At the tail end of my recent vacation, I attended a wedding in Barcelona. The Spanish bride in a gorgeous white dress, and her Canadian-born French groom in a tuxedo with tails looked splendid as they exchanged their vows while masked guests fanned themselves with the ceremony program to cool off from the scorching heat inside the majestic cathedral. I wore a dress shirt, tie and blazer, complemented by horribly matching pajama bottoms. The other foreign guests Zooming in wore t-shirts, shorts or pajamas given that it was 7 in the morning here at home. 

Disappointingly, no one from Canada was able to attend the celebration because of lingering travel restrictions. If the wedding was scheduled for a month from now, we may have all been there to celebrate with the happy couple.

Thankfully, we finally have some clarity on how and when Canadians are able to travel internationally, but more importantly, when our industry can welcome visitors from the United States back to BC, and ultimately non-essential travellers from the rest of the world. TIABC, our federal and provincial/territorial counterparts, sector associations across the country, as well as countless other organizations have been pleading for months with the federal government to announce plans for international travel…especially inbound.

Although the timing is later than we had hoped for and it may be too late for many operators this year, at the very least we know more than we did at the start of July and can be encouraged that a re-opening plan is now in place.

Also while I was away from the office, TIABC was briefed on the federal government’s lifting of the ban on cruise ships starting in November, which coincides with the exact timing we had been advocating for. Together with the collective efforts of our industry partners across the country (including Cruise Lines International Association – Pacific NW & Canada, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, Destination Greater Victoria, the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Association, Destination Vancouver, TIAC, & many others), our efforts ultimately paid off. Transportation Minister Fleming, Tourism Minister Mark and Premier Horgan also deserve a shout-out for their efforts on appealing to the federal government to show its support for the cruise sector and to reverse the ban this year to allow cruise lines to begin planning for a return to BC waters in 2022.

After many months of meetings and submissions, I was delighted to learn that grant monies are finally being distributed to iconic attractions, experiences and tour bus operators to help with ongoing expenses and to offset some of the losses incurred over the course of the pandemic . TIABC, together with our partners at Indigenous Tourism BC, BCHA, the Coalition of Hardest Hit BC Businesses and others appreciate the efforts of Minister Mark and her team, as well as Premier Horgan in moving the Major Anchor Attractions Program forward.

As I jump back into the advocacy fray, I’m keenly aware of several issues that require immediate attention. For starters…with wildfires in several parts of the province leading to cancellations and further impacting tourism businesses, there remains a desperate need for relief measures to help beleaguered operators, especially those that rely heavily on international visitors who have been further impacted by domestic visitor cancellations.

Fortunately, the Tourism Emergency Management Committee (co-chaired by TIABC & the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport) is meeting regularly to discuss operator and visitor concerns, petition the province for assistance, and work together on comprehensive communication tactics to help industry through yet one more major obstacle.

Recognizing that the shortage of workers is seriously impacting the ability for tourism and hospitality businesses to ramp up to full capacity, TIABC, go2HR and BCHA recently submitted a list of recommendations to the Province to help the industry address immediate needs. Among other things, the proposal includes support for a campaign to connect British Columbians looking for work with the opportunities in the tourism sector.

Another option is transitioning government contract workers (e.g. contact tracers, census takers) to jobs within the visitor economy. We also suggested a fast-track program and reduced fees for tourism operators to access international workers that in previous years were a key source of labour for many businesses. We will be meeting with the province in the coming days to see if and how we can move one or all of these ideas forward.

While travel restrictions are slowly being lifted, some orders remain in place and need to be addressed pronto. For example, the federal government has not yet signalled when marine borders will align with rules for land and air borders. Marine borders are still closed and are being treated separately meaning that quarantine and self-isolation protocols continue. Clearly that doesn’t make sense and seriously impacts important operators like FRS Clipper in Victoria who serve the US market. TIABC will be pressing the federal government on committing to aligning all three borders (air, land, sea) to allow marine operators an opportunity to salvage part of their summer season.

As election rumours continue to swirl, the federal government is moving forward with its pre-budget consultation process to inform next year’s budget. TIABC has a long list of recommendations on what the feds need to prioritize in Budget 2022 including an extension of vital programs such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS), as well as help for large and iconic tourism operators, among other relief and recovery measures. We will be submitting a brief together with our federal and provincial/territorial counterparts in early August.

