I love the solitude of cycling daily on Delta’s farm roads or along the dyke at Mud Bay to clear my head and exercise my body to remain fit enough to maintain an otherwise hectic pace. Whenever I encounter other cyclists along my route, I usually smile, nod or wave. However, I rarely receive a return greeting, especially from the hard-core, spandex-adorned road cyclists who look straight ahead and seem determined not to smile.

As a result of my experiences over the past several months, I perceived all road cyclists to be arrogant and too cool to acknowledge an old guy on a hybrid road/mountain bike that doesn’t wear spandex and looks kinda dorky. However, my view changed recently when in the span of 15 minutes, three, fully-outfitted road riders stopped to help me fix a flat tire in the middle of nowhere.

The encounter reminded me about what a former boss used to say; ‘It’s foolish to use yourself as a case study'...implying just because you have an opinion or perception about a person, group, issue, or situation, doesn’t mean it’s true or that everyone else shares your view. Perception is often synonymous with being ill-informed. Instead, do your homework, analyze the data, ask the right questions, and get the facts before mouthing off about something you might otherwise know very little about. Clearly the flat tire incident prompted me to get back on track and not let my assumptions about road cyclists or anyone else for that matter obscure reality.

While in Kelowna recently, the skies were smokey for four of the six days of my stay. One might deduce that the entire Okanagan Valley was filled with smoke and ash, yet I discovered that Summerland and Penticton, less than an hour down Highway 97, were virtually smoke free the entire week.

Watching television news or following social media these days might lead one to believe that the entire province (save Vancouver Island) is on fire, especially now that we’re in another provincial State of Emergency (SoE)…something many prospective visitors have told us feeds the notion that all of BC is burning and ultimately leads to widespread cancellations. A more regional SoE would have been preferable but admittedly may not have provided all the resources needed.

Although wildfires and rising COVID transmission rates are putting a damper on tourism’s recovery in certain regions, several communities appear to be flush with visitors and finding a place to stay right now is nearly impossible. Consequently, many people have the impression that our industry is back to normal or that we’re well down the path to recovery and businesses don’t need any more help. In speaking with operators and looking at the data, the notion of back to normal is a big stretch.

The fact is, two or three months of lower-yield domestic visitation over the peak season does not mitigate losses over the previous 17 months, nor does it generate enough revenue to cover what is projected to be a sluggish fall and winter. As my friend Paul Nursey of Destination Greater Victoria stated recently…”We may be back in the race, but it’s far too early to do a victory lap.”

It is incumbent on TIABC and our entire industry to counter misperceptions and continue to convey real time data that explains the actual state of tourism relative to what might be considered recovery. As part of the process, we’ll need to be vigilant about collecting information on the mix of business (e.g. corporate, leisure, tour), average spend per guest, demographic, length of stay, point of origin, and other data to paint a full picture of how 2021 is shaping up compared with last year and pre-COVID, rather than assuming all is fine based on no vacancy signs in some communities and regions like Vancouver Island.

Creating an accurate narrative on what tourism operators have experienced up to and including the peak season, backed up by facts, will allow organizations like TIABC to further advocate for the needs of the industry, particularly vis-à-vis additional government assistance required to see us through to actual recovery from the pandemic.

To that end, should you receive an invitation to participate in a survey by your regional or community DMO, individual sector association, chamber, or another source, please take a few minutes from your busy schedule to complete it for the benefit of your own business and for the tourism industry at-large. The information gathered will help dispel the misconception that all is well.

As I continue my early morning cycling regime, I plan to keep saluting the MAMILs (middle-aged men in lycra) that I pass, and even if they ignore me, I will no longer assume they're all aloof. At the same time, I have some work to do on my perception of anyone with an expensive electric bike after constantly hearing from friends who brag incessantly about how far they’ve (e)-cycled while never breaking a sweat.

PS: What a proud day for our province and country as Canada beat Sweden for the gold medal in women's soccer at the Tokyo Olympics. I'm sure I woke up the whole neighbourhood with my shouts of joy as Vancouver's own Julia Grosso netted the winning goal.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

In view of rising COVID transmission rates, particularly in the Central Okanagan (Kelowna

West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Peachland, Lake Country), the Interior Health Authority has announced the following restrictions:

Restrictions on gatherings and events will begin on Monday, August 9th. For events planned for this weekend, organizers should ensure they have safety plans in place and keep a list of individuals who attended these events. People who have not been immunized are strongly encouraged not attend these events; other attendees should wear masks and stay seated.

