Message from President & CEO, Ingrid Jarrett
Today's update includes:

  • General Updates
  • BC Government Unveils Stronger BC Economic Plan
  • COVID-19 Update: Border Changes - PCR Testing Replaced with On-arrival Rapid Antigen Tests
  • Effective Today | Most Restrictions Lifted In British Columbia
  • Updated Public Health Orders with Eased Restrictions
  • Register | HAC & CBRE Canadian Hotel Industry Outlook
  • Sandman Hotel & Suites Leads New GoGreen Pilot Program
  • #ICYMI | B.C. Tourism Business Events, Workforce Support Receive Grants!
  • NEW | Canadian Resident Sentiment & Travel Related Measures
  • go2HR Shares Results of Labour Recovery Framework
  • Reminder | Government Extends Expanded Access to Local Lockdown Program and Worker Lockdown Benefit
  • Keep Your Property Beyond Clean with United Services Group!
  • Support for Abbotsford Industry-Based Businesses Impacted by Recent Floods
  • Take Advantage of Go2HR's Complimentary Safety Plan Review Service
  • News - See more below!
  • BCHA Inn the News
  • Easing restrictions and getting back to business
  • Hot Off the Press
  • Industry Trends and News
  • Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
  • Gaglardi Family Donates $10 million to Create Bob Gaglardi School of Business & Economics at TRU
  • Mark Your Calendars - see below!
  • Comment Card | Thoughts and Comments from Our Industry
  • The BCHA on Tiktok & Reels
  • CMHA Celebrates Black History Month
  • Pursuing a Dream Job
  • Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Our Members Smile
BC Government Unveils
Stronger BC Economic Plan
The BC government’s Stronger BC Economic Plan was unveiled this morning by Premier John Horgan; Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation Ravi Kahlon; and Parliamentary Secretary for Skills Training, Andrew Mercier.

The plan is based on two goals for the future – inclusive growth and clean growth. To meet these goals, the plan has six missions – areas where efforts are already taking place or will take place to support the B.C. economy. These missions are:
  • supporting people and families;
  • building resilient communities;
  • advancing true, lasting and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;
  • meeting B.C.’s climate commitments;
  • leading on environmental and social responsibility; and,
  • fostering innovation throughout B.C.'s economy.

Some of the document focuses on what’s already underway in each of these areas and will require additional specific recommendations.

The Role of Tourism in the Plan:
The plan noted that tourism is a thriving industry in B.C. – and an iconic one. Please visit page 13 for references to tourism.

Though no specific timelines are included, priority areas include:
  • Creating a digital services hub so British Columbians can more easily access education and training for in-demand jobs;
  • Aggressively accelerating the timeline to connect all BC communities to high-speed internet;
  • Creating a Small Business Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan;
  • Collaborating on an Indigenous economic development agency; and
  • Launching the Future Ready: Skills for the Jobs of Tomorrow plan to help fill the million job openings expected over the next decade.

BC will next report on Budget 2022, on Tuesday Feb. 22, which will include more details on the path and timeline moving forward. We look forward to sharing further details on what this means for our sector.
Reminder | COVID-19 Update: Border Changes - PCR Testing Replaced with On-arrival Rapid Antigen Tests
The Minister of Health, Jean-Yves Duclos along with several other Ministers including the Minister of Tourism, Randy Boissonnault announced on February 15 that the Federal Government will change COVID-19 border measures, detailed below.
We are pleased to see the Government move on this file after weeks and days of intense lobbying on behalf of the Hotel Association of Canada. This is an important step in the right direction.
Key highlights from today’s announcement:
  • Fully vaccinated (two Health Canada approved doses) Canadians and International travellers will be able to cross the border without a PCR test
  • A Rapid Antigen Tests (RATS) will be required (performed by a professional)
  • Canada will be moving from the current level 3 travel advisory to level 2
  • Children under 12 will no longer be required to quarantine for 14 days and they will not require a test or to be vaccinated
  • Random testing will still be conducted at the airport, however, people will no longer be required to quarantine while waiting for the results
  • All airports that previously accepted international flights will be able to do so once again
  • These rules will be in effect for airports on February 28 and land borders March 1

We are acutely aware that the transition from PCR to rapid antigen testing does not go far enough. We have been active on this point in the media and have relayed back to Government the urgency of removing ALL testing for fully vaccinated travellers. We will continue to apply both public and private pressure until all restrictions are lifted.
Effective Today | Most Restrictions
Lifted In British Columbia
Most COVID-19 restrictions in B.C. – with the exception of the need to provide proof of vaccination for specific indoor activities and to wear masks indoors – are officially lifted in BC. The changes were announced by Premier John Horgan, Health Minister Adrian Dix, and Dr. Bonnie Henry earlier this week.

