The Government of Canada today announced the extension of crucial COVID-19 support measures for Canadians and Canadian businesses in recognition that uneven economic reopening across regions and sectors means workers and businesses continue to need support. These extensions include:

Government acknowledged that workers and businesses in certain regions and sectors continue to need support. In the April federal budget, the government recognized that the economic and public health situation remained uncertain and made sure it had the flexibility to extend supports further into the fall as the public health situation warranted. By moving forward on these extensions, the government is ensuring that businesses – including those in hard-hit sectors like tourism, hospitality, arts, and entertainment – can continue to get the support they need so they can invest in their recovery and long-term prosperity.

In addition, the government is proposing to offer businesses greater flexibility when calculating the revenue decline used to determine eligibility for the wage and rent subsidy programs and the new Canada Recovery Hiring Program. The government is also releasing draft legislation that provides further clarity on previously announced changes to the wage subsidy for furloughed employees.

More details on the extension and these proposed changes to COVID business supports are available in the backgrounder associated with today’s announcement.

Please click here for the complete announcement.

Vancouver Airport Authority welcomed today's announcement which confirms new federal funding through Transport Canada’s Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP) for essential airport safety and infrastructure projects.

This funding comes at a pivotal time as Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is preparing to welcome back travellers and help lead the region’s economic recovery.

Funding from ACIP totals $38.4 million and will support two projects at YVR, including upgrades to the airport’s Runway End Safety Area and its dyke and drainage system.

Click here to read the full news release from YVR More and funding announcement from Transport Canada’s news release.

TIABC CEO, Walt Judas was joined by TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews and TIABC Director Michael J. Ballingall of Big White Ski Resort on July 28th to speak to City TV about the latest restrictions placed on the Central Okanagan region, and how it may further impact the the tourism industry as businesses prepare for the new rules.

Click here to view the full interview.

TIABC CEO, Walt Judas spoke to Global TV's Richard Zussman on Wednesday about the new restrictions enforced in the Central Okanagan and how the hard-hit tourism industry is once again bracing for a new COVID-19 challenge. He stressed that our industry cannot afford to regress and have stringent travel restrictions placed across the province again.

Click here to view the full story.

On Wednesday, July 28th, Health Minister Adrian Dix, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, and Interior Health Interim Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Sue Pollock announced new restrictions for the Central Okanagan following a COVID-19 surge. An outbreak was declared and includes Kelowna, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Peachland, and Lake Country.

With the dramatic rise in COVID-19 case counts, the Province introduced new COVID-19 restrictions for the Central Okanagan region that include:

Interior Health has increased enforcement for businesses that have had three or more COVID-19 cases. Interior Health is also working with municipalities and WorkSafeBC to ensure businesses are in compliance with their communicable disease prevention plans. Learn more about creating and updating your communicable disease plan here.

While these temporary restrictions are in the Central Okanagan, this is an important reminder for industry to check-in with your staff and ensure:

TIABC wishes to remind everyone that the pandemic is not over and unfortunately, situations could change at any time and anywhere. Our industry must continue to lead and do our part to ensure that we remain open, follow provincial COVID-19 health & safety guidelines and help prevent the spread of the virus.

People can get their first or second dose by dropping in at any of Interior Health's immunization clinics or by appointment.

People can also book an appointment if they would like. Register online by visiting the provincial website, or call 1-833-838-2323.

Please click here for the complete announcement from Interior Health.

BC residents and travellers are encouraged to download the new BC Wildfire App for real-time alerts.

The app provides real-time wildfire information and an interactive map that users can customize to display a variety of fire-related data.

The new app is one of many proactive initiatives undertaken by the BC Wildfire Service to give members of the public, media and stakeholders access to consistent, accurate and timely wildfire information throughout the province. This app complements the BC Wildfire Service’s website and social media channels and also offers a “Near Me” function. When users select the “Near Me” option, the app will only display information within a 50-kilometre radius of their current location, allowing them to more easily focus on wildfire activity within that area.

Download it free from the App Store and Google Play.

Click here for ongoing updates and information from the BC Wildfire Service.

In view of the wildfire situation in parts of British Columbia, here are important resources for communities, destination marketing/management organizations (DMO's) and tourism operators to use to communicate with guests and prospective visitors.

Given the evolving emergency situation, the messaging guide, as well as respective websites will be updated regularly.

