February 24th, 2023

CEO MESSAGE

Brrrr!!!! Yes it’s cold in BC this week but imagine what it was like for me to step off a plane in Kamloops on Wednesday to high winds and a temperature of minus 12 degrees after vacationing in Mexico where I wore nothing but t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops for the better part of a week.

I recognize that no one is feeling sorry for me but I did take one for the team where within 15 hours of returning home from the beach I was on stage at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Summit at Thompson Rivers University talking about BC’s Tourism Emergency Management Framework to business operators, DMOs and other TOTA stakeholders.

Although it had little to do with the outside temperature, all of the TOTA staff at the Summit were wearing sweatshirts with the number ‘7’ emblazoned on the front reminding delegates of the Thompson Okanagan Regional Pledge that is built around values inspired by Indigenous philosophy, sustainable and mindful practices, preserving the lands for others to continue to enjoy, and recognizing that what we do today will impact generations to come.

The 7 Affirmations Pledge was inspired by former TOTA board member Frank Antoine a few years ago out of a need to develop guidelines for sustainable tourism and conscious travel based on the seven generations principle that suggests the decisions we make today will have an impact for as many as seven generations to come.

The pledge includes the following tenets:
  • Discover the soul of a place in its history
  • As of this moment, you are deemed a guardian of the land, air and water
  • Whether you’ve journeyed near or far, we invite you to feel at home in this place and value it as we do
  • Follow the map of your heart but venture wisely
  • Let a life outside bring you happiness inside by learning the laws of wilderness living
  • Choose to buy locally and you’ll transform riches into enrichment
  • Anything worth knowing is worth sharing

The pledge serves as a guide for companies, locals and visitors to incorporate the philosophy of sustainable tourism into their operations, day-to-day lives, and travel. I think it’s brilliant but don’t take my word for it...look it up on TOTA’s website for yourself.

I mentioned my friend Frank Antoine earlier. He’s not only Chief of the Bonaparte First Nation, but also co-founder of Moccasin Trails, and on the boards of both Indigenous Tourism BC and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. Frank also happens to be our opening keynote presenter at next week’s BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference in Prince George and is undoubtedly going to reference the 7 generations concept.

I’m sure that within a few days I’ll be acclimatized to the colder weather in our province…thankfully just in time to enjoy and appreciate the great hospitality that all conference delegates will enjoy courtesy of our friends in Northern BC. While I'll be sure to pack my long johns and toque, I hope to see all TOTA delegates wearing their ‘7’ gear to stay warm and remind us of why the 7 Affirmations Pledge is so important.

Walt Judas,
CEO, TIABC
Tourism HR Canada Releases "Snapshot
of the Tourism Sector Labour Market" - BC

As the sector continues to climb its way up the steep hill of pandemic recovery, it’s important to know where we are and where we’ve been.

As part of its federally funded research, Tourism HR Canada has brought together several strands of its ongoing project into two pieces of work: a national report that gives an overview of the state of the industry at present, and a series of provincial reports that includes British Columbia. These reports drill down into the various and diverse markets across the country.

The BC report included in our newsletter will give you some big-picture background for your own operations and a baseline against which you can plan for and evaluate the coming months.

Other provincial State of the Industry reports including the National report can be sourced HERE.
Destination BC Launches New 2023-2025 Corporate Strategy

Yesterday, Destination BC (DBC) unveiled their new Corporate strategy. The DBC executive team shared the organization's strategic direction for the next three years and beyond, outlining their intention to focus on the following levers to improve BC’s competitiveness and improve the quality of life for all people living in BC through tourism over the long term.

•  Compelling Reasons to Explore BC
•  A Globally Competitive Tourism Ecosystem
•  Respectful Growth of Indigenous Tourism

The 2023-2025 corporate strategy provides clarity about the choices DBC will make over the next three years and beyond. The intention with this strategy is to:

  1. Reduce seasonality and regional disparity by growing the tourism economy across all regions of BC and in all seasons;
  2. Enable more tourism organizations and businesses to access technologies, marketing channels, planning tools, data, insights, and training that are otherwise only available to large businesses and organizations;
  3. Take action to continue to grow a sustainable, authentic Indigenous cultural tourism industry in BC.

