C-19 BULLETIN - February 10, 2021
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Chair's Message
You may recall from a previous Bulletin, that after the election TIABC sent a letter to every cabinet minister and caucus member with information on how the pandemic has affected tourism and hospitality in their respective regions and the province as a whole. In the letter, we also requested a meeting with each MLA to provide a thorough briefing on the state of the visitor economy and importantly, discuss what our sector needs in the form of relief and recovery to survive the pandemic.
Several cabinet ministers responded including the Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery & Innovation, Hon. Ravi Kahlon who I met with earlier in the week along with TIABC’s CEO Walt Judas.
Among a whole host of topics, we talked about the Small and Medium-sized Business Recovery Grant Program and the need to get more money into the hands of desperate operators quickly. The Minister assured us that after several program changes proposed by TIABC, BCHA, ABLE and Restaurants Canada were adopted late last year, the ministry is now processing thousands of additional grant applications with an intent to provide funding to applicants before the end of March (fiscal year).
We also talked about the need to support the iconic and anchor tourism and hospitality businesses that have fallen through the cracks for broad government relief measures and desperately need access to funds to ensure they and the larger tourism eco-system they support make it through the year (as an aside, the Premier talked about this issue at his news conference today - see below).
We asked Minister Kahlon for the Province’s support at the federal level to initiate adjustments to several measures (e.g. HASCAP, CEWS) that currently don’t help a large portion of our industry or need to be extended to allow more businesses to open or remain open. We also talked about the need for a comprehensive rapid-testing regime that would allow more movement of people to and within the province as a bridge to fully re-open to national and international travel. We emphasized that many sectors of the visitor economy won’t survive if herd immunity is the only path to welcoming guests from elsewhere.
I am pleased to report that the Minister committed to a broader discussion on rapid testing with tourism and other business leaders as part of his Industry Engagement Table that TIABC and several of our industry colleagues are a part of.
We left the meeting feeling positive that Minister Kahlon not only recognized the needs of the tourism and hospitality industry, but also showed genuine concern towards the predicament our sector is in, and was open to further industry consultation and recommendations. In the days ahead, we will circle back with him and other cabinet ministers to continue to advocate on behalf of our members and stakeholders who are counting on the government support needed to reach the light at the end of this seemingly endless tunnel.
Vivek Sharma
Chair, TIABC
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Message from the PHO & Health Minister
Celebrate Family Day Safely with Loved Ones
“The risks from COVID-19 remain high for all of us, especially with the variants of concern, which is why staying in our local community and avoiding any unnecessary travel is so important right now. This weekend is the weekend to stay home – to show your family and friends you care by not giving COVID-19 the opportunity to spread."
~ Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix at today's news conference
The BC government is providing more than $280,000 to support free Family Day activities through participating recreation centres, parks, cultural centres and museums. Families can swim or skate for free all weekend, participate in outdoor activities, visit local museums or enjoy other online activities. Refer to each organization’s website to confirm its reservation requirements to follow safety protocols.
BC Family Day is Monday, February 15th, 2021.
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Excerpt from Today's News Conference with Premier Horgan
It's important, I think, for all British Columbians as we enter the middle part of February and look towards the spring that we continue to focus collectively on keeping each other safe. We've got Lunar New Year just ahead of us, which will be different than any other Lunar New Year we've ever experienced in the Lower Mainland. We have Family Day just around the corner, often times an opportunity for people to get together to travel, to experience the beauty of British Columbia, perhaps even leave the province and go elsewhere. That's not what we're doing this year. This year we want you to stay close and tight with your family here in BC. We want you to stay close and focused on making sure that we get well together as we can through the pandemic.
