C-19 BULLETIN - June 12, 2020

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CEO Message

Back in the day when the only broadcast media options were radio and television, I listened to a Vancouver radio station that billed itself as A ll Hit Radio – All Hits, All the Time . Their brand was built on playing the week’s most popular hits over and over 24 hours day, with an occasional break for commercials. And it seemed everyone except my parents listened to the station and knew the words to every song.
 
These days I can’t help but draw a parallel to  all hit radio  given that for BC’s visitor economy, it’s been  all COVID-19, all day, all the time  for close to three months. Yet, in spite of the fact everyone is rightfully consumed by managing through this pandemic, occasionally we need a  (commercial)  break from  all COVID-19  response activities to broadcast other important but related messages.
 
Last week, TIABC, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Nelson Kootenay Lakes Tourism (NKLT) briefly paused their respective crisis initiatives to appear before the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services and offer recommendations and requests to help inform government’s 2021 budget.
 
With a five-minute time limit per speaker, the three organizations presented (via zoom) in succession and spent the subsequent 15 minutes answering questions.
 
Glenn Mandziuk, Dianna Ducs and I were lock-step in our messaging, focussing on the needs of an industry reeling due to COVID-19 and the ensuing travel restrictions that essentially shut down the visitor economy. We talked about business liquidity and what the Province can do to help the industry survive (e.g. working capital grants, forgivable loans) both this year and next.
 
At the same time, we also spoke about the destination development planning process to guide the long-term growth of tourism experiences and revenues throughout the province, particularly within rural and Indigenous communities.  In the context of the current situation, we suggested that government provide stimulus funding that focuses on product development, transportation infrastructure, events, and other initiatives like digital readiness that help generate tourism demand and revenues for British Columbia.

As my five-minute timer wound down, I quickly made another pitch for either an expansion to the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI), or the creation of a parallel program for tourism dependent destinations that need resources to support new infrastructure or amenities to benefit both residents and visitors alike. While leaving the core RMI funding in place for the original 14 communities, other tourism-reliant small towns deserve an RMI-type program because they don’t have the tax base to fund much-needed community development.

Dianna concluded her remarks by discussing the notion of S.M.A.R.T. travel…an acronym that essentially reminds visitors to stay safe, measure social distancing, act appropriately, respect health and safety standards, and together enjoy BC once travel restrictions are lifted.

Listening to the three of us singing from the same tourism industry song sheet and knowing all the words during this trying time was important for the Standing Committee to hear. Hopefully it will compel these key decision-makers to recommend that tourism receive special attention in next year’s budget.

Save for those 30 minutes, Glenn, Dianna and I are again diligently working with our many professional colleagues around the province to find solutions to help the visitor economy survive. I’m sure we’ll pause for another short break somewhere down the line but for now it’s back to all-hands on deck, all day, all the time for all the right reasons.

Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
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TIABC Submits Response to WorkSafeBC on Proposed Changes to the WC Act Involving COVID-19

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division of WorkSafeBC released a discussion paper on adding diseases caused by communicable viral pathogens, including COVID-19, to Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act with options and draft amendments to stakeholders for comment.

TIABC submitted a response today to meet the deadline for submission:

TIABC supports the Employers' Forum recommendation for Option 1: Status Quo (i.e. no addition of COVID-19 as a 'presumption' within Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act) and emphasized the following:
  • This pandemic is a public health crisis with extensive community spread and not a workplace health crisis;
  • TIABC requests that policy makers resist contemporary pressures to expand WorkSafeBC's mandate beyond its lawful structure no matter how ready and pressing the current societal concerns in British Columbia are;
  • A publicly funding sick pay program being contemplated by the federal and provincial governments would preclude the need for presumptive coverage;
  • Moreover, insufficient information and the nature of the pandemic means the workers compensation system can only effectively address claims on a case-by-case basis, much as public health official are currently doing within the contact tracing process;
  • Shifting public health costs onto employers in tourism and other sectors through WorkSafeBC premiums would be ruinous for our industry, which has been one of the hardest impacted and likely the last sector to recover from the pandemic; and
  • Based on the expert medical/scientific evidence provided to WorkSafeBC, there is no justification to add Communicable Viral Pathogens, including COVID-19 to Schedule 1. It is not possible to develop policy that could effectively delineate occupational versus community-based transmission.

Download TIABC's written submission here

The consultation period for this item ended Friday, June 12th. For background, download the discussion paper here or visit www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/law-policy/discussion-papers/adding-diseases-caused-communicable-viral-pathogens-including-covid-19-schedule-1-act
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BC Whale-watching Firms
Suffer Devastating Season

As whale-watching companies cautiously count down to a possible reopening on July 1st, many are saying the economic damage from the pandemic shutdown has already been severe — and possibly fatal for some.

The federal government is expected to lift its ban on marine vessels with a capacity of more than 12 passengers June 30th, but the industry will still need clearance to start from the provincial government.

The Pacific Whale Watching Association has put together a COVID-19 plan for reopening, including reduced seating to 50, the use of masks and strict cleaning protocols.