Prior to my holiday, I participated in a consultation session hosted by the Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, Hon. Ravi Kahlon, on what the Province’s economic plan needs to address over the next 10 to 15 years. I spoke about BC’s visitor economy having the opportunity to rebuild and again be a key driver of jobs, innovation, economic prosperity, sustainability, reconciliation and other important initiatives if given the right policy and investment considerations. The next step for TIABC is to work with industry partners to provide a submission as part of the engagement process, outlining the important tourism components to be included in the Province’s new economic plan.

I tried my level best to avoid phone calls, emails and texts during my break. But as you can appreciate, there was lots going on and even that much more to deal with for the rest of the summer.

As you well know, vacations become a distant memory very quickly during a crisis.

To close the loop on the Barcelona wedding…you might be wondering why I was wearing a jacket and tie watching via Zoom. When I attended the wedding of my friend’s other child in Paris in 2018, I was told to dress in casual wear for the brief legal ceremony at Saint-Germain-en-Laye City Hall. So I wore some nice shorts, a patterned, short-sleeve shirt and white sneakers. What I neglected to consider is that in France, casual wear means dress pants and dress shoes, a shirt and blazer, but no tie. 

Alas, I’ve never heard the end of it and I’ll never make that mistake again…even if I’m only attending virtually.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

Only days after announcing that it would be separating arriving passengers into vaccinated and unvaccinated queues for customs, Vancouver International Airport is stopping the practice immediately. Despite the decision, some experts have said the move would make travelling easier and safer for vaccinated passengers while encouraging others to get their shots.

These measures come as the federal government lifted the mandatory 14-day quarantine period, as well as the airport hotel quarantine, for Canadian citizens and permanent residents returning to Canada who can provide proof that they're fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Canadian travellers will still be subject to the existing quarantine requirements.

But not all airports are on board. Most airports across Canada had implemented separate lines based on vaccination status after the federal government lifted the quarantine requirement for vaccinated travellers, and continue to do so.

Click here to read the full story.

Destination Canada continues to seek to understand how safe residents of each province/region are feeling towards travelling to different places. Respondents are asked to rate their level of agreement with the following statements:

• I feel safe to travel to communities near me

• I feel safe to travel to communities in my province

• I feel safe to travel to other provinces or territories in Canada

• I feel safe to travel to the United States

• I feel safe to travel internationally

The following is the most recent report on how how British Columbians are feeling towards travel.

1). Communities near me - 95% (rural), 83% (urban)

2). Communities in my province - 85% (rural), 81% (urban)

3). Other provinces or territories in Canada - 55% (rural), 57% (urban)

4). The U.S. - 21% (rural), 31% (urban)

5). Internationally - 13% (rural), 24% (urban)

Click here to read the full report.

In addition to the Destination Canada report, Destination BC has released its latest COVID-19 Research Round-up Report.

Click here to read the most recent DBC report in it's entirety.

TIABC CEO, Walt Judas joined CKNW's Simi Sara yesterday morning to talk about the ongoing labour shortage the tourism and hospitality industry continues to face, the diverse challenges and needs from employers, and why visitors must temper their expectations as they make plans to travel in our province this year.

Click here to hear the full interview and move to the 20:55 mark.

One of the industries hit the hardest by the BC wildfires is tourism, as the fires have made many areas unsafe, unpleasant, and difficult to access. TIABC Director Michael J. Ballingall, who also is also chair of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association spoke with Simi Sara about the current wildfire situation in the Okanagan, the impact it is having on the tourism and hospitality industry, and how the industry is adjusting to this latest challenge.

Click here to hear the full interview.

In view of the wildfire situation in parts of British Columbia, here are important resources for communities, destination marketing/management organizations (DMO's) and tourism operators to use to communicate with guests and prospective visitors.

Given the evolving emergency situation, the messaging guide, as well as respective websites will be updated regularly.

Check DriveBC's info about road closures, major events and transportation delays here

Click here for Destination BC's "Know Before You Go".

We encourage visitors and travellers to check in with the Visitor Centre in the communities they will be visiting for real-time, on-the-ground updates.

