I love positive people. In fact, I do my best to hang out, work with and learn from individuals whose outlook on life and the joy they exude influence me. I’ve particularly relied on some of these upbeat people over the course of the pandemic, especially given the level of negativity that I hear regularly (not that I blame anyone), and sadly has permeated society in general for months.

I also like people who can make me laugh. Even in the midst of a tense situation, these are the folks that occasionally interject with a quip or comment that elicits a smile or has me doubled over. Having a sense of humour is critical to relieving stress even if there doesn’t seem to be much to laugh about these days.

Aside from positive and funny people, I admire those that are really smart. Lord knows the world is full of them. Without naming names, when most of us think of brainiacs our inclination is to cite inventors, entrepreneurs, programmers, engineers, investors, researchers…and in our present context… the scientists and medical professionals that developed the COVID-19 vaccine.

In my social and business circles, I don’t often encounter nuclear physicists or people from the other vocations I alluded to, but I do have the privilege of engaging with razor sharp tourism professionals whose intelligence is often overlooked or underestimated simply because they’re part of the visitor economy and not leading some high-tech firm or performing surgery for a living. Yet, many of these colleagues and friends are indeed rocket scientist smart and people I learn from every day.

Earlier this week, TIABC hosted a roundtable where the leaders of 19 tourism and hospitality sector associations met to discuss their advocacy priorities and offer recommendations on what we as an industry need to do in the months ahead to get back on track. Frankly, whenever I hear my colleagues describe issues and propose logical, balanced and well thought out solutions, I’m blown away by the intelligence, experience and depth of knowledge they possess.

What's more, I'm very grateful these individuals remain firmly committed to BC’s visitor economy as opposed to sharing their skills with another business sector. We simply cannot afford to lose any more talent as the industry continues to battle for survival. Importantly, we’ll need all the brainpower we can muster to lead the tourism sector to recovery going forward.

Just this week, I enlisted many of my smart colleagues to help flesh out one of the four pillars of BC’s tourism restart plan that members of the Minister’s Tourism Advisory Committee are helping to inform. I’ve been asked by the ministry to lead the workforce tenet, which admittedly is not my primary area of expertise…hence the reason I’m counting on the input of a number of sector association, DMO, business, and union leaders to provide the guidance required to complete the task.

Because so many operators are finding it difficult to recruit workers, among other things the Workforce Work Group will be challenged to come up with ideas and recommendations to encourage and incentivize employees to return to or enter the tourism and hospitality sector now, to allow businesses to gradually ramp back up to full capacity in anticipation of the lifting of travel restrictions and the opportunity to welcome guests once again.

It’s important to note that the Workforce Work Group will be delivering short-term initiatives to help with the critical need for staff today, while longer-term strategies in partnership with the Province will be necessary to support workforce needs down the road.

For your awareness, the other tenets of the plan to be drafted by separate work groups include Health and Safety, Marketing, and Communications. I look forward to not only contributing however I can to the workforce strategy but learning from and being inspired by the many intelligent, capable and optimistic colleagues that make up British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality industry.

From a purely selfish perspective…engaging with positive, funny and smart people brings a little levity to each day…something I believe we all need to get us through this marathon crisis.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

Today, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is formally announcing its National Cruise Committee – a group of TIAC Members - Canadian organizations which operate in the global cruise industry and are advocating for the cruise industry to be treated no different from other travel sectors in Canada.

This committee will act in an advisory capacity to identify cruise industry issues and provide regular updates and recommendations to TIAC’s Recovery Committee. Members represent all regions of Canada impacted by cruise – Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Northern Canada.

With a stakeholder list already comprised of over 300 names, including TIABC, the committee has many supporters. The Canadian cruise supply chain of companies contributes $4.3 billion to Canada’s economy annually. With the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act (ATRA) recently signed into law, and cruising resuming safely in other regions of the world, it is imperative that Canada gives clarity and assurance to both American cruise partners and the millions of Canadians whose livelihoods depend on cruise.