A reminder, the changes mean:
  • Indoor personal gatherings can return to normal
  • Indoor and outdoor organized gatherings can return to full capacity, with dancing allowed, and masks and BC Vaccine Cards required
  • Indoor seated events can be at full capacity, with masks and BC Vaccine Card required
  • Fitness centres, adult sports, and swimming can return to full capacity, with no tournament restrictions, and masks and BC Vaccine Cards required
  • Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs can be at full capacity, no table limits, and mingling allowed, with masks and BC Vaccine Cards required

In addition, businesses are still required to have COVID-19 safety plans in place.
In recognition of this monumental step forward, Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Art, Culture, & Sport has written a letter to our industry.

We thank Minister Mark and her entire team at the Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture, & Sport for their tireless efforts to advocate for our sector, and their commitment to support our industry.
Updated Public Health Orders
with Eased Restrictions
As a result of eased restrictions across the province, Public Health Orders have been updated and came into effect 12:01 Feb 17 and will expire 11:59pm June 30.
Changes to the Food and Liquor Serving Premises are:
  • All restrictions have been removed i.e. closure of liquor serving only premises and allowance for them to open if they provided full meal service, requirements to prevent congregating, seating restrictions, spacing restrictions, table size limits, staffing requirements, closure of dance floors and prohibition of dancing
  • Cross references to Face Coverings and Workplace Safety Orders are included
  • Proof of vaccination requirements are maintained.
 

Changes to the Gatherings and Events order are:
  • Addition of exclusion of school and post-secondary institution graduation ceremonies and related events from proof of vaccination checking, for clarity, as this was implied previously but we were getting questions so wanted to make clear.
  • Deletion of restrictions on events (although Face Coverings and Workplace Safety Orders still apply) i.e. personal and organized gatherings, inside and outside, can happen without restrictions except for mask wearing and proof of vaccination checking in organized gatherings, adult sports tournaments can happen, exercise, fitness and dance restrictions removed
  • Proof of vaccination requirements retained
  • Worship service rules re vaccination requirements of attendees retained
Register | HAC & CBRE Canadian Hotel Industry Outlook
Join HAC and CBRE Hotels for an outlook on Canada's Hotel Industry. This exclusive webinar will feature a short look back at 2021 performance, an updated 2022 forecast for the country's major markets and provinces, and a discussion on trends impacting the industry.
 
DATE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022
TIME: 2:00 P.M. ET / 11 A.M. PST
Sandman Hotel & Suites Leads New GoGreen Pilot Program
Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna's has embraced the 'Go Green' program! The program was developed in collaboration with GreenStep, British Columbia Hotel Association and Rethink2gether, with the simple but powerful aim to identify energy conservation projects and sustainability opportunities for the hotel and their two Kelowna restaurants, Moxie's Grill & Bar and Denny's

As part of this program, GreenStep will be conducting energy, waste, and water audits, as well as carbon footprint measurements across all operations of the hotel. Our BCHA Energy Analyst, Dylan Tomlin, will also provide a desktop energy assessment, and Rethink2gether will provide food waste measurement for the restaurants!

This program is supported and partially funded by our EcoFund program, which creates a fund for hotels to invest in carbon cutting projects at their properties at no cost. The BCHA and GreenStep are proud to support Sandman Hotel Group in implementing real change for their hotels, the environment, and the communities that they serve!

Sign up for YOUR FREE energy analysis and learn more about our EcoFund program by contacting Sustainability Program Coordinator, Kiera Bourgeault at Kiera@bcha.com
#ICYMI | B.C. Tourism Business Events, Workforce Support Receive Grants!
In a press release distributed Feb.10, the Province of BC announced that business events and workforce support initiatives, such as hiring and retaining employees, in the tourism sector will receive more than $9.3 million over the next two years as part of the Tourism Recovery Initiatives Action Plan.

  • The Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund will provide up to $5 million this fiscal year and up to $3 million next year to help restart business travel with funding to community destination management organizations (CDMO) that were significantly involved in attracting and hosting business events, conferences, and exhibitions before the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • An additional $1.5 million will help fund dedicated human resources specialists in five tourism regions over the next two years.
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.
go2HR Shares Results of
Labour Recovery Framework
go2HR is delighted to share the results of their labour recovery framework which was built by representatives from industry associations and regional destination management organizations and go2HR.

