As one COVID month blends into the next, sometimes it’s hard for me to remember the last time I saw certain professional colleagues in person. At the annual TIAC (hybrid) Congress in Ottawa earlier this week, each time I greeted someone it took me a moment to realize that even though we had met via Zoom on many occasions, we hadn’t actually seen each other for the better part of two years.

Finally standing face-to-face with friends and colleagues again was totally energizing. The opportunity to cautiously shake hands, bang elbows or embrace in a warm hug and ultimately conduct business was much more fulfilling and productive in person than communicating via a computer screen.

I experienced the same feeling during the conference proceedings. With presenters directly in front of you, paying attention was definitely easier than all the distractions associated with webinars. It’s one of the reasons I’m confident the meetings business will ultimately rebound and recover in full once the countless restrictions or obstacles finally end.

 

Aside from the affirmation that face-to-face meetings are still best, I learned plenty from the various sessions including some positive Canadian results from a new Destinations International (DI) survey that we can build on to help shape the future of our industry. For example:

 

At the same time, there are areas that we need to pay attention to and change both practices and perceptions to help build our sector. For example:

 

 

There was much more information and content, both online and in-person that delegates took away from the conference…some of which will be posted on TIAC’s website in the coming weeks and months for your perusal.

 

One last thing worth mentioning. I learned all over again why I love this industry so much. Every colleague from outside of British Columbia that I spoke to at the TIAC Congress was very aware of our province’s challenges in recent weeks. In fact, to a person they asked how we (i.e. the province) were doing and if there was anything they could do to help. Even though I was trying hard to adhere to health and safety protocols, it was hard to resist giving my empathetic colleagues either a firm handshake, elbow bump or warm hug to show my appreciation for their compassion and concern.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

Congratulations to TIABC member - Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) who was the recipient of the 7th TIAC National Indigenous Tourism Award, presented by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).

The TIAC National Indigenous Tourism Award recognizes an Indigenous tourism business that demonstrates a commitment to the development, promotion and delivery of an authentic, innovative and enriching Indigenous cultural tourism visitor experience. Winners and finalists are judged on a series of categories including adherence to ITAC’s National Guidelines - employment, economic, social and cultural benefits to Indigenous Peoples, innovation and sustainability.

This year, the annual Canadian Tourism Awards were a salute to the perseverance, resilience and fortitude of the sector, its operators and employees. Congratulations also extends to:

Hôtel de Glace Québec-Canada Inc. – Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, Quebec

Ocean Quest Inc. – St. John’s, Newfoundland

Sally MacInnis, Keltic Lodge – Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia

William R. Fatt – Posthumously Awarded 

Concerns about the Omicron variant have prompted new testing requirements for air travellers entering Canada from a country other than the United States.

In the coming days, all fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air from departure points other than the US will be subject to arrival testing. Fully vaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine while they await the results of their arrival test.

Unvaccinated travellers, with right of entry to Canada, will continue to be tested on arrival and day 8 and quarantine for 14 days. However, those arriving by air will now be required to stay in a designated quarantine facility or other suitable location while they await the result of their on arrival test.

These moves respond to emerging questions over Canada’s Omicron response, though federal officials said to expect the situation and federal policies to continue to evolve.

On November 29th, Destination BC updated its Special Edition: Emergency Response to the BC Storm Messaging Guidance document which outlines key messaging, information, and resources for BC’s tourism industry. It includes guidance for regional and community/city destination marketing & management organizations, sector associations, and tourism businesses.

Please refer to the messaging guide for information on how you can support your community, residents, visitors, and each other during this difficult time. We will continue to update you with key messaging as the various situations arise.

Destination BC’s Know Before You Go page also includes key information resources for travelers and tourism businesses.

PreparedBC have additional resources and step-by-step guides to prepare tourism businesses and their staff for emergencies, with templates and tools to help operators easily plan a fast and effective response.

