Happy New Year. I trust that at some point over the holidays you managed some well-deserved rest and relaxation after a very tumultuous year. Lord knows we all need renewed energy and strength to handle the mental and physical grind of the ongoing COVID saga here at home and across the globe.

I don’t know about you but I’m glad to see 2021 in the rear-view mirror for so many reasons, not the least of which is the flip of the calendar usually brings renewed optimism for a better year. That said, I’m mindful that 2022 so far looks eerily similar to 2021 with old orders (see below) being dusted off and applied again, this time within the context of the fifth wave and Omicron variant.

During yesterday’s Industry Engagement Table meeting that TIABC and a few of our industry partners attended, Dr. Bonnie Henry explained the data the PHO and province evaluates before issuing new health orders. In the case of the highly contagious and rapidly spreading Omicron variant, the factors and variables being analyzed are clearly different than previous strains, which then evokes further modifications to government orders.

One point Dr. Henry made that caught my attention was that over the course of the pandemic, most of us were several layers removed from an infected individual. With Omicron, virtually everyone either knows someone with COVID or has battled the virus themselves in recent weeks. In fact, PHOs across the country are saying it’s not a matter of if the entire population contracts COVID, but when?

I’ve occasionally wondered, why not lift restrictions and let the virus run its course throughout the province over the next few weeks so we can finally get on with life and put COVID behind us? From the PHO’s perspective…if everyone got sick at the same, it would overwhelm the health care system, not to mention cause even further hardships for workers, as well as to industries and businesses that need to remain open to provide goods and services to residents and visitors. Hence the reason for the province’s approach to shutting down a few higher risk sectors while allowing most businesses to remain open, albeit under tighter conditions. Suffice it to say, I get it even though I empathize with those sectors directly affected.

At present, I personally know more than two dozen people with the virus and a further dozen or so that have recently recovered from being ill with COVID. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I will likely contract the virus at some point in spite of being triple-vaxxed, foregoing most social events, and steering clear of grocery stores and other public settings.

To be honest, I’m not fearful of getting sick even though I’d prefer not to be laid up for any length of time. Frankly, what I’m really concerned about is the ability for the tourism industry to again be forced to mitigate pandemic challenges vis-a-vis certainty, predictability, consumer confidence, and constantly changing orders that leave operators in a perpetual state of flux, not knowing whether or not they’ll survive yet another setback like travel and other restrictions.

Given the number of hotel and trip cancellations over the holidays, the postponement of multiple events several months down the road, as well as other indicators, it’s clear we haven’t turned the corner on COVID yet even though it's a brand new year.

Conversely, and in the spirit of optimism as the rest of January and 2022 unfolds, I’m confident that we'll be better off this year than the last two. Although COVID isn't likely to go away any time soon, I am seeing some positive signs that leave me feeling bullish about the future of our sector.

I’m also encouraged that as an industry, we’re learning, adjusting, pivoting, supporting each other, and adapting each day to take the necessary steps to rebound and ultimately rebuild BC’s visitor economy for the sake of residents, visitors, businesses, workers, and communities around the province.

Importantly, while some financial support is available today through the feds and province, additional measures will likely be necessary if the fifth wave continues for several more weeks or even longer. Rest assured, TIABC will continue to focus our advocacy efforts on finding every avenue for businesses to receive the help they need to stay open and ultimately recover.

On behalf of the board and staff of TIABC, I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2022.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

Earlier this week, I spoke as well about the importance of businesses reactivating the COVID safety plans. That was a strategy that we used very early on in this pandemic to really develop specific strategies for each specific business or industry, and these worked. These helped us get through the last number of waves and they will help us get through this one, too.

It becomes more and more important, as we're seeing increased transmission in our communities, and these safety plans are a measure to allow you to keep operating in the face of a significant portion of workers who may be unable to come in because they're ill themselves now with COVID.

It is important that every business take this step now, which is why today I am putting an order in place requiring COVID safety plans for all businesses in British Columbia. WorkSafeBC is working with us in partnership again on these and has reactivated their support for businesses and is available to address your questions.

As an employer, we know that you have an obligation to do all you can to keep your employment environment safe and your employees safe. And I know the vast majority of businesses have stepped up without hesitation, and many have continued all of the measures from their COVID-19 safety plans from the previous iterations.

This is about activating all of those layers of protection again to reduce the impact of the omicron circulation in our communities and making sure we can continue to operate our businesses. It's about business continuity and we know that this has proven to work to keep businesses open and to safely manage.

