C-19 BULLETIN - August 24th, 2021
Now Published Tuesdays & Fridays Over the Summer
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Mask Mandate to Reduce Transmission, Protect People in Public spaces
As of tomorrow (August 25), masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout BC to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 as BC prepares for the fall and respiratory illness season.
A new order from the provincial health officer will require people 12 and older to wear masks in indoor public settings regardless of vaccination status. These settings include:
- malls, shopping centres, coffee shops and retail and grocery stores
- liquor and drug stores
- airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres
- restaurants, pubs and bars (unless seated)
- on public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle
- areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided
- common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity
- common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations
- inside schools for all K-12 staff, visitors and students in grades 4-12
This temporary order will be reassessed as the BC vaccine card requirement is fully implemented in certain social and recreational settings, as announced yesterday.
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In Case you Missed the Details
BC Launches Proof of Vaccination (PoV)
to Stop Spread of COVID-19
PoV Will Have Impact on Tourism & Hospitality Operators
Starting September 13th, proof of vaccination will be required in BC for people attending certain social and recreational settings and events. This important step will continue to increase the vaccination rate across the province and provide confidence to fully vaccinated people that those around them are also fully vaccinated.
A new order from the provincial health officer will require individuals to provide proof of vaccination to access a broad range of social, recreational, and discretionary events and businesses throughout the province, including indoor ticketed sporting events, indoor concerts, indoor theatre, dance and symphony events, organized indoor events such as weddings, conferences, workshops, meetings, parties, restaurants (both indoor and patio dining), movie theatres, night clubs, and casinos.
As of September 13th, one dose of vaccine will be required for entry to these settings. By October 24th, entry to these settings will require people to be fully vaccinated at least seven days after receiving both doses.
A secure weblink will be provided and publicized before September 13th where people will be able to confidentially access their proof of vaccination. Individuals will be able to save a copy of their proof of vaccination to their phone to show it when entering or using designated businesses and events. Individuals who cannot access their proof of vaccination online will be provided with a secure alternative option.
TIABC welcomes the announcement, which falls in line with what several industry associations recommended to government last week (see copy of letter in last Friday's Bulletin). However, the organization is looking for more details on implementation and other considerations.
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Consultation on Proposed Amendments
to Minimum Levels of First Aid in the Workplace
WorkSafeBC is requesting feedback on proposed amendments to Part 3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, which sets out the minimum occupational first aid requirements for workplaces in BC. The purpose of the proposed amendments is to review and update the first aid requirements, with an emphasis on high risk, remote industries, and to harmonize the Regulation with the first aid training and first aid provision national framework, set out by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
go2HR has gathered and summarized important information about the proposed amendments, which you can find on their website. Learn more about the proposed amendments (highlighted in yellow) here and have your say by completing WorkSafeBC’s online feedback form.
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Business in Vancouver BC 500 2021
Recognizing the 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in BC Including Several in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector, as well as Individuals Who Support our Sector
BC500 features business leaders who have a notable impact on BC’s communities, industries and economy. They are visionaries, innovators and trailblazers. They embody the values of modern leadership: engagement, trust, corporate citizenship, inclusion and innovation. Some of them are household names; some of them are well known within their industries. All of them influence life and business in British Columbia.
TIABC wishes to recognize and congratulate the following tourism industry partners featured in this year's list:
Paula Amos - Indigenous Tourism BC
Bridgitte Anderson- Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
Peter Armstrong - Armstrong Group
Ken Beattie - BC Craft Brewers Guild
Geoff Buchheister - Whistler Blackcomb
Ken Cretney - BC Pavilion Corp.
Greg D'Avignon - Business Council of British Columbia
Ingrid Jarrett - BC Hotel Association
Walt Judas - TIABC
Maya Lange - Destination BC
Robyn McVicker - Vancouver Airport Authority
Sandra Oldfield - #BCWineChat
Miles Prodan - Wine Growers of BC
Ian Tostenson - BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association
Randy Wright - Harbour Air Group
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In Case you Missed it
TIABC's Guide to the Federal Election
As party leaders criss-cross the country with announcements and election promises, TIABC will continue to provide you with up-to-date information on commitments made to the tourism industry.
In an effort to engage candidates in the issues that matter to BC's visitor economy, TIABC has produced a Guide to the 2021 Federal Election as a tool for members to use over the coming weeks. It offers a number of suggested questions to ask local candidates in your riding. The guide will be updated as new issues arise. Feel free to submit your questions to info@tiabc.ca to be considered for inclusion in future versions.