Health and safety continues to be the top priority. Public health leaders are putting additional recommendations in place to protect us all.

 

Residents and visitors are asked to follow the public health measures set by the province, communities, and individual businesses to protect people, businesses, and the economy from the continued spread of COVID-19.

 

Businesses are facing challenges like never before. Visitors are reminded to be kind, patient, and supportive of businesses and employees.

The new measures have been introduced because 56% of active cases are in Interior Health Authority, with the vast majority in the Central Okanagan region. A significant majority of cases are among unvaccinated individuals and those who have only received a single dose.

80% of cases are the Delta variant with most transmissions coming through social gatherings, bars, nightclubs, fitness centres and personal gatherings. These restrictions are being put in place to slow the transmission and get people vaccinated.

Starting on Monday (August 9th), Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents who are currently residing in the US and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel. This preliminary step allows for the Government of Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7th.

Subject to limited exceptions, all travellers must use ArriveCAN (app or web portal) to submit their travel information. If they are eligible to enter Canada and meet specific criteria, fully vaccinated travellers will not have to quarantine upon arrival.

TIABC has been fielding many questions about the requirements for American travellers entering and exiting Canada—and how tourism operators and businesses should be advising guests in making their travel experience a positive one.

Destination BC has provided a Messaging Guide for BC's Tourism Industry and travellers from the United States.

This is an evolving situation which may require frequent updates. We will endeavour to provide you with clear messaging for travellers, residents, communities and businesses as warranted.

A new report from Destination Canada couldn’t be more timely given that Canada will reopen its borders on August 9th to fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents for discretionary travel.

With an increase in vaccination rates and ease of COVID-19 restrictions, the importance of understanding Americans’ perceptions of safety and ease of travelling to Canada becomes more prominent. In order to gain insights on this topic, Destination Canada commissioned an independent third party to launch a short online survey to general population across United States. The survey was in field from July 9th to 12th.

Here are just a few of the key takeaways from Americans’ Perceptions of Travelling to Canada:

Please click here for the complete announcement.

On August 4th, the Coalition of BC's Hardest Hit Businesses represented by TIABC, the BCHA, Destination Vancouver, Destination Victoria and Tourism Richmond wrote a letter to Honourable Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, to thank her Ministry for the support of BC's visitor economy vis-a-vis the Major Anchor Attractions Program (MAAP).

The Coalition also acknowledged that MAAP is an example of accomplishment and appreciated the tremendous work the Ministry provided to ensure the program was successful.

The Major Anchor Attractions Program was one of the seven calls-to-action from the Tourism Task Force, and was also part of a TIABC, BCHA and ITBC submission to the province. Grants of up to $1 million are being provided to both businesses and not-for-profits, including:

Click here to read the full letter to Minister Mark.

According to a recent report from the Business Council of BC, a strong global recovery is underway. World economic output is expected to leap 6.9% in 2021. The Canadian economy is on course for a slightly more modest 6% increase in real GDP this year.

BC is benefitting from the robust global economic backdrop and is expected to post strong growth over the next couple of years. The Business Council’s mid-year BC Economic Review and Outlook expects the province's economy to grow 5.8% in 2021.

Improving the economic and investment environment for export-capable industries should be top of mind for policy makers as they continue to work on BC’s post-pandemic economic plan.

Click here to read the full report, "Stronger Today - Momentum for Tomorrow"

On Wednesday, Tourism HR Canada announced the launch of a federally funded Student Work Placement Program offering paid work-integrated learning opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Called Propel, the new program benefits the full spectrum of the visitor economy as it emerges from the crushing impact of the pandemic. Students gain paid hands-on learning and mentoring in their field of study.

Funded by Employment and Social Development Canada through the Student Work Placement Program, Propel offers employers a wage subsidy of up to 75% of a qualifying student’s wages, to a maximum of $7,500. Students enrolled at a recognized post-secondary institution can apply for a paid position to fulfil the co-op or internship component of their program.

Early adopters of this program include Accor, George Brown College, Ryerson University, and Vancouver Community College.

