Ever since my teen years I've dreamed of owning and operating a coastal marina in Southwestern BC. Aside from my love of the ocean, I like boats of all shapes and sizes, not to mention the interesting characters that own them. At various BC marinas over the years I’ve exchanged plenty of stories with seafarers from all parts of the globe, most of whom consider their vessels to be their most prized possession.

It’s been said that the happiest days in a sailor’s life is the day they buy their boat and the day they sell it. As a boater myself, I beg to differ although admit that owning one is not for the faint of heart. Aside from the original purchase price, one must factor in moorage or storage, insurance, gas, repairs, maintenance, equipment, and myriad other unforeseen expenses to keep a boat afloat. No question there is something to the adage that a boat is a hole in the water in which to pour money.

Conversely, judging by the large crowds and boats/equipment sold at the annual Vancouver International Boat Show (VIBS), which returned to BC Place Stadium last weekend for the first time since 2020, mariners remain enthused about their preferred recreation activity regardless of cost. I too was there to see the latest in floating luxury and practicality, all the while stoking my dream to be on or near the water every day for the rest of my life.

In conjunction with the VIBS, I attended Boating BC’s (BBC) annual general meeting joining boat retailers and suppliers, marina operators and others connected to the industry to hear about the state of the sector and BBC’s priorities. I learned that while there are still many days of smooth sailing ahead, there are also some rough seas on the horizon to prepare for.

For example, climate change is leading to the degradation of many marinas (particularly older ones) as more fierce storms and high tides cause damage to docks, floats, boats, and the foreshore. In fact, moorage in general is becoming harder to find, let alone securing foreshore leases for marinas and docks. Supply chain issues remain a concern. Trying to source parts has been difficult for many dealers, marine repair shops, and private owners.

The federal government’s new 10% luxury tax on boats over $250,000 has put a significant dent in sales. I know what you may be thinking…no one should feel sorry for anyone that can afford a vessel that costs over a quarter million dollars. At the same time, the industry contends that the tax has hurt manufacturers, distributors, retailers, suppliers, and others connected to the marine sector including tourism operators. The fact is thousands of BC residents depend on recreational boating and those with high disposable incomes for their own livelihoods.

In the context of issues…under the guise of TIABC, Boating BC is part of a group of members and stakeholders that is collaborating to respond to and provide recommendations on the Coastal Marine Strategy Policy Intentions Paper that was released by the Province and First Nations in December 2022. The six outcomes and 30 policy intentions proposed aim to lay out a plan for addressing priorities for coastal marine ecosystem health and community well-being.

While the paper is a good start and the outcomes and intentions are solid, there are other policy concerns and actions that need to be considered as part of the final Coastal Marine Strategy that the boating, fishing, whale watching, shipping, and cruise sectors will document and submit to the province by the end of March. A copy of the intentions paper can be found HERE.

So far this year my boat hasn’t cost me anything other than time spent occasionally sweeping snow off the cover. Although it sits idle in my driveway for now, it’s a daily reminder of better days ahead on the water enjoying BC’s majestic coast or the many magnificent lakes, rivers, resorts, and marinas around the province, not to mention meeting and swapping stories with other boating enthusiasts.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

The Office of the Premier announced today, $1 billion dollars in new grants will be going to local governments in BC to help build community infrastructure and amenities to meet the demands of unprecedented population growth.

The Growing Communities Fund will provide a one-time total of $1 billion in grants to all 188 of BC's municipalities and regional districts, which they can use to address their community’s unique infrastructure and amenities demands – such as recreation facilities, parks and water-treatment plants, as well as other community infrastructure. It will help communities prepare for future growth and build the amenities needed to support new home construction, especially with the Housing Supply Act where targets are set.

These grants will complement existing infrastructure funding (such as sewer, water and recreation facilities) and will be distributed by the end of March 2023. The Growing Communities Fund will come from the surplus shown in the Second Quarter Financial Report.

Read the official announcement HERE.

In its recently released annual labour market outlook, the province estimated there will be over one million job openings over the next 10 years, with around 85% expected to be filled by students and new immigrants.

The report concludes that students will make up 47% of the new workforce, while immigrants will increase their share of new employees from 34% to 38% by 2032.

This continues a trend of increased reliance on immigration to fill gaps in BC's labour force. The report also notes share of immigrants working in BC has risen by seven percentage points since 2015, when it was at 27%.

The main reasons for these predictions, according to the report, are relatively stagnant birth rates and the retirement of baby boomers who formed the basis of BC's work force for decades. The unemployment rate also fell to 4.2% in December according to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey.

TIABC is excited to release episode #3 in our Voice of Tourism podcast series featuring guest Ross Cloutier, Executive Director of HeliCat Canada, discussing the adventure tourism sector, as well as tenure security, wildlife management, and other policies that require government attention.

