For current updates on issues impacting the hotel community follow BCHA: |
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Dear Accommodation Community,
The weekend announcement regarding the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley restrictions caused much confusion for our industry. The order outlined limitations placed on social interactions in the region until November 23rd. As it pertains to hotels, we were able to confirm that business meetings are not considered social gatherings. It has been confirmed that meetings of 50 people or less are able to continue in the Lower Mainland’s two health regions. Additionally the link to the restrictions were updated today include a reference to “ formal meetings”. Dr Emerson re-iterated that wedding and funeral receptions should be postponed until after the restrictions are lifted. Read more on the updated guidelines here.
We continue to work with our partners on Meeting and Events guidelines, and look to the time when we can once again host meetings over 50 people, and events based on structured, approved protocols in line with Work Safe BC to support employment, economic recovery and so many of our partner industries getting back to work. I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the professional commitment of this volunteer group who have been tirelessly working along side our industry toward the day when we can host again.
We also have seen remarkable interest and support for our partnership with Tourism Vancouver Island and Tourism Victoria on the Venture West Campaign for Canadian Snowbirds. We are now looking at the other regions of the province to launch a similar campaign, as the opportunity to feature off season travel experiences safely, affording our industry an opportunity to garner revenue, potentially bring back laid off employees and provide a BC Wide Open Spaces Winter experience. The key has been to work with partners to connect demand directly to our accommodators, and ensure we are educating consumers on safe travel, which you, our industry our industry have proven is possible over the past 9 months.
As we continue to do everything we can for our industry to stay solvent and look towards a time when our hotel rooms are once again full of travelers, the Temporary Layoff extension end date is looming, December 31, 2020. Employers can apply for a further extension to the temporary layoff. The website has been updated to allow an employer/employees to “apply or renew” for a variance – apply for a first extension, renew to further extend. Follow this link to apply. We strongly encourage you to apply for this extension sooner than later to avoid potential deadline complications and undo stress.
Last week we launched our new financial leadership and revenue management series, Fast Track your Future. Beginning December 1st, this education series offers nine online courses aimed to equip your leadership team with the tools and knowledge needed for financial recovery and resiliency in the wake of COVID-19. More information on the program and registration is available here.
Stay safe,
Ingrid Jarrett
President & CEO
BC Hotel Association
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CBRE Hotels 2020 Major Market Outlooks |
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As we look to close out 2020, CBRE Hotels has released our summary of major market performance forecasts for the year. With demand down 50% nationally and average daily rates down 20%, national RevPAR will be down 60% by year end. The impacts of COVID-19 on all markets across the country has been significant. |
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Destination Canada: Rebuilding Consumer Confidence |
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Destination Canada has produced a new guide entitled Rebuilding Traveller Confidence: the importance of keeping safety top of mind and in plain sight. We know that safety is top of mind for Canadians across the country. We also know that you, as a tourism business, have implemented safety measures for travellers, your staff and your communities. As we enter a resurgence of COVID-19 in several provinces across the country, keeping safety top of mind and in plain sight remains critical as ever.
Looking back on past months, we’ve compiled some practices highlighted by government, research and consumer surveys and tourism businesses. Whether these are measures you already have in place, or new ideas to consider, this guide offers four simple themes that have risen to the top for small businesses to help restore and cultivate confidence within Canadian travellers by showing that safety is in everyone’s best interest.
We also share some best-in-class examples from your tourism industry peers from coast-to-coast- to-coast. Tourism operators across Canada are exhibiting strong resilience and innovation as they
adapt to this new, ever-changing state of play.