The industry is counting heavily on U.S. and other international visitors that may not arrive because the border remains closed to non-essential U.S. travel. For example, for Prince of Whales, 60% of its customers are from the U.S. and other countries. About 30% hail from Alberta and other Canadian provinces while the remaining 10% are B.C. residents.
PC: AdianLam / Times Colonist
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Celebrating National Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples Day


In 2009, June was declared National Indigenous History Month. It is a chance for all Canadians to learn more about the cultures and contributions made by the many distinct Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It is also an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the historic and ongoing challenges for Indigenous communities.

National Indigenous Peoples Day was declared an annual holiday in 1996. It takes place on June 21, a date chosen to coincide with summer solstice and the beginning of a season of berry picking and fishing, powwows and gatherings for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time for non-Indigenous Canadians to come together with Indigenous Peoples, not only in celebration but in deep reflection.

Usually celebrations across Canada are hosted which include dancing, music, food and festivals to mark the occasion. This year Indigenous Tourism BC respects the travel restrictions and limitations on social gatherings and suggest creative ways to honour more than 200 unique Indigenous communities in British Columbia.

See their website for more details:
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Destination Greater Victoria
to Launch New Marketing Campaign

As the Greater Victoria visitor economy reopens and British Columbians consider travelling again, Destination Greater Victoria is preparing to launch a marketing campaign designed to attract visitors from Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Titled “Reconnect”, the campaign’s focus is for visitors to reconnect to nature, special places, and favourite restaurants and social activities they enjoyed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Campaign tactics include a new destination video, digital and social media marketing, TV and radio advertising, and a member partnership program with CHEK television.
The “Reconnect” campaign also includes a promotion for a free $75 pre-paid Visa card with a two-night stay at a VHDMA-member hotel. The pre-paid Visa card is an initiative of the VHDMA and can be used for accommodation, dining, shopping, attractions and more. The Visa card will be valid on travel from June 29 to September 30, with the caveat that this is dependent on government approval of intra-provincial travel.

For more information, visit:  www.tourismvictoria.com/reconnect

The "Reconnect" campaign video can be found  here .

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Tourism Vancouver
Launches Comeback Campaign

"Some time away is a good time for reflection. As Vancouver took a collective breath to keep everyone safe, we also had pause to think about our place in the world, and what it means to truly live together. Now as we step out, cautious yet optimistic, we’re primed and ready to come back to our neighbourhoods and community -- bolder, brighter, and more beautiful than ever before.

All we have accomplished so far keeping ourselves, and each other, safe is paying off now and we deserve some good things. The things we can find in our local restaurants, hotels, attractions and businesses that have also been waiting patiently. Now, the wait is over.

Cue our #VancouverComeBack."
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The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and its industry coalition partners are asking federal and provincial/territorial governments to discuss reopening the visitor economy responsibly and safely.

Add your voice to our campaign by sending a letter to your MP asking them to call on the Minister of Finance to help save the visitor economy.

TIAC is asking business leaders to also encourage their staff and suppliers to send a letter – every voice counts! 

Adding your voice to the cause is simple and easy. To send a letter to your MP, all you have to do is fill out your name, email, address and hit send!
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Sharing The Coast Love

Sunshine Coast Tourism wants to help inspire local residents to explore their own backyard, rediscover their favourite places, and support local businesses as they begin to reopen safely and responsibly. They are launching a Coast Love campaign to inspire residents to do just that. Over the next few weeks you'll see their new community videos shared to lift up their local residents and advertising in the local newspapers.

See the landing page for the campaign here:

See all the NEW community videos here:
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Destination BC Webinars

Destination BC is hosting a series of webinars to support BC’s tourism industry in areas of response, recovery, and resilience from COVID-19. The Road to Recovery webinar series has reached over 1,700 participants since launching on May 12th.

  • June 16: SEO in Uncertain Times: How it can Help Recovery Efforts | Register here
  • June 18: Adapting Customer Service & Guest Communication in a Pandemic Impacted Business Environment | Register here
  • June 25: Returning to Work: Protecting Mental Health | Register here
  • July 7: Revisiting your COVID-19 Safety Plan | Register here

Watch recordings of previous webinars:
  • May 12: Business After Re-opening: A Look at the Post-closure Traveller | View recording here
  • May 14: Essential Strategies to Innovate your Visitor Experience and Offerings | View recording here
  • May 19: Planning for Doors Open | View recording here
  • May 21: Managing Expectations and Reputation through Effective Communication | View recording here
  • May 26: Using Social Media to Support Re-opening | View recording here
  • May 28: Building a Digital Marketing Strategy for Re-opening | View recording here
  • June 4: ExploreBC… Virtually | View recording here
  • June 9: Restart Safely: Health & Safety Essentials to Support Re-opening | View recording here

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Business Development Bank of Canada Webinar

This free, live webinar will present a step-by-step approach to manage risks, create contingency plans and equip your business with a strategic vision that takes into account the changed landscape.

BDC Advisory Services experts will discuss the best practices to adapt your business to the current business environment. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce will share insights into its survey on Canadian business conditions as a result of the pandemic.
You’ll discover:
  • How economic conditions have changed for Canadian businesses
  • How to develop a clear strategic direction for your business
  • Tools to evaluate your current strategic situation and develop a way forward
  • Stories of entrepreneurs who have successfully transformed their companies

Monday June 15 @ 9:00 am PT

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Feel free to send us your ideas on what information would be valuable for TIABC to share through our COVID-19 Bulletin going forward. Drop us a line at info@tiabc.ca.