Regarding ski hills...Firstly, it's not the activity of skiing that's the problem. That is perhaps among the safest things you can do with your mask on and your helmet on, swooshing down the hill, clearing your head, getting physical activity, being emotionally recharged. The challenge is after you come down the hill, what do you do from there? We're encouraging people, enjoy your day on the hill, the closest you can get to from home, and then go home. The apres-ski activity is where we're seeing an increase in cases. In some jurisdictions, border towns like Fernie for example, the case counts are way, way down. Skiing continues to take place. People are making better choices.
On rapid testing...We're all working on more comfort and confidence in rapid testing. Dr Henry is working with a whole host of pilots. We're taking advantage of the abundance of rapid tests we have available, but there are a good number of false positives, and also false negatives as a result of those tests. That's been a concern of ours from the beginning.
With respect to the cruise ship industry, I know that this is a big blow for Victoria, parts of Vancouver, and even up island and beyond, into Prince Rupert and Alaska. I'm confident, if you talk to the vast majority of people in Victoria, they would be hailing this decision. We are not comfortable, as a community, to welcome the world back to BC until the world gets their act together when it comes to COVID-19. Having assurances that thousands and thousands of people will be disgorging at Ogden Point and waving around a rapid test that may or may not be accurate is probably not going to meet the test of the vast majority of Victorians. I appreciate the disappointment of those who depend on the cruise ship industry, but we're not at that stage yet. I'll have to leave it to the federal government to, again as I've said a couple times today, manage the international borders. I was very anxious for them to do so 12 months ago, I'm grateful that they're continuing to do that.
The tourism association (TIABC) has been meeting with Minister Mark and meeting with Minister Kahlon about how we can continue to help not just those small businesses, but large businesses like Butchart Gardens, who depend on a lot of foot traffic to employ a lot of people. These major attractions are not eligible for some of the small business grants that we have on the table. We're looking at how we can help these larger businesses that are almost solely dependent on international travellers and the visitor economy. I want to see that come back as quickly as possible, but I know the vast majority of British Columbians will disagree with that until such time as there's evidence that the world, not just Washington State and people going to Peace Arch Park, but the world, has got their act together here. We all want that to happen as quickly as possible, whether you're in the tourism business or not.
The Coho Ferry hasn't run for almost a year. It had unscheduled stop in 60 years before that. The number of people that get off the Coho every day and stay here for a long period of time has had a far greater impact on businesses than those that have a three hour, four hour, five hour stop at the cruise ship terminal. There are a whole host of other tourism opportunities that we need to explore. I'll leave it to the federal government to answer why they've moved it all the way to 2022. That was their decision, not ours. We're certainly grateful they're focused on keeping our borders secure until such time as we see positive outcomes around the world.
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We are excited to formally announce the Tourism Industry Association of BC and the BC Hotel Association have partnered to host the 2021 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference.The conference theme is Mission Possible, a reference to the resilience and overall tenacity of our vital sector as we look to the future of tourism and hospitality beyond the pandemic.
The event will include two 60-minute presentations each morning and afternoon (total of 4 per day), with the addition of keynote presentations on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Friday will offer a selection of free concurrent workshops for anyone (in addition to delegates) in our industry to choose from.
You have the freedom of listening in everyday or picking the presentation you are most interested in.
Presentations and workshops will be offered on a wide-range of topics from industry experts and leaders such as:
- Doug Stephens, of Retail Prophet. Doug is currently writing his third and highly anticipated book to be released in Spring 2021 entitled Resurrecting Retail: The Future of Business in a Post-Pandemic World
- Randy Durband, CEO for the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Randy brings a unique blend of skills and experience based on the two career paths he has taken in travel and tourism – twenty-four years in senior leadership positions with major tour operators, plus nine years and counting as a global leader in sustainable tourism
- Don Welsh, CEO of Destinations International. A seasoned tourism executive with more than 35 years of experience in the industry, Welsh is an industry powerhouse, offering a highly strategic approach to tourism initiatives and solutions
- And many many more
The conference will take place virtually from Monday, March 8th to Thursday March 11th, followed by a day of free workshops/webinars for anyone in industry to take part in, on Friday, March 12th.