BC Recovery Benefit: Individuals can apply for this recovery benefit worth up to $1,000. The benefit is based on 2019 income, so higher earners who lost jobs during the pandemic won't qualify. Hotline: 1-833-822-0220

Tourism Relief Fund: Program funding to empower tourism operators to create new or enhance existing tourism experiences to attract more local and domestic visitors and helping the sector reposition itself to welcome international visitors by offering the best Canadian tourism experience we have to offer the world.

Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy: Subsidy of up to 75% of eligible expenses until October 23, 2021. Also includes an additional Lockdown Support of 25% if your business was significantly affected by a public health order. Applications to this program can happen retroactively back 6 months. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525 An extension to May 7, 2022 is currently proposed and still pending decision.

Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program: Aimed at sectors like tourism and hospitality, hotels, arts and entertainment, and will offer 100% government-guaranteed financing and provide low-interest loans up to $1 million for up to ten years. Available until December 31, 2021.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: Covers part of your employee wages retroactively back to December 20, 2020 until October 23, 2021. The maximum subsidy is 75%. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525 An extension to May 7, 2022 is proposed and still pending decision.

Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP): The new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) is designed to encourage businesses to grow as the economy recovers, whether it’s due to hiring and re-hiring staff, increasing shifts, or increasing overall pay. This program has a proposed extension to May 7, 2022.

Note: Your business can only claim the CEWS OR CRHP - here is a comparison between the two programs

Canada Recovery Benefit: The Canada Response Benefit ended October 23, 2021. Claims can be made up to December 22, 2021. The government has proposed a new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit that would provide $300 for eligible workers who are unable to work due to a temporary local lockdown anytime between Oct 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022. Further details on this proposed benefit will be released in the near future. Hotline: 1-833-966-2099

Changes to health restrictions in three health regions were announced earlier this week by provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry. The regional gathering restrictions in the Interior Health Region have been repealed. Interior Health is now subject to the same rules as the rest of the province, including: province-wide mask mandate, Food and Liquor Serving Premises public order, and Gatherings and Events public order.

In the Northern Health region, restrictions will be EXTENDED and remain in place until January 31st, 2022 include:

The new restrictions apply to local health areas west of Kitwanga that had previously been excluded

Restrictions within the Fraser Health Region will continue.

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards are presented by TIABC and BCHA to recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within BC’s tourism & hospitality industry. These Awards recognize the province’s most exceptional products, services, experiences,

and people who exhibit the utmost standard of excellence.

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards will be awarded at the Awards Gala evening during the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the Richmond Conference Centre.

INDIGENOUS OPERATOR

SUSTAINABILITY

EMPLOYEES FIRST

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

HOTELIER OF THE YEAR

INNOVATION

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION & IMPACT

PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

For more information about each award click here.

The deadline to submit a nomination is January 14, 2022.

If you know a business, organization, or individual who is deserving of a nomination, please submit your nomination:

The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), together with TIABC, BCHA and BCDMOA has released the latest results of ongoing research on the impacts of COVID-19 on tourism and hospitality businesses around the province.

Click here to read the complete report.

Destination Canada has released the latest update on resident sentiment that identifies how Canadians are feeling about travel and their level of welcome to visitors in their respective provinces. Here is a summary on the current situation in BC.

Additionally, British Columbians welcome towards visitors perspective from rural and urban communities has been concluded as follows: (Note: click here to review the full report)

Today marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities and this important day has also been recognized by the Province of BC with a proclamation.

The Province has appointed 11 British Columbians as the first-ever members of the Provincial Accessibility Committee, marking the next step in government’s work towards a barrier-free BC. Under the Accessible British Columbia Act, the committee’s work will include advising government on the implementation of the Act, helping government prioritize accessibility standards and overseeing the process of developing standards in areas like employment, education, the built environment and customer service. You can read more about the Provincial Accessibility Committee through the news release here.

Fifteen community-based projects are benefitting from over $450,000 in government funding to increase accessibility and community inclusion. Successful projects include arts, emergency preparedness, cycling, and cultural celebrations. You can read more about the projects through the news release here.