The new 2023-2025 Corporate Strategy is document available HERE. You can also view yesterday's webinar presentation in the link below.
Still Time to Register | Just 5 Days Away!
CONFERENCE PROGRAM | Learn More About What's In-Store

Check out the conference program on our website. We’re very excited for a stellar lineup of plenary and breakout sessions and we hope you are too! This is an event you won't want to miss. 

The Welcome Reception on March 1st will be an unforgettable night of Northern BC food, drinks, outdoor activities, and live music - dress warm and join us for a chance to experience the North.

We want to extend an enormous thank you to our conference sponsors and supporters. We truly could not host this conference without your generous support and commitment. See the full list of conference sponsors to date, HERE.

We look forward to welcoming you to the conference next week!

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New Funds to Address Registrations for Temporary Foreign Workers

The Ministry of Labour announced yesterday, the Employment Standards Branch will hire more staff to resolve disputes between workers and employers, provide guidance on BC's employment standards, and process employer registrations for temporary foreign workers.

Government is increasing the branch’s operating budget by nearly $12 million over three years to hire as many as 33 more full-time employees in response to the growing demand for its services.

As reported in the news release, over the past few years, demand for the services at the branch has risen steadily due to a growing workforce, employment issues related to the pandemic and a surge of employers seeking to register before hiring temporary foreign workers.

Read the official announcement HERE.
BC Chamber of Commerce
Addressing the Labour Market Gap Survey

BC is facing an acute labour shortage that challenges both employers and job seekers. The Addressing the Labour Market Gap project, led by the BC Chamber of Commerce and funded by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, will help the BC Chamber of Commerce to better understand the disconnect between employer and job seeker needs so that they can build solutions for a resilient labour force.

Please Note - the Addressing the Labour Market Gap Survey deadline has been extended to Friday, March 3, 2023, at 5:00 pm (PT). Please share the survey within your networks.
Air Canada Launches Facial Recognition ID Pilot Program at YVR

Air Canada announced it has launched digital identification technology to use facial recognition for identification verification for air travellers. It is the first airline in Canada with approval for the technology.

In a pilot project currently underway, Air Canada's digital identification is now available for customers departing from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) when boarding select flights to Winnipeg, and for eligible customers entering the Air Canada Café at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Air Canada plans to expand digital identification options to select Canadian airports and Maple Leaf Lounges as part of its pilot project phase.

Air Canada's digital identification is strictly an optional, consent-based Air Canada program. It is not related to any government-sponsored program like NEXUS, Global Entry or US CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC). This is a single enrolment feature on the Air Canada app.

Learn more about the digital identification program HERE.
Air Canada | United Airlines Offer More Transborder Flights
Increase Routes

Air Canada and United Airlines announced yesterday that, through their enhanced transborder joint business agreement, they will offer increased capacity and new routes between Canada and the US for summer 2023. This includes a new Air Canada-operated flight between Vancouver and Washington-Dulles.

The carriers have collaboratively optimized their schedules, subject to applicable government and regulatory conditions, and added more flights to provide customers greater connectivity and more flexible flight times, with over 80 transborder codeshare routes and more than 260 daily flights.

The non-stop service between Vancouver and Washington-Dulles will begin June 1st and will be operated with an Air Canada Boeing 737 Max 8.

Read the full announcement by Air Canada HERE.
Sport Fishing Institute Update

The Sport Fishing Institute (SFI) noted earlier this month that DFO has provided Mark-Select Fisheries (MSF) proposals to the Sport Fishing Advisory Board (SFAB) and other groups for consideration and feedback. These proposals closely mirror those the SFAB has presented annually since 2019.

The MSF area and time proposals represent a precautionary, sustainable approach providing an important opportunity and expectation for Chinook retention in areas that currently have non-retention in place from April 1st to either July 15th or August 1st. Time and area proposals being considered have been through a rigorous evaluation process within DFO. Each have been proven to have a low to no impact on Fraser River and local stocks of concern. It is expected that DFO will provide an implementation decision for proposed pilot fisheries before April 1st.

Read the Mark-Selective Fisheries proposed new or modified pilots for Spring 2023 HERE.
Excise Tax Increasing on April 1st

As noted by ABLE BC this week, in 2017, the Government of Canada amended the Excise Act to tie excise duties on alcohol to inflation. On April 1st, the tax will increase by 6.3%...the largest federal tax increase on alcohol in 40 years.

