C-19 BULLETIN - July 16, 2021
Now Published Tuesdays & Fridays Over the Summer

Government of Canada Moves to Restart Cruise Ship Season

On July 15th, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced that, as of November 1, 2021, the prohibition of cruise ships in Canadian waters would no longer be in effect if operators are able to fully comply with public health requirements.

As the outlook of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to improve, Canada looks forward to having a cruising season in 2022. The cruise ship industry, which represents more than $4 billion annual input into the Canadian economy and directly and indirectly generates approximately 30,000 jobs, is an important part of Canada’s domestic tourism sector.

Transport Canada will continue to work with the Public Health Agency of Canada, other levels of government, the United States government, transportation industry stakeholders, Indigenous Peoples, and Arctic communities to help ensure Canadians and Canada’s transportation system remain safe and secure.

Here are some quick facts about the progression to date:

  • On February 4, 2021, the Government of Canada announced a one-year ban for cruise ships and Arctic pleasure craft until February 28, 2022.
  • As the COVID-19 situation has shown steady improvement, and as more people become vaccinated, Canada plans to welcome cruise ships back in our waters for the 2022 season.
  • The Government of Canada continues to advise Canadians to avoid all travel on cruise ships outside the country until further notice.

Click here to read the full news release.
Cruise Lines Welcome Shortening of Ban on Cruises

The announcement by Canada’s Minister of Transport, Hon. Omar Alghabra, that the prohibition on cruise ships will be ending on November 1st, 2021, four months earlier than originally planned, was welcomed by Cruise Lines International Association – North West & Canada (CLIA-NWC).

Transport Canada had previously announced Interim Order #5 in February 2021, prohibiting cruise ships from visiting Canadian ports through to the end of February 2022. However, the revised timeline follows discussions
between CLIA-NWC, Transport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, as well as the British Columbia Ministries of Transportation and Tourism.

Much has changed for the better since March 2020, with the widespread distribution of vaccines and cruise lines adopting new, comprehensive health protocols developed in collaboration with world-leading medical experts. Since last summer, more than 600,000 passengers and crew have sailed safely with these protocols in Europe, Asia and the South Pacific, on more than 30 ships which have returned to operation. Cruises to Alaska from Seattle are resuming this month and will continue through the summer and into the fall of 2021.

Click here to read the news release from CLIA - NWC.
Statement from Victoria Harbour Authority on Cruise

As a not-for-profit, community-based organization, we welcome the decision by Transport Canada to move up the order suspending cruise visitation in Canada to Nov. 1, 2021. Cruise lines and ports in Canada need time to prepare for the full resumption of cruise and this news from Transport Canada will signal that the industry is welcome back for the 2022 cruise season.

For several months, we worked 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. We are incredibly thankful to our industry partners both locally and across the country for their ongoing efforts in advocating for this decision.

Cruise contributes more than $130 million to the Greater Victoria economy and is responsible for more than 800 jobs. While many of the organizations that work in the cruise industry in Greater Victoria have suffered from financial losses, their dedication and commitment to the industry did not falter throughout the last 1.5 years.

With this news, our organization can actively plan for the full resumption of cruise in 2022. We will increase our focus on major projects such as shore power with the understanding that we, and our partners, have a clearer line of sight on financial forecasts. Revenues from cruise tariffs help support our community amenities such as the Ogden Point Breakwater and the Inner Harbour Lower Causeway; with the return of cruise in 2022 we can again plan for short and long-term capital infrastructure needs for these highly-valued spaces.

We will also put into action our planned community liaison committee, comprised of business and community members, later this fall. This committee will primarily be charged with solutions-focused discussions about our cruise operations. More details will be announced soon.
U.S. Visitors Could be Allowed into Canada Soon

Canada is getting ready to welcome the world again, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau quietly indicated on July 15th as his office disclosed a target of mid-August for when the border might reopen for fully vaccinated Americans.

And if the current vaccination rate remains on its upward trajectory, fully vaccinated travellers from around the world could begin arriving by early September, Trudeau said during a COVID-19 status update with Canada's premiers.

The news was quietly disclosed in the final paragraphs of a readout from the Prime Minister's Office — a tactical show of modesty, perhaps, in a national capital where the scent of a looming federal election is in the air.

The statement makes no mention of whether eligible U.S. visitors will be required to show proof of vaccination, a touchy subject in a country where personal freedoms are sacrosanct. The White House has already ruled out the idea of a vaccine "passport."

Trudeau also boasted Canada is leading the G20 countries in vaccination rates, with 80 per cent of eligible Canadians having received at least one vaccine dose. More than half are fully vaccinated, Trudeau said.

