C-19 BULLETIN - December 18, 2020

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CEO Message

Usually when my kids text me for my Christmas wish list, I send them ideas on things I know they can’t afford…like a new motorcycle or pick-up truck…because I honestly don’t want them to buy me anything other than maybe stocking stuffers like chocolate or socks. I may be guilty of gluttonous wants, but I don’t really need more stuff, especially this year when I think about how many of my friends and colleagues can’t pay their rent let alone buy presents. 
 
That said, I have a long 2020 Christmas wish list but again nothing that my family could buy. In fact, I’m sure many of these items are on your wish list as well. In no particular order…
 
I WISH FOR:
 
·      Tourism operators to immediately receive the financial help and other breaks they need from government to survive 
·      Airlines, iconic and large tourism businesses to be included in specific government measures that help them remain solvent and to ensure the core supply side of our industry remains intact
·      Tourism workers currently on furlough to be able to return to work early in the new year
·      Vaccines to be made available to front-line tourism and hospitality workers around BC once health care workers, first responders and other priority groups are inoculated
·      Ubiquitous rapid testing and screening be implemented in Q1 of 2021 to allow people to travel more freely again, especially given the length of time it will take to complete the vaccination process here and abroad
·      A re-start plan that allows borders to gradually and safely re-open sooner than later to allow people to travel and enjoy all regions of BC once again, and to allow more businesses the chance to survive
·      Communities to eagerly roll out the welcome mat and host visitors from other regions, provinces and countries when it’s safe to do so
·      A successful ski season to keep people employed and resorts open, as well as to help people relieve some of the stress in their lives
·      Clear rationale from government to better understand why ticketed, hosted and monitored outdoor holiday events at large (i.e. plenty of space & distancing) attractions that lift people’s spirits, keep businesses open and allow people to work are forbidden, yet hundreds of people are free to crowd the aisles of an indoor, big-box retailer or work on a construction site
·      Senior levels of government to recognize that every order, restriction or directive that involves the activities or movement of people has a consequence on the visitor economy that requires consultation, careful consideration and mitigation
·      Governments at all levels to better understand and appreciate the value of the visitor economy and prioritize relief and recovery decisions accordingly
·      The meetings and events industry to be given a shot at a graduated opening to allow thousands of employees to go back to work and re-open a sector that has been idle for nine months
·      Industry colleagues struggling with mental health compounded by the crisis receive the support they need from government, the health care system, from employers and industry peers
·      The opportunity to shake hands, hug or sit across from colleagues in face-to-face meetings instead of looking at a screen all day
·      Colleagues and friends to take the time to rest and enjoy the holiday season as best as possible knowing that 2021 promises hope while also requiring patience and resolve to make it to the other side of COVID-19
·      2021 to become the year that tourism begins to recover and the pandemic no longer overtakes every aspect of our lives
·      Health and safety for colleagues, friends and family
 
Thank you for your support of our efforts over the past year. We couldn’t have gotten through 2020 without your constant texts, phone calls, emails, zoom meetings and even letters to inform us, provide input and show appreciation for our efforts.
 
This is our last C-19 Bulletin for 2020 as we take a much-needed break over the holidays. Our newsletter will return the second week of January to keep you informed of various government, industry and TIABC initiatives related to relief and recovery of BC’s tourism and hospitality industry. If there are significant announcements in the interim, we will alert you through Special Edition C-19 Bulletins.
 
With that I wish you Season’s Greetings, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
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As Part of the Hardest Hit Coalition TIABC Urges MPs to Immediately Implement Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)

Government support programs like the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) are welcomed and appreciated. At the same time, with cash reserves depleted and losses accumulating each month, most businesses can no longer cover their monthly fixed costs.

Today, many businesses are close to insolvency. In fact, the latest industry survey by the Hotel Association of Canada revealed that without government-supported financing, almost 70% of respondents will not make it to next summer while over 40% will not make it to the end of February.