Check DriveBC's info about road closures, major events and transportation delays here

Click here for Destination BC's "Know Before You Go".

We encourage visitors and travellers to check in with the Visitor Centre in the communities they will be visiting for real-time, on-the-ground updates.

To report a wildfire (dial *5555 on a cell phone or call toll free 1.800.663.5555)

TIABC continues to regularly engage with our industry and cross-government partners via the Tourism Emergency Management Committee (including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, DBC, ITBC, the BCDMOA and the BC Regional Secretariat), the Joint Information Centre (with representation from each Government of BC agency), and others as needed, to ensure that we – and BC’s tourism industry – have the latest information and can respond in a timely manner.

In response to BC’s provincial State of Emergency regarding wildfires, which was declared on July 20th, Destination BC has prepared Emergency Messaging Guidance to help the tourism industry navigate questions, mitigate visitor concerns, and proactively manage perceptions.

During emergencies, BC's tourism industry is an important conduit to official information sources for visitors.

As part of this, DBC is encouraging industry partners to use the hashtag #RealTime________ (name of city/community) on social media to ensure current and future visitors have an accurate ‘real time’ visual on current conditions (blue skies, business as usual etc.). Add the date and time the photo was taken, and tag key tourism partners in your post (@DestinationBC on Twitter, @HelloBC on Instagram) and your Regional/Community DMO partners so it can be amplified.

The messaging guidance can be found here on the Emergency Preparedness page of the Destination BC corporate website, along with safe and responsible travel graphics for you to use on your channels, a visitor-facing safe travel brochure (web and print version), and the links to the Know Before You Go information.

The recent and final COVID-19 Pulse Check survey conducted by the BC Chamber of Commerce revealed that businesses are hopeful about the future with 60% of respondents saying they are optimistic or very optimistic about the next 12 months.

However, while BC’s Restart Plan is well underway with COVID-19 restrictions easing, businesses continue to feel the impact of the pandemic and need support to navigate the current environment, in particular seeking help to access a pool of skilled workers from which to hire and train.

Of the 680 businesses that responded to the survey, 59% (up from 41% in April 2021) report that access to labour continues to be a challenge. Approximately seven out of ten businesses (69%) report using at least one form of government support, highlighting the need for supports to continue as businesses navigate through and beyond the pandemic.

The BC Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Pulse Check 7 survey ran from July 5th to 16th, and was designed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on businesses across the province.

Click here for the full news release and learn about the key findings.

Indigenous communities, local governments and heritage organizations in British Columbia will soon have access to funding for projects that spotlight the Province’s diverse cultural heritage.

Administered through the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation and Heritage BC, the new, $30-million 150 Time Immemorial grant program will fund projects that educate people about B.C.’s colonial past, advance reconciliation and promote inclusivity and diversity for the province’s future. Indigenous communities, local governments and not-for-profit heritage organizations with an Indigenous or heritage mandate are eligible to submit applications starting in fall 2021.

The program will support projects in BC communities focused on reconciliation and building resiliency throughout the next 150 years and beyond, honouring B.C.’s diverse cultural heritage.

Click here for more information on this announcement.

The Workplace Accessibility Grant program provides up to $1,000 in support to small business employers in British Columbia by providing direct financial assistance towards creating an inclusive work environment for persons with a disability(ies).

This Grant Program is available for companies with between 1 and 50 employees (both part time and full time). Businesses must be based in and operate within British Columbia, and have been registered in BC at the time of submission.

The grant can be used for the following (but not exclusively for):

Click here to learn more about the grant and to apply.

Premier John Horgan is inviting all British Columbians to join him in saluting front-line workers during the ongoing pandemic, as well as those battling wildfires, with a public cheer on B.C. Day.

The premier is asking people throughout the province to take a moment at 7 pm on Monday, August 2nd, to bang pots and make some noise as a way of expressing gratitude and appreciation.

The salute to front-line workers is part of Vax for BC, the latest step in the Province’s campaign to help as many British Columbians as possible get vaccinated.

Click here to watch the video for the Premier's call to salute on BC Day.

On Wednesday, August 4th, all clinics are offering walk-in doses. Health authorities will bring vaccines to British Columbians where they work, play and shop – at the beach, at Playland in Vancouver and in farmers’ markets around the province.

Clinics throughout the province will reserve about 20,000 doses for walk-in vaccinations for anyone 12 years and older who still need their first dose or people eligible to receive their second dose.

