C-19 BULLETIN - January 22, 2021
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CEO Message
Remember the anxiety worldwide leading up to the impending crisis known as Y2K? To refresh your memory, Y2K was a purported computer bug or flaw that was to have caused major problems when dealing with dates beyond December 31st, 1999. Within complicated computer programs, engineers previously used only a two-digit code instead of four to refer to years (e.g. 80 instead of 1980). So with the year 2000 on the horizon, programmers believed that computers would interpret 00 as 1900 instead of 2000, ultimately spelling the end of these machines we so heavily depended on.
In 1999, tech companies scrambled to fix the bug; organizations around the world spent enormous sums to upgrade or purchase new hardware and software; executives huddled in boardrooms to update and activate crisis plans; administrative personnel printed reams of documents to avoid losing important electronic files forever; and some countries even recalled their entire overseas embassy staff for fear of losing communication.
By all accounts nothing actually happened when the clock struck 12:00:01 a.m. in any of the world’s 230 countries. Satellites didn’t crash; bank accounts weren’t frozen; sensitive government documents didn’t disappear; and computers ‘booted up’ as usual. In other words, life carried on.
Some suggest it was because of all the time and money invested by governments, businesses and institutions to address the problem. Others say it was a giant hoax perpetrated by Silicon Valley to generate more revenue for tech giants. Regardless, the world breathed a sigh of relief and people everywhere went on to celebrate the start of the 2000s decade and all the promises it held.
Fast-forward 20 years as another crisis emerged, only this time it was largely unanticipated and proven to be extremely difficult to resolve. As you know, the coronavirus first reared its ugly head in late 2019, yet the world celebrated the start of 2020 blissfully ignorant of the impending pandemic and the profound impact this dreadful bug would have for virtually the entire year.
Twelve months later as we quietly ushered in 2021 absent any fanfare, it felt more like Happy Old Year (or perhaps Y2K) for many in our industry given that seemingly nothing actually happened. We flipped the calendar knowing the virus was still with us, travel restrictions continued, and the visitor economy remained in a perilous position. It certainly appeared that January was shaping up to be no different than the previous 10 months.
However, while every day continues to feel like Ground Hog Day, I am seeing some progress since the start of the year that leaves me more hopeful that many (but not all) businesses have a chance to make it to the other side of the pandemic.
Premier Horgan’s announcement yesterday that the Province will not pursue an outright ban on domestic travel was an encouraging start and much appreciated by the tourism and hospitality industry, as well as by many other sectors and communities throughout BC.
Minister Kahlon’s (Jobs, Economic Recovery & Innovation) new Industry Engagement Table (IET) that includes TIABC and many of our sector partners was also a welcome step. Among other priorities, the IET will receive occasional advance notice of potential new orders and provide input on the impact, challenges, unintended consequences, and opportunities. This process supports one of the requests TIABC made in our meeting with Premier Horgan and Minister Mark earlier in the week.
At the federal level government is planning to introduce details (i.e. qualification criteria) soon on its Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) that will offer additional relief for medium-sized tourism and hospitality operators. And while most larger businesses may not qualify for HASCAP, TIABC and BCHA recently submitted another proposal to the Province with the objective to see that iconic and cornerstone tourism and hospitality businesses receive the financial help they need to survive.
In addition to ongoing engagement with government on additional measures required to help the visitor economy, TIABC and our sector partners have been providing further input on criteria adjustments needed to existing relief programs such as RRRF and the Small and Medium-sized Business Recovery Grant Program to allow more operators to qualify and receive funds. Be sure to read the information on the grant program below and take action accordingly.
The present day somewhat reminds me of Y2K as governments, technology companies, executives, front-line workers, and even sector associations such as TIABC and our partners work diligently to mitigate the impact of another major crisis, despite the fact there is no two-digit expiry date for this pandemic even as vaccines slowly begin to roll out across the globe. At the same time, I’d like to believe we’re much closer than we were heading into last new years.
Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
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Premier Horgan Rejects Ban on Inter-provincial Travel
Premier John Horgan has released the following statement regarding potential restrictions on interprovincial travel:
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our first and overriding priority has been keeping British Columbians safe. My thanks go to everyone in B.C. who has been working hard to keep the spread under control.
“We’ve heard from many people who are worried travel from outside B.C. has contributed to the spread of COVID-19. In response to those concerns, we asked for legal options on restricting interprovincial travel and a better understanding of the impact of travel on transmission.
“The review of our legal options made it clear we can’t prevent people from travelling to British Columbia. We can impose restrictions on people travelling for non-essential purposes if they are causing harm to the health and safety of British Columbians. Much of current interprovincial travel is work related and therefore cannot be restricted. Public health officials tell us what is most important is for everyone to obey health orders, wherever they are, rather than imposing mobility rules. Therefore, we will not be imposing travel restrictions at this time.
“If we see transmission increase due to interprovincial travel, we will impose stronger restrictions on non-essential travellers. We will continue to work with the tourism and hospitality sectors to make sure all possible safety precautions are in place.
