C-19 BULLETIN - June 26, 2020

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CEO Message

If you’ve ever struggled with a medical issue, often the biggest relief is learning the official diagnosis, even if it’s bad. Once you know what’s wrong, you can then seek the proper treatment on the road to full health.
 
While I’m no medical expert, sometimes the process of healing consists of avoidance rather than pills or surgery. For example, your doctor might prescribe that you abstain from a fast food diet, or alcohol, sugar, and smoking to deal with ailments such as high blood pressure. In other words, common sense measures that produce results. So where am I going with this you ask?
 
In the context of COVID-19, most of the province has followed Dr. Bonnie Henry’s lead in avoiding places or situations where one is at risk of contracting the disease. Notwithstanding outright bans on casual visits to care homes…shunning large gatherings, foregoing hugging and handshaking, and staying close to home are sensible practices we’ve accepted and/or reluctantly adopted to stay safe.
 
On the point of remaining local, some communities have taken it a step further by saying, ‘please don’t come here…at least until we’re ready and give you permission.’ Even though Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan is underway and travel around the province is permitted (with conditions), it appears not every community has rolled out the welcome mat. And frankly that’s okay.
 
While all of us want nothing more than for business to take off and for things to get back to normal (i.e. record-setting revenues & visitor numbers), the fact is that it won’t be the same travel and tourism environment we’ve become accustomed to in British Columbia for the last number of years. I suspect that in spite of pent-up demand and even promising bookings in several tourism hotspots, it will be an ongoing process and part of a collective effort by community leaders, government, First Nations, local residents, and tourism businesses for many people to feel comfortable in visiting other communities around the province, let alone to be greeted with open arms.
 
Lately I’ve heard a lot of talk about First Nations’ communities telling tourists to stay away, which seemingly does little to help Indigenous tourism businesses during a time when so many are barely making ends meet. However, there are good reasons for the no vacancy signs that every traveller needs to pay attention to and respect.
 
For one, Indigenous people have historical experience with devastating outbreaks. All bands are particularly concerned about the health and welfare of their elders, who during this pandemic are considered high risk if exposed to the virus. So it stands to reason that they don’t want to put any elder in jeopardy by allowing visitors into their territory until they deem it safe to do so.
 
Secondly, many reserves are located in rural parts of the province where the resources are lean in comparison to major centres where the majority of people reside. Should an outbreak of COVID-19 occur, most First Nations are not equipped to manage the situation meaning the consequences could be catastrophic.
 
When I’ve been asked about so-called ‘closed communities’, my advice to prospective travellers has been to ‘do your research on what’s open and what’s not; find out why you’re asked to stay away; and most importantly, respect the wishes of the locals if they’re still preaching the ‘come visit us later’ message…particularly for vulnerable First Nations’ communities throughout BC.
 
So go ahead, travel as far and wide through British Columbia and enjoy every minute of it. But, as your good doctor might tell you, resist the temptation to over-indulge (i.e. don't go where you’re not supposed to). We’ll all be healthier for it over the long term.
 
Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
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Federal Government News

The Government of Canada launched CEBA to ensure that small businesses have access to the capital they need to see them through the current challenges, and better position them to quickly return to providing services to their communities and creating employment.

This $55 billion program, implemented by eligible financial institutions in cooperation with Export Development Canada (EDC), provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25% (up to $10,000).

The expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) is now open for applications. This means that more small businesses can access it.

As of June 26th, businesses eligible for CEBA now include owner-operated small businesses that do not have a payroll, sole proprietors receiving business income directly, as well as family-owned corporations remunerating in the form of dividends rather than payroll. Applicants will have to demonstrate having eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1,500,000 in 2020.

The expanded CEBA is being made available gradually by more than 230 financial institutions across the country, starting with the larger banks. Other participating financial institutions will start offering the program over the coming weeks.
Vancouver Aquarium
Receives Funding Support

Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, today announced emergency federal support for the Vancouver Aquarium.