The cost? Only $99.00 per person (or $250.00+GST per company for up to four (4) people) + GST.
Watch for registration details in Friday's Bulletin
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2021 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
Partnership Opportunities
Our supporting partners are a big reason why our conferences have been such a success in the past. Partners deliver benefits to delegates that help grow their businesses, as well as BC's visitor economy as a whole, which is paramount this year with our industry taking the biggest hit due to the pandemic. If your company desires to build relationships with tourism leaders through the province, then partner with the 2021 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference and support our industry's rebound, future growth and success.
Download the full sponsorship kit here
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Today Walt Judas joined Jill Bennett on CKNW to discuss intra-provincial travel and the current travel restrictions.
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Applications Wanted for Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant
The Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program provides fully funded grants to qualifying businesses to ensure they have the support they need during and beyond COVID-19. Even if your business does not meet all the criteria, complete as much of the application as possible and submit it so that it's in the system and can be actioned by program advisors.
How the program works
Grants of $10,000 to $30,000 are available to small and medium sized B.C. businesses impacted by COVID-19. An additional $5,000 to $15,000 grant is available to eligible tourism-related businesses. The program runs until March 31st or until the funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first.
The first step is to apply for funding online:
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State of Tourism in Canada During COVID-19
Dashboard February 2021
This month’s dashboard is different from previous monthly dashboards in that it takes a step back from summarizing significant COVID-19 updates meant to support travel and tourism industry stakeholders in making the best decisions (though a brief summary is provided at the end of the report). Rather, it summarizes the numerous “trends” reports that have been published and circulated by major travel and tourism and other sector sources at the end of 2020/beginning of 2021 to help destinations, operators and travellers plan for 2021.
Top Trends for 2021
2021 will be a year of slow transition. Barring any unexpected catastrophes and a continuation of vaccinations, individuals, the travel and tourism industry and society can slowly begin looking forward to shaping futures through a lens of innovation and opportunity.
This report focuses on the top 21 trends, insights and predictions from leading travel and tourism sources to support industry stakeholders frame the future of travel and tourism in 2021. Trends include Embracing Work from Anywhere, the Rise of Rural, Hygiene over Fees, the Slow Travel Movement, No Fee Trip Changes, and more.
Download the February 2021 Dashboard here
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Blake Richards Update
Blake Richards, MP
Banff-Airdrie
Official Opposition Whip
"It has been just over a year since the first case of COVID-19 appeared in Canada. At the time, we did not know just how profound the impact of this novel coronavirus would be and we definitely did not know that a year later, we would still be grappling with its ongoing impacts.
And no part of the economy has been more impacted than that of the tourism and hospitality sector. While the short-term future for this sector remains up in the air and as Canada struggles with vaccine distribution, strain variants, and lockdowns, I am hopeful that working together we can ensure this vital sector comes back stronger and more successful than before."
The update includes information on Budget 2021 Consultations, Federal Testing Requirements and Travel Restrictions, HASCAP, and the Conservative Tourism Recovery Caucus Advisory Committee.
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Rocky Mountaineer Outlines Impacts of Travel Restrictions on Canadian Tourism Businesses
Peter Armstrong, founder of the Great Canadian Railtour Company (Rocky Mountaineer) has written to the Prime Minister to express concern about the lengthy extension to prohibiting cruise ships in Canada through February 28, 2022.
"We, along with so many others in the tourism industry, are facing an uncertain road ahead of when we can return to operations given the current travel restrictions in place. As one of countless seasonal tourism businesses owned and operated by Canadians, we need your next federal budget
to offer actionable, effective mechanisms that provide liquidity to tourism businesses that, like Rocky Mountaineer, have not seen revenue since before the pandemic began. Without tangible action from your government, we are very concerned about the future of tourism in this country."
Read the full letter here.