“Today, I spoke with my colleagues across Canada at the Council of the Federation and First Ministers’ meetings. The Prime Minister is exploring further international travel restrictions, and B.C. stands ready to assist. I asked my colleagues to carry a message back to their citizens: now is not the time for non-essential travel. We ask all British Columbians to stay close to home while vaccines become available. And to all Canadians outside of B.C., we look forward to your visit to our beautiful province when we can welcome you safely.”
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Province Unveils COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Plan
Premier John Horgan, Health Minister Adrian Dix, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Penny Ballem, executive lead for BC’s immunization efforts announced details of the next phases in BC’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan. The plan will see approximately 7.4 million doses of vaccine administered to every British Columbian who is eligible to receive it between April and the end of September.
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Tourism & Hospitality Businesses Encouraged to Apply for the Small & Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant
Grants of $10,000 to $30,000 are available to small and medium sized businesses impacted by COVID-19, with an additional $5,000 to $15,000 available to eligible tourism-related businesses.
The program runs until March 31st or until the funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first. The first step is to apply for funding online. IMPORTANT - Even if your business doesn't meet all of the criteria, you are encouraged to complete as much as of the application form as possible and submit it so that program personnel can evaluate your application and work with you on possible approval. TIABC continues to inform government on further criteria changes needed to allow more businesses to receive much-needed funding.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be asked to develop a recovery plan and outline how the grant funding will be used. Professional service providers are available to help businesses with the recovery plan as needed.
Learn more at:
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Free COVID-19 Safety Plan Review
All employers in BC are required to develop and implement a COVID-19 safety plan that outlines the policies, guidelines and procedures they have put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. Businesses must also review and update their plan if conditions change or in response to new Provincial Health Officer orders.
Knowing that tourism and hospitality businesses are dealing with a lot of challenges right now, go2HR’s team of health and safety professionals are offering free safety plan reviews for tourism and hospitality businesses. Their experts provide recommendations and targeted feedback to help you meet current requirements.
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Tourism Businesses Concerned as BC Grant Money Remains Unspent
BC’s tourism sector wants to know why the government has more than $230-million unspent in a major grant program when its businesses are pleading for more support during the pandemic.
TIABC CEO Walt Judas was interviewed by CHEK TV concerning news that only $65 million in grants have been awarded out of a $300 million fund, three months after applications opened. That leaves $235 million unused when some tourism operators are closing their doors and going out of business for lack of financial support.
Big White Ski Resort Cancels $7.3 Million in Accommodation and Lift Ticket Reservations
Since the Provincial Health Officer's initial travel advisories in late November, Big White Ski Resort and Big White Central Reservations has cancelled $7.3-million in lift ticket and accommodation bookings as of January 21st, and has received hundreds upon hundreds of emails, messages and comments from families and individuals disappointed by these decisions.
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COVID-19: Epidemiology Stats
Data Shows Visitors Not Spreading Virus
The Government of Canada produces updates on the Coronavirus that cover topics such as:
Current situation, national overview, epidemic curve, demographics, exposure setting, hospitalizations, and provincial/territorial and international reporting.
The Exposure setting section is searchable by Canada, or any province/territory and provides exposure history data on 90% of Coronavirus cases. As shown below, of the 98% of cases acquired in Canada, 0% were from known contact with a traveller.
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Destination BC Research
Canadian Resident Sentiment
See this week’s reports for the latest on how Canadians across the country are feeling towards visitors to their region, as well as an overview of each province and territories’ updated travel related guidelines.
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Canadian Resident Sentiment (Jan 12 data). Read more.
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Travel Related Measures (Jan 13 data). Read more.
COVID-19 Impact & Recovery Reports
These reports provide an overview of the most recent impacts of COVID-19 both at home, in Canada and internationally including any signs of recovery in tourism. This week Destination Canada released the following updates:
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Canada Impact & Recovery Infographic (Jan 5 data) Read more.
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International Impact & Recovery Infographic (Jan 12 data) Read more.
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Are you passionate about the backcountry and wilderness? Do you want to belong to a community of likeminded individuals and groups? Want to be first to know about awe-inspiring adventures throughout BC's inimitable backcountry?
Why not join the BLBCA as an Affiliate Member? They have a truly amazing group of members. and one of our biggest inspirations for the BLBCA to continue with their advocacy efforts.
Plus, BLBCA has partnered with True Outdoors to give you a $25 discount coupon to use in-store or online when you register as an Affiliate Member. That's just like getting your BLBCA Affiliate Membership for FREE!
An Affiliate Membership is the perfect way for individuals to support the goals and objectives of the BLBCA as outlined under their Membership Criteria.
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Wilderness Tourism Association AGM
Thursday, January 28th, 1:00-4:00 PM
TIABC CEO Walt Judas will be a guest speaker at the upcoming AGM for the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC. The agenda can be viewed at wilderness-tourism.bc.ca.