The committee hopes to send a clear message that the sector is ready to safely welcome ships back, and that we have confidence in our cruise line partners that their restart will follow the necessary protocols to keep their guests, crew, and the communities they visit safe.

Click here for the complete announcement.

Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) CEO Ian Robertson is advocating to Transport Canada to announce plans to rescind the order suspending cruise in Canada that is currently in effect until Feb. 28, 2022.

The temporary exemption to the US Passenger Vessel Services Act signed into law in May 2021 allows cruise ships to bypass Canada for the 2021 season, but the threat of any temporary legislation becoming permanent exists and could decimate the $2.7 billion cruise industry in British Columbia.

Robertson is asking for Transport Canada to announce that the current suspension of cruise ships calling to Canadian waters will end by this fall, confirming that the industry is welcome to return in 2022 by adhering to measures determined by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

For several months, GVHA has been working to educate, engage, and advocate to all levels of government the importance of developing and sharing plans for the resumption of cruise in Canadian waters. While the organization is in full agreement that the health and safety of the community remains the top priority, decisions for what happens in 2022 need to be made now and based on vaccination rates and the mitigation of the spread of COVID-19 in Canada

Click here for more on this story.

In todays edition of Focus BC, host Richard Zussman speaks with TIABC CEO Walt Judas on the impending easing of travel restrictions.

Click here to view the full interview.

TIABC CEO Walt Judas explains why BC operators are behind a national campaign to reopen land borders and what they say Ottawa must do to help the struggling businesses.

Click here to view the full interview.

Following on last week's announcement from the Council of Haida Nation regarding the State of Emergency being lifted, more details have been released regarding the Haida Gwaii Visitor Relaunch Strategy.

The Council of the Haida Nation is respectfully requesting that non-essential visitors not come to Haida Gwaii until July 1st (contingent on BC Government travel restrictions) to give the community time and space to prepare, with the exception of family and friends of local residents (now welcome!).

Yesterday, they announced the launch of the Haida Gwaii Visitor Pledge website.

In addition to restrictions put in place by the provincial government, all those seeking to travel to Haida Gwaii will also be asked to voluntarily disclose that they have been vaccinated with their 1st and 2nd dose administered two weeks prior to departure. Confirmation of vaccination is voluntary and confidential via the Haida Gwaii Visitor Pledge.

The Haida Nation remind everyone to please be mindful that not everyone is prepared for visitors: keep your distance and appreciate this is not a normal year and visitors should not expect the same level of service.

Click here for more information.

Through Destination BC, Western Economic Diversification Canada is assisting tourism businesses and community tourism organizations in British Columbia mitigate the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.

Administered and managed by Destination BC, a total of $6.7 million in financial support has funded a Community Adaptation Funding Program and Fixed Cost Support Program, and a Digital Transformation Project and Portal.

CDMOs play an important role in connecting visitors to communities across BC, driving overnight visitation and supporting community-based tourism businesses. Eligible activities under the application-based CAF Program include strategic and crisis planning, research, market and product development activities, and marketing activities which are aligned with Provincial Health Orders and travel restrictions. The remaining $5 million has been distributed to 60 CDMOs in BC that collect Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) to help with fixed costs including rent, insurance, and wages not already covered by other federal programs.

Click here for more information.

The application for employers to apply for the BC government’s COVID-19 Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program will be available on WorkSafeBC’s online services portal on June 15th.

Through the program, employers who do not have an existing sick-leave program can apply to be reimbursed for up to three days of wages paid to workers for COVID-19 related sick leave. The reimbursement program is available for sick leave taken from May 20 until the program ends on December 31th.

To apply for reimbursement, employers must be:

Registered for WorkSafeBC insurance coverage and

Signed up for WorkSafeBC’s employer online services in order to access the COVID-19 Sick-Leave Reimbursement application. If you’re not already signed up, you can sign up now to ensure you receive reimbursement quickly.