TIABC's podcasts have been developed to provide TIABC members and stakeholders with insightful content and a unique perspective on industry developments, policy directives, the work that sector associations are doing, and the opportunities that exist for businesses, communities, and government within the visitor economy.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism features CEO Walt Judas interviewing some of the most respected professionals in the tourism industry.

Now available on Spotify, or TIABC's website HERE.

TIABC CEO Walt Judas explained to the Prince George Citizen why holding the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference in the city this year is an opportunity to introduce delegates to the culture, opportunities and experiences the north offers.

More than 300 delegates are expected for the conference, to be held March 1-3 at the Prince George Civic and Conference Centre.

Read the full interview HERE.

The province has officially responded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call on the federal government to establish a holiday to honour survivors, their families and communities. British Columbia will now join Canada, Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon as jurisdictions that have designated September 30th as a statutory holiday.

Labour Minister Harry Bains introduced the bill in the legislature earlier this week, saying the holiday will be observed this year and every September 30th afterward to honour the strength and resilience of residential school survivors and remember the children who never came home.

Read the full announcement HERE.

Capilano University School of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation is looking for Tourism Entrepreneurs to offer mentorship support to their students. Student teams will be presenting their business pitches at our Campus in North Vancouver.

Date: Thursday, March 30

Time: 2:30 - 5:15 pm

They are looking for judges who will act as investors and guides to evaluate the viability of their tourism business ideas. The Entrepreneurship students have designed imaginary businesses and retail products. They want to share their elevator pitch with you! You will be part of the grading process, evaluating the opportunity, target market, competition, competitive advantage, marketing, sales, HR, financial projections, current status and financing 'sought. Think Dragon's Den but with monopoly money!

As a guest judge, you will have the opportunity to ask students questions and offer insight. If you are available and interested in joining this event, please email joannajagger@capilanou.ca 

Criteria for the mandatory wear of PFDs or lifejackets were recently developed following work in 2021 by Transport Canada, the Canadian Safe Boating Council and partners, analysis of data on recreational boating-related incidents in Canada, and feedback received to date from both stakeholders and the public. They include the following:

Require the mandatory wearing of a PFD or lifejacket for any person aged 14 years or younger on board a pleasure craft; or

Require the mandatory wearing of a PFD or lifejacket for any person aged 18 years or younger on board a pleasure craft

Require the mandatory wearing of a PFD or lifejacket for any person on board any pleasure craft 6 metres in length and below; or

Require the mandatory wearing of a PFD or lifejacket for any person on board any pleasure craft 9 metres in length and below

Require the mandatory wearing of a PFD or lifejacket for any person on board any motorized vessel (i.e., powerboats); or

Require the mandatory wearing of a PFD or lifejacket for any person on board any motorized vessel (i.e., powerboats) and human-powered vessel (i.e., canoes, kayaks)

Please provide your feedback to MSSRegulations-ReglementsSSM@tc.gc.ca on the above questions by February 20th. Should you have any questions or require more information regarding this ongoing project to explore mandatory wear, please reach out to Heidi Craswell.

The CleanBC Plastics Action Fund’s new Indigenous Funding Pilot Program has announced it has up to $1 million in funding available to support Indigenous-led projects that prevent plastic waste, through the development of community or business based ventures providing zero waste solutions.

The Fund seeks to support projects led by Indigenous people, communities, businesses, and organizations focused on reuse, remanufacturing, or micro-recycling, to reduce plastic waste.

Indigenous Applicants will reduce plastic waste in the province through funding provided by the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund. The Fund will support projects that will:

Learn more about the program and apply HERE.

The BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association (BLCA) has been talking with BC Hydro and FortisBC about partnership opportunities to install public charging stations offering pull-through service (capable of handling trailers and eRVs) to the public at a select few campgrounds.

Both are seeking potential partners with suitable land, under a licence to occupy arrangement, to install highway location fast charge stations for the public accessible 24/7 – 365.

They are seeking potential partners in key locations willing to:

If you have a location and wish to be considered, please let us know by emailing jpenny@bclca.com.

BC residents are invited to provide feedback about how to best manage Thinhorn Sheep habitat in the province.

Announced today, the Ministry of Forests has released a draft Thinhorn Sheep stewardship framework that summarizes the best available information to provide managers and decision-makers broad advice at the provincial, territorial, regional, and local levels.

To learn more and to provide your feedback, visit HERE. Feedback will be accepted until March 27th at 4pm.

The draft Stewardship Framework for Thinhorn Sheep in BC can be found HERE. The Provincial Thinhorn Sheep Stewardship summarizes traditional Indigenous and local ecological knowledge and scientific information.

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce it is now accepting applications for the scholarships it administers. Deadline for most scholarship submissions is March 31st.

