Whenever I see a service truck pull into my neighbour’s (I call him Bossman) driveway, I’m tempted to run out and let the contractors know that no matter their level of expertise or experience, there is a 100% chance they’ll be called back to complete or correct their work to meet his impossibly high standards.

I think Bossman is anal to the extreme based on incidents like asking the window washer to return for missing a spot the size of a loonie on the upstairs hallway skylight. Yet at the same time I admire his determination to hold tradespeople accountable to deliver the level of service he’s paid handsomely for.

I profess to a similar trait, particularly when engaging consultants or suppliers on behalf of TIABC. As a member-based association with limited resources, I am extremely careful about spending money on contracting out work for certain projects that require a level of expertise beyond the scope or capacity of our existing team. My duty is to ensure we receive fair value for money.

Thankfully, most of the suppliers we’ve worked with over the years have delivered exactly what we’ve needed both on time and on budget. I am grateful for the partnerships and relationships TIABC has with its consultants, suppliers, and experts that allow us to execute on our industry advocacy priorities.

However, sometimes the gap between my expectations and the delivery of contracted services is more like a crevasse instead of a crack and I’m left with electing to either accept below average work, compel the supplier to step up, or start fresh with someone else. Often the choice isn’t as obvious or straightforward as it sounds.

Such was the case for www.tiabc.ca. We launched a new website a year ago and ever since I’ve been reticent to point our members and stakeholders to it. Candidly, the site was underwhelming and fell well short of what we asked or hoped for.

Trust me, my intent is not to throw the supplier under the bus, but rather provide some context. The fact is, we simply couldn’t get on the same page from the get-go. No doubt, workforce challenges in the midst of COVID had something to do with it. Otherwise, by all accounts they are a reputable company that does award-winning work for multiple clients.

In our case, for reasons I won’t go into, we had no choice but to live with what we had until such time we could begin anew with a process that took months to bring us to the launch of our new site this week..which is still a work in progress as we add content and refine certain sections. Regardless of the time, cost, and other repercussions, we’ve moved on and are excited about the new tiabc.ca, as well as other initiatives we’re rolling out in the coming days to coincide with the new site.

For example, we’re introducing TIABC’s One Minute Monitor survey to gauge member and stakeholder opinions on a variety of emerging issues that will allow us to provide timely industry feedback to government and help inform our policy positions. We’ll promote each survey through our newsletter and social media channels with results posted on our new website along with other communication channels.

Given new legislation introduced recently vis-a-vis MRDT, a sample question might be along the lines of, “Do you support the proposed change that would allow communities to add an additional 2.5% in MRDT (on hotel room stays) to generate funding for major events?”

Another new initiative we’re about to launch is TIABC’s Voice of Tourism Podcast where we’ll regularly discuss myriad issues that affect the visitor economy with subject matter experts representing sector associations, private businesses, destination management organizations, academics, government, and other stakeholders. Upcoming guests include Kathy MacRae of the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC, Ross Cloutier of Helicat Canada, and Joss Penny of BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association.

These informative podcasts (to be shared with government and industry) will also help us in our advocacy efforts and give TIABC further opportunity to trumpet the value of tourism to our province. Stay tuned for the first episode shortly.

It goes without saying that we make mistakes, and each project or initiative is a work in progress. Nonetheless, we’re trying to put our best foot forward and deliver what you as members and stakeholders expect from the funds you generously invest in our organization. On a related note, please feel free to give us further guidance or share your thoughts on what TIABC can do better through our membership survey which we deployed last week. At the very least call or send me an email or text. I’d love to hear from you.

To close the loop on Bossman, after my neighbour gets through working his contractors to death, he’ll often send them my way, obviously because he doesn’t think that I’ve done a good enough job maintaining my lawn or power washing the driveway. I usually get revenge by having the service providers send him the bill.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

Announced yesterday by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport (MTACS), the Province is launching a $30 million fund to build a strong and globally competitive tourism sector that fosters vibrant communities across BC.