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Messaging Guidance for BC's Tourism Industry
Download the Messaging Guide here or visit:
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Tourism Tofino Releases New Video
Tourism Tofino has released a new video that helps viewers learn about the history of Tofino and what what visitors need to consider when visiting to lessen their impact.
In the video you will meet a few seasoned Tofino residents who share why it means so much to them.
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Gold Rush Travel Shares Special Story
The Gold Rush Trail recently shared a special story on their Facebook page - Tuckkwiowhum Village & Nlaka’pamux (Ingla-kap-ma) elder Ernie Michell shared the powerful meaning and importance of long hair in Indigenous culture.
The post has organically generated some heart-warming pride and engagement on their Facebook page with over 2,600 engagements and 250+ shares.
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Free Online Program
to Help People Working in Tourism and Hospitality
Revitalize Your Tourism or Hospitality Business in a COVID World
The Tourism Business Enhancement Program, designed by Capilano University’s School of Tourism Management, is a free online program created specifically for people working in the tourism, recreation and hospitality sector that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
The program is an opportunity to review an aspect of their business to create a pivot strategy that can be implemented soon after completion. It is primarily aimed at managers and supervisors, but applications from frontline staff will be considered if they meet certain conditions.
The program runs for five weeks, includes one-on-coaching, a $1,000 reimbursement for childcare and is delivered entirely online.
Program begins March 8. Apply today!
For complete details, or to apply, please visit:
If you know another person or business in the tourism and hospitality community who could benefit from this program, please let them know!
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Tourism Abbotsford
Seeking Destination Sales & Marketing Manager
Possessing a community-minded outlook and service-first approach, the Manager, Destination Sales & Marketing, supports the goals of the organization through developing strategies and implementing tactics that increase awareness of Abbotsford and grow incremental revenue for the local tourism industry.
Download job posting here
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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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Virtual BC Wine Industry Insight Conference 2021
Thursday, March 18th
Mark your calendars for the 2021 BC Wine Industry Insight Conference to be held virtually this year.
Wine Growers British Columbia along with the BC Wine Grape Council, BC Grapegrowers' Association and the BC Wine Authority are once again coming together to provide a forum covering industry-related topics, issues, policies and opportunities that impact your business operations.
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The Tourism Industry Association of Canada in partnership with TIABC is happy to offer these free, online webinars to tourism operators and organization on culinary tourism development. Five themed webinars will assist small and medium tourism operators and partners develop culinary tourism strategies to maintain their businesses and attract domestic visitors and international visitors once Canada is ready to welcome them again. Register today!
Attracting Culinary Tourists Webinar
Friday, March 12th at 9:00am PT (10am MT)
This webinar will be delivered Friday March 12th as part of the upcoming BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference – registration opening soon!
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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Online Training for Businesses
The Building Resilience to Thrive online training program will offer relief to businesses and help mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19.
The Building Resilience to Thrive online training program will offer relief to businesses and help mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by teaching them how to adapt their business models, re-engage their customers and adjust their workplace cultures. Developed in partnership with the University of Victoria, Gustavson School of Business, this program will have one hour seminars once per week for 6 weeks and will be offered three times until the end of March 2021.
Program curriculum will focus on the three key themes of Strive, Build, and Create.
Seminar topics will be:
- Power of Context – Unconscious Bias
- Emotional Intelligence
- The Power of Coaching in Business
- Hire and manage a diverse team
- Improve experiences for colleagues and customers
- Adapt your service strategy for better outcomes
The final program will be offered on the following date:
Wednesdays at 11am-12pm PST, February 24th to March 31st
Registration for Cohort 3 closes on February 18th at 4pm
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Patrick Weiler, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country is hosting a virtual town hall discussion with the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. They look forward to covering topics of high interest in the community, and across the country, such as how federal investments are supporting social, green and public transit infrastructure.
Wednesday, February 10th at 2:00pm PT
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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. |
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