$2M in funding to Ocean Wise Conservation Association will help ensure the survival of this important tourist attraction and over 70,000 marine animals.
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TIABC Correspondence with Government

TIABC has been actively communicating with government on a range of urgent issues related to the impacts of COVID-19 and our industry's recovery needs.

Yesterday we received a response from Finance Minister Carole James regarding our suggestions to help BC's community destination marketing organizations cope with the negative financial impacts of lost hotel tax revenue (MRDT).

On June 24th, we received a response from Minister Beare and Minister Farnworth regarding our letter highlighting the hardship created by the requirement for businesses to provide full refunds under the Consumer Protection Act for cancelled services.

All the TIABC C-19 related correspondence can be found on our website at: www.tiabc.ca/advocacy-policy-development/covid-19-updates
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TIABC Media Engagement Continues

Walt Judas quoted in the National Geographic article Thinking of driving to Canada this summer? Better ask the locals.
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Destinations Around BC Enter Phase 3.... Safely and Responsibly
HelloBC

The HelloBC.com website outlines 10 Ways to Travel Safely:
1. Plan Ahead
2. Be Respectful
3. Travel in Smaller Groups
4. More Time, Fewer Locations
5. Pack Essentials
6. Stay Apart, Stay Safe
7. Leave No Trace
8. Be AdventureSmart
9. Be Calm, Be Patient, Be Kind
10. Support Local Business
Explore Whistler Responsibly

Tourism Whistler is working to develop tools and practices that allow them to keep their guests and community safe. They also have guidelines for the changes they’re asking of everyone who spends time in Whistler.
  • Let’s Interact Considerately
  • Let’s Play Simply
  • Let’s Explore Responsibly
  • Let’s Enjoy Patiently
Indigenous Tourism BC

Indigenous Tourism BC has released a new video entitled Everything is Connected that invites residents to reflect on the precious resources on Indigenous lands in British Columbia.

ITBC supports  #IndigenousBC  communities and businesses who are open or are planning to receive visitors who live near, and also respects those who remain closed.

Watch the video at:

The ITBC website also outlines how to travel responsibly:
  • Travel is a Privilege
  • Wait for Your Welcome
  • Keep Your Distance
  • Seek and Follow the Wisdom of Your Indigenous Hosts
  • Travel Less. Stay Longer
  • Stay and Spend Locally
  • Don't Create Additional Challenges for Indigenous Communities
  • Come Prepared and Think Sustainably
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Messaging Guidance June 25–July 1
(Final Edition) 

In the final edition of Destination BC's Messaging Guidance, they continue to support the Provincial Health Authority and BC's tourism industry by: inspiring consumer confidence in visiting tourism and hospitality businesses around BC; restoring tourism’s social license with host communities so they will welcome visitors this summer and fall;  supporting local tourism businesses to re-start; and ensuring the public receives “Know Before You Go" messaging for travel during Phase 3.


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Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Presents:
Friday Fast Facts

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has been actively monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry through a variety of channels over the past several months. In the last two months alone, business intelligence has been gathered from over 1,000 unique tourism stakeholders in the region via telephone and online surveys; data from their partnership with Environics Analytics received and analyzed weekly; and additional research has been sourced through the UN World Tourism Organization, Destination Canada, Destination BC, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat, BC Hotel Association, go2HR, Community DMO Partners, just to name a few. 

As BC moves into the beginning of recovery, TOTA wants to ensure stakeholders are armed with this information to assist in making smart business decisions. TOTA will be launching a bi-monthly newsletter capturing the latest industry research. Entitled  Friday Fast Facts,  this publication will provide a regular and timely snapshot of the current state of the regional tourism industry providing in-depth insights.

Below is an example of a graph showing year over year Domestic overnight visitation.
City of Victoria Announces Open Air Recovery Plan

The Victoria City Council recently unveiled an  Open Air Recovery Plan  which, once implemented, will allow businesses to sell their products and set up patios in public spaces such as “squares, plazas, and streets.” Council hopes that this plan will help aid economic recovery while also following public health guidelines.

