C-19 BULLETIN - October 7, 2020
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Federal Government News
With robust protections in place, processes are being introduced to support greater family reunification, entry for compassionate reasons, and the safe and gradual entry of some international students. More specifically, these processes will provide for the entry of:
- Certain extended family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents, including those in an exclusive dating relationship of at least 1 year and their dependent children, as well as adult children, grandchildren, siblings and grandparents
- Foreign nationals for compassionate reasons in specific circumstances, such as life-threatening illness, critical injury or death, with potential limited release from quarantine
- International students, starting October 20th if they will be attending a designated learning institution that has been identified by their provincial or territorial government as having a COVID‑19 readiness plan in place
Detailed information on who may qualify as an extended family member and the process and requirements to be eligible to travel to and enter Canada will be available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website on October 8th. There will be a robust process in place for extended family members, and each traveller will need to apply for and be issued an authorization before they can travel to Canada.
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Community Workforce Response Grant Program
The Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training has developed a new Community Workforce Response Grant program stream called the Skills Training for Economic Recovery Stream, to provide short-term skills training to people impacted by COVID-19 so they can develop the knowledge, skills and competencies for good job opportunities while the economy recovers. Funded projects are intended to help people gain job-related skills, reattach to the labour market, and prepare for current and emerging job opportunities.
This time-limited stream opens for applications on October 8th, 2020 and will close in February, based on uptake. All training must start prior to March 2021.
If you have any questions about the stream or application submission, please email: CWRG@gov.bc.ca
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BC Weekly Domestic Overnight Tavel Patterns
February 4 - September 27, 2020
Key Findings:
The Week of September 6th saw the highest number of Domestic Overnight Visitation in BC since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, increasing by 2.6% compared to the same week in 2019.
While Overnight travel is significantly down compared to 2019, an upward trend in movement
and overnight stays on a week over week bases was apparent during Weeks 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 34.
All of the BC Regions saw a decrease in visitation from Week 33 (September 14-20) to Week 34
(September 21-27) with the exception of the Kootenay Rockies and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains which saw an increase.
The Thompson Okanagan, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies and Northern BC saw
an increase in visitation compared to British Columbia, Vancouver Island and Vancouver,Coast & Mountains saw a decrease during Week 34 (September 21-27).
Download the full report here. _______________________________________________________________
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COVID-19 Continues to Impact Tourism Businesses
In a letter shared with TIABC, the Port McNeill & District Chamber of Commerce is looking at new initiatives to deal with the ramifications of COVID-19.
"The Port McNeill & District Chamber of Commerce has taken on a revitalized challenge which focuses on community enhancement and growth through business efforts focusing on developing relationships, partnerships and placing a new focus on taking control of our own destiny.
These dire times require unique strategies and a comprehensive revised plan to pull our community together for survival. There is a new Chamber board with committed members who understand that business and economics can assist with the growth of a town and can show through leadership how to transform our community into a thriving, growing entity, proud of where We are and how we will live in the future.|
We have identified the necessity of relationships and partnerships to make a better world and a better community. Logging has always been a stand-alone industry in the North island and a leader in dollars generated for this region of BC. However, even forestry has its challenges and our Board has realized the necessity of joining forces with other industries and stakeholders in and around Port McNeill to create something that was never there before."
Read the full letter here. _______________________________________________________________
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BC Wine Institute Survey Results
Highlight COVID-19 Industry Impact
A recent industry-wide survey conducted by the BC Wine Institute (BCWI) in collaboration with the BC Grapegrowers' Association has found 83% of BC wineries and grapegrowers have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
Other key findings from the survey results included one in 10 BC wineries and grapegrowers worried they are at risk of closing due to COVID-19, with 58% seeing a loss in revenue and 55% having reduced access to customers. Although the long-term financial impacts may not be fully realized, the survey is the first step in identifying key areas where critical, lasting solutions and government policy are required for the successful recovery of our industry.
Learn more at:
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Call for TIABC Board Nominations
Closes October 12th
TIABC's AGM is scheduled for November 25th at a time and place to be determined (with virtual attendance options available). Please stay tuned.
For the 2020-2022 term we are seeking a total of six (6) candidates to serve on TIABC's Board of Directors:
From the DMO category, two (2) candidates are required for a two-year term. Note - one current board member is letting their name stand for for re-election.
From the Sector Association category, one (1) candidate is required for a two-year term. Note - one current board member is letting their name stand for for re-election.
From the Business category, three (3) candidates are required. Note - two current board members are letting their names stand for for re-election.
Nomination forms can be downloaded here or by visiting our website at: _______________________________________________________________
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Destination BC Seeks
Marketing Committee Members
Tourism Marketing Committee members work with Destination BC, the CEO and Board to develop a successful, dynamic and sustainable tourism sector for British Columbia.
Destination BC works in partnership with tourism stakeholders across the province to coordinate tourism marketing at the international, provincial, regional and local levels. Committee members are nominated by the Regional Destination Marketing Organizations (RDMOs).
Destination BC is currently seeking five representatives for three-year terms (January 2021 to December 2023). Beginning January 1, 2021, the TMC requires representatives from the following tourism regions*:
- Two representatives from Vancouver, Coast & Mountains;
- One representative from Thompson Okanagan;
- One representative from Kootenay Rockies;
- One representative from Northern British Columbia.
*No new representatives for the Vancouver Island and Cariboo Chilcotin Coast regions are required for 2021.