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Fast Track Your Future: Financial Series |
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We are thrilled to announce a new series designed to drive financial recovery and resiliency. Resources are tight and teams around the province are undergoing change or are depleted due to business levels. As a result, expectations from hotel ownership groups and asset managers will demand more, expecting their leaders to be accountable, flexible, and creative. The BCHA is proud to launch the Fast Track Your Future series to offer a path to success:
ABOUT THE SERIES:
·Fast Track Your Future is a nine-session series starting December 1. The program is comprised of two tracks focussing on financial leadership and revenue management. The series is designed to light the fire in your leaders while still being manageable in today’s challenging environment.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
Track 1
· Financial Leadership: Dec.1
· Business Principles: Dec.15
· Financial Statements: Jan.12
· P&L Statement: Jan.26
· Managing Labour & Productivity: Feb.9
· Managing Expenses: Feb.23
Track 2
· Using Data ( and your STAR report) to improve performance: Dec.22
· Traveler Insights in the Time of COVID—Understanding Behavior and Expectations: Jan.19
· The Importance of Forward-Looking Data and the New Forward STAR report: Feb.25
PRICING:
· Full Series (member rate) $625+GST per hotel - unlimited participants.
· Full Series (member rate) $225+GST per individual
MEET THE FACILITATORS:
Financial Leadership - David Lund.
David Lund is a hospitality financial leadership pioneer who has branded himself “The Hotel Financial Coach.” Just as any great hotel is true to their brand, so is David. His client commitment is about exceptional service. And his #1 focus is to help his clients be more prosperous as individuals or teams.
Revenue Management – Emile Gourieux, STR.
Emile is the Business Development Executive for Canada on behalf of STR. STR sets the standard for data intelligence and global benchmarking, allowing you to compete strategically, plan for the future, and understand your customers.
Please click below to sign-up by November 20th. Should you have any questions, please reach out to me at membership@bcha.com.
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BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group Endorsement Request |
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The BCMEIWG continues to work on communication plans and strategy in order to present the right information to senior leaders within the provincial government at the appropriate time. As shared earlier, we have received very positive industry and government response to the BC Meetings & Events COVID-10 Safe Restart Guidelines. However, given the recent Provincial Health Order, we are delaying the next communication phase by a few weeks.
In the meantime we are continuing to ask individuals, companies and organizations in the Meetings and Events industry across the province to formally endorse the Guidelines in order to demonstrate to the provincial government the foundational high level of support across BC.
Please click on the link below and submit your details, it takes no more than 30 seconds. Thank you
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STR Forward Start Report Upcoming Webinar |
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STR will be hosting a webinar announcing the roll-out of our new (free!) Forward STAR reports and examining how this extremely actionable data will help during the coming recovery.
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CHIC Digital 2020 - West & East Converge |
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The Western Canadian Lodging Conference and Canadian Hotel Investment Conference are merging this Fall!
This two-day event has gone 100% virtual and will debut on November 23rd and 24th to attract the nation’s hotel owners, lenders, brands, managers and suppliers in these trying times. Join us for the best of CHIC and WCLC!
While stakeholders in this hard-hit sector share many common management and financial problems, illuminating panelists will also examine regional operating and investment nuances across the country.
Our state-of-the-art virtual platform will provide access to live stream sessions with expert panelists, roundtable discussions on industry hot topics, virtual tradeshow booths with industry suppliers and 1:1 networking opportunities with senior decision makers.
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TOTA's Virtual AGM & Summit |
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Registration is now open for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) & Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) virtual AGMs & joint virtual Summit.
This year, the Summit is free to attend with advance registration required. We welcome donations to support the TOTA Tourism Excellence Scholarship Program, an annual award given to exemplary students most connected to current issues in the tourism industry.
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The BCHA will be hosting a webinar in partnership with Western Financial Group outlining the current insurance market place, the factors that drive rate, and what we are doing to trying and counter this.
Save the date, Wednesday, November 18 at 1PM PST
Registration details coming soon!
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We at Infinity School of Hospitality are committed to providing quality education in the dynamic world of Hospitality. We strive to scale-up existing and add to the talent pool by enhancing knowledge skills and attitude of professionals aspiring to pave a successful career in the industry. We aim at making a connection between the industry and academia for a mutually beneficial long term symbiotic relationship.
- 100% Online programs
- Use of latest software for delivery of lectures, conducting exams, evaluation & maintaining student data.
- Capsule programme of 40 hours
- Learn Food & Beverage management, Housekeeping, Front office, Customer service, Handling Customer complaints
- Learn from industry experts.
- Assistance with industry placement. Strong network with industry.