Click here to read the full story.
End of Cruise Ship Ban is a Relief

Chair of the TIABC Board, Vivek Sharma spoke to Martin MacMahon of 1130 News on July 15th about the announcement of cruise ships to be allowed back into Canadian waters sooner than expected and the federal government announcing the ban will be lifted as of Nov. 1, 2021.

After the crippling financial blows brought on by the pandemic, this comes as a relief, according to Vivek Sharma.

“There’s really no playbook which anybody through which was working [with] in this pandemic,” Sharma acknowledged. “We’re just glad the government listened to the advocacy efforts of our organization and other partner organizations.”

Still, when asked if he thinks the government should have lifted the ban sooner, Sharma says it’s better late than never.

“I guess nothing is soon enough,” Sharma said when asked about the ban lifting in November. “But we also understand the government’s position and as an industry, we’ve always prioritized the health and safety of our community and the places we work with. I think there is still enough time to plan for next year, both for the cruise ship industry and for our partners and operators.”

Click here to read the full story.
Minister's Statement on Wildfires

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, issued a statement on July 15th on the current wildfire situation in British Columbia. The following is an excerpt from the statement:

“The frequency of wildfire threats our communities are facing is increasing. Fire seasons are starting earlier, lasting longer and the intensity of these fires can be extremely challenging for our crews.

“I want to assure British Columbians that we are deploying all necessary and available personnel and equipment to respond to wildfires across the province. The federal government and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre are providing firefighting personnel, aircraft support and other assets.

“In many parts of the province, especially the Interior, hot and dry conditions are forecast to persist for the foreseeable future. I know tensions for many are high, given the widespread, damaging fire seasons of recent years. And I know many are seeking ways to lend their support.

“If you are in a community that is under an evacuation alert, or in any community that may be threatened by wildfires this summer, there’s a lot you can do to prepare your family before an evacuation. If you don’t have an evacuation plan, now is the time to make one.

“And make sure you do your homework before travelling through B.C. Make sure your destination and your travel route is safe, and that your travel or presence is not worsening the situation.

“Lastly, and most important, do not undertake any activities that may result in a wildfire. In these conditions, a fire can burn through a community area in a matter of minutes.

“I know that British Columbians are resilient and we will see the other side of this fire season".

Take care and stay safe.
Emergency Preparedness
Resources for Tourism Operators & Communities for Emergency Situations

In view of the wildfire situation in parts of British Columbia, here are important resources for communities, destination marketing 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.

  1. Emergency plan for tour operators here
  2. PreparedBC's 3 steps for preparedness here
  3. EmergencyInfoBC here
  4. BC Wildfire Preparedness Guide here
  5. The BC Wildfire Service and interactive map here
  6. The Air Quality Health Index map here

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)

As a tourism partner and/or tourism business owner, here’s what you can do:

  1. Share these resources with your staff and follow key social media accounts for the latest news.
  2. Communicate with fellow businesses and neighbours in your community, share official information with them too, and offer assistance if you can. Look after your community and take care of your neighbours.  
  3. Help your guests; If your business is located in an impacted area, provide your current customers and future reservations with regular updates, by directing them to official information sources.
  4. If your business is not impacted directly, help your current guests plan the rest of their trip to areas that are safe and open for business (your local visitor centre has a wealth of information on places to stay and things to do). Also, be proactive with future reservations—let your customers know it’s business as usual and you are looking forward to hosting them. BC is a very large province and sometimes our out-of-province guests (or even our own residents!) don’t consider the vast geography of our province.
  5. Have a plan—use the PreparedBC: Tourism Resources to prepare for emergencies and to identify potential hazards.


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.

 ITAC Receives $2 Million in Funding from Destination Canada

As part of a long-term partnership, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is excited to announce a new investment from Destination Canada of $2 million in funding and $950,000 of in-kind support, in an effort to stabilize the Indigenous tourism sector.

The funding ensures ITAC can move forward with their new sales and marketing campaign, entitled The Original Original, promoting Indigenous tourism operators from coast to coast to coast and helping to rebuild the Indigenous tourism industry, which was disproportionately devastated by the pandemic.

Fully supported by this funding, ITAC launched its summer marketing campaign, The Original Original, on June 21, 2021, National Indigenous Peoples Day. The campaign aims to educate travellers, modernize their perception of Indigenous experiences and rebuild the Indigenous tourism industry. A key component of The Original Original is a new brand mark to help travellers better identify and book experiences from Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada.

