While Canadians have been welcoming US residents for what's deemed non-essential travel since early August, the US will begin allowing fully vaccinated travellers from Canada to enter their country at land and ferry points of entry for discretionary (non-essential) reasons, such as tourism effective Monday, November 8th.

Travellers are reminded that border measures remain in place for travellers entering or returning to Canada and that they should get informed and understand their obligations as they make their travel plans.

Fully vaccinated travellers coming or returning to Canada must complete the mandatory pre-arrival molecular COVID-19 test and submit their information, including their digital proof of vaccination in English or French using the free ArriveCAN (App or website) within 72 hours before arriving in Canada. Antigen tests, often called “rapid tests,” are not accepted. Fully vaccinated travellers who are eligible to enter Canada continue to be subject to mandatory random testing on arrival.

For short trips that are less than 72 hours, Canadian citizens, people registered under the Indian Act, permanent residents and protected persons travelling to the United States are allowed to take their pre-arrival molecular test before they leave Canada. If the test is more than 72 hours old when they re-enter Canada, they will be required to get a new pre-arrival molecular test in the United States.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers who are eligible to enter Canada must continue to follow pre-arrival, arrival and Day-8 molecular COVID-19 testing requirements, and quarantine for 14 days.

Read Today's Full Update from Canada Border Services Agency HERE.

The Government of Canada is proposing to introduce legislation for the new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, which would provide income support to workers whose employment is interrupted by specific government-imposed public health lockdown scenarios and who are unable to work due to such restrictions.

Individuals whose loss of income or employment is due to their refusal to adhere to a vaccine mandate would not be able to access the benefit.

Further details on this proposed benefit will be released in the coming weeks and TIABC will endeavour to keep you up to date.

For more information from the Government of Canada click here.

The most recent labour force survey was released by Tourism HR Canada today and includes employment data for the tourism sector.

After falling by 130,700 between August and September, tourism employment continued its seasonal decline falling another 38,200 in October.

For the second month in a row, employment losses were concentrated in full-time positions. Over September and October, full-time tourism employment fell by 239,500 while the number of employees working part-time increased by 70,600.

In October 2021, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was at 5.2%, which is 9.3% lower than the rate reported in Oct 2020, and higher than the previous month (September 2021) when the unemployment rate stood at 5.1%. At 5.2%, tourism’s unemployment rate was below Canada’s seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate of 6.0%.

In the broader labour force, the number of unemployed workers decreased by 68,100 this October. Seasonally unadjusted employment increased by only 9,700, and the number of individuals who are not active in the labour force increased by 97,000.

Data is for the week of October 10 to 16. It does not reflect any change in labour market conditions caused by the end of programs such as the Canada Recovery Benefit or Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy.

With the pending loss of the excise duty exemption scheduled for July 1st, 2022, Wine Growers Canada alongside WGBC and other regional wine, cider and grape associations from across Canada continue to work with senior federal officials on the details of an acceptable excise replacement program as announced in the 2021 federal budget.

The federal election created a pause in our lobby efforts as the government was in legislated “caretaker mode” from the launch of the election in August until October 26, 2021. Wine, cider and grower associations from across Canada have worked closely with senior federal officials and recommended the Wine Grower Quality Enhancement Program (WGQEP) as the preferred winery support program in place of the excise duty exemption. This proposal is not only trade legal, and simple to administer, but it will also ensure that every winery in Canada continues to receive no less than the excise benefits currently collected.

Key issues under discussion with federal officials include:

With the election behind us, it is time to remove the uncertainty and continue discussions with senior decision makers to move forward with WGQEP as the only replacement program based on the volume of wine produced in Canada.

The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) has made 13 requests of the province to consider in order to establish a regulatory framework for the short-term accommodations industry, similar to those in place for ride-hailing and other regulated industries.

While local governments in BC have tools to regulate short-term rentals for vacationers and others, most lack the capacity to enforce them.

As noted in the report of the Joint UBCM-Province Advisory Group, the ever-expanding online accommodation bookings industry has reduced long-term rental housing capacity at a time when housing availability and costs are already under pressure. At the same time, a property’s earning potential from short-term rental use leads to higher prices in the market than local incomes can support.

On top of this, local governments are unable to obtain complete and accurate data needed to understand exactly what is happening with short-term rentals in their own community.