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The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF)has partnered with Destination Greater Victoria on a lottery with over $3,000 in prizes. Odds are GREAT!
Prizes are redeemable in 2021 and by purchasing a ticket you not only help the BCHF, but also help Greater Victoria’s tourism and hospitality industry in this trying time.
Lottery ticket sales are now LIVE and run through to 11:59 pm Sunday, February 7th. The draw will happen at noon on Monday, January 8th.
Check out the list of prizes here
Buy your tickets here - we wish you luck!
The British Columbia Hospitality Foundation is a charity that raises funds to support those in the hospitality industry facing financial crisis due to a health condition. Each year hundreds of hospitality workers across BC face financial challenges and have no where else to turn. The BCHF helps them when all other options have been exhausted. But that’s not all they do! Learn more at:
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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 soon.
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BC Craft Brewers Conference
The BC Craft Brewers Conference brings together key stakeholders from the Canadian craft brewing industry for an annual networking and educational event.
From February 3 to 5, brewery staff, brewing students and beer enthusiasts are invited to take part in various virtual educational seminars and keynotes to gear up 2021. The three days are divided into half-day tracks, broken out into Brewing, Marketing & Sales, Operations and Finance.
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TIAC Members' Webinar Series
Join TIAC and Twenty31 on Tuesday January 26th at 8am PST for a candid conversation about how COVID-19 has impacted destinations and tourism operators in Canada, as well as globally, and what they're doing to manage the future of the tourism industry.
Tune in to hear Twenty31's take on high-level findings from the State of Tourism in Canada during COVID-19 dashboard report, joined by special guests to hear how they addressed some of the challenges and opportunities highlighted in the current report.
Panelists:
- Joe Naaman, Executive Vice President, Strategy, Twenty31 Consulting, Inc.
- Daniel Robert Gooch, President, Canada Airports Council
- Scott Beck, President & CEO, Destination Toronto
This webinar is available to all TIAC members. Please note the webinar has a maximum capacity of 500 participants, and a recording of the webinar will be available on the TIAC Members' portal Webinars page.
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Over the past decade, the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program has worked with dozens of First Nations throughout BC training youth to build trails and supporting efforts to use those trails to reconnect people to the land and assert Indigenous Rights and Title. A central goal has been to engage with the mountain bike community and encourage settler Canadians to evaluate our relationship with recreation and how it impacts and perpetuates colonial structures and institutions.
Co-Founder and Director Patrick Lucas and Tom Eustache of the Simpcw First Nation will share their lessons learned from working together and building trails.
Thursday January 28th 6:30pm to 7:30pm (PST)
Register at:
This Webinar is part of Trails BC's Greenways for All initiative. Greenways for All is focused on building partnerships with First Nations, rural communities, organizations and governments to help ensure everyone is able to incorporate walking, cycling and rolling into their daily lives. Thanks to the Real Estate Foundation of BC, Vancouver Foundation and Thompson River University for their generous support.
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Small Business Trends for 2021
What You Need to Know for the New Year
As we consign 2020 to the history books, thoughts inevitably turn to 2021 and the opportunities it will bring. There’s plenty of reasons for optimism in the coming year, with a return to normality on the horizon. What lessons can we learn from 2020? Which of our COVID-19 pivots are likely to stick around?
Join us for a fascinating panel discussion that gathers speakers from a wide variety of perspectives. Hear their insights, add your observations and expertise, and look forward to the coming year informed and optimistic about your future prospects.
What Will I Learn?
- Changes in store for how small businesses do things
- Emerging products, services, and opportunities
- Continually evolving consumer behaviours
- Interesting trends in marketing and selling
- Which 2020 trends are here to stay
Friday, January 29th
1:00pm to 2:00pm (PST)
As a valued partner of Destination BC, Small Business BC is offering free access to this January 29th webinar to BC tourism businesses with the code TRENDS2021.
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Online Training for Businesses
The Building Resilience to Thrive online training program will offer relief to businesses and help mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19.
The Building Resilience to Thrive online training program will offer relief to businesses and help mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by teaching them how to adapt their business models, re-engage their customers and adjust their workplace cultures. Developed in partnership with the University of Victoria, Gustavson School of Business, this program will have one hour seminars once per week for 6 weeks and will be offered three times until the end of March 2021.
Program curriculum will focus on the three key themes of Strive, Build, and Create.
Seminar topics will be:
- Power of Context – Unconscious Bias
- Emotional Intelligence
- The Power of Coaching in Business
- Hire and manage a diverse team
- Improve experiences for colleagues and customers
- Adapt your service strategy for better outcomes
The final program will be offered on the following date:
Wednesdays at 11am-12pm PST, February 24th to March 31st
Registration for Cohort 3 closes on February 18th at 4pm
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Patrick Weiler, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country is hosting a virtual town hall discussion with the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. They look forward to covering topics of high interest in the community, and across the country, such as how federal investments are supporting social, green and public transit infrastructure.
Wednesday, February 10th at 2:00pm 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. |
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