these matters can wait. More importantly, BC's entire tourism industry wishes Minister Beare a full and speedy recovery. When health challenges befall us or our colleagues, friends and family members, it certainly
puts things into perspective.
TIABC supports government's goal to address affordable housing, but not by using tourism marketing funds as the means. In our view, allowing proceeds from the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) to be used for housing will impact BC's strong visitor economy in the years ahead. From TIABC's
perspective
, MRDT should only be used for its original intended purpose - tourism marketing, projects and programs - to further build our industry, create jobs and contribute to local economies throughout the province.
A friend I spoke with earlier in the week told me that when he arrives for work at Kinder Morgan each day, he's greeted by protesters who oppose the expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline. While my friend assured me that he subscribes to the need for alternative energy sources as the way forward, he and his colleagues also care about their jobs and work hard to provide for their families. I see his point and conceded that our sector relies heavily on the oil industry to fuel various modes of transportation that deliver visitors and products to our shores. At the same time, we remain deeply concerned about the catastrophic consequences a pipeline rupture or tanker leak could have on BC's visitor economy. We're also keenly aware that protecting our natural environment is paramount to the sustainability of the tourism industry and our province. From industry's
perspective today
, trying to find the balance between managing consumption levels, embracing new technology options, building business, creating jobs, and leaving a healthy province for future generations is critical.
This weekend I'm attending and presenting on a couple of important topics at the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association's Rural Development Symposium in Williams Lake. Most often these events are a chance to network, build relationships, learn some new things and have fun. CCCTA's annual conference was postponed last fall due to the devastating wildfires in the region, the consequences of which are still being felt. Although people will be glad to finally get together, much of the dialogue will be on emergency planning, mitigation and recovery instead of the other conference benefits. From my
perspective, helping business operators and communities get back on track is the top priority.
There are countless other examples and much more detail that I could add into each one of these scenarios to provide further
perspective
. Suffice it to say,
putting things into perspective
is one of the filters TIABC's staff and board use everyday to tackle issues or pursue opportunities. Sometimes it's easy, often times it's not. Importantly, we've learned that one's
perspective
can change over time and even from day-to-day depending on circumstances such as the recent events I alluded to earlier.
Your
perspective
is always welcome. Drop me a line. I look forward to hearing from you.
Walt Judas, CEO
wjudas@tiabc.ca
778-953-0620
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TIABC Welcomes New Member
As Tofino's only waterfront resort and marina,
this newly-renovated 62-room hotel and marina is located right in the heart of the community. Property amenities also include an Adventure Centre.
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The events planned to celebrate
BC Wine Month
include a two-part seminar on the History of Wine at Okanagan College - Penticton (April 12 and 26) and the province-wide Taste of BC event at all Save-On-Foods (April 20). There are also several giveaways planned including the grand prize of a wine country getaway to the Okanagan Valley.
To learn more, visit winebc.com/bc-wine-month
If your winery or business is hosting an event for BC Wine Month, be sure to add it to the
Wines of British Columbia events calendar
and your local DMO event listing
. You can promote events through social media using the
#BCWineMonth hashtag.
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Economic Impacts
2017 BC Okanagan Wildfires
As we inch closer to the 2018 summer season, The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is taking a series of steps to better understand the economic impacts of the 2017 spring and summer season that was so heavily impacted by flooding and wildfires. After the wildfires had subsided, TOTA took immediate steps to invigorate tourism marketing efforts throughout the region with both fall and winter campaigns and is currently launching a spring campaign to further enhance marketing efforts to our region.
TOTA is now looking to further aid the tourism industry by accessing the economic impacts of 2017.They are specifically seeking information to not only assess prior impacts, but to also better understand the current and potential future economic impacts that the 2017 season brought on.