Click here for more information on COVID-19 paid sick leave policy.

It was an important day yesterday as YVR officially raised the Musqueam flag.

YVR operates on the unceded territory of the Musqueam people and we acknowledge the work we must do together to continue connecting communities and build on our strong friendship. The Chief added that the relationship and partnership we've grown over the last few years together has been heartwarming.

"My hands are up on behalf of our community,” said Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow at the flag raising ceremony.

"We must acknowledge the facts of our past if we're going to be able to honour the spirit of reconciliation and our commitment to work together going forward to fulfill our mandate as an airport and as a community that is all about connection, resilience, recognition and dignity," said YVR CEO Tamara Vrooman.

More to come on this soon!

Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRT) has partnered with Community Energy Association (CEA), Fernie office, to support the expansion of EV charging stations that will help stimulate low carbon travel across the region, when travel can safely resume. Building off the existing EV Road Trip Itinerary, this project seeks to grow the network of EV charging infrastructure through installation of charging stations at key tourism assets that are municipally, Indigenous or non-profit owned.

Strengthening the network will provide an opportunity for the up-and-coming EV consumer market to tour the region and access many of the signature attractions such as hot springs, golf courses, Nordic skiing, visitor centres, museums and campgrounds.

This project will contribute to market diversification, namely attracting an urban market from BC, Alberta and eventually the Pacific Northwest, which will support the tourism region's COVID recovery.

An informational session about funding available for EV charging will be hosted on:

June 16 at 1PM PT / 2PM MT

Register here for the free webinar.

Air Canada announced yesterday, a 30-day extension of its COVID-19 refund policy. The policy allows eligible customers who purchased a non-refundable ticket before April 13, 2021 for travel on or after February 1, 2020, but who did not fly for any reason, to submit their request for a refund online or with their travel agent.

The COVID-19 refund policy covers tickets and Air Canada Vacations packages purchased for flights cancelled either by the airline or by the customer for any reason was initially due to expire June 12, 2021.

As of April 13, 2021 (the day on which the COVID-19 refund policy came into effect), Air Canada had a total of 1.8 million of its customer bookings eligible for a refund. To date, approximately 40% of these eligible customers have requested a refund, and 92% of those who have submitted requests have had their refund processed.

Customers can request a refund online at www.aircanada.com/refund until July 12, 2021. The policy also applies to Air Canada Vacations packages. Customers who booked through a travel agency must contact their agent directly. In support of its travel agency partners, Air Canada is not recalling agency sales commissions on refunded tickets that they process.

Click here for more information.

A new province-wide coalition is calling on the government to reestablish the province as a world leader in fish, wildlife, and habitat management. The Fish, Wildlife, and Habitat Coalition represent a diverse array of interests who all share common concerns about the decline of fish, wildlife, and habitat including environmental and conservation organizations, hunting and angling guides, wildlife viewing, ecotourism, naturalists, hunters, anglers, and trappers.

Together, the group is seeking a commitment from the province to invest in healthy landscapes, waters, and fish and wildlife stewardship, in partnership with First Nations and communities.

The Fish, Wildlife, and Habitat Coalition will work to promote solutions guided by science and Traditional Ecological Knowledge for improved management of species and habitat in B.C. These will include:

Click here for more information.

To support MPI BC Chapter and the BC Hospitality Foundation, a virtual silent auction will be open for all British Columbians to bid from June 28th – July 9th. The goals of our silent auction are to showcase our province’s hospitality and tourism businesses AND get consumers out spending their money locally.

The MPI BC Chapter has partnered with the BC Hospitality Foundation and the BC Craft Brewers Guild to provide members and individuals with the opportunity to donate, support, and reconnect with locals in the industry. In hopes of raising funds for MPI BC Chapter and the BC Hospitality Foundation, the BCHF is kindly soliciting donations from your organization!

