I occasionally roll my eyes at some of the tactics politicians use to make their points about an issue. For example, the yelling and arguing by MPs, MLAs and councillors in places such as the House of Commons, Legislature or city hall often seems to be more about grandstanding than actual strategy to address a problem. At the same time, I know that public verbal jostling is often necessary to draw media attention to an issue and ultimately entice voters to take sides and force a change in direction.

But where political sparring really crosses the line for me is in advertisements or social media campaigns where a candidate running for office attacks a political counterpart for his or her views or previous decisions instead of touting their own attributes and ideas that convince constituents to vote for them. These spots are commonly referred to as ‘negative advertising’, which is still being used liberally and effectively during election campaigns.

Curiously, many studies show that even though promoting qualifications might be more informative, negative ads tend to stick to the candidate more and have the ability to shape the media narrative surrounding a campaign. It’s been proven that generally people tend to remember these spots more hence the reason campaign managers use attack or negative ads to discredit the opposition. I also suspect that’s why various private organizations have employed similar tactics in recent years to elicit public response and action…albeit more along the lines of what I’ll term 'controversial' ads as opposed to decidedly negative commercials.

In fact, controversial ads can be a very effective marketing strategy because they get people talking and sharing. At the same time, there is a subtle difference between controversial and shocking or offensive…the latter of which can obscure the core message and be enormously damaging to one’s brand. Suffice it to say, some caution is warranted.

Many tourism destinations around the world have introduced controversial or negative ad campaigns in an effort to stand out from the competition. Some have been wildly successful while others flopped. You may remember years after the Sydney Olympics, Australia introduced a campaign with the slogan, “Where the bloody hell are you?” Clever…but universally panned and still considered one of the worst tourism campaigns of all time.

Earlier this week and closer to home, a number of tourism professionals and local stakeholders were given a sneak peek at a campaign introduced by a coalition called the Sea to Sky Destination Management Council (SSDMC), that was launched to educate and encourage better behaviour by visitors to communities spanning Vancouver’s North Shore to Lillooet.

It was evident from the Council’s work that residents, business owners, Indigenous nations, and community leaders have reached a breaking point with trespassers on private property, people misbehaving and defecating in public recreation areas, cars parked everywhere, permanent van campers, excessive litter, visitors disrespecting wildlife and damaging sensitive natural environments, among other indiscretions.

So, stakeholders in the Sea-to-Sky region decided to take matters into their own hands and launched a series of ads that some believe are too controversial and should emphasize more positivity instead of any perceived negativity. Essentially the campaign tells people how to behave when taking part in activities such as back country camping, and features the tagline, “Don’t Love it to Death”, which is a blunt way of saying your bad behaviour is killing everything so STOP!

The creative includes messages such as: Pack in the Fun but Pack Out Your Garbage; When Nature Calls, Know How to go the Right Way; and Gather the Party, Not the Animals.

Some meeting participants thought the tagline was inappropriate or insensitive. Others suggested that instead of encouraging and telling people how to bury their feces, we should be calling for more outhouses. Actually, we should do both, as well as continue to press government to increase the budget for BC Parks and Rec Sites & Trails for park and trail maintenance, regulation enforcement, and other critical needs in the back country.

The Don’t Love it to Death campaign is brilliant because it calls out boorish and insensitive behaviour as opposed to a more vanilla approach that few would pay any attention to. It’s hard to say what impact it will have or how the council will accurately measure results but the fact that the SSDMC has launched this initiative shows that tourism, community, and Indigenous leaders are convinced that bold action needs to be taken now to address some of the environmental and social challenges linked to visitors in their region. I applaud them for it and encourage other communities to follow suit.

As you know, we’re only a few months away from municipal elections around the province and when the disdainful, negative attack ads start up again, count me among the constituents who tune out. If on the other hand political campaigns this year mirror the balanced but somewhat controversial Sea to Sky approach, they’ll definitely capture my attention and perhaps help inform my decision on voting day.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

As part of the Budget 2023 consultation process by the Provincial Government, TIABC recently submitted a list of three priority recommendations for consideration and review. Note: The submission was within a structured template that limited recommendations to only three priorities.

The following is a summary of the recommendations submitted by TIABC:

Provide immediate and annual secured funding to continue BC’s five regional tourism associations'

(BCRTS) emergency management work:

1. $250,000 catch-up funding for the coming tourism season (rehire staff, update databases/emergency plans, relaunch training).

2. $500,000 annual emergency management funding ($100,000/each BCRTS member).

1. Protect the integrity of MRDT for its original intended purpose (tourism projects, programs,

and marketing) and affordable housing for tourism workers.

2. All online accommodation providers be obligated to collect MRDT through their clients to

contribute to affordable tourism housing initiatives.

