Earlier today, TIABC held its annual general meeting at Anvil Centre in New Westminster. It was good for our board and members to be together in the same room for the AGM for the first time in three years. For me and many others who travelled from all parts of BC, it was worth the long journey from fogged-in Tofino.

Annual general meetings are not exciting at the best of times, but we nonetheless endeavoured to provide attendees with an enlightening report on our various priorities and operations over the past year for discussion and approval. Note…the financials reported were for fiscal 2021 while all else referenced the 12 months since our last AGM. At the risk of helping to cure your insomnia, allow me to provide a brief synopsis of the committee reports.

Finance and Audit Committee Chair, Ian MacPhee reported that financially, TIABC is on stable ground. Thanks to sponsorships and partnerships, we generated enough revenue to cover our costs and even managed to stay on the positive side of the leger by a little more than $8,000. As per TIABC’s financial policy, we have enough in reserve to cover 18 months of operation.

From a governance perspective, members approved the bylaw changes our committee put forward that encompass new language to reflect our goals of more equity, diversity and inclusion with our board and staff, as well as the need to evaluate candidates for directors based on skills, regional dispersion, and various tourism sectors.

Although we said goodbye to Jennifer Burton, we welcomed Joanne Burns-Millar of Pacific Destination Services to the board, as well as newly elected Miranda Ji of Destination Greater Victoria.

In his Membership and Communications Committee report, Chair Mike Retasket highlighted the strong response to our recent member survey and the positive support for TIABC. He also talked about the success of the BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference earlier this year, and how Prince George and Northern BC Tourism are pulling out all the stops for next year’s conference.

Brenda Baptiste, who stepped in for Policy Committee Chair Barrett Fisher, referenced four recent policies that TIABC submitted to the province. She also drew attention to various TIABC submissions to both the provincial and federal governments with more in the works in the coming weeks.

As part of my Chair’s report, I turned the reins over to Sandra Oldfield, Chair of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Reconciliation Committee who shared an overview of the extensive work TIABC has done in this area over the last eight months including forging a partnership with WORTH Association (Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality), as well as our board and staff completing go2HR’s Safer Spaces training, among other actions.

Finally, I had an opportunity to acknowledge the incredible work of TIABC’s staff (Walt Judas, Deb Kulchiski, Fiona Wray, Pria Flanagan), as well as the guidance of our board, and the commitment by various committee members to help us in our advocacy efforts this past year.

I am grateful for the support of Fortis BC, the Fraser Valley DMOs, Anvil Centre, and WORTH Association for helping us host today’s AGM. Thank you to the members and stakeholders that attended. I look forward to seeing you at our conference next year, if not sooner.

Given it’s the weekend, I’m not in a rush to go home and will take the time to be a tourist and enjoy this part of the province (Metro Vancouver) over the next couple of days.

J.J. Belanger

Chair, TIABC

Earlier today, David Eby was sworn in as BC's 37th Premier while surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, and community members from throughout British Columbia.

In a ceremony held in the Musqueam Community Centre, Eby made a commitment to tackle the challenges people are facing, while making meaningful improvements in the lives of British Columbians.

The Premier promised swift action on the most pressing issues facing British Columbians: fixing the housing crisis, making communities safer, strengthening health care and acting on climate change. All work will be done in close partnership with Indigenous peoples, as well as federal and municipal governments.  

Premier Eby’s first action was the announcement of two new cost-of-living credits for BC residents and businesses.

TIABC congratulates Premier Eby on his appointment and looks forward to working with him and his government in the days ahead.

TIABC was one of 18 organizations in Canada's tourism sector that supported a letter from TIAC president & CEO Beth Potter to the Canadian Border Services Agency this week regarding CARM (CBSA Assessment & Revenue Management) and the Business Events sector.

The letter included recommended changes that would need to be implemented to ensure CARM and

CBSA’s International Events and Convention Services Program (IECSP) can help deliver on our shared goal of attracting more foreign businesses and organizations to choose Canada as a premier destination to hold their business events and showcase their goods.

The letter also stated that CARM must provide an option to allow a customs broker to account for the temporary importation of non-commercial goods intended to be showcased at a business event in Canada under their importer business number. Further, they must be able to act on

behalf of the foreign owner of the goods or any intermediary

The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) is a new grant launched by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation (JERI).

Announced by government earlier this week, up to $33 million will be invested this year to create the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, which will support projects that promote the following:

There are 3 funding categories - each category targeting different projects types and communities.

Tourism HR Canada’s October Employment Summary shows that the tourism labour force in October remained relatively stable compared to September. Across the sector, there were modest increases in the labour force and in employment, and the total hours worked continued to narrow the gap between pre-pandemic levels and more recent estimates.

Unemployment was up slightly from September but remained lower than both 2021 and 2019 rates.

The tourism labour force in October accounted for 9.8% of the total Canadian labour force, a very slight increase from September (9.7%) but still below the pre-pandemic level of 10.8%.

Compared to October 2021, the tourism labour force has grown considerably, showing an increase of just over 10%. All industry groups showed gains in the tens of thousands, except for accommodations, which saw a substantial decrease. Travel services in particular was doing remarkably well, having nearly doubled its share of the labour force since 2021.