These are the plans that saw us through up to now, and includes things like barriers and reduced crowding and making sure we can reduce the mixing of staff if need be, working from home if that's possible, and facilitating workers staying home if they are ill.

In case you missed it, the Province of BC has introduced the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant aimed at assisting BC businesses that were mandated to temporarily shut down through public health orders because of the surge in COVID-19 cases. The fund will provide monies to help affected businesses alleviate some financial pressures and help with expenses including rent, employee wages, insurance, maintenance, and utilities.

Relief grants of between $1,000 and $10,000 will be provided to eligible businesses based on the number of employees, following a similar formula to the previous Circuit Breaker Relief Grant that supported businesses in the spring of 2021.

Applications for the grant will begin this month with the application process open until the end of February 2022. Business advisors will be able to support and direct applicants through a dedicated call centre that will be set up in early January by the Province and Small Business BC. Businesses will also be able to email questions to: covid@smallbusinessbc.ca

With new capacity restrictions and lockdowns being implemented across the country, Government of Canada support programs are available for tourism and hospitality businesses.

With the intention of keeping businesses open and employees safe, the Government of BC has launched Safe Screen BC, to begin enabling businesses to access rapid antigen tests.

Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), Safe Screen BC will guide businesses through the required application process for provincially available test-kits and support businesses in the set-up of onsite rapid workplace screening programs for employees.

Tools and resources for businesses to set up and execute rapid screening in the workplace, including template operating procedures, site plans, quick reference sheets and checklists

Tailored support to apply for test kits and set up an onsite employee rapid screening program

Streamlined reporting software

A library of employee FAQ templates for common rapid screening questions

Facilitated virtual training sessions on how to fulfill application criteria and execute rapid screening

Businesses interested in Safe Screen B.C. can attend an information session through registration link here.

TIABC joins Rocky Mountaineer in welcoming David McKenna as the luxury train company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. David joined the Rocky Mountaineer team earlier this week.

David is a respected leader and innovator in the tourism industry. Prior to joining Rocky Mountaineer, David was President at the Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit where he led notable tourism expansion and acquisition projects in the Canadian Rockies. He currently serves as the Board Chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. As Rocky Mountaineer’s President and CEO, David will not only lead the company in rebuilding the business from the impact of the pandemic, but also identify and develop new tourism experiences in global destinations.

Read the complete news release from Rocky Mountaineer here.

BCIT's 2022 Tourism Management Internship Program students will be looking for Internship opportunities in late March 2022. Submit your Internship Application request form by January 10th. The internship runs for 8 weeks from March 28th to May 20th. Students can work evenings, weekends, and any day of the week except Mondays, as they must be at school on this day. Any questions, contact David Tikkanen, Program Head, Tourism Management, David_Tikkanen@bcit.ca

Over 100 Capilano University (CapU) Tourism Management students will be looking for work placements from May – September 2022.  Many of the students can move into full-time positions at the end of their summer placement as they will graduate. The Cap U Work Integrated Learning team for the School of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation will be conducting an online Information Lunch and Learn session on January 18th from 12:30–1 pm. For additional information, contact tourism@capilanou.ca.

Immigration Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) has been providing various support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers, and learn all they need to know about starting their new lives in Canada. Through dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners, ISSofBC provides settlement, education, and employment services to over 20,000 clients every year. There are approximately 20+ graduating students who recently completed the Global Tourism Diploma Program looking for full and/or part-time employment in Tourism & Hospitality. Some are available to start working immediately. Contact Shelina Spilchen, Case Manager – Skills Training for Tourism, for more information: shelina.spilchen@issbc.org

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA), in partnership with the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) and Western Community College is offering to a 23 week

“Hotel Operations Services Skills Training Program”.

This program is designed to train 30 candidates who are currently unemployed or under employed in the Metro Vancouver area and deliver them to industry trained and ready to work. The training is fully funded and will focus on readying the candidate for meaningful work in the hotel industry.

For registration and more information please contact Sharon Noronha at 604.596.7722, ext: 230; sharon.noronha@pics.bc.ca

For hotels who may be interested in candidate recruitment during the final phase of the 23 week program, please contact Alison Langford at alison@bcha.com

In this difficult labour shortage, are you needing support with your recruitment strategy? Capilano University School of Tourism Students are eager to help. Our 400 level Human Resources class will be working with tourism businesses to create a comprehensive recruitment strategy throughout the month of February.

