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.
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CHAIR’S MESSAGE
As another crazy summer in Tofino slowly comes to a close, I am reminded that it marks a full decade of my living and working on the majestic West Coast. Needless to say, it’s been quite a wild ride and most certainly the highlight of my long career in tourism and hospitality.
I joined Crystal Cove Beach Resort just a few years after the recession, during a time when Tofino was steadily building back from the impact of the global market meltdown. Since then, both the district and many (not all) individual operators have been on a trajectory that most destinations could only dream of. Even during the height of the COVID crisis, Tofino became the ‘go to’ vacation spot for Canadians, outpacing virtually every other destination in Canada for key indicators such as hotel occupancy, average daily rate, revenue, and other measures for parts of the year when travel was permitted. It was almost as if the pandemic didn’t exist in our town.
Now at the tail end of the crisis, my resort is again on record pace and will exceed our targets by a healthy margin. Similarly, throughout the rest of the province, many operators and destinations have rebounded and are experiencing strong numbers in spite of labour shortages, high gas prices, air access, highway construction delays, ferry cancellations, and other challenges that affect our industry at large. Looking ahead, fall and winter bookings are decidedly mixed depending on which area of the province but overall far more positive than last year or 2020.
The one issue that I and many operators continue to face revolves around supply chain. We heard plenty about the problems last fall during the atmospheric river catastrophe that washed out highways in parts of the province, and it’s referenced occasionally in the context of the rising inflation rate, but supply chain seems to have dropped off the media’s radar for the time being. Not so for tourism operators and businesses in most other sectors. It remains a huge concern.
As a small personal example, I couldn’t get basic supplies in Tofino so I went to a nearby town where the grocery store is normally full of all the provisions I need to fill the cupboards. I was shocked to see the deli closed, the shelves depleted of most staples, and even the self-serve check out area closed, ironically due to a shortage of staff.
While our sector has beat the lack of labour drum for years, the supply chain side of the equation has added a new twist to operations. For example, prior to the pandemic, I always kept at least a two-week supply of products on hand given our somewhat remote location and the obstacles that can delay shipments of supplies by a week or two (e.g. weather). Now, I strive to stock at least a full month’s supply of products because of significant production and shipping delays that can last several months or even up to a year or more.
I recently spoke to my supplier of facial tissues that we provide to guests in our cabins. I was told my next shipment would be in late fall and there were no other replacement options available. Heaven forbid our resort has an outbreak of colds or nose bleeds. I’m also keeping my fingers crossed that none of our 28 hot tubs experience a mechanical issue. For the past two years it’s been nearly impossible to find parts that need replacing on a regular basis.
I am delighted by Tofino’s success over the last 10 years and proud to have contributed in whatever small way. I am also encouraged that people from around our province and country, as well as international guests are discovering or rediscovering my spectacular community and many other places throughout British Columbia as the world embraces unencumbered travel once again.
At the same time, I am acutely aware that even when it feels like we’re back to normal as an industry, we’re not there yet and will not be for the foreseeable future. Supply chain is yet one more thing to add to the list of difficulties we’ll need to overcome before we experience a full recovery.
JJ Belanger, Chair, TIABC
General Manager, Crystal Cove Beach Resort
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ELECTIONS ARE COMING - GET INVOLVED
READ TIABC'S MUNICIPAL ELECTION TOOLKIT TO FIND OUT HOW
Next month, residents of communities across the province go to the polls to elect local politicians, school board trustees, and/or park board commissioners.
Decisions made by civic leaders are extremely important to our visitor economy and it is incumbent on the tourism industry to pay attention and get involved. TIABC's Municipal Election Toolkit will help you play a vital role in shaping the conversation and outcome of these elections, which take place on Saturday, October 15th.
TIABC's THREE-STEP kit is designed to prime you with the right data, messages, and questions that will elevate the importance of tourism in BC and your role in it.
Read TIABC's full Municipal Elections Toolkit HERE.
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Roadmap to Recovery
TIABC CEO Walt Judas was recently interviewed by Ted Davis of Canadian Travel Press to speak to how the industry has 'bold but achievable' post-COVID-19 plans. In the fast-changing post-pandemic visitor economy, new opportunities for growth are stacked up against unexpected consumer demands, regulatory hurdles, and unfamiliar pitfalls for tourism firms across Canada.