A reminder the online survey to provide feedback to help improve accessibility in new buildings is available on the govTogetherBC website. The survey has been extended and feedback will be accepted until January 13th, 2022 at 4pm. Information about the BC Building Code accessibility rules is available on the Building and Safety Standard’s website. Your feedback will help inform proposed changes to the next BC Building Code.

Helijet International has entered into an agreement with Blade Urban Air Mobility, Inc., a technology-powered global air mobility platform, for the sale of exclusive rights for the booking of flights on Helijet’s scheduled service routes, which will continue to be operated by Helijet.

The exclusive rights sale is part of a new operating partnership aimed at introducing additional routes and delivering the first commercially available and sustainable Electric Vertical Aircraft (“EVA”) to the BC market.

Helijet and Blade are combining their expertise and investment efforts to accelerate the introduction and commercialization of newer, more sustainable and cost-effective EVA into communities served by Blade and Helijet, as well as potential new route networks in BC and the Pacific Northwest.

Helijet will continue to operate its current routes as usual, with Blade integrating its booking and sales technologies to achieve greater reach into Helijet’s existing and future route network. Together, Helijet and Blade are currently reviewing new routes to serve Vancouver, Seattle, Portland and other locations along the Pacific Northwest’s Cascadia corridor.

Click here to read the full news release.

The Museum of North Vancouver is ready to welcome the world!

On December 4th, MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver will open its doors to the public on a limited “preview” basis in The Shipyards. Admission will be free on December 4th. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place.

The Museum will be open 4 days a week (Thursday to Sunday from 11:00am to 5:00pm) during the winter months, with an opening celebration and the debut of “You Are Here @ The Shipyards” in our Feature Exhibit Gallery to follow in early 2022.

MONOVA is welcoming visitors to explore its gallery spaces, which include interactive displays, as well as moving tributes to the past, such as the section dedicated to Residential School survivors and their families.

It’s taken more than 50 years, a multitude of meaningful discussions with community members and Indigenous leaders, countless volunteer hours, and painstaking research to amass a collection of more than 9,000 artefacts, but after 20 years of planning finally the Museum of North Vancouver is ready to welcome the public. The new Museum of North Vancouver joins the Archives of North Vancouver in Lynn Valley under the MONOVA banner.

For more information on the Museum of North Vancouver, click here.

An Intermediate Digital Marketing Program presented by Destination BC.

The Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program launched on November 9th, with the goal to “spark” new Indigenous tourism ideas and initiatives in BC. Presented by Destination BC in collaboration with Indigenous Tourism BC, and the Tourism Innovation Lab, the program matches selected applicants with a tourism mentor and provides a $5,000 seed grant to help develop new Indigenous tourism ideas.

This program was designed to help Indigenous entrepreneurs in BC to overcome challenges and barriers often experienced in bringing new tourism products to life. Applications are being accepted now from Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations in BC.

Thoughts continue to be with First Nations and communities across BD who have been impacted by heavy rain and flooding. With more heavy rainfall in the forecast, and the provincial state of emergency now in effect until December 14th, we are extending the ITBC “Spark” program deadline until January 17th, 2022.

To learn more and to apply, click here.

Launched in June 2021, the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge is a global movement of individuals, businesses, and organizations within the tourism and hospitality industry that believe tourism has a tremendous opportunity to become a force for good and change the world.

GreenStep Solutions believe that improving the social, cultural, environmental, and economic performance of our industry in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is not a trend or a cause, but is essential to the long term health and well-being of this important sector.

The purpose of the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge is to help tourism businesses and destinations measure and improve their sustainability performance. By simplifying the steps and removing the cost barrier through the free measurement tool, they can create a common framework and benchmark for the global tourism industry.

Over time, by offering best practices, free resources, tools, and templates, we will break down the steps for tourism destinations and businesses to incorporate sustainability into their operations in a simple, yet meaningful way.