After an initial consultation with you, students will analyze your needs and assess opportunities to help you attract a larger pool of candidates. In their report, students will design recruitment policies, audit current practices, and create recommendations on employer branding. They will recommend recruitment sources and present a digital strategy, helping you take a broader talent management approach. They will present their findings to your team via zoom and prepare a comprehensive report. The time commitment for employers is 1-2 hours of virtual meetings. There is no cost to participate.

Email Joanna Jagger at joannajagger@capilanou.ca for more information.

Tourism Kamloops’ Board of Directors is looking for a passionate leader to champion and drive the visitor economy in Kamloops. As a community champion, the CEO will lead with innovative solutions in support of the organization's mandate, our community, and our stakeholders.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Tourism Kamloops is responsible for the leadership and management of all daily operations of the organization in its mission to brand, market and grow Kamloops as a valuable tourism destination.

The CEO will bring a transformative approach to supporting and promoting the tourism sector in Kamloops. As the spokesperson for the organization and leader of a team of professionals, the CEO will provide clarity of purpose, and promote an environment of inclusivity, collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and innovation.

Click here to learn more about this position and opportunity.

The Discover Surrey Marketing team is expanding and is looking for a passionate and creative Marketing & Visitor Services Coordinator.

If you're looking to start your career, or take it to the next level, the organization would love to hear from you.

Working closely with and reporting to the Executive Director, you will support the successful execution of all marketing initiatives. You will undertake daily administrative tasks to ensure the functionality and coordination of the department’s activities while maintaining and growing crucial relationships with Discover Surrey’s multiple stakeholders.

For more information and to apply for this position, click here.

A reminder that TIABC recently launched a refreshed logo, which reflects a more current, updated image of our organization.

The purpose of the logo and brand refresh was multi-purpose: to preserve the integrity of our brand, to infuse our organization with new vitality, to ensure our image is aligned with the ever-changing industry, and to expand our reach to our stakeholders.

This project also includes updating TIABC's website with the goal to provide a more user-friendly experience and visual appeal. We anticipate the new website to be launched within the next couple of weeks - stay tuned!

Please reach out to deborah@tiabc.ca for versions of our new logo and graphic standards.

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards will be awarded at the Awards Gala evening during the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the Richmond Conference Centre. For more information about each award click here.

The deadline to submit a nomination is January 14th.

If you know a business, organization, or individual who is deserving of a nomination, please submit your nomination below.

Email us at info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com.

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.

Big White Ski Resort has just released their latest video entitled "Be Kind". The key message is to reinforce that we must "Stay safe, Be kind and Enjoy" because we all want to have fun and we're all in this together."

Click here to view the Be Kind video

Due to the difficulties our industry has faced since early 2020, we are extending 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 22-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.

Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to offer free access for tourism business stakeholders across the province to online education supporting COVID-19 recovery.

Upcoming webinars include:

Social Media for Small Business, Date: January 12th, 2022

Get Started with Email Marketing, Date: February 2nd 2022

To access the webinars free of charge, register online here using coupon code DBC3034.

Join GreenStep Solutions for this informative webinar to learn about the technical side of carbon measurement. We will also cover carbon reduction tactics and how to offset what you can’t reduce.

By 2030 the price of carbon will increase fossil fuel-related operating costs by 30% to 100%, not including cost increases related to inflation. To get ahead of the carbon risk to your business, it will be important to understand your carbon footprint and make a plan to reduce it.

Measuring your carbon footprint is actually not that complicated, and similar to financial accounting standards, greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting standards exist.

Date: January 13th from 10am-11am PST / 1pm - 2pm EST

To register for FREE, please visit here.

If you have any questions related to the event or have any issues with registration, please do not hesitate to contact us. There will be additional time following the presentation for questions, which you may also submit in advance by way of the registration page.

Export Navigator is offering a great seminar to kick off 2022 – Preparing for Travel & Tradeshows, that has understandably been on hiatus for the past while!

Date: Friday, January 21st @ 9:30 – 11:00 am

Join in for this FREE interactive webinar and learn everything you need to know about trade show preparation. From promoting your attendance at the trade show to creating an eye-catching booth, there are many factors that play a part in ensuring a successful experience. They will also cover upcoming BC and Canadian pavilions at trade shows around the world, and the funding that can take you there!

Learning Points:

• Learn how to prepare for a trade show, including travel and budgeting tips

• Find out how to develop trade show leads and have more successful interactions

• Learn about upcoming BC and Canadian pavilions at trade shows around the world

• Discover key etiquette and culture tips for doing business cross-culturally

Click here for more information and to register.