There are three (3) scholarships open year round dedicated exclusively to supporting members of underrepresented groups such as First Nations and members of the LGBT2Q+ community and family members of industry workers. All applicants must be committed to working in British Columbia for at least the next two years.

Visit HERE for more information on the current scholarships that are available, and open year round scholarships.

As a Tourism Chilliwack team member, the Destination Marketing Manager is responsible for the effective and professional development and delivery of our destination marketing and development activities as outlined in the annual destination marketing tactical plan. The manager collaborates with local, regional, and provincial stakeholders to grow the volume and value of the tourism economy in Chilliwack. This is a Full-time, permanent position.

Start Date: April 3

Application Deadline: February 24

Please send your resume by email to colthorp@tourismchilliwack.com with a cover letter outlining why this opportunity is a great fit for you. Only those who are short listed will be contacted and interviewed.

View the full job description HERE.

TIABC is excited to introduce our newest member - Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours and its staff have been the stewards of the grizzly bear population in the traditional territory of Bute Inlet for over a decade. The site’s cultural and historical significance spans thousands of years, and today their community welcomes tours to view the bears, learn about their connection to the land and wildlife, and become immersed in the beauty of the inlet.

Homalco Tours offers bear-watching tours, whale watching, and cultural tours, all of which are interwoven with knowledge from our traditional way of life.

Click HERE to learn more about Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours.

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.

TIABC continues to identify your concerns, raise your voice, champion your needs, and push for support and programs while encouraging policy changes at both the provincial and federal level.

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 meetings and conferences sector contributes greatly to Greater Victoria’s visitor economy as it provides significant benefits to their member businesses, as well as local residents and communities.

It is widely understood that conference delegates typically spend significantly more than many other visitors within their destination, helping to ensure year-round revenues and vibrancy for the tourism sector. Destination Greater Victoria has provided highlights of the economic impacts of the Victoria Conference Centre business in 2022.

In partnership with the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association and and the Tourism Innovation Lab, Destination BC has launched the Kootenay Rockies Accessible Tourism “Spark” Program. The initiative is aimed at sparking and supporting innovative accessible tourism ideas in the Kootenay Rockies tourism region. The application deadline is Feb. 28 and applications are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations based in the Kootenay Rockies.

To learn more, REGISTER HERE for an online information session on February 13 at 4:00pm.

You are invited to the Indigenous Tourism BC Employer Speaker Series FREE Zoom webinars.

Developed for BC Tourism Industry employers who want to learn how to attract and retain Indigenous talent.

Six sessions – Feb. 15, March 1, 15 & 29, April 12 and May 3

Time: 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM PST/Vancouver via ZOOM

Visit HERE for more information and to register.

There are currently more job offers than there are available candidates in the province, especially in this industry. People have lots of options to choose from, and if businesses want to hire successfully and stay competitive, they need to sharpen their recruitment strategy.

The SDECB is currently working on a project exclusively directed towards tourism & hospitality businesses in BC so that they can hire quickly and more efficiently talented employees.

In the next few weeks, three free sessions will be delivered across the province to help these businesses with their recruitment. These seminars are best suited for business owners, team managers and HR teams.

Here are links to the different seminars, for people to register:

The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, along with special guest, Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin, are holding a post-pandemic dinner at Government House next month. Several members of the Legislature will also be in attendance.

Tickets are $175 and include a cocktail reception style dinner, open bar, entertainment at an evening to celebrate all we as an industry have accomplished and how far we've progressed over the last three years.

Date: February 16

Time: 5:00 pm (PT)

Location: Government House, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria

With transformation and change upon us, it’s time for us to collectively recalibrate our goals and consider how we can continue to work better, together. The new DBC Corporate Strategy is their new path for success. The intention is to focus on the following levers, to improve BC’s competitiveness and improve the quality of life for people living in British Columbia through tourism over the long term.

Join Destination BC to hear much more about their corporate strategy for 2023 to 2026.

Date: Thursday, February 23

Time: 10:00 am (PST)

Location: via ZOOM

In 2022, Destination BC conducted engagement sessions across the province for industry to provide input into the development of our 2023-2026 corporate strategy. Learn more about the engagement process and the resulting themes that are reflected in the Public Engagement What We Heard.

WomenHack is a community that empowers women in tech through events, jobs, and reviews. We aim to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace for all. Our diversity recruiting events target some of the most talented women in tech which include software developers, designers, and product talent.

Date: February 28

Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Visit HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

Are you looking for a candidate in Healthcare, Hospitality, or Business field? Join Western Community College for a Mega Job Fair with 100+ other employers!

Date: March 23

Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Newton Recreation Centre, 13730 - 72nd Avenue, Surrey

Visit HERE for more information and to access entry passes.

Building a successful destination requires a supportive local government, engaged leaders, and a well-established destination management organization coming together with a shared vision of sustainability and innovation. What makes a city compelling for visitors is also a city where people want to live, work, and create.