The Destination Development Fund is providing one-time grants to support the development and rejuvenation of tourism infrastructure, assets and experiences to build long term resiliency of the tourism industry post-pandemic.

The fund will award grants across two streams.

This fund is a targeted investment to advance the priorities in the Strategic Framework for Tourism 2022-2024 and regional destination development plans.

The Ministry is seeking Expressions of Interest from November 9 - December 7, 2022. Successful EOI's will be invited to submit a full application. For detailed information, visit the link below or contact program staff at destinationdevelopment@gov.bc.ca

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport announced earlier today the province has provided funding to approximately 100 organizations through its Tourism Events Program (TEP) to build BC's reputation as an events destination and increase visitation.

TEP supports a wide range of tourism experiences, including arts, cultural or internationally recognized sporting competitions, bolstering awareness of events, attracting additional overnight visitors and increasing tourism benefits to communities.

Since 2016, the Province provided more than $18 million in TEP funding, which supported 317 events. The announcement also noted the tourism sector stimulated job creation and generated $8.6 billion in provincial revenue in 2019, and $2.9 billion in 2020, despite the pandemic.

Event date: Friday, Nov. 18, 2022

Time: 10 a.m. (Pacific time)

Location: Musqueam Community Centre, 6735 Salish Dr. Vancouver

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is launching the READI program – a fully-developed platform designed to guide the industry to maximum profitability in the post-pandemic period.

The new program is based on industry-led goals and achievable aspirations. It will feature capacity-building workshops, tourism townhalls, investors forum, virtual job fair, and so much more!

TIABC will ensure to provide our readership with updates to the READI Program as it evolves.

A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas in Northern BC was recently announced. The Northern BC “Spark” Program is presented by Destination British Columbia in collaboration with the Northern BC Tourism Association, Tourism Prince George, Tourism Prince Rupert, Tourism Terrace, Tourism Smithers, Tourism Dawson Creek, the Community Futures offices of Northern BC, and the Tourism Innovation Lab.

The program will match selected applicants from the region with a tourism mentor, provide a $3,000 grant and additional partner support to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development. The goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits.

Applications are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations based in Northern BC until December 6th.

The “Spark” Program was first launched in Ontario in 2018 by the Tourism Innovation Lab, and has now expanded to several regions across British Columbia.

After a big week of snow, Big White Ski Resort will open for skiing and snowboarding at 8:45am on Thursday, November 17th – seven days before schedule. And, as a plus for anyone looking to be the first in BC to strap on a pair of planks, tickets will be 50% off ticket window price.

As of earlier this week, an estimated 114 cm has fallen at the resort, bringing the Village snow base to 62 cm. Lara’s Gondola, the Plaza Chair and the Ridge Rocket Express Chair will all be open a week today, servicing runs from 8:45am to 3:30pm. The Gondola will close at 5pm.

Tickets must be purchased online, with a special promo code to receive the 50% discount, and will remain discounted until a second detached quad chair begins spinning.

This will be the earliest the resort has opened since the 2015-2016 season.

On January 3rd, 2023 at 7am (PT), many of BC Parks’ campsites will open for reservations. People can book a site four months ahead of their desired arrival date instead of the previous two-month booking window. A list of campground operating and reservable dates can be found HERE.

More campgrounds are being added to the new reservation service for the 2023 season, including Gwillim Lake Park near Chetwynd, Yahk Park near the Kingsgate border crossing and Allison Lake Park near Princeton. All these campgrounds will maintain a balance of reservable and first-come-first-served sites. Additionally, reservations for the popular Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit in Bowron Lake Provincial Park will open for the entire 2023 season at 7 am on December 1st.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has announced the finalists of its annual Canadian Tourism Awards.

The Canadian Tourism Awards features nine categories of distinction; in addition to the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. It was open to all businesses operating in any of the full suite of sectors that comprise the tourism industry; accommodations, transportation, recreation, travel services, and food and beverage.