To report a wildfire (dial *5555 on a cell phone or call toll free 1.800.663.5555)

TIABC continues to regularly engage with our industry and cross-government partners via the Tourism Emergency Management Committee (including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, DBC, ITBC, the BCDMOA and the BC Regional Secretariat), the Joint Information Centre (with representation from each Government of BC agency), and others as needed, to ensure that we – and BC’s tourism industry – have the latest information and can respond in a timely manner.

In response to BC’s provincial state of emergency regarding wildfires, which was declared on July 20th, Destination BC has prepared Emergency Messaging Guidance to help the tourism industry navigate questions, mitigate visitor concerns, and proactively manage perceptions.

During emergencies, BC's tourism industry is an important conduit to official information sources for visitors.

As part of this, DBC is encouraging industry partners to use the hashtag #RealTime________ (name of city/community) on social media to ensure current and future visitors have an accurate ‘real time’ visual on current conditions (blue skies, business as usual etc.). Add the date and time the photo was taken, and tag key tourism partners in your post (@DestinationBC on Twitter, @HelloBC on Instagram) and your Regional/Community DMO partners so it can be amplified.

The messaging guidance can be found here on the Emergency Preparedness page of the Destination BC corporate website, along with safe and responsible travel graphics for you to use on your channels, a visitor-facing safe travel brochure (web and print version), and the links to the Know Before You Go information.

New changes to employment standards will better protect young people at work by raising the general working age in British Columbia from 12 to 16 and defining the types of jobs appropriate for those under 16.

These new rules bring British Columbia in line with international standards for children’s employment. They will come into force on October 15th to allow employers and children who are already working to adjust to the new requirements.

Youth aged 14 and 15 will be able to do many appropriate jobs, defined as “light work,” with permission from a parent or guardian. In some cases, children aged 14 and 15 may be permitted to do work outside the definition of light work with a permit from the Ministry of Labour’s Employment Standards Branch.

Examples of light work appropriate for 14 and 15 year olds include:

Prior to these changes, BC was the only province in Canada that allowed the employment of children as young as 12. In some cases, this involved hazardous situations or environments such as construction sites or heavy-industry settings.

The regulations have also narrowed the employment standards exclusion for home-care workers and babysitters who provide care to an adult or a child in a private residence. This change ensures that caregivers who provide care averaging more than 15 hours per week will have the protections under the Employment Standards Act, while those providing in-home care and babysitting services for fewer hours can continue to work under more flexible arrangements.

Click here for the full news release from the Ministry of Labour.

go2HR has been hard at work undertaking a Labour Market Information research project to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce. Even before COVID-19, the industry faced some significant human resource challenges. We know those challenges will only increase as we emerge from the pandemic.

go2HR is responding to these challenges by undertaking an ambitious labour market research project.

go2hr needs to hear from a representative sample of employers across all sectors and regions of the province. They ask for 25 minutes to complete this survey. They want to hear about the impact of COVID-19 on your operations, the human resource issues you face, and what can be done to help industry in dealing with these issues going forward.

Last week, Air Canada announced its current summer transborder schedule including 55 routes and 34 destinations in the US, with up to 220 daily flights between the US and Canada.

The new schedule coincides with the loosening of restrictions on travel between the two countries as of August 9th, enabling fully vaccinated Americans to enter Canada for non-essential travel and the removal of quarantine hotel requirements, relaxed testing requirements allowing Canadians taking short trans-border trips for less than 72 hours to do their pre-entry tests in Canada, among other measures to ease restrictions.

The schedule also enables onward travel through Air Canada's Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal hubs to and from global destinations. Air Canada is planning to restore services to all 57 U.S.

destinations previously served as conditions allow.

Click here for the full news release.

Boating BC, in partnership with Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and BC Ferries, has launched an important boating safety campaign, funded by Transport Canada.

The campaign aims to educate recreational and small commercial vessel operators of the hazards associated with interacting with large commercial vessels such as freighters, BC Ferries and tug/barge operators. A series of 15-second TV commercials as well as a social media and print campaign will be ongoing for the coming year.

Please help share this important messaging with the recreational boating community.