1. The province expands the RMI or establish a similar or accompanying program that serves

other tourism-dependent communities that fall outside of the parameters of RMI to fund needed

tourism amenities or infrastructure required to accommodate both residents and visitors.

For more information on the formal submission to Budget 2023, click the link below.

TIABC CEO Walt Judas was a guest of CKNW's Simi Sara on July 11th speaking about the impact on tourism by airlines who recently announced a decrease in the number of flights during the peak travel season.

Listen to the interview here at the 27:00 minute mark.

TIABC CEO, Walt Judas spoke with CBC's Stephen Quinn on July 11th and provided an update on the current status of the tourism industry in BC, as well as what businesses across the province can expect in the months ahead.

Click here to listen to the interview.

As TIABC CEO Walt Judas explained to AM1150 Kelowna's Phil Johnson earlier today, many parts of the province are experiencing a welcomed increase in visitation from domestic travellers with positive signs of recovery, but there remain various challenges that are currently impacting the tourism industry.

Listen to the full interview here.

Effective July 19th, the Government of Canada is resuming mandatory random testing for fully vaccinated travellers arriving at the country’s four major airports – Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), Montreal (YUL), and Toronto (YYZ).

Ottawa had paused mandatory random testing for those entering Canada by air on June 11th as part of a broader strategy to transition testing for air travellers outside of the airports.

All testing for air travellers, for both those who qualify as fully vaccinated and partially or unvaccinated people, will be completed outside of airports, either via an in-person appointment at select testing provider locations and pharmacies, or a virtual appointment for a self-swab test. Travellers who do not qualify as fully vaccinated, unless exempt, must continue to test on Day 1 and Day 8 of their mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Mandatory random testing continues at land border points of entry, with no changes.

National Parks Day is Saturday, July 16th, and BC Parks is encouraging everyone to take the Camper's Code pledge to help ensure parks continue offering people enjoyable opportunities to connect with nature.

This national day of recognition is a time to reflect on the importance of parks and to appreciate how they support health and well-being, maintain healthy ecosystems, sequester carbon, and provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals.

The Camper’s Code was developed collaboratively by a dozen BC-based organizations that recognize everyone can play a role in creating a safe, enjoyable, respectful camping experience for all. The code includes pledges to pack out garbage to help keep parks clean, respect other campers enjoying the sounds of nature, and keep a clean campsite to avoid attracting wildlife.

The Camper’s Code also emphasizes the importance of trip planning, knowing and staying within your limits, and packing essential items such as a flashlight, first aid kit, extra food, water and clothing.

Held on the third Saturday of July every year, in BC there are a variety of events that will be held by Discover Parks ambassadors, student rangers, Jerry the Moose – BC Parks’ official mascot – and community partners, and will take place at the following parks: Goldstream, Rathtrevor, Alice Lake, Golden Ears, Lac Le Jeune, Tyee Lake and Moyie Lake.

Yesterday, WorkSafeBC announced the preliminary base rates for 2023. The employer experience rating letters, confirming the new rates, are expected to be available at the end of July. This change of an earlier release date is intended to provide employers more time to factor in and plan for any potential cost increases when budgeting for 2023.

WorkSafeBC also announced that the average base premium rate for 2023 is 1.55 percent of employers' assessable payroll, which has been maintained at the same level since 2018.

Some Optimism, Some Decline, Still Very Short of Pre-Pandemic Levels

Tourism HR Canada released the latest employment indicators on June 12th and highlighted that the unusual labour market activities underscore that the sector remains in a period of volatility and highlights the diverse nature of the five tourism industry groups, which face differing structural factors and labour challenges - making near term predictive analysis of trends difficult, although industry efforts to curb labour shortages have resulted in gains beyond the historical low points of the previous two years.

Tourism employment declined slightly to 1,928,100 nation-wide, representing a loss of 3,100 workers, or -0.2% growth when compared to last month. The sector's total labour force was reduced to 2,002,600 in June - a decline of 7,400 workers or -0.4%

Please check out the LMI site HERE for more current data and analysis, including options to tailor your enquiries for regional snapshots.

A reminder to tourism stakeholders, business owners and employees, as well as members of the public, to visit the New Federal Tourism Growth Strategy and provide input to help lay the foundation for the future of Canada’s tourism industry.

To share your views on how Canada can build on its reputation as a world-class destination, please send an email to tourisminfo-tourismeinfo@ised-isde.gc.ca. 

The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy consultation period has been extended and will now run until August 3, 2022.

go2HR has updated the popular online Occupational Health and Safety Program Fundamentals training course. Course participants can choose to take part in the entire curriculum or individual elements as needed.