An industry Engagement Working Group was created to help build and shape the framework and in doing this, each organization challenged each other to move quickly to agree on a set area of focus. The group worked to establish priorities for each pillar. And, we designed initiatives that can be implemented immediately and over time. Please see details on this important piece of work. We greatly thank go2HR and Krista Bax for their incredible work, leadership, and vision on this file.
Reminder | Government Extends Expanded Access to Local Lockdown Program and Worker Lockdown Benefit
The federal government announced that they would be extending the Local Lockdown Program amendments and the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit to March 12, 2022. 
 
Using the regulatory authority provided in Bill C-2, the government intends to propose expanding access announced on December 22, 2021 by one month, until March 12, 2022.

As a reminder, here is a complete list of available applications and supports
  1. Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
  2. Canada Recovery Hiring Program
  3. Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program
  4. Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit
  5. Local Lockdown Program
Keep Your Property Beyond Clean with United Services Group!
The BCHA is so pleased to connect our industry and accommodation community with United Services Group, offering incredible benefits to our members!

ABOUT THE UNITED SERVICES GROUP!
United Services Group is a success story of humble beginnings and was started by Milan Kroupa Sr., an immigrant to Canada. A family-owned business providing Janitorial Services for over 44+ years to North Americas most established and trusted brands. With a focus on providing exemplary Quality and Customer experience, United currently cleans over 36 million square feet daily across 2500 locations nationally with 3000+ trained & legally compliant Service Delivery teams. United has also developed a reputation for being market leaders for the development of proprietary cleaning chemicals and equipment and innovative digital solutions to managing service delivery and reporting.  
BENEFITS TO MEMBERS
  • Exclusive member direct pricing, saving up to 15% off of Beyond Clean Products & Services.
  • Also receive a free consultation for your staff members on proper disinfection processes with the purchase of an Electrostatic Sprayer or a covid19 protection kit
HOW TO GET STARTED
Contact Jason Purdy Head of Strategic Program Delivery Learning & Development at T: 905.595.4830 | M: 902.497.7322
Support for Abbotsford Industry-Based Businesses Impacted by Recent Floods
Some of the hospitality businesses in Abbotsford continue to be impacted by recent flood damage. While it’s been great to see such wonderful support the past couple of months, these Abbotsford industry partners will continue to need help in the weeks and months ahead. Tourism Abbotsford has compiled some brief updates with links of ways to support:
 
Castle Fun Park
Castle Fun Park – according to the most recent update on their website, the Wiebe family has plans to reopen in late spring or early summer. Support Castle Fun Park.
 
Fraser Glen Golf Course
Fraser Glen periodically posts updates on their reno’s and repairs on their social channels. Support Fraser Glen Golf Course.
 
Ripples Winery
Caroline and Paul recently had a ‘lake bottom’ sale of inventory they were able to salvage from the floods. The most recent was January 22nd. Keep an eye on their social channels to see when (if) the next one might be coming up. Support Ripples Winery.
 
Clarion Hotel
While the conference centre has remained open, the lobby and guest rooms have been closed since the flooding. With repairs now complete, the hotel has now reopened. You can check out their website for the latest info.
Take Advantage of Go2HR's Complimentary Safety Plan Review Service
Despite the removal of many restrictions in BC, employers are still required to re-activate their COVID-19 safety plans. This new order replaces the previous requirement for employers to have communicable disease prevention plans and does not have an expiration date.
 
go2HR is offering a complimentary COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service to B.C.’s tourism and hospitality employers.
 
 
For other templates, signage, guidelines, and business support visit:
Industry News & Quick Links
BCHA INN THE NEWS

BCHA President & CEO, Ingrid Jarrett joins Simi Sara for mornings with Simi. Click here to listen.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

The B.C. government has laid out an economic plan with a road map on how to grow the economy and fill around one million jobs over the next decade. Read more.

Canada’s cruise industry is welcoming a change to federal COVID-19 testing rules for international travellers, but as the start of the new season approaches, questions about passenger testing remain. Read more.

Tourism Industry Association of BC President Walt Judas discusses what the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, and easing of border rules, could mean for the summer tourist season. Read more.

There is excitement in the air. Alliance of Beverage Licencees Executive Director Jeff Guignard discusses how bars and nightclubs are preparing for a busy first weekend since pandemic restrictions lifted. Read more.