At the province’s request, a Joint UBCM-Province Advisory Group conducted an analysis and asked local governments to make recommendations for the province’s further consideration.

Key among local governments’ requests for action:

The province’s Rental Housing Taskforce recommended in December 2018 that the province work with local governments to collaborate on short-term rental rules to better protect long-term rental stock. The province and UBCM established the Joint UBCM – Province Advisory Group on Short-Term Rentals in the fall of 2019 to hear from local governments about the impacts of short-term rentals and the tools for addressing them.

Note - TIABC is opposed to any and all further changes to the MRDT regime and maintains it should continue to be used only for tourism marketing, projects and programs.

Click here to read the full report by the Joint UBCM-Province Advisory Group.

Join TIABC and the Ancient Forest Alliance for a visually compelling journey through the landscapes and politics of endangered ancient forests in British Columbia. Learn the answers to questions like: Why are they important? How much is left? What is the latest in government policy? How do they relate to tourism? What can we do to help protect them? And much more!

Join TIABC and the Ancient Forest Alliance for a visually compelling journey through the landscapes and politics of endangered ancient forests in British Columbia. Learn the answers to questions like: Why are they important? How much is left? What is the latest in government policy? How do they relate to tourism? What can we do to help protect them? And much more!

The Cascade Skyline Gondola Project (CSGP), received full endorsement by Indigenous Tourism BC this week.

Indigenous Tourism of British Columbia (ITBC), has written a letter of full support for the project and its components. Of particular interest is the Sto:lo Interpretive Cultural Centre. The letter is addressed to Minister Katherine Conroy and various other Ministers of the Provincial Government.

Chair of the ITBC Board and TIABC Director Brenda Baptiste wrote, “We understand that CSGP devoted considerable time and energy developing a vision for protecting and restoring the lands of the Chipmunk Creek watershed for sustainable use, integrating cultural and spiritual practices that follow snoweyelh, the laws, values and principles that have been passed down over many generations and are still in use today. Moreover, CSGP has found broad support in the First Nations community and has the Cheam First Nation as a co-proponent and investor in the project”. She goes on to write, “The CSGP represents an unprecedented opportunity for the Indigenous tourism industry in BC. It is a cornerstone of the principles of reconciliation.”

The Stó:lō Cultural Interpretive Center (SCIC) will be located at the base of the Cascade Skyline Gondola site. With its incredible profile and exclusive location directly adjacent to the Trans Canada Highway at Bridal Falls, the project has great potential for economic viability and visitation estimated at 150,000+ guests annually. The integrated component in the experience would be unprecedented in Canada.

The CSGP is in the process for permitting and review with the Province of BC.

Click here for more information on the Cascade Skyline gondola project.

The Royal BC Museum announced on November 3rd that it will begin closing sections of the third floor to start the process of decolonization in these galleries, in response to the call to action from Indigenous leaders to increase cultural safety and ensure the museum is a welcome place for everyone. Minor closures will begin in November, leading up to a full closure of the third floor as of January 2nd, 2022.

The Royal BC Museum third floor comprises the First Peoples gallery, Our Living Languages: First Peoples’ Voices in BC exhibition, and Becoming BC gallery. A phased approach to closure allows British Columbians to plan a visit (on or before December 31st, 2021) to exhibits as they were originally built.

The phased closure of the third floor will begin with the mezzanines in the Becoming BC gallery, which have largely focused on promoting the story of the European settlement of BC. Every effort will be made to mitigate the impact to visitors through to the end of the year.

During the third-floor closure, the Royal BC Museum staff will continue to offer opportunities for community engagement with visitors and tourists through webinars, online learning and virtual tours. The museum will also expand its provincial travelling exhibition and pop-up exhibit programs, including installations across Greater Victoria.

Click here to read the full announcement.

Destination BC is supporting the valuable contribution of BC’s network of community-based visitor centres, by renewing its three-year commitment to base funding throughout the province. In addition, Destination BC is increasing the minimum level of base funding to $15,000, for those currently receiving $10,000 to $12,500 per year.

There are 129 community-owned visitor centres throughout British Columbia that are members of Destination BC’s Visitor Services Network Program. They each play a pivotal role in providing accurate and timely travel information to those looking to explore communities, locate accommodation, visit attractions, and participate in tourism activities in British Columbia.

