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
_________________________________________________________________