The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and TIABC wish to congratulate the re-elected Liberal government and candidates of all parties on their campaigns to represent Canadians at this important time in the country’s history.

Throughout the election period, TIAC and the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA), of which TIABC is an active member, have advocated for all parties to work with industry on:

Canada’s hardest hit industries are at serious risk without continued federal support. Tourism businesses have faced devastating revenue losses due to COVID. The industry has lost two summer seasons, drained financial reserves, taken on debt and now has difficulty attracting enough employees as it strives to relaunch.

TIAC is enormously encouraged that tourism businesses will be able to expect tailored and sector-specific support as they head into the winter months. In the first announcement on the campaign trail, the Liberal Party announced that it would:

TIAC & the PTTIA urges all Members of Parliament to endorse these initiatives in support of the industry and to work collectively to pass them as quickly as possible in this new Parliamentary session.

Earlier today, TIABC CEO Walt Judas presented to the province's Standing Committee on Finance & Government Services on the need for further support for all tourism businesses in the next provincial budget. Presenters are given five minutes to present their requests, followed by a five minute Q&A.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. On behalf of the Tourism Industry Association of BC and our members and stakeholders...thank you for including tourism as part of your committee's report and recommendations to the province for the 2021 budget.

Eighteen months into the pandemic, we're at a critical juncture for many tourism and hospitality businesses throughout the province, particularly small and rural operators, as well as those that rely almost exclusively on international visitors, especially now that the peak season is over. The primary issue that operators continue to face is meeting monthly fixed-cost expenses.

With recovery anticipated to be well beyond 2022, businesses need version 2.0 of the circuit breaker or small and medium-sized business recovery grant that kept many of them alive earlier this year. The province might also consider backstopping loans, with more favourable terms through the credit union system, for larger operators such as hotels and attractions that have not yet received the kind of support needed to sustain operations over the long term.

Recently TIABC submitted a brief to Minister Kahlon to help inform the province's new economic strategy. The brief noted that for the industry to emerge positioned for long-term success, it needs to formulate a long-term strategy that combines imaginative planning with successful practices from other sectors.

The strategy needs to be a collaboration between government and industry and must address critical issues and opportunities such as improvements to current infrastructure as well as development of new and unique tourism amenities, especially projects that connect tourism with other sectors. For example, the establishment of a new museum of screen-based media that would provide a world-class tourism attraction and build on BC's expertise and reputation as Hollywood North.

The creation of new partnerships with Indigenous groups to build tourism products and bolster the path to reconciliation; identification and promotion of environmentally friendly visitor experiences; and increased investment in the BC parks system for new trails as well as maintenance. Promotion of sustainable business practices — for example, installation of electric charging stations and provision of incentives for private operators for the electrification of their businesses; and widespread adoption of digitization, new automation and AI tools that help to improve tourism operator efficiencies.

Increased investment in tourism marketing, through Destination BC, and continued commitment to the MRDT system for funding community destination marketing organizations. Access to and recruitment of workers representing all demographics, with a focus on Indigenous women, immigrants, new residents, students and underrepresented segments of the workforce, including people with disabilities. Further training and career advancement opportunities for people from all walks of life to attain the knowledge, expertise and skills to advance to one of the thousands of good-paying, stable, full-time skilled positions available in the tourism industry.

We also believe the time is ripe for a renewed focus on attracting the best and the brightest to the tourism industry. As past data demonstrates, the consensus by industry analysts is that as BC's tourism industry recovers, it can make important economic contributions to other sectors, while taking a leadership role in promoting inclusion and sustainability.

One idea to help advance these goals: we suggest the creation of a BC tourism industry commerce centre that could be similar in concept to Innovate BC, which focuses on helping B.C. technology companies. We believe that through a partnership between government and the tourism industry, the centre would help B.C. businesses better understand their opportunities as suppliers to the tourism industry, to develop innovative new products and services for tourism businesses and to increase exponentially BC's share of the global tourism industry supplier marketplace.

Such an initiative could also bolster efforts to support Indigenous-owned businesses, firms owned by women and minorities, and companies that have a focus on sustainability and innovation. Moreover, it would greatly benefit the BC tourism industry by helping the sector to become less reliant on fragile international supply chains and by fostering the development of innovative new made-in-BC products and visitor experiences.

Yesterday, the United States extended restrictions at its land borders with Canada and Mexico through October 21st that bar nonessential travel such as tourism by foreigners despite Ottawa's decision to open its border to vaccinated Americans.