Each of the nine elements range from 30-90 minutes and cover essential health and safety topics, including:

Occupational Health and Safety Program Fundamentals is FREE for those working in BC’s Tourism & Hospitality industry and anyone enrolled in the COR program!

Doppelmayr, the world’s leading manufacturer of cable cars has been given the go-ahead by their Board for a financing package totalling up to $29 Million CDN) in funding.

The Cascade Skyline Gondola Project (CSGP) received proposed detailed finance terms from Doppelmayr this week and the next steps for confirming the entire package are underway. This is a very significant step in the project's timeline as the project at this point is more than adequately financed.

The, CSGP is a Pelólxw led project and it is one of only five projects in the world and the only one in North America to receive this vote of confidence from Doppelmayr. It is recognition of the unique opportunity that the eco tourism, cultural tourism project represents for the community and for First Nation partners.

For more information on the Cascade Skyline Gondola visit here.

Boating BC has recently been made aware that several businesses have started to be affected by the pending luxury tax.

If you haven’t already done so, please take 2 minutes to fill out THIS SURVEY so information can be collected and presented to Members of Parliament. Note: The survey closing date has been extended.

A reminder of the recently announced federal program and details of a new two-year, up to $166-million Wine Sector Support Program to help strengthen the future of the wine sector.

All licensed wineries in Canada that produce or contract out the production of bulk wine from primary agricultural products will be eligible for support under the program.

Wineries are asked to thoroughly review the application process in advance. Applications for the first year of the program can be submitted between July 4th and August 12th.

Click here for more information on the application process and to apply.

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) is introducing the Indigenous Business Grant 2022 program with support from Google. The grant program is intended to help to empower Indigenous businesses by awarding a total of 75 recipients with grants and CCAB membership.

Indigenous-owned businesses across Canada are invited to apply to one of two grant levels.

The grant is administered through CCAB’s Tools and Financing for Aboriginal Business (TFAB) program to enhance Aboriginal entrepreneurship through providing access to digital development and growth opportunities.

Click here to learn more.

Destination Vancouver has just shared the news that the MICHELIN® Guide is coming to Vancouver. Vancouver now joins Toronto as the only MICHELIN Guide destinations in Canada and among only seven in North America.

Michelin’s anonymous inspectors award MICHELIN Stars – One, Two or Three – to unparalleled cuisine. They also bestow Bib Gourmand ratings on restaurants that offer great quality food at good prices, and the MICHELIN Green Star is given to restaurants that are leaders in sustainable gastronomy.

The first MICHELIN Guide Vancouver selection will be revealed in the fall, and it will showcase outstanding local restaurants and professionals receiving Michelin distinctions.

Click here to learn more.

When planning a trip to and throughout BC, the Indigenous BC Trip Planner App is a must-have tool for ensuring an unforgettable trip. Use the Trip Planner App to find authentic Indigenous experiences and businesses, learn common Indigenous words and phrases, and hear traditional songs, stories, and legends.

Save your favourites to create your own custom itinerary, then use the interactive map to find attractions and experiences. The App can be downloaded on the Apple App store, or Google Play.

Click here for more information on the App.

The BC Hospitality Foundation has announced its 2022/2023 Board of Directors. Congratulations to Sandra Oldfield who assumes the role as Chair of the Board. Sandra is also a member of the TIABC Board and serves as Chair of TIABC's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Reconciliation (DEIR) Committee. In her new role with the BCHF, she will be working alongside Vice Chair Darcy Barish, Treasurer Bill Senghera, and Secretary Richard Dittmar.

TIABC joins the BCHF in recognizing the leadership provided by ABLE BC Executive Director Jeff Guignard who served as chair during very challenging times. Over the past eight years, Jeff has given generously of his time and energy, and helped BCHF grow and become even more effective in meeting the needs of clients.

Read the full announcement here.

Reporting directly to the Director of Business and Destination Development, this position is responsible for coordinating the sport tourism, meetings and conventions and live events initiatives for Tourism Prince George and ensuring Prince George successfully attracts and hosts sport events and meetings which are consistent with the goals of the Tourism Prince George Meetings, Conferences, Sports & Events Strategy.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Tourism Richmond and the City of Richmond have embarked on a unique collaboration this summer, providing visitors with two new car-free options to get around Richmond and enjoy all the city has to offer – and it's free!

As explained by Mayor Malcolm Brodie, “riding the free shuttle offers a low emissions alternative to driving, while stopping at some of Richmond’s most popular locations. And the free bike valet offers those cycling around, and to, Steveston, a convenient, secure and free option while they enjoy the Village.”

The free Richmond Discovery Shuttle launched on June 25th. It will operate from 10 am to

6:30 pm on weekends and statutory holidays until September 5th. The Discovery Shuttle is made possible by a partnership between Tourism Richmond, the City of Richmond, and the Richmond Hotel Association.