TOTA is asking for your help to fill out this 5-7 minute survey
which will provide valuable information to:
- Accurately reflect the economic impacts of the 2017 wildfires on the tourism industry in the TOTA region
- Assist in the creation of a legacy plan that will support mitigation measures in future natural disaster situations
- Help direct marketing efforts
- Provide key information to assist in managing media communications and messaging
- Assist in informing government decisions
Strong participation is critical to ensuring that the economic estimates are accurate and planning insights reflect member views.
As an added incentive to filling out the survey, we will be awarding a $200 Air Canada Voucher
to one lucky winner. Only those who complete the survey will be eligible to win the voucher.
Click the link below to complete the survey:
www.surveymonkey.com/r/5H7P3QF
Thank you very much for your participation in advance and support of this TOTA initiative.
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Help us Find British Columbia's
Top Tourism Entrepreneur
Nomination submissions have been extended to April 23rd.
Previous winner, local entrepreneur and Rocky Mountaineer owner Peter Armstrong is spearheading a campaign to promote the Tourism and Hospitality category of EY Canada's Entrepreneur Of The Year program in the Pacific region with CEOs from the industry.
As one of the world's largest financial institutions and business consultancies, Ernst & Young LLP (EY Canada) has always recognized the value of nurturing entrepreneurs. To formally highlight and celebrate these innovative business founders, a quarter of a century ago the company launched the
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Program in Canada.
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Peter Armstrong |
Armstrong, owner of Rocky Mountaineer, is a previous winner of the Tourism and Hospitality category in the Pacific region. He has committed to sponsoring the category for five years to
unearth BC's brightest entrepreneur. "I am passionate about tourism and I am proud of the entrepreneurs in our industry. A winner from the Tourism and Hospitality category has never gone on to w
in the regional EY Entrepreneur Of The Year accolade and I'm determined to change that. Tourism contributes more to our economy that any other industry in Canada."
Armstrong has gathered an impressive group to drive engagement with this program. Industry leaders including Destination Canada President & CEO David Goldstein, YVR President and CEO Craig Richmond, TIABC CEO Walt Judas, Destination BC Vice President Grant Mackay and WHERE Magazine Publisher Peggie Terry form the initiative's steering committee.
"The EY EOY program is the biggest of its kind in the world. Every year we are inspired by the individuals and the stories that we encounter through the program," said Lui Petrollini, EY Partner Tax Assurance and Client Services and Director of the EY EOY program, Pacific Region, Canada.
"Our industry thrives on the ingenuity and passion of entrepreneurs. This award is yet one more example of why BC tourism matters," said Walt Judas.
Nominate an entrepreneurial visionary by April 23.
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As a Preferred Sport Tourism Destination
Destination Canada
, Canada's national tourism marketing organization, and the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance
(CSTA), have signed a three-year partnership agreement.
The two organizations have worked together for many years and will continue that strong relationship under this partnership agreement that runs from 2018 to 2020 to promote Canada as a preferred sport tourism destination to the international sport community.
Under the agreement, Destination Canada will participate as the lead partner in Canada's delegation, organized by the CSTA, to the International SportAccord Convention taking place next in Bangkok, Thailand April 15 - 20. SportAccord is the premier international event dedicated to engaging and connecting rights holders, organizing committees, cities, press and media, businesses and other organizations involved in the development of sport.
Destination Canada and CSTA will also partner on two joint Team Canada sales missions between 2018 and 2020 in Lausanne, Switzerland, the location for the headquarters of over 100 international sport organizations that control the rights for hundreds of world championship sport events. The Team Canada Sales Mission will provide a platform for Canadian destinations to interact with a variety of international sport federation representatives in a series of promotional activities, hospitality functions and business-to-business opportunities.
In its research, CSTA will include Destination Canada's priority markets in its survey instrument used to collect primary data at sport events. CSTA will also survey international spectators at sport events to determine the factors in their path to purchase decision making process.
Destination Canada will also support CSTA's signature event, Sport Events Congress, the largest annual gathering of sport event rights holders, municipalities, economic development agencies, event suppliers, event management firms, and elected officials in Canada.