You don't need to register online or phone before you arrive.

Bring photo ID to the clinic. You'll get either Pfizer or Moderna. If you're getting dose 2, you're encouraged to also bring your immunization record card.

Click here for information about the Vax for BC program

Mike Wiegele, founder of world-renowned heliskiing company Mike Wiegele’s Helicopter Skiing (MWHS), has passed away.

A pioneer of the heliskiing industry, Mike took pride in introducing local kids to the thrill of heliskiing, and provided high-quality skiing experiences for Simpcw First Nation youth free of charge.

Mike established Blue River as a base for Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, an enterprise which, over five decades, he marshalled into an industry leading, internationally renowned resort. In 1978, he launched the Powder 8 World Championships and a decade later was instrumental in bringing fat ski technology to the people. His drive and innovation established many of the foundations of the heliski industry, and his commitment to safety led to the establishment of many industry standards and an important avalanche research programme.

In 1990, he established the Canadian Ski Guides Association, opening the door for Canadians to train as heliski guides.

On behalf of TIABC, we express our condolences to Mike's family and to the ski-industry family. We are grateful for the legacy he has left in the tourism industry.

Click here to read the full tribute to Mike Wiegele.

The Vancouver Park Board has announced it will be closing all non-essential access to Stanley Park during the overnight hours in an effort to reduce the fire risk in the park.

The park will be temporarily closing all non-essential access between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am starting tonight and continuing each night until the fire risk has been reduced.

The board says the closure is being activated in an effort to reduce the fire risk to the park, which “is extreme due to the current drought conditions and sustained heat events.”

Park rangers will set up temporary overnight access control points at five locations across the park to reduce the number of individuals in the park overnight. Vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and anyone who does not require access to the park will be turned around at access control points.

Anyone requiring entry into the park during the closure, including the #19 bus, emergency services, patrons and staff of park businesses, will be permitted to enter through the control points.

Click here for more information on this story.

go2HR has been hard at work undertaking a Labour Market Information research project to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce. Even before COVID-19, the industry faced some significant human resource challenges. We know those challenges will only increase as we emerge from the pandemic.

go2HR is responding to these challenges by undertaking an ambitious labour market research project.

go2hr needs to hear from a representative sample of employers across all sectors and regions of the province. They ask for 25 minutes to complete this survey. They want to hear about the impact of COVID-19 on your operations, the human resource issues you face, and what can be done to help industry in dealing with these issues going forward.

TIABC endeavours to keep our industry and members up to date with the various relief and recovery programs. In addition to the recently announced Tourism Relief Fund program, here is a list of federal funding programs currently available.

Tourism Relief Fund (TRF): to help tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. The $500 million national initiative across Canada will be administered by Western Economic Diversification in Western Canada.

Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS): Subsidy to cover a portion of eligible expenses until October 23rd. Also includes an additional Lockdown Support of 25% if your business was significantly affected by a public health order. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525

Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP): Aimed at sectors like tourism and hospitality, hotels, arts and entertainment, and will offer 100% government-guaranteed financing and provide low-interest loans up to $1 million for up to ten years.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Covers part of your employee wages retroactively back to December 20, 2020 until October 23rd. The maximum subsidy is 75%. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525

Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP): The new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) is designed to encourage businesses to grow as the economy recovers, whether it’s due to hiring and re-hiring staff, increasing shifts, or increasing overall pay.

Note: Your business can only claim the CEWS OR CRHP - here is a comparison between the two programs

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB): $400 per week for 13 two-week periods between September 27, 2020, and September 25, 2021 for self-employed workers and those in the gig economy. Applications are handled through the Canada Revenue Agency. Hotline: 1-833-966-2099

First Peoples' Cultural Council Arts Program. Grants ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 for Indigenous B.C. residents open for the Spring 2021 intake.

The SFI represents the angling community particularly in coastal BC, constantly reminding DFO that sustainable and predictable angling opportunity is important to individuals, businesses, families and communities across the province. Your support through the 2021 lottery will help secure a better future for our fishery and the resources it depends upon.

Supporting the activities of the SFI will assist British Columbians to reliable and predictable access to fisheries. BC's public fishery is enjoyed by over 400,000 anglers every year. This healthy, family oriented outdoor activity develops awareness and environmental stewardship of our marine and freshwater resources and ecosystems. By supporting the SFI, you are also supporting the protection and promotion of the traditions, lifestyle, and employment of many British Columbians.