As the tax is paid by liquor manufacturers, it means you can expect wholesale liquor prices to increase as of April. It is anticipated that in total, the new tax increase will net $45 million of additional revenue for the federal government.

The increase to the retail shelf price of alcohol products may be small, for example, 1.7 cents per can of beer, but any additional cost right now is adding undue pressure to both businesses and consumers. ABLE BC and industry partners are fighting against the increase to excise tax.

View ABLE BC's Executive Director Jeff Guignard's recent comments on this issue HERE.
Energy-Saving Support for
Small Businesses Program

FortisBC is offering FREE customized energy advice to small and medium-sized businesses through the Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses program. Through the program, you will be able to connect with a Business Energy Advisor during a 15 to 30 minute consultation via phone call, video call or an in-person visit. During your consultation, a Business Energy Advisor will share energy advice on:

  • Low cost/no cost tips to reduce energy use and operating costs
  • Information about FortisBC rebates on high efficiency equipment
  • Support in getting quotes from contractors and applying for rebates
  • Applying for retroactive rebates on equipment installed in the last 365 days

GreenStep Solutions has been contracted by FortisBC to deliver this program. Please contact energyadvisor@greenstep.ca with any questions or to request a consultation.

Learn more about the Energy-Saving Support Program for Small Businesses Program HERE.
Don't miss out on this exclusive ticket offer for Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) members to attend Vancouver's biggest party of the year! Canada Sevens 2023 returns to BC Place March 3-5 for three full days of rugby, entertainment, and nonstop fun.

Use the promo code TIABC20 to receive 20% off Single Day tickets and
Tournament Passes!

Each tournament pass equals three separate tickets to the event - one for each day of the tournament. All tickets are fully transferable. Visit our website at www.canadasevens.com for more information. For all ticketing inquiries, please contact tickets@canadasevens.com.
*Offer valid for General Admission and Reserved tickets only
Campbell River Whale Watching
and Adventure Tours

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours has been delivering exceptional Wildlife Viewing and adventure Tours since 2008 and have been a key player in Campbell River’s tourism industry. Today, the company has become northern Vancouver Island’s first carbon neutral eco-tour company.

As part of this growth strategy, in 2022 a new acquisition added to the strength, product offering and fleet of The Campbell River Adventure Tours group which now includes Wildcoast Adventures, Campbell River Whale Watching, and Discovery Marine Safaris.

The Campbell River Adventure Tours group specialize in educational nature tours focused on ethical whale watching and grizzly bear tours, as well as single day and multi day wilderness kayaking tours. All of which are designed to minimize environmental impact while highlighting the local attractions.

Click HERE to learn more about the Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours.


Become A TIABC Member

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.
CCCTA Welcomes New Team Members

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) has recently introduced two new members of their team - Rodrigo Landim as the Director of Marketing and Frank Creasey as Chief Experience and Commercial Officer.

Rodrigo brings his global experience to the Director of Marketing role where he will be responsible for working with the local industry to lead CCCT’s efforts to share the region’s tourism stories.

Frank’s extensive experience includes running C4 Strategies as well as time as CEO of Fort McMurray Tourism, Managing Director of Travel Alberta North, and marketing roles for Korea Tourism in Canada.

TIABC shares in welcoming Rodrigo and Frank to the CCCTA team and looks forward to working with them in our industry endeavours.

Learn more about the CCCTA and their team members HERE.
Top 5 Most Interesting Golf Packages in BC

Golf courses across BC are getting ready for an incredible 2023 golf season, and TIABC is encouraging our members and readership to do the same! Make this year truly memorable with a unique golf getaway to any of British Columbia's world-class golf destinations.

Golf in British Columbia is reminding everyone that a terrific golf trip in our province is about experiencing incredible golf and so much more! The best golf vacations pair your morning or afternoon on the golf course with something special - which is why they have assembled an assortment of interesting golf pairings and packages. Play a round, then play around and explore remarkable experiences in the unique region of British Columbia that you've chosen to visit.

Learn more about the Golf in British Columbia "Interesting Golf Packages" HERE.
Mountain Escapes
BLBCA Mountain Escapes | Battle Abbey

The BLBCA welcomes you back to another episode of Mountain Escapes. In this episode, Brad Harrison chats with Roger Laurilla, owner/operator/guide of Battle Abbey located in the Selkirk Mountains, southwest of Golden. This BLBCA member lodge is steeped in history... the founders were none other than Hans Gmoser and Bill Putnam. Roger does a wonderful job communicating how remote and spectacular Battle Abbey really is.