In a comment on the various tourism industry submissions to the federal government's Tourism Growth Strategy (including TIAC & TIABC's), Walt noted,“Yes, it will be a big price tag, but no matter the amount, the return on investment will be enormous." Tourism is a vital part of the Canadian economy and it must be restored.”
Click here to read the full article.
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Impacts of Seaspan Tugboat Strike on Tourism
TIABC Chair JJ Belanger spoke with CBC Vancouver about the Seaspan tugboat strike delaying the Alaska cruise sector and how it may affect future cruises.
Click here to listen to the full interview.
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Labour Disputes Hurting B.C.'s Reputation
In an interview with Global News, TIABC Chair JJ Belanger discussed how recent labour issues negatively impact BC's tourism industry.
Click here to listen to the full interview.
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Seaspan Strike Worries BC tourism industry
TIABC Chair JJ Belanger described how the BC tourism industry is concerned about the strike's effects in an interview with Radio Canada this week. Belanger fears that a prolonged strike will push cruise companies to change their routes to avoid stopping in Vancouver. There are over 300 departures from Vancouver and 350 stops in Victoria this year.
Click here to read the full interview.
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BCGEU STRIKE UPDATE | Resumption of Wholesale Distribution, WCC Operations, and Web Store
In case you missed August 31st's update on the resumption of Wholesale Distribution, Wholesale Customer Operations, and Web Store, please keep reading.
The British Columbia General Employee’s Union (BCGEU) and the BC Government reached a tentative deal earlier this week and that, as a show of good faith, the BCGEU is standing down strike action at the Liquor Distribution Branch’s (LDB) warehouses and ending its ban on overtime.
The LDB has begun its restart plan and, as of August 31st, is shipping outstanding orders placed prior to job action. This includes:
- Orders received by email and phone before 3:30 pm on August 15
- Orders placed on Web Store before 3:00 pm on August 17
Once these orders are shipped distribution will shift to new orders. Due to high order volumes, delivery of new orders is expected to be delayed.
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Announcing the Passing of Big White Ski Resort's Family Patriarch - Peter Robert Schumann
The Plimmer/Schumann family announces the passing of Peter Robert Schumann, who died suddenly Friday, August 26th at his home at Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna. Schumann was born May 13, 1951, in Adelaide, South Australia. A memorial will be held at a later date at a location to be determined, followed by a reception.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Big White fire department first responders, BC ambulance, and the Kelowna General Hospital emergency room technicians, nurses, and doctors for their professional care extended to Mr. Schumann.
At this time, the family requests their privacy as members make their way to Kelowna from around the world. TIABC offers our sincere condolences to the Plimmer/Schumann family and to the staff at Big White Ski Resort.
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SAVE THE DATE | 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA) are excited to announce the date for next year's annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, taking place in Prince George, March 1-3.
Be sure to save the date and start planning now to connect with industry colleagues, DMO's, communities, and government leaders.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details.
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Destination BC Seeking Travel Offers
Destination BC’s fall marketing campaigns will encourage people from British Columbia and Alberta to explore BC. As part of these campaigns, DBC is promoting the travel offers posted to the Travel Deals page on HelloBC and encouraging potential travellers to explore a variety of BC experiences, attractions, and accommodations.
To take advantage of the interest generated from these campaigns and motivate travellers to book with your business, we encourage you to post your travel offers on HelloBC. Travel offers represent a key opportunity to generate referrals to your business from HelloBC and through Destination BC’s marketing activities.
Offers can be an enticing package, an experience unique to our province or include a savings of some sort. To learn about travel offer criteria and instructions on how to submit your offers, view the Travel Offers Guidelines.
Visit HERE to learn more and to post your offers. |
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Seeking Donations | BC Hospitality Foundation "Hotels to Help" Online Lottery
The BC Hospitality Foundation delivers necessary financial aid for individuals in the hospitality sector currently experiencing financial crisis; and after a couple of years "on pause", the Hotels to Help online lottery will be back in October! The last 3 lotteries raised $94,000+ thanks to the amazing prizes donated by hoteliers in our community.
The BCHF is currently gathering this year's prizes and looking for donations in kind. We ask that BCHA members consider donating a stay at your property to support. Get started by filling out the form in the link below.