Grand Prize and Final Prizes drawn on

December 2nd at 6:00 pm

Draw on October 8th

Click here to purchase tickets online, and view updated jackpot as tickets are purchased.

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce that tickets for its first-ever online 50/50 raffle are now on sale. The raffle starts with a $1000 jackpot and will increase with every ticket purchased above and beyond until sales close on August 16th.

The initiative is a fundraiser for the BCHF, with a mission of supporting hospitality and tourism workers in need.

The winning name will be drawn at noon on August 17th and will be posted on the BCHF website and social media shortly thereafter, pending notification to the winner. Funds raised by the event will be used by the BCHF to support hospitality industry workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member.

Click here to purchase tickets online, and view updated jackpot as tickets are purchased.

Despite the ongoing challenges our industry continues to face as a result of the impacts of COVID, TIABC is heartened to observe the strength, resiliency and innovative means taking place today. In today's Bulletin however, we wish to acknowledge the following:

During these challenging times in our province, TIABC would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the firefighters from across the country and from places afar who have dedicated their time to assist in protecting our province, it's natural landscapes, rural and urban centres, it's precious wildlife, and it's residents.

Fighting side by side with BC firefighters are out-of-town personnel that include firefighters from Australia, Mexico, Quebec, Alberta, Nova Scotia, Parks Canada staff, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Most of us cannot image the extreme conditions these heroes are working under as they tirelessly battle wildfires through extreme weather conditions. Their exceptional level of service and dedication to battling these flames while perhaps often in harms way and placing their own safety in jeopardy is to be heavily commended.

We remain humbly grateful for your service and protection and wish to Thank You for everything that you are doing to make life better for others during these are extremely hard days. We are beholden of your service and protection and wish to commend every individual working during this demanding time.

TIABC recognizes that many of our members have been supporting our organization's advocacy efforts for a very long time. In this feature, we are showcasing those businesses and organizations that have been active members for 10 years or more.

Capilano University is named after Chief Joe Capilano, an important leader of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation of the Coast Salish Peoples.

Capilano University was founded by the school boards and residents of North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Howe Sound through a referendum in 1968. During our first year, all 784 enrolled students took their classes at night in the classrooms of West Vancouver Secondary School, with the main campus in North Vancouver opening in 1973.

Capilano University was founded by the school boards and residents of North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Howe Sound through a referendum in 1968. In 2008, the provincial government changed Capilano College's designation to Capilano University.

CapU has traditional university programs, including philosophy, English and physics and also unique fields of study like outdoor recreation management, jazz studies, and motion picture arts. They also offer a full mix of continuing education courses geared toward your career and personal development.

Click here to learn more about Capilano University.

The month of July marks membership renewal dates for the majority of TIABC's members. Due to the difficulties our industry has faced since early 2020, we have extended various payment options to members if required. Please contact Deborah to learn more about how we can assist you with your membership renewal, or if you are interested in becoming a member

We strongly encourage you to consider membership with TIABC to support our important advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire visitor economy.

During July and August, TIABC's C-19 Bulletin will be published twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays). We will continue to keep you informed of our advocacy efforts, government announcements, industry updates and any other relevant information to help you in your recovery efforts.

We continue to gather national, provincial, regional and community industry news, activities and events, and will be sure to provide additional updates should there be extraordinary news to share with our members.

As an industry that continues to face enormous challenges during COVID-19, 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. Feel free to share your photos, etc. with TIABC to share in our C-19 Bulletin.

Wage Subsidy Program

Now is the perfect time for organizations to start thinking about hiring for the fall semester (Sept.-Dec.). For hospitality and tourism organizations, it would be helpful to have students on board to support what is bound to be a busy shoulder season

Talent MATCH will be hosting an information session on applying for the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) student wage subsidy.

The Talent MATCH Program is a collaboration between go2HR, the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture, the BC Museums Association, and ACE-WIL, the Association for Co-operative Education & Work-Integrated Learning. It aims to build awareness among employers from museums, arts, tourism, culture, and hospitality organizations about hiring student talent while providing resources, connections to post-secondary institutions, and one-on-one support.

Click here to join Talent Match on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 1:00 pm PT for an information session on how the program works, eligible positions, and how to apply.

Join the BCHA and Western Financial Group for a webinar on how to implement and manage risk management strategies.