While travel restrictions for Canadians remain strict, the U.S. is looking to ease foreign air travel restrictions, which will allow fully vaccinated foreigners to enter the country.

Starting in November, any air traveler coming to the U.S. will need to provide proof of negative COVID-19 taken at least 72 hours prior to boarding and certification of their double-vaccination status.

The new policy announced on Monday will no longer limit travellers from specific countries like the U.K., China and India.

Click here to read the complete story.

If you're concerned about how the extinction of BC's wild salmon would impact BC's Super, Natural brand and your tourism business, you're not alone. Join former Premier Gordon Campbell, Wave's Edge Canada Group co-Director Lisa Stevens, and Wilderness Tourism Association CEO Scott Benton to hear about a provocative new campaign connecting the fate of the wild salmon to BC's tourism economy. You'll also find out how you can add your voice during Small Business Week (October 17-23).

Gordon was the 35th Mayor of Vancouver, Chair of the Greater Vancouver Regional District, the 34th Premier of British Columbia, and Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. As Premier, he led the government’s Climate Action Plan, which included legislated greenhouse gas reduction targets, a carbon-neutral public sector, and the internationally recognized revenue-neutral carbon tax. Gordon has been recognized for his environmental, economic, and social leadership throughout his career. He is passionately committed to empowering younger generations to lead the way forward to a healthy planet.

TIABC, BCHA, Indigenous Tourism BC, Destination BC and the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat have developed a new toolkit to summarize current guidelines, provide links to more information on topics like dealing with customers without proof of vaccination, and recruiting and training staff.

New requirements are being implemented through orders from the provincial health officer. New public orders for Gatherings and Events and Food and Liquor Serving Premises came into effect on September 13th. The province-wide mask mandate also remains in place.

Download the following new public orders:

The requirement will be time limited through to January 31, 2022, subject to possible extension.

You do not have to check proof of vaccination at indoor organized events with less than 50 people, except adult sports.

This link provides examples of proof of vaccination from around the province.

This link provides examples of proof of vaccination from across Canada.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA), that includes TIABC, have formed a task force on the issue of rising insurance premiums in the tourism industry.

We are continuing to hear from operators concerned with commercial insurance access, premium increase and limited liability coverage. Insurance is a fundamental element in the industry’s ability to build back stronger post pandemic.

People and organizations needing a special event permit (SEP) to serve liquor at events like community festivals, family gatherings and private functions can now apply through a new online portal developed to speed up application processing.

Effective today, all current and previous SEP applicants must use the new application portal hosted by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).

Applications are no longer accepted through the previous portal hosted by the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB).

If you have questions about SEP, please contact the LCRB’s SEP support team toll free at 1-855-999-7656 or by email at LCRB.SEP@gov.bc.ca.

Click here for more information.

We know staffing issues continue to plague our industry. Please help go2HR with a Labour Market Information Research Project. Participate in the survey today and enter into a draw for prizes valued at $1,500.

go2HR is the human resource and health & safety association for BC’s tourism and hospitality industry. Even before COVID-19, the industry faced some significant human resource challenges. We know those challenges will only increase as we emerge from the pandemic.

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

Deadline October 1, 2021

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors.

For the 2021-2023 term, TIABC is seeking a total of five (5) candidates:

• From the DMO category, one (1) director is required for a two-year term.

• From the Sector Association category, two (2) directors are required for a two-year term.

• From the Business Membership category, two (2) directors are required for a two-year term.

As per the bylaws, the Tourism Industry Association of BC requests that all nominations from members be received 45 days prior to the Annual General Meeting. All nominations for director positions therefore, must be received on or before October 1, 2021 by 5pm.

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) advocates on behalf of the 19,300+ tourism

businesses and 161,000 employees that work in every community and region of our province for the interests of British Columbia’s $22 billion+ visitor economy (2019). As a not-for-profit tourism industry association, TIABC works collaboratively with its members – private sector tourism businesses, industry associations and destination marketing organizations – to ensure the best working environment for a competitive tourism industry.

Please contact Deborah Kulchiski (Manager, Special Projects, TIABC) at deborah@tiabc.ca

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 feature will share stories of how people, businesses and organizations, are doing things in an inspiring and way.

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.

Click here for more information on the benefits of becoming a TIABC member.

TIABC recognizes that many of our members have been supporting our organization's advocacy efforts for a very long time. In this feature, we are showcasing those businesses and wish to thank them for their ongoing support.