Prior to March 2020, Indigenous tourism was outpacing all other tourism sectors in Canada for growth, bringing an estimated $1.9 billion in revenue to Canada’s gross domestic product. At that time, there were an estimated 40,000 Indigenous tourism employees and 1,800 Indigenous-led businesses. Today, there are an estimated 15,000 employees and 1,000 businesses left.

Click here to read more about this announcement.
BC's Tourism Sector Suffers from Staff Shortages

As restrictions ease, businesses across the province have been preparing to re-open, or adjust to the new health and safety guidelines. But what may have appeared to be good news, the lack of workers and supply chain shortages have placed another challenge on the fragile industry.

Staffing shortages in B.C.’s tourism sector are at a critical level, many business owners say they’re cutting hours or being forced to close for full days.

Click here to view the news story from Ashley Burr of News 1130.
Open US - Canada Border Campaign

The U.S.-Canada border has been closed since March 2020. With more and more people getting vaccinated in both countries, and things returning to normal, the "Open The Border Campaign" strongly believe it's time to start reopening the border so that Canadians and Americans can cross the border freely and businesses can get back to work.

The tourism industry has been effectively shut down for over a year. Canadian businesses bring in billions in revenue and show visitors what a beautiful place our country is. Without travelers, there is no tourism industry. Reopen the border immediately to allow travelers to safely cross!

While there are 30 organizations (including TIABC) listed as supporters on the microsite and over 1,100 letters have been sent, the campaign needs additional support.


Click here for more information on the campaign, and how you can support this important initiative.
Ongoing Relief Programs

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.

Federal Programs
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 September 25, 2021. 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 September 25, 2021. 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

Indigenous Programs
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.
Tickets for Charity on Sale Now

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 2021.

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.
Talk of Town banner
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. This new Bulletin feature will share stories of how businesses and organizations, large and small are doing things in a new way as they guide their enterprises through the pandemic crisis.
The Malahat SkyWalk

Located 35 minutes north of Victoria, British Columbia, Malahat SkyWalk officially opened on July 15th as the newest year-round outdoor experience on Vancouver Island, providing the 'ultimate natural high.'

Malahat SkyWalk immerses visitors in nature as they embark along a 600 m (1,968 ft) elevated, wooden walkway rising 20 m (65 ft) through an arbutus and Douglas fir forest. Guests then ascend a circular ramp gently rising to the top of a 10-storey, architecturally-inspiring spiral tower lookout – the first of its kind in B.C.

Malahat SkyWalk is located on the traditional territory of the Malahat Nation and their Indigenous stories are embedded in the visitor experience. Guests will find a deeper connection to nature learning about the trees, birds, animals and marine life of this coastal region unique to this area.

Malahat Skywalk has a mission to provide an experience that connects all people to this unique natural place and was built with a commitment to be accessible to all ages and a wide range of abilities.

Click here for more information on the Malahat Skywalk.
TIABC Board Appoints Sandra Oldfield

On behalf of the Chair, Vivek Sharma, TIABC is pleased to welcome Sandra Oldfield to the Board of Directors, filling a vacant position within the business category. The appointment will help support the advocacy efforts of the organization through until the next AGM, scheduled for November 18th.

Sandra brings a wealth of industry and wine sector knowledge to the table. She has steered innovative initiatives such as driving for BC’s first sub appellation—the Golden Mile Bench–establishing Canada’s only carbon neutral winery and winning both Canada’s safest employer award for Hospitality and Canada’s Top 100 Powerful Women awards in 2016.

She is an active board member on the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), the BC Hospitality Foundation, Chair of the BC Winery Health and Safety Committee and previous board member of TIABC.
TIABC Member Recognition

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.
TransLink

Together with their partners, stakeholders, and operating companies, TransLink plans and manages the region’s transportation system. They are dedicated to creating and sustaining a transportation system that meets the needs of customers, residents, businesses, and goods movers in a way that protects the environment and supports the economic and social objectives of the region.

Officially recognized as the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority, they are most simply know as TransLink. Created in 1999, they deliver services through contractors, and their operating companies and subsidiaries such as Coast Mountain Bus Company, British Columbia Rapid Transit Company Ltd. (SkyTrain), Metro Vancouver Transit Police and West Coast Express Ltd.

Click here to learn more about TransLink.
2021 TIABC MEMBERSHIP

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.

C-19 BULLETIN OVER THE SUMMER

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.