With a "hard" market and a reduced appetite for risk from insurers, adopting risk management strategies is more important than ever. Implementing a comprehensive risk management program at your hotel, motel, or pub can help protect what matters most: your people, your property, and your livelihood.

Date: Wednesday, August 11 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm PT.

Rudy Penner, Director of Risk Management at Western Financial Group will cover safety tips for your commercial kitchen and advice for implementing a maintenance program for your building's fire extinguishers. Rudy will also outline best practices to ensure your facility's kitchen is well-maintained and equipped to prevent a fire loss.

Click here to register and to submit your questions.

FireSmart BC is hosting a free informative and interactive 45-minute webinar that will provide local governments, First Nations, neighbourhood champions, fire departments, Community FireSmart and Resiliency Committee members, and Local FireSmart Representatives (LFRs) with the tools and know-how to work with a wide variety of FireSmart BC tools and resources.

The webinar will include how to: access the FireSmart Toolkit; utilize FireSmart BC’s social media accounts; work with FireSmart branding guidelines; and access FireSmart BC resources. It will also provide a brief overview of the 2022 Community Resiliency Investment Program (FireSmart Community Funding and Supports) funding program. FireSmart BC is currently updating its website, and the new and improved site will be showcased during the webinar.

Date: August 26th, 2021 from 11:00 – 11:45 am

Click here to register online for the Zoom webinar.

By popular demand, CITAP is bringing back a Fall edition of the Spring Thaw virtual function: CITAP Fall Colours Educational Event.

As with the successful Spring event, the Fall Colours Event will invite RTO Members to attend complimentary* organized Zoom presentations provided by “Pods” of Seller Members in the form of regional educational sessions. Q&A networking opportunity will be at the end of each of the 30-minute sessions.

This is a complimentary* members-only event, so please ensure your membership is in good standing if you have not already done so.

BC and Alberta: September 14, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm PST

Deadline for sponsorship registration is August 06, 2021

Deadline for submitting presentations is September 03, 2021

Click here to register or contact info@citap.ca for more information.

In this free two-part webinar series, learn how to sell online successfully through Amazon. Topics covered include a step-by-step overview on getting started, how you can grow and scale your business, and top tips and considerations for launching your presence on Amazon.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1:00 – 2:00 pm PST How to Grow Your Business on Amazon

Click here for more information and to register.

With the move to Step 3 of BC's Restart Plan and the prospect of moving to Step 4 by no earlier than September 7, our industry is expanding virtual meetings and once again opening their meeting room and conference room doors. We are pleased to provide you with updated information on the following industry meetings, conferences and events.

With this year's theme "Rural, Resilient & Looking Forward", the provincial conference will be held in Revelstoke, BC.

This is an in-person event.

Click here for more information and to register.

Boating BC is pleased to announce they will be hosting their annual Boating BC Conference. This year’s theme will be “New Horizons – Building Momentum/Building Our Industry”. Watch for more details to come.

Under the theme, “Forging Canada’s Tourism Future”, this year's Congress will have an amazing line-up of valued experts, innovative panels, enriching content and robust networking opportunities you can only get in person.

Thinking of registering in person? You’ll enjoy additional sessions that are only available live.

TIAC Members who register by September 7 SAVE $100 on in-person registration.

Click here to register and to view the programming being offered at this year’s Congress.

Thursday, November 18th

Details to the AGM including official Notice of AGM and registration will soon follow.

March 8 - 11, 2022

Prince George

TIABC and the BC Hotel Association are excited to announced the 2nd annual Tourism & Hospitality Conference will be taking place in Prince George next spring.

Details to the conference including registration, accommodation and speaker highlights will be updated in Fall, 2021 on the conference website here.

From April 2020 to March 2021, TIAC and their partners, which included TIABC, delivered virtual workshops/webinars to over 4,000 participants, reaching over 30,000 businesses from coast to coast to coast. 

Self-Guided Webinars 

Developing Winter / Shoulder Season Tourism Toolkit

Made up of six learning modules, this webinar will give you actionable advice on how to define your strategy, develop products and experiences, build collaborative partnerships and more to boost seasonal tourism in your business or region.

Winter / Shoulder Season Consumer Demand Research Report

Get access to free tools and strategies to grow your business and tourism in your region at the ECE content hub: https://ecehub.tiac-aitc.ca/en/