 

The final winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on November 23rd that takes place this month during TIAC’s annual Tourism Congress. For more information about the Canadian Tourism Awards, visit here; and for the Tourism Congress, visit here. 

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is issuing this Call for Nominations to member organizations wishing to represent their province or territory on ITAC’s Board of Directors.

This notice is to provide information on how to nominate a director (board member) for election at the upcoming ITAC Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Date: December 16, Delta Hotels, Vancouver Downtown Suites

You are invited to join in the celebration of life for Trisha Larsen. Due to Trisha's vast network of peers, friends, colleagues, and family there will be two events hosted in celebration of her life.

November 19th: Predator Ridge Resort, Vernon. Family: 11am - 1pm. Public: 1-5pm

December 5th: Olympic View Golf Club, Victoria. Golf in the morning if available. Clubhouse: 3pm - 6pm

Please see below for more details and RSVP accordingly.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are important elements in sustainable labor recovery. But what do these really mean in the workplace context? While businesses are aware of the importance of these elements, many are often unsure where to start.

go2HR is committed to building strong and safe workplaces. We have engaged ParriagGroup, a leading EDI firm, to build a webinar that deepens our understanding of EDI and how to start reshaping the workplace.

Date: November 24th | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm (PT)

What participants can expect:

• learn what is generally meant by the terms equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)

• learn why it is so important from both a people and a business perspective

• receive an introduction to the EDI Framework

• learn how the EDI Framework can be used

This is the beginning of our EDI initiative aimed at creating respectful workplaces for all. Please join us in this important journey toward a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse tourism and hospitality industry in BC.

DR. AMANDA PARRIAG has a wealth of experience in diversity, equity and inclusion, focused on both the engagement and innovative ways to gather data. Amanda has been engaging with diverse and racialized communities, across Ontario and nationally, using a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and evidence-based approach.

ERIN BULL is based in Vancouver and holds a Bachelor of Arts - Honours (Global Studies and Women and Gender Studies) with Distinction. She is a smart and thoughtful researcher who specializes in qualitative analysis, carrying out environmental scans, reviewing sensitive writing, and conducting and analyzing interview and focus group data.

PAUL CHAULK has a Masters of Science degree in Experimental Psychology from Memorial University and is a ‘Credentialed Evaluator’ (CE) professional designation (see https://evaluationcanada.ca/about-the-ce-designation), and 20+ years experience as a researcher, evaluator, and consultant in the health, labour market, more recently in workplace sexual harassment and gender-based violence (as an ally), and other fields.

REMINDER: Based on the nominations received by the closing date of September 30th, there will be an election in one category (DMO) with the following candidates seeking a Director position:

As per Bylaw 9.3: The Active Members may vote for candidates for election as directors before the annual general meeting at which the election is to take place by submitting a completed ballot, in the form designated by the Board, to the office of the Society, by mail, facsimile or electronic mail so that it is received by the Society no less than five business days before the date of the annual general meeting at which the election is to take place. Please submit your ballot to info@tiabc.ca by no later than November 14th at 5:00 pm.

11:00 AM - Reports of the society and election of directors

12:00 PM - Complimentary lunch for AGM attendees

12:30-2:00 PM - Presentation and workshop with guest speaker, Joanna Jagger, founder & president, WORTH (Women of Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality) Association

Joanna will be delivering an interactive workshop exploring systemic industry barriers that harm women, and share solutions on retaining and developing female leaders.

Admission to the AGM and WORTH presentation/workshop is FREE! Lunch is included. Registration is required.

The Ktunaxa Homelands campaign is a collaboration between Ktunaxa Nation, Cranbrook Tourism, Tourism Fernie and Tourism Kimberley. The campaign launched earlier this year and is a three part video series depicting the Ktunaxa Creation Story, which helps viewers to gain an understanding of how the local waterways were formed.