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#BCTourismMatters
Sun Peaks Centre Obtains Funding for Building a Year Round Economy
 Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality has received federal gas tax funding to expand and enhance the existing sport centre. The improved facility will include a multi-purpose indoor facility capable of hosting up to 3,000 participants, enabling the community to host concerts, large sporting and recreational events, as well as corporate/association trade shows from May to November.
These activities will significantly address the seasonality challenges facing the Sun Peaks community today. Other investments include guest room updates at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre, new ski lift, and more.
Penticton's airport Looking at a Multi-Million Makeover
 The six-phase project includes
expanding ticketing, security and the terminal, with an estimated price tag of $5 to 5.4 million.
Investment means a long-term plan from the federal government to promote Penticton as a hub for the South Okanagan, meaning travellers will not necessarily have to go through Kelowna to travel to and from the region.
Prince George February Airport Passenger Numbers on the Rise
40,535 passengers moved through Prince George International Airport in February. This was an increase of 6.02% or 2,300 more passengers over February 2017 when passenger volume was 38,235.
Tourism Kelowna Partners with Google on DMO Partnership Program
 Tourism Kelowna is excited to be working with Google on their DMO Partnership Program to enhance Kelowna's online visibility.
Through a partnership with Google, Tourism Kelowna now has the tools to ensure their stakeholders are easily found. Contact Tourism Kelowna for more details.
Northern BC Destination Development Planning Continues
 Participate in Destination Development planning in Northern BC to inform a province-wide strategy.
Destination BC's
Destination Development team
continues to host planning sessions across the province in partnership with the regional tourism associations and Indigenous Tourism BC. In the coming weeks, the team will hit the road to engage with tourism partners in Northwest BC as they hold planning sessions along Highway 16. Please email the
Destination Development team
or contact
Northern BC Tourism's representative
(
April Moi
) for more information on how you can get involved.
World Mixed Curling Championship to Have Canadian Debut
 The World Curling Federation recently announced that Kelowna will be the host for the 2018 World Mixed Curling Championships (October 13 - 20). This is the first time the world championships have come to North America.
With its 12 sheets, the Kelowna Curling Club is one of the biggest clubs in Canada, along with Red Deer and Royal Caledonia in Regina.
Tourism Victoria, WestJet Partner to Boost Conference Business
Tourism Victoria and WestJet Airlines are teaming up to further promote the capital region to tourists and business visitors, particularly in the conference sector. A
partnership marketing agreement aims to align marketing strategies.  Tourism Victoria has been responsible for sales and marketing for the Victoria Conference Centre since 2016. The new partnership aims to focus on driving business during the fall and winter months.
www.timescolonist.com/business/tourism-victoria-westjet-partner-to-boost-conference-business
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Facilitating Connections:
Aviation, Airport, Aerospace Conference
Airports and aviation are keystones to developing a high value tourism product in our communities. From the often overlooked general aviation tourist to packaging with air operators and airports,
this conference
presents the opportunity to fully connect with the aviation industry.
British Columbia Aviation Council looks forward to Economic Development Offices and tourism associations gathering at Whistler to build connections with our industry - to the benefit of both parties.
Date:
May 15-17, 2018
Location: Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Cost: $359 (BCAC members), $459 (non-members)
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Stakeholder Surveys
Vancouver Island Tourism Stakeholders
 Tourism Vancouver Island's annual Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey is used to ensure that the organization continues to meet the needs of our stakeholders.
Those who complete the survey will have the option to enter their names in a draw for free registration for the Tourism Vancouver Island 55th Annual Conference and AGM in Port Hardy, September 25th - 27th.
The survey, which closes on Friday, April 20th,
is 13 questions and should take approximately 5 minutes.
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Stakeholders
As the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (
VCM) team strives to assist you in your tourism marketing endeavours and destination development, they want to ensure that they are delivering the support you want and need to achieve your goals. Please complete the very
short survey
to provide your thoughts on the upcoming 2018 VCM Community and Industry Forums.