INDUSTRY TRENDS AND QUICKLINKS
The Three Staple Traits of a Great PMS Partner: Service, Service, Service - By Warren Dehan The devil is in the details; When choosing a property-management system provider, hoteliers should research the system’s depth of feature set, upgrade frequency and inclusions, APIs and integration partnerships, support communication channels, and versatility of education offerings Read more
 
Generation Hashtag Will Be a Key Driver for Niche Tourism Growth Driven by Experience Economy According to GlobalData’s recently published report, ‘Niche Tourism, 2022 Update – Thematic Research’, demand for niche tourism holidays and experiences is growing among Generation Hashtag (defined as people born between 1991 and 2005). Read more
 
Traditionally, hotel commercial teams have demonstrated a ‘Silo Mentality’– a mindset in which they feel as though they belong to a specific group in their workplace rather than a collective. As a result, information, resources, metrics and strategies aren’t shared as readily (or even withheld). This gives rise to departments that work in isolation, shun collaboration and operate on the boundary of overall business strategy, jeopardising wider organisational goals. Read more
Tipping Our Hat to Industry
Have news to share? Email kelsey@bcha.com
Gaglardi Family Donates $10 million to Create Bob Gaglardi School of Business & Economics at TRU

The Northland Properties team is excited to announce the generous donation of $10 million made by the Gaglardi children, with the support of Northland Properties, to Thompson Rivers University. This donation was made in honour and celebration of Bob Gaglardi's six-decade career as an entrepreneur, builder and developer and his enduring connection to his hometown of Kamloops.

The donation will be used to build a future home for the TRU School of Business & Economics (SoBE); newly-renamed the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics. This gift will establish TRU as the school of choice to study business and economics in B.C's interior, and is the largest philanthropic gift in school history!

Congratulations!

Mark Your Calendars
May 8, 2022 – May 11, 2022

IMPACT is a collaborative national dialogue on innovation. The dream to create a legacy for sustainable and regenerative tourism in Canada is stronger than ever, and your voices are needed.
 
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.
 
BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
Richmond Conference Centre | March 9-11

Registration is now open for the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, taking place in-person at the Richmond Conference Centre from March 9-11, 2022.

Please note, tickets will be sold separately for the following conference events, though you must have a conference ticket to attend the gala:

  • Rev Up! Hotel Pre-Conference Track
  • Taking place March 9 from 8am-1pm, Rev Up! tickets offer exclusive access to content tailored specifically for accommodators, with engaging presentations and panels from industry experts and leaders across Canada’s accommodation community.
  • Conference Tickets:
  • Early bird rates are available until 11:59pm PT on February 1, 2022 with member and non-member pricing options. Tickets include complete access to all three days of conference sessions, workshops, marketplace, and silent auction.
  • Awards Gala:
  • Reserve your spot for a celebratory evening that will recognize our province’s most exceptional products, services, experiences, and people, taking place the evening of Thursday, March 10, 2022.
2022 Annual BC Economic Summit
Date: April 3rd 1:30 PM  to April 5th 2:30 PM

The British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) is presenting its 2022 Annual BC Economic Summit in a virtual format with the theme of Reconciliation and Resiliency - A Future for BC. This is an opportunity to highlight success stories, lessons learned, share cutting-edge ideas, and engage your colleagues at the premier event for economic development practitioners in British Columbia.
 
Click here to learn more and to register.
Canadian Hotel Investment Conference
Date:April 5-6, 2022
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
 
REGISTRATION TO OPEN IN FEBRUARY
BCHF | Destination Greater Victoria Lottery
 
A fundraiser for the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF), the Destination Greater Victoria lottery offers bidders a chance to win prize packages that include transportation, fine dining, and luxury accommodation in Greater Victoria. There are four prize packages available. All prizes have been generously donated by Destination Greater Victoria members. Prize draws will take place at 12 p.m. on February 7, 2022. 
 
Register Now! Vancouver Island Tourism Conference 2022
April 12 - 14, 2022

Tourism stakeholders in the Vancouver Island region are invited to attend the in-person return of the annual Vancouver Island Tourism Conference, powered by Tourism Vancouver Island. It will be held April 12-14, 2022 in Victoria, B.C. at the Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort. This year’s conference will focus on Mindful Travel: The health of our environment; The health of our industry; The health of our people. The early bird rate is $375 until February 11th (Regular rate is $475 until March 28th). Learn more and register here.

Comment Card
The BCHA on Tiktok & Reels
CMHA Celebrates
Black History Month
Pursuing a Dream Job
Last Laugh
Yoda is working at a hotel as a concierge and a man walks up to the desk.

Yoda: Hello, welcome, you are.

Man: Hi, I'd like to book a triplex for the weekend.

Yoda: Sorry I am, only duplex we have.

Man: Are you sure? I really need the triplex.

Yoda: There is no tri, only du.