2022 Rates Consultation Sessions

Join WorkSafeBC and other employers across the province to learn more about WorkSafeBC’s preliminary assessment premium rates for 2022, and how to reduce injuries, claim costs, and your premium rate. The presentation topics include:
  • The financial state of the workers’ compensation system
  • Rate and classification changes
  • How you, as an employer, can influence your rates through improved health and safety

Register here and choose from four different dates: Monday, July 19, 10:00 – 11:30 am and 1:00 – 2:30 pm, or Wednesday, July 21, 10:00 – 11:30 am and 1:00 – 2:30 pm.
Rebates & Rising Energy Rates

Did you know that forging a path to sustainability not only helps our planet but can result in significant savings?

Join BCHA partner, Angela Nagy of GreenStep Solutions, where she will walk through how accommodators can best take advantage of the BCHA GoGreen Program to cut high fixed costs now and in the future, as a way to adapt, survive, and thrive after the impacts of COVID-19.

Participants will learn what the first three steps are in getting started, as well as immediate low and no-cost measures they can take to realize quick wins and early savings.

Date and Time: Thursday July 22, 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Click here to register and submit questions.
Indigenous Cultural Protocols

Cultural Protocols, Empathy & Safety offers a facilitated de-colonial dialogue to support you or your organization to work through Nahanee Creative’s mini-courses and writing prompts together. In this two-hour workshop, you will create a Cultural Safety Plan of your own. While the teachings & critical Indigenous theory shared by Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee are grounded in Squamish world view, they are applicable across Indigenous Territories.


What will I learn?
  • Introduction to cultural protocols, empathy and safety
  • Self-reflection to understand your own role in these conversations
  • Explore approaches to cultural work and decolonizing practices in a good way
  • How to start introducing cultural safety into workplace policy
  • Begin a Cultural Safety Plan of your own 

Date and Time: Thursday, July 22nd at 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Click here for more information and to register.

INFO Session

Student Work Placement Program Wage Subsidy
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.
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.
2021 TIAC Tourism Congress

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.
Dates: Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2021.

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

TIABC Annual General Meeting
Thursday, November 18th

Details to the AGM including official Notice of AGM and registration will soon follow.
THC logo wo date
BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference - 2022

March 8 - 11, 2022
Prince George

Details to the conference including registration, accommodation and speaker highlights will be updated in Fall, 2021.
Moments of Levity

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.
5 New Free Learning Resources
for Tourism Operators & Destination Partners

It’s no secret that Canada’s tourism industry was devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. One year into this new reality, our task is two-fold. We, as individual stakeholders, need to recover from the pandemic. And together, we must rebuild the visitor economy—when it is safe to do so.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) launched the Elevating Canadian Experiences (ECE) program to help tourism stakeholders seize innovative opportunities in culinary tourism and in the winter and shoulder seasons (WSS).

The ECE program was conceived as a series of in-person workshops held in rural and remote areas. But the program launch dovetailed with the pandemic and, like so many organizations, we needed to pivot.

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. 

And now, TIAC is pleased to announce the ECE content hub, where you can access 5 new practical tools and resources developed for the program.
Culinary Tools
Canada has all the ingredients to become a world class culinary destination. Our culinary webinars and national guidelines support growth and innovation in creating tasty experiences for domestic and international visitors.

Self-Guided Webinars 
Over the course of five learning modules, you will learn how to concoct compelling culinary experiences, attract tourists and partner with other tourism stakeholders in your region. You’ll also explore how to nurture agritourism, create multisensory experiences, and how to exceed your visitors’ expectations—every single time. 

Culinary Tourism Strategy Development National Guidelines
Create your destination’s culinary tourism strategy using best practices from TIAC’s culinary tourism strategy development pilot, which took place in four regions in Québec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Informed by the methods, processes, activities, and learnings from the pilot project, the guidelines provide practical advice for tourism operators and destination partners.
Winter / Shoulder Season Tools
Summer is Canada’s peak tourism season. But we have a lot to offer visitors beyond June, July and August! Our WSS webinar, toolkit, and research report help operators and destination partners develop exceptional year-round experiences for when it’s safe to welcome visitors back.

Developing Winter / Shoulder Season Tourism Toolkit
Developed by industry experts, this toolkit helps destination partners discover untapped opportunities for tourism products and experiences from September to May. Full of valuable insights, worksheets, tips and strategies, the toolkit will fuel ideas to boost your region’s off-season tourism.

Enhancing Winter / Shoulder Tourism In Canada Webinar
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
Discover current data on the domestic WSS travel consumer that provides essential market insights to help tourism operators and destination partners develop exciting off-season products and experiences. 
 
Start today!
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/
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.