TIABC endeavours to keep our industry and members up to date with the various relief and recovery programs. In addition to the recently announced Tourism Relief Fund program, here is a list of federal funding programs currently available.

Tourism Relief Fund (TRF): to help tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. The $500 million national initiative across Canada will be administered by Western Economic Diversification in Western Canada.

Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS): Subsidy to cover a portion of eligible expenses until September 25, 2021. Also includes an additional Lockdown Support of 25% if your business was significantly affected by a public health order. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525

Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP): 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.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Covers part of your employee wages retroactively back to December 20, 2020 until September 25, 2021. The maximum subsidy is 75%. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525

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.

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

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB): $400 per week for 13 two-week periods between September 27, 2020, and September 25, 2021 for self-employed workers and those in the gig economy. Applications are handled through the Canada Revenue Agency. Hotline: 1-833-966-2099

First Peoples' Cultural Council Arts Program. Grants ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 for Indigenous B.C. residents open for the Spring 2021 intake.

The SFI represents the angling community particularly in coastal BC, constantly reminding DFO that sustainable and predictable angling opportunity is important to individuals, businesses, families and communities across the province. Your support through the 2021 lottery will help secure a better future for our fishery and the resources it depends upon.

Supporting the activities of the SFI will assist British Columbians to reliable and predictable access to fisheries. BC's public fishery is enjoyed by over 400,000 anglers every year. This healthy, family oriented outdoor activity develops awareness and environmental stewardship of our marine and freshwater resources and ecosystems. By supporting the SFI, you are also supporting the protection and promotion of the traditions, lifestyle, and employment of many British Columbians.

Grand Prize and Final Prizes drawn on

December 2nd at 6:00 pm

Draw on October 8th

Click here to purchase tickets online, and view updated jackpot as tickets are purchased.

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce that tickets for its first-ever online 50/50 raffle are now on sale. The raffle starts with a $1000 jackpot and will increase with every ticket purchased above and beyond until sales close on August 16th.

The initiative is a fundraiser for the BCHF, with a mission of supporting hospitality and tourism workers in need.

The winning name will be drawn at noon on August 17th and will be posted on the BCHF website and social media shortly thereafter, pending notification to the winner. Funds raised by the event will be used by the BCHF to support hospitality industry workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member.

Click here to purchase tickets online, and view updated jackpot as tickets are purchased.

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 new Bulletin feature will share 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.

The District Wine Village is the first true wine village in Canada. Located in the heart of the South Okanagan, the Village is surrounded by vineyards and is home to 16 artisan producers.

This four season experience recently opened in June and has become a very unique Okanagan attraction since it's opening. It has become a place for visitor's to meet and enjoy local events and experiences.

The circular “village” at full capacity will house 13 miniature wineries, one miniature brewery, one miniature distillery and one eatery — each with a 30-person patio — surrounding a sunken 600-person amphitheatre replete with upscale landscaping and glorious water features.

Click here to learn more about the District Wine Village.

TIABC recognizes that many of our members have been supporting our organization's advocacy efforts for a very long time. In this feature, we are showcasing those businesses and organizations that have been active members for 10 years or more.

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is a not-for-profit trade association and consumer marketing organization. Created in 1944, BCLCA is membership driven and represents the interests of British Columbia’s independently owned and operated small and mid-size lodging and campground/RV park businesses.

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association supports its members by:

Click here to learn more about the BCLCA including suggested itineraries for travellers.

Click here to learn more about camping responsibly and understand the "Campers Code".

The month of July marks membership renewal dates for the majority of TIABC's members. 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.

During July and August, TIABC's C-19 Bulletin will be published twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays). We will continue to keep you informed of our advocacy efforts, government announcements, industry updates and any other relevant information to help you in your recovery efforts.

We continue to gather national, provincial, regional and community industry news, activities and events, and will be sure to provide additional updates should there be extraordinary news to share with our members.

On Wednesday, July 28th we will welcome attendees from across the province as we hear from Chris Back, director of OHS Consultation & Education Services at WorkSafeBC on Transitioning from COVID-19 to communicable disease prevention in the workplace.