Royce Chwin, president & CEO of Destination Vancouver, will deconstruct the city’s visitor economy, the challenges that could affect our success, and what makes Vancouver competitive as a global destination.

Date: February 16

Time: 11:45 am

Location: Fairmont Pacific Rim - Star Sapphire Ballroom

Register and purchase tickets HERE.

Children, youth, seniors and students will be admitted free of charge to both the museum and IMAX® on Family Day, Monday, February 20th.

Journey around the globe in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, before exploring the wonders of BC in the Natural History Gallery. Round it off with a trip to see one of a special series of family favourites showing on the giant screen at IMAX®. Get your tickets early to save your spot!

There’ll also be a feast of fantastic live musical performances throughout the day, and a series of behind the scenes features screened live in Clifford Carl Hall on the ground floor of the museum.

Visit HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is hosting the 2023 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit.

Date: February 21st and 22nd at Thompson Rivers University Campus (Kamloops), on the unceded territory of the Secwépemc Nation.

The Biospherology Master Class reflects the focus on continuous education for tourism professionals that will ultimately elevate visitor experiences, strengthen businesses, regenerate communities, and reduce impacts within the surrounding environments.

This Biospherology Master Class is open to all tourism stakeholders,

Click HERE for more information and to register.

After a three-year hiatus the Vancouver Community College (VCC) Foundation’s food and wine tasting Green Tie gala is back, to support student scholarships and bursaries.

Flourish, a gala event, will treat guests to a memorable evening showcasing the work of VCC’s highest-achieving students, faculty members and alumni. In addition to tasting creations by Vancouver’s leading culinary minds, and wines from the Naramata Bench, guests will experience the best of VCC's artistic jewelry, manicures, digital design, auto restoration, live music and more.

Date: February 28

Time: 7-10pm

Location: VCC, Building B - Broadway Campus

Visit HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

The conference is guaranteed to provide a mix of discovery, education, industry insights, and networking opportunities - it is designed to offer the tools needed to forge a brighter path forward for the sector.

Visit our website to book your accommodation at one of our conference hotels and learn more about your travel options to Prince George. Plus, enjoy an Air Canada discount code. Note: Room block held until January 29th.

If you have any questions about conference registration, please contact us at registration@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com. General conference questions can be directed to info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com.

Dates: March 1-3

Location. Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, Prince George

Learn more and register HERE.

The I Love Mission team is asking you to “save the date” to join them in celebrating all things Mission. The event is to give the community the opportunity to come together to celebrate after two years of working through the pandemic, and to thank first responders for their dedication during this time.

A street map will be available in March with the description of each creation and a QR code linking to the Tourism Mission website offering more in-depth information and historic content for each light.

Save the Date: March 3rd

More information will be available HERE.

Wine Growers British Columbia, in partnership with the BC Wine Grape Council, BC Grapegrowers’ Association and the BC Wine Authority, are thrilled to host the annual Insight Conference for the BC wine industry. This years’ conference will be hosted in person at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, on the unceded territory of the Okanagan (Syilx) People.

The annual BC Wine Industry Insight Conference is a forum where industry can gather and learn about important topics and issues that affect their businesses and the industry. Early Bird pricing until February 11th!

Date: March 7

Location: Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre

Learn more and register HERE.

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

Location. Treaty 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis - Winnipeg

Learn more and register HERE.

Take advantage of the early bird rate and SAVE BIG! Early bird pricing ends March 17th and includes complete access to the industry welcome reception at BNA Brewing Co., all conference sessions, the Summit Marketplace, and the BC Hotel Association Award Gala and Reception.

Dates: May 1-2

Location: Delta by Marriott Hotels, Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna

Learn more and register HERE.

A world-class conference that connects international buyers with Canadian sellers of tourism products, this year’s Quebec City event will bring together approximately 1,700 tourism business leaders for more than 30,000 one-on-one appointments, experienced-based luncheons, exclusive breakfasts, and engaging networking opportunities. Get your brand in front of an audience with influence at RVC2023!

Dates: May 30-June 2

Location: Quebec City

Learn more and register HERE.

This year’s AGM and Conference theme will be Focusing Forward… Together.

Over the course of two days, public sector, private sector and Indigenous leaders will inspire us, challenge us to think outside-the-box and take steps to work together and chart a path to a future where businesses prosper, British Columbians thrive and communities flourish.

Date: May 31- June 2

Location: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, Whistler Way, Whistler

Registration will open March, 2023. Learn more HERE.

We are pleased to announce the dates for the next annual BCAC Conference. It will take place in Prince George, ("Base camp to the North" and home to YXS) at the "Courtyard by Marriott" hotel.

More information including conference theme, agenda, list of speakers, as well as hotel and travel partner recommendations to follow soon. Questions or Sponsorships? Ask Dave!

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.