TIABC board member Dennis Innes, who is also the Dean of Vancouver Community College's School of Hospitality, Food Studies & Business noted, “Our students and community partners in hospitality have been deeply impacted by the pandemic and we know there is uncertainty across the industry as Canada begins its recovery process. The funding from Employment and Social Development Canada for the Propel program creates opportunities that support students and employers, while also highlighting the importance of paid internships and the value of skilled

labour. We are excited to be a part of the launch of this program.”

Canada’s tourism sector has lost over 500,000 jobs from its workforce since the pandemic began. Propel will play a key role in attracting and retaining students to the varied opportunities becoming rapidly available as the economy reopens, supporting a sustainable future for one of Canada’s key economic engines.

Please click here for the complete announcement.

While TIABC and its national counterpart, TIAC were pleased with the recent federal announcement to extend CEWS/CERS programs to October, TIAC continues to work closely with the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses in an effort to establish a tailored, sector specific survival program.

The federal ask is to establish a COVID Tourism and Events Business & Employee Survival Program, in order to provide qualified and limited financial support to tourism and events businesses with significant revenue losses from September 2021 to May 2022.

1). Engage with your local MPs/Candidates this summer – whether it’s a meeting, email, phone call, when they come knocking on your door, or a letter. You can find your local Member of Parliament here.

2). Download and share our key messaging guidelines here.

3). Send a letter to your local Member of Parliament. It is already written, you simply need to press send! Please do so on our microsite and ask your networks to do the same at HardestHit.ca

4). Spread the word on social media

Canada’s #HardestHit businesses will need help over the upcoming months, and particularly the September-May period for some, through continued wage and fixed cost support.

5). Encourage your network to send a letter:

Send a letter to your Member of Parliament to ask them to roll out sector-specific support at the earliest opportunity for Canada's #HardestHit businesses to ensure their survival into the fall and winter.

6). Keep industry in the loop:

Let us know how you make out! Who did you meet with? What kind of reception did you receive? Use the Advocacy Campaign dashboard to report your meetings and share comments.

Click here for more information on the Hardest Hit initiative.

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.

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.

TIABC wishes to congratulate Destination BC's three new board members:

Scott Fraser, Board Chair, recently retired from the BC Provincial government as MLA and Member of Cabinet and Executive Council, representing Mid-Island Pacific Rim. Scott previously served as Mayor of the District of Tofino, President of the Tofino Bed and Breakfast Association, Director on the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Director on the Clayoquot Sound Central Region Board. In 2019, he introduced the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as Minister of Indigenous Relations.

Lori Simcox, Board Member, is CEO of SPAL General Constructors Inc., owned by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, which manages partnerships in the construction industry.

Manoj Jasra, Board Member, is Chief Marketing & Digital Officer at Northland Properties Group, whose assets span hotels, restaurants, resorts, sports and construction in Canada and internationally.

Three new projects, in partnership with coastal Indigenous Nations, will target marine debris along BC’s shoreline, including more remote areas in Haida Gwaii and the Discovery Islands.

An additional $3.6 million from the Clean Coast, Clean Waters (CCCW) initiative will be distributed to three organizations: TIABC member Spirit of the West Adventures; Misty Isles Economic Development Society; and the Campbell River Association of Tour Operators. These new projects will clean up more than an additional 1,000 kilometres of shorelines and create 240 jobs, which include 163 jobs for youth.

This announcement increases the number of projects under the CCCW initiative to nine with a total investment of nearly $18 million. The CCCW initiative is an important part of the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan and its goal to address plastic pollution.

Read the full announcement here.

Destination Vancouver, Good Night Out Vancouver, and go2HR are partnering up to help Vancouver’s hospitality industry get a jump start on safety.

Participating establishments will receive cross-promotion throughout the summer and an invitation to a safety skill sharing and social event in the Fall.

The 6 week 'Safer Spaces' campaign encourages local establishments to sign-up for industry-specific training to help build staff and patron confidence. Learn tools and tips to help prioritize safety and navigate a variety of challenging situations.

All training is free of charge. Learn more and sign-up here.

go2HR is excited to announce that the health & safety training course BSAFE™ has been updated! They have refreshed the course content to reflect Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan and are excited to continue to deliver current and valuable health & safety content to businesses all over the province in an accessible way.