On behalf of BC’s visitor economy and the tens of thousands of businesses and employees, we respectfully request that government please roll out the recently announced Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program immediately to ensure that Canada’s hardest-hit businesses can survive until the summer and continue to employ Canadians.
Download the letter here
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Province Expands COVID-19 Enforcement Measures

The Province is expanding provincial COVID-19 ticket enforcement and workplace safety measures to keep British Columbians safe, as well as mitigate the effects on health-care systems, communities and the economy in the ongoing government response to COVID-19.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has asked gaming investigators, conservation officers, community safety unit inspectors, and liquor and cannabis inspectors to actively support police and increase COVID-19 enforcement during their normal course of duties or when in public places.

To better hold offenders accountable for paying their provincial COVID-19 violation ticket fines, Farnworth is also directing ICBC, which collects ticket fines on behalf of government, to send deemed-guilty offenders immediately to collections. Currently, payment reminders may be sent to guilty offenders for up to a year before the overdue account is sent to collections. ICBC will now eliminate this reminder period and instead send unpaid files directly to collections as soon as the initial 30-day payment or dispute period ends, or an offender is found guilty in court.

Additionally, the Province has asked WorkSafeBC to enhance its inspection presence in workplaces by reducing reliance on virtual checks and move to more in-person inspections, particularly in sectors where COVID-19 transmission is occurring.
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A Message from Charlotte Bell's Family

TIABC's federal counterparts at TIAC shared our industry's message with Charlotte Bell's family, who asked us to pass along the following message:

On behalf of Charlotte’s family, we would like to thank all members of the TIAC board and staff as well as all tourism industry stakeholders who kindly expressed their best wishes and sorrow on Charlotte’s recent illness.
 
We already knew that Charlotte was dearly loved by her family and friends, but we were overwhelmed by the expressions of recognition and gratitude on her contributions to the tourism industry. We can tell you that she loved this industry and felt very strongly that this sector was well deserving of support from all Canadians. She made it her mission to get this message heard and understood in all parts of Canada. We believe she succeeded based on all the testimonials we have received.
 
We lost a shining light on December 12th. Our hearts are heavy, but we will always remember her vigour, energy and kind heart. Thanks again to you all. You have made a very difficult time more bearable.
 
Carol Bell and family.
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A Message from Richard Porges,
Interim President and CEO
2020 in Review

This has been a year unlike any other and has been incredibly difficult for all of us, as an industry, and as people who have seen the devastating impacts that COVID-19 has had on our businesses, colleagues and loved ones. Our thoughts continue to be with those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, have seen their businesses close, have lost their jobs or have suffered from the myriad of other consequences of this pandemic. Of all sectors of our economy, BC's tourism industry has been hardest hit by COVID-19. However, crises often bring out the best in people and we have rallied together to support each other over the past year. More than ever, Destination BC is working closely with our industry partners and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and we have seen new collaborations, such as the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, the Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria Taskforces, and many others arise across industry. Our governments have responded to the challenge of COVID-19, and we have worked collaboratively as an industry and as a global society.

Despite everything our industry has done over the last few months to keep businesses open, people employed, and people safe as they travel throughout BC, we know that coming out of this, our industry will look different.

The global effort to combat COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter Movement, British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and our collaborative efforts as an industry in BC have set us on the right path to build back differently, and better. Let’s take this to heart as we rebuild our industry in 2021 and beyond.

With the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine being administered in BC this week, and as we look to 2021 with cautious optimism, we wish the new year brings you, and your loved ones, a healthy, safe and more prosperous future. 

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A Message from Royce Chwin, Tourism Vancouver CEO

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TRANSPORT CANADA – Proposal Feedback Required: 
Important for Marinas, Lodges & Tourism Operators That Rent Boats to Visitors and Guests

Submitted by the Sport Fishing Institute:

In Canada, a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) has been in existence for recreational boaters for nearly 20 years. While recreational boaters are encouraged to acquire the PCOC should they own a pleasure craft or plan to go boating, many are unaware of the requirement or are from locations where the PCOC is unavailable. PCOCs are currently acquired by written exam and do not have a practical instruction component. 