The project spanned across the Ktunaxa Homelands, including the communities of Cranbrook, Kimberley and Fernie.

Tourism Kelowna and Okanagan Lifestyle Apparel Inc. have collaborated to open a new retail store in the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) departures lounge. Okanagan + Co. will sell a selection of Love for Kelowna, Kelowna Vibes, and Okanagan Lifestyle merchandise and apparel.

This partnership offers the opportunity for travellers to purchase souvenirs for friends and family, or something for themselves to remember their trip to the beautiful region, either at the end of their journey when they are travelling home, or as they begin their trip to visit and explore other parts of the world.

Pictured (left to right): Deputy Director, YLW, Phillip Elchitz; Senior Manager, Airport Development, YLW, Geoff Ritchie; Airport Commercial Development Manager, YLW, Tonja Molina; Director of Community & Visitor Engagement, Tourism Kelowna, Chris Lewis; Co-Founder/Co-Owner, Okanagan Lifestyle, Ryan Robertson.

The Tourism Smithers Society is the community's not-for-profit Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). Tourism Smithers works with industry stakeholders in the Bulkley Valley, including businesses, recreation organizations and clubs, local government and the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Centre. 

Through its vision, the Town of Smithers, through Tourism Smithers aims to be recognized as an exceptional destination offering excellent tourism opportunities in outdoor recreation, arts and culture, festivals and events, First Nations experience and food and lodging.

Click HERE to learn more about Tourism Smithers.

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

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic TIABC identified your concerns, raised your voice, championed your needs, pushing for support and programs while encouraging policy changes.

Your support and engagement is vital to ensuring businesses, DMO's and sectors are united and speaking with one voice on issues that impact BC's tourism industry.

The BC Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome John Horgan as he wraps up five years as Premier of British Columbia. First elected to the legislature in 2005, Mr. Horgan became Premier in 2017, and is BC's longest-serving NDP Premier. a cancer survivor, Premier Horgan announced he would be stepping down as premier and leader of his party in June.

In an exclusive on-stage conversation with CKNW's Simi Sara, Premier Horgan will provide his candid perspective on his time in politics, the accomplishments and challenges faced by his government, and offer practical insights into BC's post-pandemic political economic future.

Date: Thursday, November 17th

Location: Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver

11:30 am Registration

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Event Program

1:30 pm Event Close

The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is joining forces with the experts at go2HR and CMHA for a special webinar event to support with industry health and safety. Join the Canadian Mental Health Association's Aaryn Secker, and Go2HR’s Shane Lobsinger to explore more deeply the importance of mental health and wellbeing on the job, and other topics related to injury prevention and risk management in the workplace.

Date: November 23rd - 10:30 am (PT)

Click HERE to register for the webinar.

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and ABLE BC have partnered to bring the first ever BC Hotel & Liquor Conference.

Date: Tuesday, November 15th

Location: Granville Island, Waterfront & Nest Theatres, Vancouver.

The event will include targeted industry sessions, the BCHA AGM, a special lunch at Dockside restaurant, networking reception, and much more. All industry members are welcome.

Your feedback is critical in our efforts to produce a conference that will be impactful and engaging. Please reach out to BCHA Communications Manager, Kelsey Millman, at kelsey@bcha.com to share your insights on what topics you'd like addressed.

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

The SFI Big Splash Annual Gala & Fundraiser and Policy Conference returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre. The Conference will be held during the day beginning with a buffet lunch from 11:30. An agenda and full speakers list will be made available in advance. Presentations and remarks will be provided from a variety of perspectives regarding this year's theme: Selective Fishing: Achieving a Balance.

Date: November 18th,

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre - West

Visit HERE to learn more, to register and purchase tickets.

The industry first hit, hardest hit, and last to recover continues to confront economic challenges. Over the last two years, while there have been many lessons learned, we are ready to RISE, REBUILD, and REIMAGINE.