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Regional DMO Career Opportunities |
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NBCTA | Project Coordinator
The Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) has a job opportunity! We are looking for a project coordinator to join our team. The Project Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Northern BC Tourism Marketing team and partners to support promoting Northern BC as a remarkable and sustainable travel destination.
This position is responsible for the effective coordination and project management of the region's marketing initiatives including project management, stakeholder engagement, and campaign coordination - including paying close attention to all details and moving parts of complex campaigns with multiple stakeholders.
Learn more about this opportunity and apply HERE.
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NBCTA | Board of Directors Call for Nominations
The Northern BC Tourism Association is also looking for new individuals who understand and support the important role tourism plays in our region to join their Board of Directors.
There are 4 positions available:
- Northwest Regions - 2-year terms
- Three (3) Director at Large - 2-year term
Fill out the nomination form HERE
The deadline to submit nominations is September 9, 2022. If you have any questions about the nomination process or whether you qualify as a nominee, please contact Yvonne Fagan at accounting@nbctourism.com or 250-640-7411.
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CCCTMA | Director of Marketing
It’s time to flex your marketing muscles as the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Marketing Association (CCCTMA) has a unique opportunity for you.
You’ve led or built successful campaigns and now it’s time for you to take the next step and show what you can do. This incredible opportunity exists in the Land Without Limits, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Region. An amazing place of adventure to live and work.
You’ll be reporting to the CEO and working within the tourism industry with regional stakeholders to promote the development of the tourism industry to targeted markets.
The ideal candidate will have a sense of adventure that matches the region they’ll be marketing. If you’re interested in learning more, please click HERE. Concord is managing the search on behalf of the CCCTMA. |
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Chemistry Consulting | Recruiting Tourism-Related Positions
Chemistry Consulting is currently partnering with its clients for the following job searches:
- Director of Marketing for 4VI ( formerly Tourism Vancouver Island)
- Bilingual Executive Assistant for Indigenous tourism Association of Canada
- Office Coordinator for Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Click HERE for m ore information on the positions.
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REMINDER | Stay Prepared for Wildfires and Heat Warnings
Destination BC has updated the Emergency Preparedness webpage and is available with key messaging guidance and resources to help BC's tourism industry prepare for emergencies such as wildfires.
Additional Resources:
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BC Wildfire Activity Anticipated to Extend
into September
British Columbians should remain alert to the threat of wildfires as conditions remain warm and dry throughout September.
Seasonal and above-seasonal temperatures forecast for September means that wildfire risk remains a concern throughout the province. New wildfire starts are anticipated. However, the BC Wildfire Service has adequate resources and is prepared to activate additional resources if required.
As of August 31st, there were 182 active wildfires in the province. There is currently one wildfire of note, the Fat Dog Creek wildfire (V12147) in Manning Provincial Park. The BC Wildfire Service is also responding to a wildfire five kilometres southwest of the Hudson’s Hope bridge in the Prince George Fire Centre.
A wildfire of note is classified as a wildfire that is especially visible or poses a threat to public safety.
For the latest information on these incidents click HERE.
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As an industry that continues to face challenges, 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. |
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Helping Guests Travel More Responsibly
As operators and service providers in BC’s tourism industry we all have a role to play to protect and preserve our beautiful province especially for our future generations.
We all love to travel but are often overwhelmed and unsure where to start.
A new book by Dr. Rachel Dodds and Dr. Richard Butler (both authors are based in BC) provides all the information any parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle will need when travelling with children.
The book offers practical and easy solutions to responsible and sustainable choices before, during and after a trip including how to book, where to go, the impact of our holidays, how to pack, and even how to continue efforts once we get home.
The book is available on Amazon as well as Kidsbooks in Vancouver. If you would like a copy for yourself or to offer guests at a wholesale rate, please contact Rachel for more info at r2dodds@gmail.com or use the following 15% discount code A5WAD2 for the EPUB at Book Baby. A percentage of all profits from this book will be donated to help protect the places we love.
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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. |
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Spirit of the West Adventures
After more than 25 years of guiding sea kayaking trips in British Columbia, Spirit of the West Adventures still feels a sense of anticipation and excitement when pushing off from shore at the beginning of each and every trip. Travelling with them, you’ll find engaged and professional guides, amazing food, top-notch gear, and logistics all helping you have the best possible experience whale watching, paddling and reconnecting with nature.