AFK Consulting is a BC owned and operated business based in Gold Bridge. Principal, Andre Kuerbis provides strategic planning, financial planning, bookkeeping, license and tenure applications and business start-up and transition services with a focus on the outdoor adventure sector.

In 1942, the Department of National Defence purchased the 522 acre site that the Nanaimo Airport is situated on for $20,000 from Thomas Cassidy. They then commenced to construct an airstrip making it war-ready. The airport was first known as a Royal Canadian Air Force glider pilot training facility and a war-time emergency airfield.

The Nanaimo Airport Commission was established to ensure excellent leadership and accountability at all levels in the smooth running of the Nanaimo Airport. Its Mission is to provide safe, financially sustainable, friendly, high quality airport services and facilities that enhance economic prosperity and meet the needs of the communities we serve.

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.

Rapid testing has long been seen as a possible tool to help employers manage COVID-19 in the workplace. However, until recently, these tests were not widely available and employers were unsure how to implement.

Safe Screen B.C. has been developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) to help businesses across the province access rapid antigen tests and set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for asymptomatic employees, in support of B.C.’s Rapid Point of Care Testing Strategy.

Safe Screen B.C. provides businesses with the toolkits, resources and guidance to help set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for employees and staff only.

At this time, Safe Screen B.C. will not be able to support companies looking to conduct screening for clients, customers, patients, visitors and family members

Safe Screen B.C. is offering info sessions to employers through this week. Please register to find out more about rapid testing in the workplace.

Destination BC is launching Power Up! The application-based, digital mentorship program will provide 75 eligible BC-based, small and medium sized tourism businesses, sole proprietors, and non-profits across the province with free access to 1-1 digital audit and technical services designed to improve digital marketing activities and use of digital technology.

Businesses can choose one of the following service areas that they deem a priority for their business: digital strategy, SEO, website/booking engine/online store, email, social media audit and strategy, or digital advertising. The service costs will be directly covered through the program up to a maximum of $5,000 per participant and will include supporting educational resources for further learning and ongoing implementation in the future.

Destination BC expects this to be a very popular program.

The application began on September 20th. TIABC will endeavour to keep you informed of the application process.

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

Applications for the October 11th intake is open! Space is limited and past intakes filled up quickly. Don’t miss this free opportunity to take your marketing skills to the next level!

Learn more here.

The Wellness Tourism Association is hosting their conference virtually again this year. There is still time to register if you want to stay up to date with the remarkable growth being experienced in wellness travel. No longer a luxury experience, as a result of the pandemic, taking care of one’s self is now mainstream.

By the ocean, a lake, or in the mountains, people need to get away to recharge in remarkable settings. Our province is blessed with wellness travel experiences more than almost any other destination in the world!

Dates: September 29 - 30th, 2021 (to be held virtually).

Click here for more information and to register.

On Day 1 of the election campaign, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau made specific commitments to the hardest hit businesses.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) advocated throughout the election period for all parties to work with industry on;

Work on your behalf is far from over. We have a wide range of priorities we must tackle to bring the industry back to where it was pre-pandemic.

Please join TIAC President and CEO Beth Potter for a special Member TALK to discuss TIAC's post-election priorities and action plan, how you can engage and where additional support is needed.

Date: October 12th, 11:00am - noon (PDT)

Click here for more information and to register.

ABLE BC's annual BC Liquor Conference is back for a sixth year. A portion of the tickets will be available to attend in person and the remaining will be available for virtual attendance. No matter where you are in the province - tune in and get the liquor industry data, trends, and policy updates you can’t get anywhere else.

Date: Monday, October 25th

Registration opens soon! Stay tuned for more details.

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

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

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION EXTENDED: TIAC Members who register by September 10th - SAVE $100 on in-person registration.

Dates: November 30th and December 1st.

In-person registration includes:

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

Wednesday, November 17th 2021

Kamloops, BC

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

Dialogue and recommendations will be captured from this annual conference of thought leaders to produce the IMPACT Conference Proceedings Paper in 2022.

As conference organizers, they believe through conversation, inspiration and collaboration they can position Canada as a global leader in sustainability and innovation in tourism and drive a competitive advantage for the future. This is the legacy they hope to create from the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference.

DATE: January 23 - 26, 2022, Victoria Conference Centre

Details to the Conference including registration will be provided late in August, 2021.

Prince George

TIABC and the BC Hotel Association are excited to be hosting the 2nd annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference in Prince George next March.

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