C-19 BULLETIN - March 15, 2021

BC Tourism Industry May Be Challenged With Pent-up Demand
Walt Judas, chief executive of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C., said capacity to meet a swift rise in demand depends on the type of business. "There is a large degree of preparation, but it's not as easy for some of the subsectors within tourism to just flick a switch and open the doors again,'' Judas said.

Tourism Still Suffering
Since the pandemic began, the estimated losses in international travel revenues have decreased significantly due to COVID-19, with Canada losing about $15.7 billion. Ontario is estimated to have lost $5 billion, while British Columbia lost $4.8 billion and Alberta lost $1.6 billion.
Also, the number of domestic overnight visitors dropped significantly since last year. From Jan. 10, 2020 - Feb. 14, 2020, B.C. saw a high of over 300,000 visitors. In the same week, this year, those numbers dropped drastically to a high of about 150,000.

COVID-19: What We Missed Most During Our Pandemic Year
The pandemic has taken a toll on many British Columbians, according to a new Leger survey conducted for Post Media. 42% say they have experienced increased feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness or isolation today, compared with one-third of residents when the pandemic first started. We are also gaining more weight, and are connecting less with friends, family and colleagues, Leger found. 40% of British Columbians reported a significant drop in income in March 2020, the Leger survey found; a year later that is still very much a concern, but the number indicating financial distress has lowered to 29%. When Leger asked survey respondents what they most looked forward to once restrictions are lifted, two clear first-place answers emerged: seeing their friends and family again, and travelling.
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Advocating for Increased Funding
for BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails

In early February, TIABC, along with more than 20 partners representing 2,000+ business and organizations in BC, co-signed two letters to the Premier to request a commitment to increase the annual operating budget for BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails.

The first was a letter to request a commitment to increase the annual budget for BC Parks to $100M for capital, land acquisition and operational investments that will spur economic recovery, support reconciliation, and support the health of people and nature in BC.

The second was a letter with a request to increase the annual operating budget for Recreation Sites and Trails to $12.5M.

On March 12th, the group received a response from the Honourable George Heyman, Minister, Environment and Climate Change Strategy. Read the letter here.

The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC is encouraging BC residents to share their thoughts about BC Parks Funding:
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Air Canada Commits to Ambitious
Net Zero Emissions Goal by 2050

Air Canada today announced its long-term commitment to advancing climate change sustainability throughout its business. The airline has set ambitious climate targets to realize a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) throughout its global operations by 2050. To reach this, Air Canada has set absolute midterm GHG net reduction targets by 2030 in its air and ground operations compared to its 2019 baseline, and has committed to investing $50 Million in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and carbon reductions and removals.

Learn more at:
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2021 Big Spring Raffle Prizes
Tickets $20 (only 7500 Available)
Grand Prize and Trip Draws on March 20, 2021

The SFI represents the voice of the angling community particularly in coastal BC, constantly reminding DFO that sustainable and predictable angling opportunity is important to individuals, businesses, families and communities across the province. Your support through the 2021 lottery will help secure a better future for our fishery and the resources it depends upon.

Supporting the activities of the SFI will greatly assist British Columbians in accessing fisheries. BC's public fishery is enjoyed by over 400,000 anglers every year. This healthy, family oriented outdoor activity develops awareness and environmental stewardship of our marine and freshwater resources and ecosystems. By supporting the SFI, you are also supporting the protection and promotion of the traditions, lifestyle, and even employment of many British Columbians.
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Get ready…get set…hustle!

This FREE province-wide virtual event, a fundraiser for the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF), is a great way to promote your overall wellbeing and to connect safely with others in the hospitality industry.
#HospitalityHustle presented by Odlum Brown Limited is meant to give people a healthy goal that would help keep them physically and mentally strong!

Show solidarity with owners and workers in the hospitality and tourism industry who are…
  • struggling or have lost their livelihoods
  • still working hard to keep their business afloat during extraordinary times
  • providing a takeout option for those who are socially isolating and/or need a night off

Learn more at:
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Moments of Levity

As an industry that continues to face enormous challenges during COVID-19, every once in a while 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. Feel free to share your photos, etc. with TIABC to be published in our C-19 Bulletin each week.
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FREE Culinary Tourism Webinars!

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada in partnership with TIABC is happy to offer free online Culinary Tourism webinars to tourism operators and organizations

Themed webinars will assist small and medium tourism operators and partners develop culinary tourism strategies to maintain their businesses and attract both domestic international visitors once Canada is ready to welcome them again. 
Multisensory Experience Development Webinar 
Tuesday, March 16th at 10:00am PT (11:00am MT)

Partnering For Success Webinar 
Thursday, March 18th at 9:00am PT (10:00am MT)

Growing Agritourism Webinar
Thursday, March 25th at 8:00am PT (9:00am MT)

Exceeding Expectations Webinar 
Wednesday, March 31st at 8:00am PT (9:00am MT)

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Support for Tourism Operators in Metro Vancouver
& Getting Ready for Visitors

A review of the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (VCM) Tourism Resiliency Program and new Spring Activator Resilience Program support
Thursday, March 18th| 10:30am - 12:00pm | Online via Zoom 

The past year has been one in which Metro Vancouver tourism operators have faced many struggles. This webinar will highlight the value of ongoing engagement with the VCM Tourism Resiliency Program and a discussion with a resilience advisor. The webinar will review support programs, upcoming deadlines and opportunities to review qualifications and strategies to maximize support with a resilience advisor. Participants will also hear from business owners who have accessed and benefitted from the program through a panel discussion and learn how the program continues to assist operators.

The VCM Resiliency Program has also partnered with Spring Activator, a global incubator, accelerator, and advisory firm to continue the evolution of support for businesses in need through one-on-one business innovation support as we transition into recovery and rebuilding. We will hear from Tra My Pham, who leads Spring’s resilience program about the approach and outline of how they can provide support to tourism businesses in the VCM region to aid recovery, adaption, and innovation.

To learn more and to register:
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Boating BC AGM

March 24th at 11:30am
 
The meeting will be held on the Zoom Conference platform. Please register to attend in advance by clicking here. All registered Members will receive the Zoom link, agenda, financial statements from 2020, and other required documents in advance of the meeting.
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Impact Conference 2021

Please join us for an incredibly impactful 1.5 hours as we take a deeper look at the tourism recovery opportunities ahead:

  • Marsha Walden, President and CEO, Destination Canada
  • Keith Henry, President and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and IMPACT Co-Chair
  • Katie Briscoe, President, MMGY Global

Moderated by Paul Nursey, President and CEO, Destination Greater Victoria and IMPACT co-founder.

Wednesday March 31st
8:30am - 10:00am PT

Registration is free but all participants must register.
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Conflict De-Escalation for Frontline Staff
and Customer Service Professionals

Retail workers, receptionists, hospital unit clerks, customer service professionals, and others that interact with the public on a frequent basis often experience conflict in various forms from verbal attacks to violent, physical altercations. Their safety and security are a top priority, yet few are equipped with the proper tools and techniques to safely de-fuse these incidents. Mandatory mask requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic have heightened the importance of this topic, unfortunately, as some customers refuse to comply with these policies. 

Course ID: MSCD 002
April 8th 10:30am to noon (online via Zoom)
$150 plus GST

To learn more and to register:
 
Companies may also qualify for a provincial workforce training grant which would cover a portion of the tuition for any staff that they send: www.workbc.ca/employer-resources/bc-employer-training-grant/what-is-the-b-c-employer-training-grant
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Feel free to send us your ideas on what information would be valuable for TIABC to share through our COVID-19 Bulletin going forward. Drop us a line at info@tiabc.ca.