Click here for more information and to take the Sustainable 2030 Tourism Pledge.

As an industry that continues to face enormous challenges during COVID-19, every once in awhile it's important to share a laugh, a good story, a beautiful image or an interesting anecdote to provide moments of levity during this most difficult time.

Due to the difficulties our industry has faced since early 2020, we have extended various payment options to members if required. Please contact Deborah to learn more about how we can assist you with your membership renewal, or if you are interested in becoming a member

We strongly encourage you to consider membership with TIABC to support our important advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire visitor economy.

There is no better example of what TIABC has done for you than in the last 18-months. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic TIABC has identified your concerns, raised your voice, championed your needs, pushing for support and programs while encouraging policy changes.

We thank you for your investment in our advocacy efforts. Our success depends on you.

Despite the ongoing challenges our industry continues to face as a result of the impacts of COVID, TIABC is heartened to observe the strength, resiliency and innovative means taking place today. This bulletin section highlights our members, new members or shares stories of how businesses and organizations, large and small are doing things in a new way as they guide their enterprises through the pandemic crisis and beyond.

Helping Hand Hazy Wheat Ale is what you get when three breweries, a printing company and canning company collaborate together to help their devastated home community of Chilliwack. What has transpired is a tasty brew for everyone to enjoy!

More importantly, 100% of the proceeds of Helping Hand Hazy Wheat Ale from their respective locations will be going to those impacted by the ravaging floods. A warm hand of applause goes to Farmhouse Brewing Co., Bricklayer Brewing and Old Yale Brewing Co. and supporting businesses for their teamwork and unique partnership.

New trade agreements and a competitive Canadian dollar make it an ideal time to extend your company's reach through the export of goods and services online.

World Trade Centre Vancouver is pleased to present Integrated e-Commerce Essentials (ICE), a workshop that helps businesses discover, learn, and create an integrated online strategy to drive global sales.

Integrated e-Commerce is growing twice as fast as domestic e-Commerce and expected to hit 6.4 trillion dollars by 2024.

By enrolling in the Integrated e-Commerce Essentials workshop you can:

Day 1 - Tuesday, December 7

Program: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Day 2 - Wednesday, December 8

Program: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Click here for more information and to register.

Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to offer free access for tourism business stakeholders across the province to online education supporting COVID-19 recovery.

Upcoming webinars include:

Social Media for Small Business, Date: January 12th, 2022

Get Started with Email Marketing, Date: February 2nd 2022

To access the webinars free of charge, register online here using coupon code DBC3034.

Join TIABC and the BC Hotel Association for the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference as we 'Kickstart the Comeback' and gather in-person to learn, tackle issues, forge new relationships, and work toward resiliency in the face of one of the hardest years in our sector's history.

This year's conference will bring together hundreds of tourism owner/operators, hoteliers, destination marketing and management professionals, educators, government representatives, industry sectors, and other stakeholders representing all regions of British Columbia.

At the 2022 BCTHC, you can be part of an incredible opportunity to collaborate, share stories of success and resilience, acquire new research and best practices, be inspired for creative new projects and initiatives, and build bold ideas that will help kickstart the comeback of BC’s tourism industry.

Our sessions will explore some of our most important questions on issues that have impacted our whole industry:

We would love you to be part of our program! Do you have something you’d like to share with your industry colleagues? Submit a session proposal through our Call for Presentations! The deadline to submit is December 17, 2021. 

Hotel booking and travel details will be made available before the end of 2021.

Registration is set to open in early January 2022.

Visit here for more details including how to become a sponsor of the BCTHC!

Email us at info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com

Is your organization heritage focused (including but not limited to a museum, science centre, or art gallery)? You may be eligible for funding to hire a student or recent graduate through the Canadian Museums Association’s Young Canada Works Programs.

The Canadian Museums Association delivers two of four Young Canada Works Programs which supports hiring post-secondary graduates. These programs provide up to 75% of the salary for a student or recent graduate.

