CEO Message
Given how quickly this crisis has evolved over the last 10 days, I suspect that for most of us, we no longer distinguish between weekdays and weekends. Whether you’re still working or now unemployed, each day is like the one before…unpredictable, surreal, scary, shocking, and a whole range of similar emotions that at times are difficult to process.
In my 30+ years in tourism, I have witnessed the peaks and valleys of the visitor economy and dealt with the consequences of crises such as SARS, 9/11, H1N1, mad cow, wildfires, flooding, and many others that impacted British Columbia's visitor economy directly or indirectly. But none have hit harder, more quickly, and with greater impact than COVID-19.
As little as two weeks ago, some operators were on track for another record year based on the pace of bookings for the months ahead. Today, those same businesses have either closed or laid-off dozens if not hundreds of staff. As you know, earlier this month, 475 tourism professionals from around the province convened at the BC Tourism Industry Conference to learn, conduct business, have fun, and celebrate our individual and collective success as an industry. Today, many of those same individuals are wondering how to pay their bills let alone keep their businesses afloat.
Knowing that individuals, communities, regions and countries around the world are all experiencing a similar predicament due to COVID-19 doesn’t make it any easier or bring us any more comfort. However, what I've found encouraging is how the entire BC tourism industry has banded together to try to help each other through what most would agree is the biggest professional crisis of our careers.
Throughout this week, I’ve received countless phone calls, text messages, emails and other correspondence from senior levels of government, members, partners, TIABC directors and many others all looking to contribute to the response and recovery efforts that our industry needs to survive. Sector associations, destination management organizations and small businesses have all reached out to TIABC to support the work that we’re doing on behalf of industry to voice tourism’s concerns and offer solutions to government to ensure that we not only get through this crisis but eventually thrive again. What's more, everyone is working night and day with their own stakeholders to achieve the same outcome. I must say I've never been more proud of our industry while at the same time overwhelmingly burdened by what's transpired.
Even though it’s Friday and many of us will be working through the weekend, TIABC’s C-19 Bulletin will take a break for a couple of days. As we’ve learned from our outstanding health care professionals, in the midst of a crisis, it’s still vital that we take a break, look after ourselves, rest, and re-energize to face what will undoubtedly be another challenging and tumultuous week.
I recognize it’s hard to see the good in what’s happened and be grateful with the daily carnage all around us. However, for the good of our own well-being, we must pause to say thank you to the health care professionals who are risking their own physical, emotional and mental health each day to treat those affected by the virus (in addition to other patients struggling with illness and injury). As you know, our healthcare system is overwhelmed at present, and for the foreseeable future, it's not going to get any easier.
I hope you take a few minutes over the next couple of days to thank the people you work with or for, even if they were forced to make the painful decision to close their business. Also, take a moment to acknowledge your fellow tourism colleagues that have formed alliances and task forces with an
all hands on deck
approach to finding a path forward.
And don’t forget to recognize the politicians and their staff who are working non-stop to tackle this pandemic, manage growing demands, meet the needs of residents, and deliver solutions to employees, businesses and many others during what must be the most trying of times.
I know...it's not easy to say thanks at a time like this, especially when lives and livelihoods are at stake. But to show it can be done, I for one am grateful for Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix for the critical work they're doing every day on behalf of British Columbians.
Do your best to stay healthy and safe this weekend, and don’t forget to say thanks. While you're at it, help someone in need because after all, it's a part of our tourism and hospitality DNA.
Best Regards,
Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
778-953-0620
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