They offer a range of trip styles to choose from such as base camp, expedition, mothership and family tours. Spirit of the West acknowledges and operates in the unceded traditional territory of the We Wai Kai, Homalco, Klahoose, Mamalilikulla-Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Em, 'Namgis, Tlowitsis, Kwikwasut’inuxw, Nuu-chah-nulth and Heiltsuk First Nations.
Learn more about Spirit of the West Adventures HERE.
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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. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic TIABC identified your concerns, raised your voice, championed your needs, pushing for support and programs while encouraging policy changes.
Member Benefits Include:
- Coordinated advocacy on behalf of individual businesses, sectors, communities or the industry at-large.
- National advocacy support through our relationship with TIAC and all provincial/territorial tourism associations from across the country.
- Briefings on proposed policy, regulatory or legislative changes.
- Exclusive resources and policy information on the members-only section of tiabc.ca.
- Organizational or sponsorship opportunities via TIABC's communication channels.
- Weekly bulletins on important industry developments and TIABC activities.
- Presentations to your board, various committees or organizations by TIABC representatives.
- Savings on the annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference and other TIABC-hosted events.
- Access to valuable tools such as the Value of Tourism videos for presentations or meetings with key stakeholders.
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HAC & CBRE | 2023 Canadian
Hotel Outlook
The Hotel Association of Canada and CBRE Hotels will be hosting the first presentation of CBRE's 2023 outlook, covering major markets from coast to coast to coast.
The webinar will also include an update on 2022 year-to-date performance, an updated long-term forecast, and a look at the economic and industry trends impacting the sector over the next year.
Date: Monday, September 12th at 11:00 am
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Summer Weekends at Malahat Skywalk
The Malahat Skywalk has just introduced new extended hours on weekends through to Labour Day.
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until September 4th they are open until 8pm. In addition to the extended hours, a 25% discount will apply to tickets starting at 5pm - with live music on Saturdays.
Learn more about the Malahat Skywalk Summer Weekends program HERE.
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REMINDER | Safer Spaces Course
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.
We encourage everyone to join the TIABC Board and staff in completing the training and certification.
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Save the Date | Wine Growers of BC | AGM
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
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Community Coffee Talk
with Ian Robertson, CEO
Join the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) for the next community coffee talk hosted by CEO Ian Robertson. Questions and points of discussion are welcomed as it helps to know what they are doing well and where they can improve your enjoyment of GVHA’s public harbour spaces.
Date: Wednesday, September 7th
Time: 3-4 pm
Location: Shoal Point Coffee House
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Camping Appreciation Weekend
Camping Appreciation Weekend will soon be here and it's a time when many Canadian campgrounds coast-to-coast say thank you to campers for their patronage.
Dates: September 9-11
- Say thanks to those that enjoy the camping and RVing lifestyle.
- And, to raise funds for Care Camps to send children with cancer to camp.
There are many BC campgrounds participating - advance reservations are recommended.
Visit HERE to view the map of participating campsites. |
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Mountain Bike Tourism Symposium
"Partnering for Success"
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. The schedule has come together to ensure an exciting event.
Date: September 14-16
Location: Silver Star Resort
Click here to learn more and to register. |
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“RETHINK TOURISM”
Celebrate World Tourism Day 2022 - September 27th
With the theme of ‘Rethinking Tourism’, the International Day of Observance will this year focus on re-imagining the sector’s growth, both in terms of size and relevance. All UNWTO member states, as well as non-members and stakeholders from across the private sector, are being invited to host celebrations as well as to promote the day and its central theme.
The potential of tourism is enormous, and we have a shared responsibility to make sure it is fully realized. World Tourism Day has been held on September 27th each year since 1980.
Read the official announcement and learn more about how you can mark the day HERE.
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North America Meaningful Travel Summit
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:
- Connections to and volunteering with vetted non-profits and social enterprises
- Education sessions around universal topics in sustainability and meaningful travel
- Networking opportunities with other travel and tourism professionals
- Actionable best practices in destination stewardship
Date: September 28-30, Victoria
Click here to learn more and to register. |
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29th Annual TOTA Golf Tournament
The 29th Annual Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Golf Tournament is back! This year's TOTA Golf Tournament will be hosted at the Black Mountain Golf Club.