The two-day, in-person event will host over 400 delegates from across the country, feature 11 thought-provoking sessions, and offer valuable networking opportunities. Following the Tourism Congress, join the celebrations at the 2022 edition of the Canadian Tourism Awards.

Dates: November 22-23

Location: The Westin, Ottawa

Visit HERE to learn more, to register and purchase tickets.

The 2022 Boating BC Conference entitled “Winds of Change” will explore our current business landscape and delve into “what’s next”. Learn from leading experts in business development, customer retention and industry best practices over two days of in-person sessions, keynotes and social activities. Safety protocols will be in place to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.

If you operate a marina and are attending the conference, be sure to join us Monday evening (November 21) for Marina Night. The evening includes guest speakers and networking.

Dates: November 22-23

Location: Sheraton Vancouver Airport, Richmond

Visit HERE to learn more, to register and purchase tickets.

This year’s agenda features plenty of time for networking and reconnecting with your tourism peers in the region.

Hear from keynote speaker Tewanee Joseph, CEO of the Tewanee Group, a First Nations owned and operated company that delivers meaningful partnerships, communications strategies and planning, and training in communications and inclusivity.

Topics will also include the importance of creating a respectful workplace to retain staff, Indigenous tourism capacity building, and an update on Destination BC’s Invest in Iconics Strategy.

Date: Tuesday, November 29th, 9am - 4pm (PT)

Location: Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier, North Vancouver - 138 Victory Ship Way

Register through Eventbrite, or by emailing vcm@destinationbc.ca. 

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) celebrates 25 years of dedicated service and commitment to Indigenous businesses and communities in British Columbia.

Join us at our 2022 Annual General Meeting taking place at the Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel on the shared territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

With the support and contribution of our dedicated partners, ITBC continues to respond positively to change and commit to creating new opportunities supporting Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination and economic, social, and cultural development through tourism. Twenty-five years after its inception, BC is a recognized global leader in Indigenous tourism, with more than 488 Indigenous tourism-related businesses and 4000 directly related full-time jobs in the province.

Date: December 1st

Location: Coast Coal Harbour, Vancouver

Visit HERE to learn more and to register.

IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference promises to deliver another provocative

and solution-based conference.

The biggest change you will see is the option of including Sunday ‘s Day of IMPACT (January 22nd) into your overall registration.

The theme for the event is: O P E N. New sessions this year will address how to build careers with purpose, funding the transition to a more sustainable destination and tourism operation, how to develop effective partnerships to reach your sustainability goals and a deeper look into KPIs and metrics, while exploring ESG best practices.

When we come together with open hearts and open minds, anything is possible. We see connections everywhere. We welcome all ideas, experiences, and ways of life—because this is how we learn, grow, and change.

Visit HERE to learn more and to register. Early Bird registration is until November 30th.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is hosting the 2022 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit.

Date: February 22, 2023 at Thompson Rivers University Campus (Kamloops).

Tourism stakeholders are invited to come together as a tourism community to learn from everything we've been through and think differently about how we can co-create a more vibrant and resilient tourism industry in BC.

Registration to be announced soon. Click HERE for more information.

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA) are excited to announce the date for next year's annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, taking place in Prince George, March 1-3.

Be sure to save the date and start planning now to connect with industry colleagues, DMO's, communities, and government leaders.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details.

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is excited to announce registration is now open for the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC).

This conference is designed to unite the global Indigenous tourism industry bringing together tourism operators, international delegates, members of parliament and tourism partners. IITC features collective sharing of best practices and networking as Canadian and global delegates participate in panel discussions, breakout sessions, keynote presentations and local cultural experiences.

Dates: March 8-10, 2023

Location. Treaty 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis - Winnipeg

Learn more and register HERE.

Drop us a line at info@tiabc.ca.

TIABC recognizes that our members, stakeholders and staff occupy the ceded, unceded and traditional territories of Indigenous Nations across British Columbia. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to live, work and play on the lands that our Indigenous friends and First Nations ancestors honour and care for.