According to Victoria City Councillor  Jeremy Loveday, who sponsored the motion along with Mayor Lisa Helps, the  push for the Open Air Recovery Plan came from hospitality industry groups  - including ABLE BC - across the province, and has received support from local businesses as well as citizens who are anxious for the return of a sense of normalcy.

In May ABLE BC, the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association, BC Craft Brewers Guild, and the BC Wine Institute wrote jointly to municipalities across the province to outline the challenges their members face as they attempt to re-open following months of closure or limited operation.

The main recommendation, which is included in the Open Air Recovery Plan, is that municipalities should create and expand patio space, as well as permit dining, liquor service, and manufacturer’s sampling in public spaces.

These recommendations have also been adopted by the City of Vancouver, which has directed city staff to look at how patios can be developed, expanded, and permitted to support the economic recovery of the hospitality sector.
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Small Business BC PPE Marketplace

Small Business BC has created a  Non-Medical PPE Marketplace  to connect businesses with suppliers of non-medical safety equipment.

You'll be able to see suppliers, filter by BC-based companies and see who has gloves, counter-guards, sanitizer and everything else you need to operate safely.


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Hotel Association of Canada
Liquidity Survey

BC Hotel Association Update:

As the end of the temporary layoff period approaches, we along with our industry partners, continue to aggressively pressure our government to extend the temporary layoff provision until at least August 31st, requesting the provision to run for the full duration of the Province's emergency order, plus an additional six weeks beyond expiry.

We are also facing an unprecedented impact of the pandemic on the insurance industry.
As such, we are doing our best, working with our provincial counterparts to navigate this difficult landscape to ensure you, as our industry have access to insurance and that we mitigate the impact of yet another potential premium increase.

The Hotel Association of Canada and the BC Hotel Association are actively working alongside the government to identify and make improvements, but they need the participation of the hotel sector. It is critical that they have at least 500 hotels complete the survey linked below.

Take the survey here:   www.surveymonkey.com/r/FSCF6B8
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Industry on the Move

Discover Surrey has appointed Ange Chew as Executive Director. Ange will work to promote the community as a tourism destination and as a leader in industry trends by creating and executing a strategic marketing and promotional plan, overseeing and managing key programs, and implementing mandates as identified within the annual strategic plan.

Ange brings with her more than 25 years of experience in strategic brand marketing, media relations, communications and creative team management, most recently as Tourism Manager of Tourism Vernon, and previously with roles held with Tourism Richmond and as an independent marketing consultant. 

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Destination BC Webinars

Destination BC is hosting a series of webinars to support BC’s tourism industry in areas of response, recovery, and resilience from COVID-19. The Road to Recovery webinar series has reached over 1,700 participants since launching on May 12th.

  • July 7: Revisiting your COVID-19 Safety Plan | Register here

Watch recordings of previous webinars:
  • May 12: Business After Re-opening: A Look at the Post-closure Traveller | View recording here
  • May 14: Essential Strategies to Innovate your Visitor Experience and Offerings | View recording here
  • May 19: Planning for Doors Open | View recording here
  • May 21: Managing Expectations and Reputation through Effective Communication | View recording here
  • May 26: Using Social Media to Support Re-opening | View recording here
  • May 28: Building a Digital Marketing Strategy for Re-opening | View recording here
  • June 4: ExploreBC… Virtually | View recording here
  • June 9: Restart Safely: Health & Safety Essentials to Support Re-opening | View recording here
  • June 11: Work Refusal & Other HR Challenges Amid the Restart | View recording here
  • June 16: SEO in Uncertain Times: How it can Help Recovery Efforts | View recording here
  • June 18: Adapting Customer Service & Guest Communication in a Pandemic Impacted Business Environment | View recording here

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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.