Date: Thursday, October 13
Time: from 12 PM (PT) with a full day of food, drink, and fun.
Grab your golf clubs and join a team or register your own to meet colleagues, new and familiar, while helping to raise funds for the TOTA Tourism Student Bursary Program for the University of British Columbia Okanagan, Okanagan College, and Thompson Rivers University.
Click HERE to learn more and to register. |
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Save the Date | COR Internal Auditor Training Program
Are you interested in becoming a health and safety champion at your workplace? Save the date for an upcoming Certificate of Recognition (COR) Internal Auditor Training program coming this Fall. These interactive sessions will help you to learn what it takes to be a COR Employer.
Date: Thursday, October 13 - Virtual Event
Click HERE to learn more and to register. |
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Save the Date | BCLCA Lodging and Camping Ideas Forum
Registration has opened for the BCLCA Lodging and Camping Ideas Forum. Join fellow operators this fall, learn, network with sponsors, talk with exhibitors, and meet the volunteer board of directors. Together Again is sponsored by WorkSafeBC, Signature Risk, Insider Perks and Modern Campground. There are some quality speakers sprinkled through the agenda talking on several topics affecting the day-to-day operation of your business.
Date: October 18-20, 2022
Location: Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre, Kelowna or Online
Click HERE for in-person registration. Click HERE for virtual registration |
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2022 Western Canadian Lodging Conference
Registration is now open for the 2022 Western Canadian Lodging Conference.
Dates: October 24-25
Location: Hyatt Regency, Vancouver
Join your fellow colleagues for interactive panel discussions and keynotes designed to educate and inspire. The Hyatt Regency Vancouver has been designated as the official host venue for the 2022 Western Canadian Lodging Conference. Book your room before October 11th, 2022 and receive a special rate of $279.00 for a King room.
Click HERE to learn more and to register. |
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Save the Date | NBCTA Annual General Meeting
It's that time of year again. Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) will be holding its Annual General Meeting on October 25th.
Stay tuned for further AGM details, as well as an official Call for Nominations for the Board of Directors.
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Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association
45th AGM and Industry Conference
Save the Date: November 2nd (pm) and November 3rd
Location: Sandman Hotel, Castlegar
More details will follow in the coming months.
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Cariboo Chilcotin Coast AGM
The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) will be holding their Annual General Meeting in person.
Date: November 3-4
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. |
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West Coast Virtual Hiring Fair
Three world-class universities on the west coast of Canada have joined forces to offer a virtual fair unlike any other. Meet students and alumni from the top 3 universities in Western Canada - SFU, UBC & UVic.
Dates: November 2-3, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Showcase your organization and promote your opportunities to students and alumni from a wide range of faculties and programs in one single event.This is the recruitment fair that you don't want to miss!
Visit here for more information and to register. |
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Sport Events Congress | 2022
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. |
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Save the Date | SPARK
BC Hotel & Liquor Conference
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and ABLE BC have partnered to bring the first ever BC Hotel & Liquor Conference.
Date: Tuesday, November 15
Location: Granville Island, Waterfront & Nest Theatres, Vancouver.
The event will include targeted industry sessions, the BCHA AGM, a special lunch at Dockside restaurant, networking reception, and much more. All industry members are welcome.
Feedback on Sessions:
Your feedback is critical in our efforts to produce a conference that will be impactful and engaging. Please reach out to BCHA Communications Manager, Kelsey Millman, at kelsey@bcha.com to share your insights on what topics you'd like addressed.
Stay tuned for Agenda and Registration Details.
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Save the Date | IMPACT 2023
Save the DATE! IMPACT Sustainable Travel & Tourism, January 23-25 and Day of IMPACT January 22, 2023.
Registration opens in early September, and we have confirmed fees to assist you with budgeting. The biggest change you will see is the option of including Sunday ‘s Day of IMPACT (January 22nd) into your overall registration.
The theme for the event is: O P E N
When we come together with open hearts and open minds, anything is possible. We see connections everywhere. We welcome all ideas, experiences, and ways of life—because this is how we learn, grow, and change.
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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, 2023
Location. Treaty 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis - Winnipeg
Learn more and register HERE. |
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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. |
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