Talent MATCH has partnered with the Canadian Museums Association to bring you this free info session featuring Louise Pitre, the YCW Program Officer for the Canadian Museums Association, who will explain how the program works and how to apply.

Date: December 7th at 1:00 pm (PT).

Note that the application for these programs is due on January 21, 2022.

Click here to join this free session.

Destination Canada is hosting its Annual Public Meeting. While 2021 has continued to present the tourism industry with obstacles and setbacks, the easing of border restrictions and new vaccine mandates have led to positive progress for Canada’s visitor economy.

Hear about the impacts of the past year, and the vision for a more competitive sector to rebuild the tourism industry, both domestically and internationally.

Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am (PT)

Click here to learn more.

Understanding Our Role In Truth and Reconciliation

2021 has opened our eyes to the atrocities that Indigenous peoples in Canada have endured over the last century. Although on the road to Truth and Reconciliation, Canada’s journey has just begun. At such a pivotal time in our nation’s history, we all must understand how to take meaningful steps towards a fair future for all.

In this Master Series event, hear from a panel of Indigenous leaders on how our industry can follow the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action through the delivery of our events. Through open dialogue, this event will help us to take a positive step towards reconciliation by understanding and respecting the interests of Indigenous peoples on whose lands we meet.

Date: December 8, 2021, 2:30 - 5:00 PM (PT)

Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place

Click here for more information and to register.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada's (TIAC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held Wednesday, January 19, 2022 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET virtually – please note details for the virtual call will be sent shortly.

To access the proxy vote or nomination form, click on the following:

These documents and the link to register to the AGM require you to log in to your membership account with TIAC.

If you have forgotten your login information to access benefits or renew your membership, click here and input your email address and check your inbox.

The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains team, managed by Destination BC, is collaborating with The Forum, to create a tourism program tailored specifically for women-led businesses and entrepreneurs.

The two-day virtual program will provide expertise and resources to support women in tourism, delivered by The Forum and other subject matters experts in January 2022.

The Forum is a BC-based national charity whose mission is to provide self-identified women entrepreneurs with the resources and community they need to succeed in business.

The free, application-based virtual program will take place over two days on January 13 and 20, 2022.

Applications will be accepted until December 15, 2021 at 4:00pm PST or until all available spots have been filled. You are advised to apply early as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Learn more in the Applicant Information Package and Apply Here. 

The dream to create a legacy for sustainable and regenerative tourism in Canada is stronger than ever, and we need your voices! Join in on a national conversation on sustainable tourism, as delegates and speakers explore and compare models for tourism recovery. Hear from some of the most creative and innovative experts in the business and address our new reality of higher expectations, for and of visitors.

Date: January 23 - 26, 2022, Victoria, BC

The deadline for IMPACT 2022 Early Bird Registration is NOVEMBER 30th.

RVC+ is going hybrid in 2022! The new format will bring back in-person attendance, while also incorporating a virtual component, creating opportunities for more of industry to engage and make appointments with international buyers, travel trade media and Destination Marketing Companies.

The in-person portion of RVC+ will be a buyer-seated marketplace in Toronto, Ontario. This will be Canada’s RVC and hosted by Destination Canada and TIAC, creating an exciting opportunity to welcome international buyers back to Canada and showcase the beauty of this country, as well as the meaningful travel experiences offered across each province and territory.

Dates: May 24th - 27th, 2022

Learn more about Rendezvous Canada 2022 here.

TIAC launched its Elevating Canadian Experience (ECE) program to provide tourism stakeholders with free learning resources in culinary tourism and tools for the winter/shoulder seasons.

The ECE program provides content ranging from strategy development to practical tools and tips - all designed to help grow and adapt your tourism business as an operator and build tourism capacity in your region as a destination partner.

The latest module "Embracing Canada’s Winter and Shoulder Season" has been developed to assist tourism operators and destination partners in broadening the shoulders of your tourism season and provides valuable insights, worksheets, tips and strategies.

Click here to learn more and to download the Toolkit.