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Host Cheryl MacKinnon Brings BC's Best Wellness Travel Experiences to Audiences Around the World
Following more than 15 years as a travel writer and on-air radio and tv host, Canadian media personality Cheryl MacKinnon has launched a weekly podcast, "Great Wellness Getaways."
The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcast, iHeart, YouTube, and at www.greatwellnessgetaways.com. The website is also host to an appealing range of wellness holiday ideas.
Great Wellness Getaways features Cheryl’s trademark “insider reviews" with industry leaders of magnificent holidays and affordable getaways. Places where guests can choose to unwind, reset, renew over a few days, or partake in a full health immersion program over a week or longer. The upbeat, fresh, and informative segments reach a target demographic of 30-somethings to boomers 55+ who are keen to explore options to keep themselves healthy and well in the years ahead.
Global Wellness Tourism grew by 6.5 % between 2015 and 2017, from US$563.2 billion to US$639.4 billion. By Fall 2019, it was forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 7.5% through 2023, considerably faster than the 6.4% growth estimated for overall tourism. By 2022, the spending was estimated to hit US$919 billion, with 1.2 billion wellness trips taken annually, according to the Global Wellness Institute.
Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. What now? Recovery is possible.
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In Case You Missed it...
BC Election Toolkit 2020
TIABC, ABLE BC, BCHA and Restaurants Canada are among the largest tourism and hospitality sector associations in British Columbia, representing hundreds of thousands of employees and businesses throughout the province.
Together with our partners and stakeholders, we have been working with all levels of government, particularly at the provincial level, to address the enormous challenges our sector has faced since the start of the COVID-19 crisis.
With the unexpected variable of a provincial election in the middle of a pandemic, our individual and collective efforts become even more important. Informing, educating and questioning candidates of all parties on the issues and needs of the tourism and hospitality industry is paramount to government decisions on recovery efforts post-election.
This Election Toolkit is your guide to ensure our sector's voice is both heard and understood by those running for office, and that each party is prepared to address the issues and opportunities to help tourism and hospitality rebound in the months and years ahead.
Download the Election Toolkit here or on our website at:
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Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Virtual Event
British Columbians are headed to the polls on October 24th.
Now more than ever BC needs strong leadership to navigate these difficult economic times. It is critical that our government implements strategies to overcome the short-term challenges while remaining committed to long-term priorities that will underpin our future prosperity.
This special virtual event is an opportunity for the business community to hear directly from candidates about their vision for our provincial recovery, transformation, and growth.
Thursday, October 8th, 2020
12:00 PM
The results from the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's Provincial Election Survey will also be released, providing the candidates with an opportunity to respond to the main ballot box issues of the business community.
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Sonia Furstenau, Leader, Green Party of BC |
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John Horgan, Leader,
BC NDP
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Andrew Wilkinson, Leader,
BC Liberal Party
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Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade |
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Evi Mustel, Principal, Mustel Group |
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Moderator: Simi Sara, Talk Show Host, CKNW |
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Marketing with Scarce Resources:
Perspectives from Tour Operators
Join the Tourism and Hospitality Resource Forum on Thursday, October 8th, at 1:30 pm (Pacific) for their next panel discussion:
Marketing with Scarce Resources: Perspectives from Tour Operators
Panelists:
For more information on joining the Tourism and Hospitality Resource Forum for free, please contact Dr. Geoff Bird at Geoff.2bird@royalroads.ca
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Tourism & Hospitality in a Time of COVID
Hosted by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
November 2nd, 12:00PM
The economic rebound of British Columbia hinges on the recovery of critical economic sectors such as tourism and hospitality.
Prior to the pandemic, tourism contributed $8.3 billion to provincial GDP and employed more than 160,000 people. For our region and province to recover, it is essential that government provide support measures to help the industry overcome and rebuild from the devastating impacts of COVID-19.
The keynote speaker and panellists will discuss the short- and long-term measures, programs and priorities that will help tourism-reliant businesses survive today and transform our region for the future.
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Tourism Digital Academy
The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, 8-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing at an intermediate level.
Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. From setting your goals, to building a better understanding of SEO, email, website usability, content, analytics and more – you’ll leave the program with the confidence and knowledge to put that plan into action.
This online program includes:
- 8 weeks of interactive sessions led by digital marketing experts and ongoing access to the video recordings (Tuesdays & Thursdays each week for a total of four hours per week)
- Technical tutorials to dig deeper into specific areas and share experiences with other participants (Wednesdays each week for one hour)
- One-to-one coaching available, on demand, to answer your sticky questions
- Audits of your business website, SEO and social media channels to assess your current situation
- A marketing plan template to guide development of your own plan
- Opportunities for peer support and networking
There are multiple intakes, each running for 8 weeks, beginning the week of:
- October 19 – Applications due by Oct 8
- October 26 – Applications due by Oct 16
- November 9 – Applications due by Oct 30 (with a break over the holiday period)
The application-based program is free for all participants and requires a minimum level of digital marketing experience to participate to participate. We advise that participants dedicate up to 10 hours per week to the program: five hours to attend classes and tutorial sessions, and up to five hours to apply the learning to your marketing plan as you go. Please allow 15-30 minutes to complete the application.
To learn more and apply, visit:
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October 21
November 17 & 18
TIABC AGM
November 25
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TIABC's C-19 Bulletin is published every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
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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