If stakeholders in the
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region wish to subscribe to the Destination BC Vancouver, Coast & Mountains E-newsletter and receive up to date information on the region, simply email
Monique.Willis@DestinationBC.ca
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Tourism Vernon Is Hiring!
The City of Vernon is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to join the Community Infrastructure and Development Services team.
Vernon is a growing, evolving city and their team is dedicated to making it the greatest place in the world. If you are skilled, talented and want to make a difference, they want to hear from you.
Tourism Coordinator
Reporting to the Manager, Tourism, the Tourism Coordinator is responsible for assisting with the implementation of the tourism strategic business plan. This includes coordinating and tracking tourism marketing campaigns and programs (including website and social media), coordinating media relations and tours, coordinating and attending trade shows, liaising with tourism stakeholders and performing market research.
Administrative Assistant - Economic Development and Tourism Services
Reporting to the Manager, Economic Development and Tourism Services, this position acts as confidential assistant.
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Industry On The Move
Tourism Kamloops recently welcomed Roxanne Kennedy as their new Business Development Strategist. Roxanne's strong tourism industry background makes for a perfect fit to assist in building new meeting/conference business and event development and attraction to Kamloops. Previous employment with Rocky Mountaineer and Tourism Sun Peaks, and her most recent position with the City of Kamloops were foundational to Roxanne's extensive destination knowledge and broad industry network.
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Electric Vehicle Tourism
Electric Vehicle (EV) tourism has arrived in the Kootenays thanks to
Accelerate Kootenays - a two-year community-driven, collaborative initiative that has installed Level 2 and Fast Charging stations in communities across the Kootenay region. The result is over 1,800 kms of connected EV travel, allowing visitors and residents alike to travel to and within the Kootenays.
The network is tremendously important to ensure the Kootenays are connected to their neighbours - the USA, the Okanagan and Alberta - allowing tourists wanting to visit by EV to do so confidently and with options to detour, explore and enjoy. After the first fast charger was installed in Cranbrook last year, Accelerate Kootenays received a thank you note from an Idaho resident: "This charger totally enabled me to visit Canada from Idaho. Thanks for installing it!"
On May 26th, partners of the collaboration will gather in Creston to celebrate the first summer of Rural EV tourism and will launch activities aimed at increasing the visibility of EVs locally and beyond the region. To stay connected and learn more about the exciting contests this summer, follow Accelerate Kootenays on
Facebook and
Twitter or visit the website:
acceleratekootenays.ca
Charging stations strategically located near shops, attractions, cafés, and restaurants will showcase Kootenay communities and offer visitors many convenient ways to enjoy an area.
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Workshop:
Electric Vehicle Primer for Tourism Businesses
Tuesday, April 17th 
8:30am: Registration
9:00am - 12:00pm: Workshop Session
Key Workshop Strategies/ Take Aways:
- Tap into high-value customers while they charge
- Green your fleet and lower operating costs
- Charging stations as a new employee benefit
Premium Members: Complimentary
Standard Members: $35+ GST
Non-Members: $50+GST
Click here to RSVP
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The BC Tourism Industry Conference is set for
February 27 - March 1, 2019
in Vancouver. Stay tuned for more details.
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| In this Issue |
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CEO's Message
#BCTourismMatters
Industry News
Calendar of Events
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| Events |
April 13-15, 2018
Williams Lake, BC
April 24-26, 2018
Lake Louise, BC
May 13, 2018
Halifax, Nova Scotia
May 22 - 27
Backcountry Lodges of BC Association AGM
June 6-7, 2018
September 25-27, 2018
Northern BC AGM & Conference
October 11-12, 2018
Kootenay Rockies Tourism Industry Conference & AGM
October 15-16, 2018
Cranbrook, BC
BC Lodging and Campground Association
AGM & Ideas Forum
October 24-5, 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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