Join TIABC and the BC Hotel Association for the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference as we 'Kickstart the Comeback' and gather in-person to learn, tackle issues, forge new relationships, and work toward resiliency in the face of one of the hardest years in our sector's history.

When | March 9-11, 2022

Where | Richmond Conference Centre, Richmond

This year's conference will bring together hundreds of tourism owner/operators, hoteliers, destination marketing and management professionals, educators, government representatives, industry sectors, and other stakeholders representing all regions of British Columbia.

At the 2022 BCTHC, you can be part of an incredible opportunity to collaborate, share stories of success and resilience, acquire new research and best practices, be inspired for creative new projects and initiatives, and build bold ideas that will help kickstart the comeback of BC’s tourism industry.

Registration is set to open in early January 2022.

Visit here for more details including how to become a sponsor of the BCTHC!

Email us at info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com

The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains team, managed by Destination BC, is collaborating with The Forum to create a tourism program tailored specifically for women-led businesses and entrepreneurs.

The two-day virtual program will provide expertise and resources to support women in tourism, delivered by The Forum and other subject matters experts in January 2022.

The free, application-based virtual program will take place over two days on January 13th and 20th.

Applications will be accepted until January 6th at 4:00pm PST or until all available spots have been filled. You are advised to apply early as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Click here for more information and to register.

Further support in response to COVID-19 for tourism businesses. Learn more and contribute to the conversation by participating in TIAC's first MEMBER Talk of 2022.

Date: Tuesday, January 11th from 11am-noon PT.

Guest: Bob Plamondon (FCPA FCA, ICD.D) is an economist, independent director and consultant with expertise in the fields of public policy, taxation and governance. He will join TIAC President and CEO Beth Potter and they will take you through the details of recently passed Bill C2, including the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP), and the outstanding issues that we are still working to get answers to.

For TIAC members; to register and for more information click here.

Have you started thinking about your summer hiring needs? Canada Summer Jobs supports non-profits, small businesses (50 or fewer employees), and public sector employers to provide quality summer work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30 years old.

Service Canada’s Canada Summer Jobs program is an initiative of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy which aims to provide quality work experiences for youth to develop skills and gain paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market.

Date: January 12th at 1:00 pm (PT)

Talent MATCH has partnered with Service Canada to bring you this free info session featuring Canada Summer Jobs representatives Line Noel and Melanie Greene, who will explain how the program works and how to apply. Note that the Call for Applications for the Canada Summer Jobs will open soon and close in late January.

The Talent MATCH Program is a collaboration between the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture, the BC Museums Association, go2HR, and the Association for Co-operative Education & Work Integrated Learning BC/Yukon.

This info session is free, but you must register for it here.

When: Thursday January 13th

Presentations: 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Business Meeting: 3:15pm - 4:15pm

Where: Virtual, Zoom

Join us as we share recent WTA accomplishments and areas of focus for the new year. We are pleased to be joined by Walt Judas, CEO of TIABC, and Krista Bax, CEO of go2HR, who will guide us in imagining what's next for British Columbia's tourism industry.

The afternoon will unfold as follows:

1:00 - 1:30pm Opening Remarks & WTA Accomplishments - Breanne Quesnel

1:30 - 2:00pm Rebooting BC’s Visitor Economy - Walt Judas, CEO of TIABC

2:00 - 2:30pm WTA Marketing Direction - Jessica Fremlin

2:30 - 3:00pm Staffing & Retention Challenges - Krista Bax, CEO of go2HR

3:00 - 3:15pm Break

3:15 - 4:15pm Business Meeting, President’s Report, Executive Director’s Report, Treasurer’s Report, Board Elections

Click here to register for the event. Upon registration, you will be sent a Zoom meeting link.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada's (TIAC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held Wednesday, January 19th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT virtually – please note details for the virtual call will be sent shortly.

To access the proxy vote or nomination form, click on the following:

These documents and the link to register to the AGM require you to log in to your membership account with TIAC.

If you have forgotten your login information to access benefits or renew your membership, click here and input your email address and check your inbox.

The organizers of IMPACT 2022 Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference wish to thank you for your patience awaiting this update. They are pleased to announce that IMPACT 2022 will take place from May 9-11 with a special Day of IMPACT on Sunday, May 8th (for an additional fee).

If you are already registered for IMPACT 2022/Day of IMPACT, your registration will be honoured for the new dates.

If you are unable to attend on the new dates and would like to request a refund, please email info@IMPACTnational.ca.

For more information on IMPACT and to register, click here.

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 24-27

Learn more about Rendezvous Canada 2022 here.

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.