BSAFE™ is a new and FREE online health and safety training program for individuals and businesses in BC’s tourism and hospitality industry. Instill confidence amongst the general public to stay, dine, or shop at your local business.

It’s a FREE program supported by the Province of BC.

Click here to register for employers.

Click here to register for workers.

British Columbians are invited to provide input into the development of made-in-BC permanent paid sick leave to support workers and protect workplaces.

In addition to outreach to key stakeholders and Indigenous partners, a public consultation process is now open and can be accessed through government’s engagement site.

There will be two phases of consultation:

Phase 1 (Aug. 5 to Sept. 14) – surveys will gather information from employers and workers on the kinds of paid illness and injury leaves currently provided, and how they are meeting workers’ needs; and

Phase 2 (Sept. 20 to Oct. 25) – informed by the surveys, options will be prepared for various paid sick leave models, including the numbers of paid days and other supports, and will be posted for public feedback and input.

In May 2021, amendments to the Employment Standards Act laid the groundwork for establishing minimum standards for a permanent paid sick leave entitlement. Following the public engagement process, paid sick leave will be established through a regulation, and come into effect on January 1st, 2022.

Click here to learn more and to take the survey.

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.

British Columbia’s brewers are innovators. They have been since John Mitchell and Frank Appleton built the Horseshoe Bay Brewery—Canada’s first microbrewery—back in 1982. They are creative entrepreneurs, innovative business owners, who have nurtured their industry with desire and determination to be the best at what they do. And they’ve succeeded. More than 180 breweries dot the super, natural landscape of BC with new operations opening at an unprecedented rate.

Adding to that, BC Brewers win about one-third of all annual Canadian Brewing Awards despite the province having less than 20% of the country’s breweries and less than 15% of the national population.

At the heart of BC craft beer’s success is a fierce loyalty that exists between beer enthusiasts and breweries. Many brewers have enough trouble keeping up with local demand to even think about trying to distribute outside of the province. That means you have to travel here to taste the freshest beer, which is a good thing considering everything else British Columbia has to offer.

Plan your next ale by exploring Explore the BC Ale Trail. An array of world-class breweries are waiting to be discovered amid British Columbia’s spectacular wilderness and scenery, along with a wide range of outdoor activities and urban experiences. New experiences are brewing nearby!

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.

The British Columbia Hotel Association is the advocate and spokesperson for the interests of the accommodation industry throughout BC. Once a $3.2 billion+ revenue generating industry prior to COVID-19 - representing more than 80,000 rooms and 60,000 employees - the BCHA has been a tireless advocate and active leader in the fight toward relief and recovery, among many other priority issues.

They are committed to restoring BC's tourism sector and actioning positive change for residents and communities in every corner of the province. Through unwavering resolve, the BCHA leads the hospitality community with compassion and conviction, positively shaping the future of hospitality.

With over 600 hotel members and 200 associate members, the BCHA is the bridge between the hospitality and business community. They are proud to offer a robust collection of tailored benefits, discounts, programs, and opportunities for every member.

Learn more about the BC Hotel Association here.

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-19, 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 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.

Mark your calendar for the Tourism Industry Association of Canada's (TIAC) next Member TALK.

Date: Tuesday, August 10th from noon - 1:00pm (PST);

An open discussion and informal gathering with TIAC president and CEO, Beth Potter. As a TIAC member, this is your opportunity to have your questions answered by TIAC's CEO and hear first hand what the organization is doing for you.

Member TALKs will take place on the second Tuesday of every month.

TIAC members click here to register and to submit your questions.

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 7th, 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.

Mark the weekend of September 10-12, 2021 on your calendar, as Canadian campgrounds coast-to-coast participate in the 2021 Canadian Camping Appreciation Weekend.

The Camping Appreciation weekend is a national initiative coordinated by the Canadian Camping and RV Council to say thank you for your patronage over the camping season and we encourage you to come out and help celebrate the camping and RV Lifestyle!

Read more click here and book your campsite.

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.

Elections will take place electronically during the period of August 23, 2021 to September 7, 2021. The results of this election will be announced at the Association’s Annual General Meeting.

Dates: October 10th, 2021 (to be held virtually).

Click here for more information and the official Notice of Nominations.

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/