No British Columbia industry was hit harder by the COVID-19 pandemic than tourism. With borders closed for much of 2020-21 and international travel dramatically curtailed, the province saw the virtual disappearance of international visitors as well as a sharp decline in the number of Canadians from other provinces travelling to BC. The unprecedented slump in tourism in 2020 – extending into 2021 – was the biggest source of weakness in the provincial economy over that two-year period.

In part, this speaks to tourism’s outsized economic role in British Columbia. Within Canada, only Prince Edward Island is more dependent on tourism to generate business revenues and provide jobs. Before the onset of COVID-19, tourism accounted for 3.5-4.0% of British Columbia’s GDP and supported more than 130,000 jobs. Almost 20,000 BC businesses operated in the tourism sector as of 2019. Because of the very large numbers of both international and out-of-province Canadian visitors who come to BC in a typical year, tourism also ranked in the top tier of British Columbia’s “export” industries before the COVID shock of 2020. As business conditions return to pre-COVID patterns, tourism will again serve as a leading export sector for the province.

Destination Canada continues to provide valuable resources aimed to support our industry as we work to drive recovery. With restrictions lifted, it is time to ensure your tourism business is ready to take advantage of the recovery opportunity ahead.

Below are resources and insights developed by Destination Canada to help provide an understanding of the shifts we are seeing within the industry and tools to help tourism businesses attract employees and travellers.

Destination BC has officially launched this season's ski campaign which entices skiers in Washington and California to elevate their experience – and themselves – in BC’s big mountain terrain this winter

Running from November 2022 to February 2023 in key urban areas of those States, the ‘You, Elevated’ campaign showcases the moments that come to life when BC’s consistent snowfall, vast mountains, varied terrain, and vibrant mountain culture come together, uniquely positioning the province as the best place to deliver the life-affirming ski moments that passionate skiers seek.

Working in collaboration with destination ski resorts, the campaign will take audiences from inspiration to booking. The campaign leverages tactics such as digital advertising, paid search, connected TV, email, social media, and travel media, to reach target market segments.

Washington and California are the two top states of origin of US skiers who travel to BC ski resorts.  Learn More.

The government of Canada announced earlier this week the expansion of the Air Transport Agreement with India, allowing designated airlines to fly “unlimited flights between both countries.”

According to Transport Canada, the previous agreement limited each country to 35 commercial passenger flights per week, and the changes will allow for the expansion of air travel between the two countries. India is Canada’s fourth largest international air market.

The new rights under the expanded agreement are available for use by airlines immediately. It gives Canadian air carriers access to Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai, and Indian air carriers access to Canadian cities that include Vancouver.

Of the 25 Best Small Cities in Canada

The list, published by the Resonance Consultancy group focused on small cities with populations between 50,000 and 200,000 people. The group uses six factors when looking at a city to determine its ranking, including natural environments, economic prosperity and culture, among others.

BC has six cities on this year’s list of the top 25 best small cities in Canada. Victoria took top spot for its mild climate, beautiful outdoors, and tourism scene. Kelowna took second for lush vineyards, quality hiking and a thriving tech industry.

Also included were North Vancouver in 6th place, Kamloops at 18th, Nanaimo at 20th, and Saanich at 23rd.

Congratulations to all!

Closes November 30th

The International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) invites speakers interested in delivering helpful, practical and real-world information to all conference participants. It's expected that speakers will clearly demonstrate how their presentation will align with this year’s theme “Adventure to Understanding.”

IITC is seeking individuals with experience and knowledge in the Indigenous Tourism Industry who can share their expertise during the 2-day conference. Applications are being accepted in the following session tracks:

During times of stress and uncertainty, it is important to share information from official sources only. There are a variety of resources available to help you prepare for emergencies, gather up-to-date information, and help visitors plan their travel.

Destination BC has updated their existing messaging guide for the fall/winter season, with applicable infographics for industry.

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.

go2HR is BC’s tourism and hospitality human resource and health & safety association. go2HR empowers and equips employers with complete human resources and health & safety management programs designed to support strong business performance.

Their programs offer tools, information, and consulting services to elevate employers’ human resources and health and safety practices. They also offer education and training for current and future workforces. Finally, they work as a resource to inform government, stakeholders, and communities on labour market conditions and strategies in relations to the tourism and hospitality sectors in BC.

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 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.

Aimed squarely at the tourism and hospitality sector, the Propel Student Work Placement Program is helping the hardest-hit sector recover from the devastating impacts of the pandemic

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program, Propel offers post-secondary students opportunities to develop the work-ready skills required to secure meaningful employment upon graduation.

Qualifying employers are provided with a wage subsidy for each qualifying student hired through the program.

Date: November 24th, 1:00 pm (EST)

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

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. 

Save on registration for the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) by registering today! After December 15, registration will increase to $1,099.

Take part in breakout sessions on everything from marketing to pricing strategies to pitching your story to national media. Join tours of local Indigenous areas and businesses, delight your palate at “Taste of Turtle Island,” and partake in IITC's renowned awards ceremonies.

Date: March 8, 2023 - March 10, 2023

Location: RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg

Visit HERE to learn more and register.

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.