Beginning with Step 3 of the provincial government’s BC Restart plan, employers will no longer be required to maintain a COVID-19 Safety Plan, and will instead transition to communicable disease prevention. Chris Back, director of OHS Consultation and Education Services, discusses the fundamental components of communicable disease prevention (CDP) and shares information and resources to support employers in developing their CDP plans.

When: Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 1:00PM PDT

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the zoom information to join the meeting.

An event invite to members will follow. Please feel free to share this event with your members and community as the webinar is open to any business that would like to attend.

Click here for more information and to register.

In this free two-part webinar series, learn how to sell online successfully through Amazon. Topics covered include a step-by-step overview on getting started, how you can grow and scale your business, and top tips and considerations for launching your presence on Amazon.

Scheduled on two Wednesdays between 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm PST, this package includes two webinars in one simple registration:

Click here for more information and to register.

Wage Subsidy Program

Now is the perfect time for organizations to start thinking about hiring for the fall semester (Sept.-Dec.). For hospitality and tourism organizations, it would be helpful to have students on board to support what is bound to be a busy shoulder season

Talent MATCH will be hosting an information session on applying for the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) student wage subsidy.

The Talent MATCH Program is a collaboration between go2HR, the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture, the BC Museums Association, and ACE-WIL, the Association for Co-operative Education & Work-Integrated Learning. It aims to build awareness among employers from museums, arts, tourism, culture, and hospitality organizations about hiring student talent while providing resources, connections to post-secondary institutions, and one-on-one support.

Click here to join Talent Match on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 1:00 pm PT for an information session on how the program works, eligible positions, and how to apply.

By popular demand, CITAP is bringing back a Fall edition of the Spring Thaw virtual function: CITAP Fall Colours Educational Event.

As with the successful Spring event, the Fall Colours Event will invite RTO Members to attend complimentary* organized Zoom presentations provided by “Pods” of Seller Members in the form of regional educational sessions. Q&A networking opportunity will be at the end of each of the 30-minute sessions.

This is a complimentary* members-only event, so please ensure your membership is in good standing if you have not already done so.

BC and Alberta: September 14, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm PST

Deadline for sponsorship registration is August 06, 2021

Deadline for submitting presentations is September 03, 2021

Click here to register or contact info@citap.ca for more information.

With the move to Step 3 of BC's Restart Plan and the prospect of moving to Step 4 by no earlier than September 7, our industry is expanding virtual meetings and once again opening their meeting room and conference room doors. We are pleased to provide you with updated information on the following industry meetings, conferences and events.

With this year's theme "Rural, Resilient & Looking Forward", the provincial conference will be held in Revelstoke, BC.

This is an in-person event.

Click here for more information and to register.

Boating BC is pleased to announce they will be hosting their annual Boating BC Conference. This year’s theme will be “New Horizons – Building Momentum/Building Our Industry”. Watch for more details to come.

Under the theme, “Forging Canada’s Tourism Future”, this year's Congress will have an amazing line-up of valued experts, innovative panels, enriching content and robust networking opportunities you can only get in person.

Thinking of registering in person? You’ll enjoy additional sessions that are only available live.

TIAC Members who register by September 7 SAVE $100 on in-person registration.

Click here to register and to view the programming being offered at this year’s Congress.

Thursday, November 18th

Details to the AGM including official Notice of AGM and registration will soon follow.

March 8 - 11, 2022

Prince George

TIABC and the BC Hotel Association are excited to announced the 2nd annual Tourism & Hospitality Conference will be taking place in Prince George next spring.

Details to the conference including registration, accommodation and speaker highlights will be updated in Fall, 2021 on the conference website here.

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. Feel free to share your photos, etc. with TIABC to share in our C-19 Bulletin.

From April 2020 to March 2021, TIAC and their partners, which included TIABC, delivered virtual workshops/webinars to over 4,000 participants, reaching over 30,000 businesses from coast to coast to coast. 

Self-Guided Webinars 

Developing Winter / Shoulder Season Tourism Toolkit

Made up of six learning modules, this webinar will give you actionable advice on how to define your strategy, develop products and experiences, build collaborative partnerships and more to boost seasonal tourism in your business or region.

Winter / Shoulder Season Consumer Demand Research Report

Get access to free tools and strategies to grow your business and tourism in your region at the ECE content hub: https://ecehub.tiac-aitc.ca/en/