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, community visitor centres were instrumental in communicating Provincial Health Orders and health and safety protocols, supporting local businesses, and boosting local economies. During recent wildfire activity, community visitor centres also supported evacuees and travellers by sharing on-the-ground safety and travel information.

Click here to learn more about Destination BC's Visitor Services Network Program.

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.

With the vaccine passport changing how businesses are operating, go2hr has updated BSAFE with a new module on how to handle the BC Proof of Vaccination public health order.

The new module is FREE for BC tourism and hospitality employers and employees and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. In this module, you will learn:

Course details:

BSAFE is comprised of 6 modules that cover a variety of topics to give you a foundational understanding of COVID-19 health and safety protocols as well as tips on handling non-compliance.

To learn more or register for BSAFE, click here.

The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, 8-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.

Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. From setting your goals, to building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, analytics and more.

The next intakes, which will run for 8 weeks, begin the week of January 10th & January 17th, 2022.

Destination BC announced earlier this week that Imran Gill has accepted the role of Acting Director, Industry Partnerships and Visitor Services – a position he will hold until March 31st, 2022.

Imran has spent over a decade working in leadership roles in economic development, tourism promotion, public assembly facilities, and major events, and has an impressive background in strategic leadership, program management, public relations, issues management and digital marketing. Prior to joining Destination BC as a Manager, Destination Development, he held the position of Director, Corporate Marketing & Communications for Edmonton Economic Development Corporation.

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce that tickets for its online 50/50 raffle are now on sale. The raffle will start with a $1,000 jackpot and will increase with every ticket purchased above and beyond until sales close on November 15th.

The initiative is a fundraiser for the BCHF, which is the only charity of its kind in Canada, with a mission of supporting hospitality and tourism workers in need.

Tickets for the raffle will be:

Please support our hospitality and tourism sector by purchasing tickets. Funds raised by the event will be used by the BCHF to support industry workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member. The registered charity also administers a scholarship program that fosters the development of the next generation of hospitality industry workers and leaders.

Check here to purchase tickets and ticket win updates.

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.

The core purpose of the Silver Star Resort Association is to elevate the strength of Silver Star’s reputation as a year-round, family destination that delivers choice, quality and safety centered within an integrated and supportive community.

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The increased awareness of Silver Star in the destination resort market aims to help retain existing visitors; and attract additional visitors while delivering multiple benefits including: ​

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Click here for more information about the Silver Star Resort Association.

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.

Join our President and CEO Beth Potter as she reviews:

Date: Tuesday, November 9th, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm (ET)

Member Talks is an informal and friendly gathering of members to network and share concerns, stories and ideas.

When you register to attend, you have the opportunity to submit a question in advance to be addressed during the virtual meeting.

TIAC members click here to register and submit your questions.

Ahead of the upcoming ski season, the BC Hotel Association (BCHA), go2HR, and Canada West Ski Area Association (CWSAA) have partnered to bring a pre-ski season information session, delivering tools and resources to better support ski area accommodators. With evolving protocols and limited access to workers, this webinar is aimed at offering tips for training and on-boarding, safety, and the latest in best practices for reopening.

Andrea Hinck, Director, Industry Training - go2HR

Ingrid Jarrett, President & CEO - BC Hotel Association

Date & Time: Wednesday, November 10, 2021,, 1PM - 2PM (PT)

Covered in this Webinar, you will learn:

Register and submit questions here.

Need help bringing on new staff? Hiring students is a great way to build your team for short-term needs and to build a talent pipeline for the long term! And now you can access a wage subsidy of up to $7,500 through Propel, a brand new Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)!

Propel is offered through Tourism HR Canada, a Canadian organization with a mandate aimed at building a world-leading tourism workforce. Propel is specifically designed to support the tourism and hospitality sector.

Learn more about how your organization can take advantage of this federally funded wage subsidy program and how to bring on students from hospitality and tourism management, culinary arts, and other programs from across the province.

Date: Monday, November 15th at 2:00pm (Pacific).

Brought to you by the Talent MATCH Program, a collaboration between go2HR, the BC Museums Association, the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture, and the Association for Co-operative Education &

Register here for this free session.