For those that would like to rent or operate a pleasure craft provided by a business, an alternative to the PCOC was developed and approved by Transport Canada known as the Rental Boat Safety Checklist (RBSC). This checklist is intended to be paired with hands-on orientation at the dock. The RBSC has been used effectively by boat rental agencies, marinas and by lodge operations that offer unguided boat options right across Canada since its creation shortly after the PCOC program was initiated.

This is an important tool for businesses and operators that may welcome guests from around the world but also to ensure the safety of guests and care of the boats provided for customer use.

Review of the PCOC program is likely warranted due to an increase in interest and diversity of boating activity and new boater participation. However, rather than repealing the RBSC, proposals should describe a process to formalize the RBSC and associated orientation to be a requirement. An RBSC and orientation would serve as an additional safety measure for rental agencies and any business that makes boats available to the public, regardless if there is a PCOC in possession or not.

If you are involved in boating or the boating industry and can comment on the impacts these proposed changes would have to boating in BC, visit the Let’s Talk Transportation site to provide feedback until January 15th, 2021.

TIABC will be submitting a letter on behalf of the industry with a recommendation to government to keep the current regime in place.
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Tourism Research Roundup

COVID-19 Research Roundup: Week 26
Read Destination BC's latest Research Roundup report, which provides relevant research and articles each week related to the travel and tourism industry and COVID-19.


Update your HelloBC.com Listing

Destination BC has added three new features to HelloBC business listings in the last few months:
  1. Businesses can now link directly to their COVID-19 Safety Plan from their HelloBC listing to reassure travellers when it is permissible to travel again.
  2. Businesses can also add up to three travel deals to their business listing to encourage travellers to book with them, when it is permissible to travel again.
  3. Business that are temporarily closed due to impacts of COVID-19 can mark themselves as such on their HelloBC business listing.
 
Destination BC has updated the HelloBC-Tripadvisor Toolkit with the above information, including instructions and promotional messages. Download the toolkit here.
Messaging Guide
December 8 - January 8

By order and direction of the PHO, individuals and businesses in BC must continue to significantly reduce social interactions and travel. The existing order, which began November 19th has been extended until January 8th, 2021.

BC tourism businesses can refer to the Messaging Guidance for December 8 - January 8 related to the announcement on provincial restrictions. The document includes messaging and a FAQ.
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Mark Your Calendars
BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
TIABC and the BC Hotel Association will be co-hosting the BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference (virtually) during the week of March 8th to 12th, 2021.
Stay tuned for more details in early 2021.
Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo
This virtual event takes place January 18th to 21st and is presented by the Canadian Camping and RVing BC Council. Keynote speakers including Toby O’Rourke CEO of KOA Kampgrounds of America, 

Learn more at:
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Tourism HR Hosts The Time to Talk is Now 

Job uncertainty, financial strain, and insurance challenges are only the tip of the iceberg for individuals working in Canada’s tourism and hospitality industry. Naturally, there is growing concern over the mental health and wellness of operators, managers, and the people they employ.

The stigma surrounding mental health is lessening, but barriers remain that prevent individuals from seeking help. Get ready to be inspired to put a voice to your own challenges and learn how to effectively talk to others about their mental healthThrough a fun and interactive quiz, you will walk away with an increased understanding of issues including mental health, resilience, and wellness.
 
The time to talk is now. Join the Zoom presentation with Allan Kehler.
 
Monday, December 21st 10:00am – 10:30am (PST), with additional time for Q & A
 

This webinar is a follow-up to the recent Tourism HR Insider articles sharing a variety of mental health resources.
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TIABC's C-19 Bulletin will be on a break until the new year. See you in 2021!
(if government makes any important announcements, we will issue a Special Edition)

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.