Operating similar to a coat check, the Bike Valet service offers free, secure parking for bicycles and other non-carbon vehicles such as strollers, skateboards and scooters. The Bike Valet, is another partnership project between the City and Tourism Richmond and is sponsored by the Steveston Harbour Authority, which is providing the location for the Bike Valet.

Learn more about the Richmond transportation options here.

On behalf of TIABC and Board of Directors, we are pleased to acknowledge the following new member. We appreciate their support and investment in our advocacy efforts. It's a pleasure to introduce them to our industry network and readership.

Aventur Marketing is a boutique tourism marketing and PR agency focused on driving high-value bookings for luxury adventure tourism businesses and destinations. Powerful storytelling that engages prospects and elevates brands is what they do.

Founder and Chief Strategist Darryl Leniuk founded Aventur Marketing in 2015 after working nearly two decades in the tourism industry as a travel journalist and PR consultant. During that time he worked with DMO’s, tourism boards and travel trade in over a dozen countries. Aventur Marketing’s core services include: development of strategic marketing plans, PR strategy, SEO, social media strategy, Google and Facebook advertising, email marketing, and content marketing.

Learn more about Aventur Marketing here.

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 has identified your concerns, raised your voice, championed your needs, pushing for support and programs while encouraging policy changes.

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: Thursday, July 21st at 10:00 am (PT) via Zoom

TIABC would like to remind industry of the Safer Spaces course: Creating Sexual Harassment-Free Workplaces in BC's Tourism and Hospitality Industry. This free online course has been extremely well-received by industry as it addresses one of today's concerning topics and supports employers and supervisors in creating workplaces that are free from sexual harassment.

The 2022 Canada 55+ Games are coming to Kamloops August 23–26.

The Canada 55+ Games is a large multi-sport event with over 2500 participants competing in 26 different events.

The Games focus on the social, physical and psychological well being of the participants through participation in a multi-day event. The Games are held over four days and participants must qualify through their provincial 55+ games competitions.

The Games offer opportunities for enrichment, fulfillment and improved quality of life provided by participation in a broad variety of athletic, recreational and social events. Although the very nature of the Games is to declare a winner or winners, the aspect of winning is secondary to the social side related to reuniting with friends from Games past.

Yes Shef returns! At this long-table dinner, guests will be served five unique courses with wine pairings.

Each course is co-created by a notable Chef and their student apprentice. Women of the wine world will select a pairing to compliment the flavour profiles. This inspirational fundraiser features the best Chefs, Sommeliers and Student Apprentices in BC. Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund for the future generation of Shefs.

Your ticket includes a welcome cocktail, five wine pairings and five unique courses created and served by the phenomenal female talent in Vancouver’s food and beverage community. For group seating requests, please email yesshef@worthassociation.com

Date: August 15th, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Place: Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty Street, Vancouver

Purchase tickets here.

The culmination of WGBC activities, including marketing, communications, advocacy and more over the Fiscal Year 2022 will be reported on in the Annual Report released at the Annual General Meeting. As quorum is critical for this meeting to proceed, please add this date to your calendar.

Date: Wednesday, September 7th - 10am-noon

Virtual Event: Add to calendar HERE

The MTB Tourism Symposium is a gathering of creative minds with a vested interest in advancing the future of mountain bike tourism and recreation in British Columbia.

Date: September 14th - 16th

Location: Silver Star Resort

Click here to learn more and to register.

The Meaningful Travel Summit is an event connecting industry professionals with local change-makers in places around North America. The goal is to learn from one another, infuse more sustainability into our businesses with the knowledge we’ve gained and roll up our sleeves to volunteer in and with the local community.

The North America Meaningful Travel Summit provides:

Date: September 28th - 30th, Victoria

Click here to learn more and to register.

Save the Date: November 2nd (pm) and November 3rd

Location: Sandman Hotel, Castelgar

More details will follow in the coming months.

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) will be holding their Annual General Meeting in person.

Date: November 3rd and 4th

Location: 100 Mile House

In order to better prepare for the AGM, they are asking for input through a short survey (less than 5 minutes) to give some important suggestions on how to improve this AGM and make it worth your while to attend! Take the survey HERE.

Visit here for more information on the CCCTA AGM.

Sport Tourism Canada and Edmonton Events have announced that Sport Events Congress 2022 will be held November 2-4 in Edmonton.

SEC22 promises to be everything that attendees know and love about Congress – interactive, educational, opportunities for business-to-business networking, evening social events (including an Edmonton Oilers NHL match-up at Rogers Place). View the preliminary schedule here.

Feel free to send us your ideas on what information would be valuable for TIABC to share through our Bulletin going forward. 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.