How do we retain and develop women of recreation, tourism and hospitality in the worst labour crisis the industry has ever seen?

WORTH Association is inviting industry professionals to attend "Seat at the Table".

Date: Wednesday, November 17th from 9-11:30am (PT)

Attendees will create dialogue, gain broader perspectives and collaborate to develop creative solutions to challenges women face in the industry. The plan is to find answers from the community & for the community, and present these findings to key stakeholders to generate industry-wide attention and action. Researchers from Capilano University and The Sociable Scientist will be facilitating the session at the Vancouver Lookout. As an entirely volunteer-driven organization, WORTH is looking for sponsors to ensure this event is a success.

Click here to learn more about WORTH and the "Seat at the Table" opportunities.

This webinar will provide tools for tourism businesses to develop and implement a sustainability management plan into their operations. Businesses will learn how to:

Date: Wednesday November 24th, 2021, 10:00am - 11:00am PST

Click here to register for this free event.

WorkBC Richmond, the BCHA, and the Richmond Public Library are pleased to connect job seekers and employers for an afternoon of engagement and networking at the Tourism and Hospitality Hiring Fair.

During this in-person, exhibition-format hiring fair, employers will have the opportunity to meet with over 200 candidates to cultivate employment interest, establish connections, and secure skilled workers.

Date and Location: Thursday, November 25 from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch (100-7700 Minoru Gate)

There will be ten 25 minute time slots with a maximum of 20 job seekers per appointment time. A maximum of 10 employers will be in attendance.

For more information please contact:

Nancy Wang (WorkBC Richmond Community Outreach and Marketing Specialist): nancy.wang@success.bc.ca

Kelsey Millman (BCHA Communications Manager): kelsey@bcha.com

The Sunshine Coast Tourism AGM is your opportunity to learn more about our organization and review the years' marketing, media, and financial activities - see what we’ve been up to and learn of the exciting new initiatives for 2022.

Date: Tuesday, November 9th from 4pm - 6pm Via Zoom

Keynote Speaker: Walt Judas, CEO TIABC

This meeting is open to all SCT members, industry stakeholders and government officials. Members will vote on Board of Director positions and learn about opportunities to work collaboratively with Sunshine Coast Tourism.

Click here to learn more and to register.

Voting for the KRT Board of Directors opened today,

and will close on Thursday, November 18, 2021

at 5:00 PM Mountain Time / 4:00 PM Pacific Time

For this election, there are 6 nominees running for 5 seats.

For more information on the election and Board Nominees, click here.

Join TIABC and the BCHA for a FREE state of the industry update, with a focus on recovery and trends. Gain critical insights into the work each organization has led, information about respective programs and benefits available to you, hear from our Keynote Speaker then network with industry colleagues.

The afternoon will include:

1pm – 2pm | TIABC AGM

2pm – 2:45pm | Keynote Speaker, Emile Gourieux of STR on global trends and recovery

3:00pm - 3:15 pm| Remarks by Hon. Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport

3pm – 4pm | BCHA AGM & Live Industry Update presentation

4pm – 5pm | Industry Town Hall and Q&A

5pm – 6pm | Reception and networking

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA) are the voices of the provincial hospitality & tourism sectors at the federal, provincial, and community level, advocating for the best interests of BC’s accommodation and tourism communities.

This year’s Tourism Congress has two attendance options. You can join in person at the Westin Ottawa or connect through the user-friendly virtual platform!

The 2021 Tourism Congress will have the insightful and practical content you expect—and plenty of networking opportunities just like past events.

The new format is designed to be more inclusive. With the opportunity to connect from anywhere in the country and prices for every budget, so you can choose the level of participation that works best for you.

Click here for information and to register.

Mark your calendar for a virtual conference hosted by the SFI. This year’s theme, the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative and BC’s Public Fishery, will be addressed by a range of speakers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Province of BC, the Pacific Salmon Foundation and the SFI.

Date: Thursday, December 2nd at 1:00 pm (virtual)

The annual SFI conference is well recognized as an important public fishery management and policy forum where elected officials, public servants and those in the sport fishing industry share their perspectives on trends, innovations and issues facing BC’s public fishery. Attendance and registration are free, with thanks to our sponsors as noted below.

Registration and additional information, including a detailed agenda, will be available as the date approaches.

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.