Upcoming webinar A career path in the new hospitality industry during & after COVID - 19
Date: November 14th, 2020 - 11 AM PST or 2 PM EST - Meeting platform: zoom
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Inn at Laurel Point Named British Columbia’s First Carbon Neutral Hotel |
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While many hotels are going green by forgoing plastic straws and bottles, Inn at Laurel Point is taking things to the next level to save the planet. As the first and only carbon neutral hotel in British Columbia, Canada, the multi award-winning Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria is a stunning property that goes all in on its sustainability efforts. |
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Inn At Laurel Point: Visit British Columbia's First...
While many hotels are going green by forgoing plastic straws and bottles, Inn at Laurel Point is taking things to the next level to save the planet. As the first and only carbon neutral hotel in British Columbia, Canada, the multi award-winning...
Read more
www.forbes.com
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B.C. tourism looks to COVID-19 rapid testing to begin...
Traffic is down 90 per cent and revenues 80 per cent in the COVID-19 pandemic, Vancouver International Airport CEO Tamara Vrooman says. (YVR photo) Airports start programs to ease quarantine rules on travellers For Canada's airlines and airports, ...
Read more
www.vicnews.com
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Comment: Tourism campaign aims to keep both visitors and ...
We understand and empathize with the recent concerns raised about Vancouver Island being a magnet for Canadian snowbirds this winter. It is a balancing act. There seems to be a false notion that the Tourism Vancouver Island and British Columbia...
Read more
www.timescolonist.com
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B.C.'s latest pandemic travel restrictions are...
The recent public health order restricting non-essential travel in and out of the Lower Mainland has come as a "devastating" shock to tourism businesses in B.C., an industry leader says. With the number of new COVID-19 cases surging to...
Read more
www.cbc.ca
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Penticton Lakeside Resort Welcomes New General Manager |
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Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre has appointed Elizabeth Cucnik as General Manager. In her new role, Cucnik oversees day-to-day operations of Penticton’s largest hotel and resort. Her predecessor and father, David Prystay, will remain on as RPB Holdings Ltd. Policy Advisor for both the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre and Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre.
Cucnik’s employment with RPB Holdings Ltd., spanning periodically over the past 16 years in various positions and departments including; restaurants, front office, graphic design, social media development, blogging, and most recently as Assistant General Manager, provides her with a wealth of knowledge on the Resort’s multi-faceted operations. In addition, Cucnik majored in Voice Performance at the University of British Columbia and continued her studies, graduating with a double major in Modern History and Politics from the University of London, England where she worked at the Ritz Hotel, London and as a feature writer for Woman and Home Magazine.
Prystay’s 30 years of passion, dedication, wit, and creative & innovative thinking has established the Resort’s footprint as it is today. “As a true mentor, perhaps one of his greatest teachings is to never take oneself too seriously. David has not just been a father to me, he has been a true friend and teacher, someone who reminds me every day to think outside the box and not be afraid of what that might look and feel like,” shares Cucnik. Prystay will continue to develop and lead effective strategic policies, recommend viable policy solutions, conduct industry trends & best practices, and introduce opportunities for the continued success and growth of RPB Holdings Ltd. “I’m looking forward to devoting more time to new and existing plans and projects while having confidence in knowing that the Resort is in capable hands.” added Prystay.
When asked about the current climate Cucnik responded, “The hospitality industry has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and we are facing an unforeseen future.” However, Cucnik is optimistic that the team at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, along with the collective force of the industry’s creativity and togetherness, that they can return from the brink and build the business into something even more intuitive, inspiring and inclusive. “After all, we are here to provide a service to people and society; a service which in turn reflects upon the cultural, psychological and political perspectives echoed throughout our communities, cities and country. I hope to always be in tune with what humanity asks of us – to provide a guest experience and service predicated upon generosity, kindness and connection in perpetuity.”
In her spare time, Cucnik loves reading ancient historical texts and manuscripts, is currently completing a children’s book series and a short novella about the modern woman in the 21st century, and enjoys the outdoors with her husband Marko and their three children, her father and mother Lynne.
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