Learn more about the CCCTA and their team members HERE.
Exciting Career Opportunities Await

At Pacific Coastal Airlines, they honour their motto of People Friendly, People First. They encourage a positive, caring workplace and put a high value on collaboration, accountability, and loyalty. They are inclusive, respectful, and have a friendly corporate culture and are very proud to give back and to support the communities that they serve.

There are currently several opportunities to work at Pacific Coastal.

Learn more about why you should join the Pacific Coastal team and benefits HERE.
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Good Night Out Vancouver

Interested hospitality and late night establishments are invited to join Good Night Out Vancouver (GNOV) and the City of Vancouver to learn more about the Last Call Pilot at a virtual info session

Date: February 28
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: Virtual

Building on a 2019 motion, this first-of-its-kind pilot will involve 8-10 businesses in the service, nightlife, and hospitality industries to participate in one year pilot program that will provide sexual violence prevention training, policy, reporting infrastructure and data collection to support businesses in creating systems that mitigate and empower employees and the public to prevent and report sexual harassment. Participating includes one-year access to the #NotMe reporting platform.

Management from interested establishments are invited to this virtual info session to learn more and meet project representatives from GNOV and the City of Vancouver. 

RSVP to the info night HERE.
You're Invited | 2023 Premier and Cabinet Luncheon

The BC Chamber of Commerce is welcoming Premier David Eby and members of cabinet to its annual Premier & Cabinet Luncheon, a flagship event that offers business leaders the opportunity to connect with the Executive Council of the provincial government.

Attracting 200 guests from across the province, the event offers a coveted opportunity for leaders from private and not-for-profit sectors and First Nations to engage in deep dialogue with the Premier and Cabinet on issues that matter most in today’s business climate.

During the event, Premier Eby will deliver comments from the podium before engaging in an exclusive on-stage conversation with Fiona Famulak, president and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce.

Date: Tuesday, March 28
Time: 11:15 am - 12:45 pm
Location: Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.
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FLOURISH is Back!

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.
WomenHack Events Return to Vancouver

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.
2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference

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.

Travel and Accommodation

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.

Questions?

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.
Save the Date | Shine Bright Mission

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.
Empower Her | Vancouver

You are invited to join WORTH Association and women of recreation, tourism, and hospitality in Vancouver for an evening of networking with an inspiring panel discussion.

WORTH's Empower Her event aims to connect a community of leaders to expand their network and create meaningful relationships. Vancouver’s top female tourism and hospitality leaders will share inspiring ideas with the intention of sparking dialogue about issues that impact women in the workplace. Their perspectives will inform, inspire, and empower women to collectively identify ways to accelerate women to senior roles in the industry.

Date: March 6
Time: 5:30 - 10:00 PM
Location: Vancouver Marriott, Pinnacle Hotel

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.
BC Wine Industry INSIGHT Conference

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.
Registration Now Open
2023 International Indigenous Tourism Conference

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.
Spring Recruitment Event | Online
Speed-Jobbing 2023

Looking to Hire? You might be interested in participating in the Spring Recruitment Speed Jobbing event. This event connects BC employers with bilingual candidates from across the country. If you're interested in participating, you can register today and reserve your virtual booth!

Date: Wednesday, March 22
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (PT)
Location: Online

Learn more and register HERE.
Western Community College Job Fair

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.
6th Annual TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo

Over 50 tourism businesses and events are expected to be exhibiting at TRUE Penticton, and it is completely FREE to attend, but donations of food items for the Penticton Community Fridge and Pantry are accepted and greatly appreciated. There will be adventure operators, rentals and tour companies, festivals and events, wine and craft beer tastings, artisan food samples, a kids scavenger hunt as well as the opportunity to win fantastic prizes.

Date: April 2nd
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Penticton Trade and Conference Centre

Visit HERE for more information and to register.
BCHA Summit | Register Today

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.
Rendez-vous Canada 2023

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.
Save The Date
BC Chamber of Commerce AGM

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.

Save the Date | June 5-7
BC Aviation Council Conference - Prince George

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!
Thank-you for your readership! We encourage you to send us your ideas or content that would be valuable for TIABC to share through our Bulletin.
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.