This year's Annual Gala comes with a unique twist to accommodate a safer, in-person, socially distanced event. It will be a joint fundraiser for MPI and the BC Hospitality Foundation. #gALEa21

This year’s event, July g-ALE-a, will be held simultaneously at over 15 outstanding craft breweries along the BC Ale Trail. The event will take place on July 7th at 5:30 pm with each brewery hosting a table for six people. Early bird tickets will be $50 per person (table of 6 is $300) and on sale June 15th. Anticipated attendance is 90 - 150 event industry professionals and their associates, family, and friends. There will be 6 people together at each brewery.

Deadline for donations is June 24th

Every donation, small and large, makes a huge difference.

Click here for more information and to donate.

Join Indigenous Tourism BC for an inspiring and interactive food & beverage workshop in celebration of National Indigenous History Month.

In partnership with Destination BC and sponsored by Daily Hive, you will be guided through an exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in BC. Meet Paul Natrall, a second-generation chef and owner of Vancouver’s successful Indigenous food truck, Mr. Bannock, and Ryan Widdup, manager and sommelier of the Okanagan’s picturesque Indigenous World Winery. Viewers will learn how to make authentic bannock from the comfort of their homes and learn about the history and practices behind Indigenous wine.

Click here for more information and to register.

TIABC recognizes that many of our members have been supporting our organization's advocacy efforts for a very long time. In this new feature, we will be showcasing those businesses, associations, organizations and DMOs that been TIABC members for more than 10 years.

Fairmont Empress features 464 well-appointed, air conditioned guest rooms and suites. Many of the rooms offer magnificent views of the Victoria harbour, city and gardens. With a wide selection of unique guestrooms featuring classic details and modern touches, the Empress is sure to make your stay in Victoria unforgettable.

Operating for more than 130 years, today the property is working to navigate through this unprecedented moment in our history, and remains deeply committed to the wellbeing of their guests.

Click here to learn more about the Fairmont Empress.

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.

Join ABLE BC for a free webinar on Wednesday, June 16 at 10:00 am PST for this up to date information on BC's liquor liability.

BC’s new no-fault auto regime creates a “disincentive” for a patron to sue you. Does that mean insurance should be cheaper and easier to get? Join Lorne Folick (Dolden Wallace Folick LLP) to discuss the impact of of the no-fault auto regime on your liquor business.

If you cannot attend live, a recording will be sent out to everyone registered.

To learn more about the application of BC’s no-fault auto regime to commercial liquor licensees, download this article by Lorne Folick and Ouran Li.

Check here for more information and to register.

Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 1:00PM - 2:15PM PDT

Vaccine rollout has continued to accelerate across Canada, and with it comes growing optimism about a return to a semblance of normalcy. Nowhere is the excitement greater than in the tourism and hospitality industry. However, employers are asking how this new weapon in the fight against COVID-19 might impact their workplaces, including whether employers can mandate their employees to take the vaccine.

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) in partnership with Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) and go2HR have engaged Ryan Anderson, Partner at Mathews Dinsdale & Clark LL P to help address these questions. Ryan will provide an overview of the requirements and key OH&S, privacy, human rights, labour and employment considerations for the potential implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination policy, mandatory or otherwise, where one is warranted.

Check here for more information and to register.

Presented by Destination Canada’s Business Events team, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Thursday, June 17th, 2021 at 10:00 am PDT

While we wait for a time when we can welcome back international business event visitors, we are working with CBSA and IRCC to ensure that we are ready, prepared and knowledgeable on CBSA's International Events and Convention Services Program that is available to our clients.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), in collaboration with other government departments and agencies, has developed the International Events and Convention Services Program (IECSP). . These benefits may apply to international events hosted in our destinations.

Through this webinar, you will learn about relevant Canadian border-related requirements for international events, facilitating the future arrival of attendees and their accompanying goods, thus supporting your sales efforts with international clients. You will also connect with key coordinators of the program and benefit from their free and expert advice.

Check here for more information and to register.

Learn more at:

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/