The following resources are also available to assist you with your understanding of party platforms:
CONSERVATIVE PARTY
GREEN PARTY (to be released)
platform
LIBERAL PARTY
NEW DEMOCRAT PARTY
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Tourism Industry Response to BC Becoming Only the Second Province to Implement Proof of Vaccination
TIABC CEO Walt Judas joined CKNW on the Mornings with Simi Show (Jill Bennett - guest host) to discuss the recently announced proof of vaccination for people attending certain social and recreational events in BC, starting September 13th.
Click here to listen the interview |
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Industry welcomes vaccination card requirement
TIABC CEO Walt Judas joined Aaron McArthur of Global BC to discuss the recently announced proof of vaccination that will protect businesses, employees, and guests, and may encourage additional people to get vaccinated.
Click here to view the complete story |
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Vaccination Requirements in BC
Not Expected to Impact High Number of Alberta Travellers
In an interview with the Calgary Herald this week, TIABC CEO Walt Judas discussed his doubts that BC's Vaccine passport announcement will deter Albertans from exploring BC, adding that it could also encourage more Albertans to get immunized.
Click here to view the complete story. |
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Key Messaging for BC Wildfires
FOR VISITORS: Know before you go. Find current travel restrictions, wildfire info, and other key visitor information on Destination BC's consumer website, HelloBC.com. Learn more.
NEW – updated August 18: The Government of BC has issued a request for visitors to avoid all non-essential travel to or through wildfire-impacted areas. To learn more about what defines an “impacted area”, what to tell visitors, and the key information resources available, see Destination BC’s Wildfire Messaging Guidance.
Destination BC has also prepared Emergency Messaging Guidance to help the tourism industry navigate questions, mitigate visitor concerns, and proactively manage perceptions during emergencies, available here.
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TIABC Board Member Perspectives
Meet Director Sandra Oldfield
My Vision for Tourism
I have worked in hospitality for over 30 years. My first job, as is the case for many young people, was at a resort in California. After that I worked in wine tasting rooms and eventually came to own Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in Oliver, BC. Hosting visitors was our focus. Now I work with companies in hospitality through my consulting company, Elysian Projects and sit on the board of the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC). I have seen this industry change dramatically in some ways (social media, customer management systems, tailored experiences) and I have also waited for some changes that have been slower to come. If I could have one hope for a better industry it would be that hospitality businesses, both tiny and large, create a customer-centric employee experience.
Let me explain. When we are in the business of hosting guests we often live and die by the experience they have with us. Not only do they bring in the revenue that fuels our businesses, but they bring in the promise of future revenues through their ability to become brand ambassadors, spreading positive reviews and stories about the time they had. Conversely, many of us have heard that a customer will share a good experience with one friend but will share a bad experience with ten people. I believe this to be true. When a customer experience goes wrong, we bend over backwards to right it. Often, we give long term customers discounts or extra services. We have learned old adages like “the customer is first with us”, “treat the customer like you want to be treated” and “put yourself in your customer’s shoes”. The customer is king/queen in the hospitality industry which is understandable given that we are there to try to meet and exceed their needs and wants.
Now, go back and read that last paragraph and replace the words customers and guests with the word “employees”. Does the paragraph still ring true for you?
I have seen time and time again businesses keep their customers on a pedestal at the expense of their employees’ well-being. In the last few months I have been inundated with messages from front line hospitality workers asking me to be their reference because they are leaving this industry. Often, they are not complaining about the salary, as we hear is the problem, but the lack of respect, proper communication, role ambiguity, disrespect for work hour boundaries and inflexibility of employers that contribute to them wanting to leave. When it comes to our customers, flexibility, clarity and respect are integral. What can you do to take your customer service vision and mirror it to your staff? Can you include them into the customer-centric circle so that your customer goals and your employee goals are in alignment? Seeing our employees as customers may be the key to invigorating the hospitality industry.
When the word “hospitality” comes to represent how we welcome both our customers and our hard-working workers then we know we will have succeeded.
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Newsweek's Future of Travel Awards highlights those who are creating a travel industry for the future—one that's more adaptable, sustainable, responsible, innovative and inclusive. The COVID-19 crisis has had a detrimental impact on the tourism industry, but it is also giving an opportunity for the travel space to rethink and reimagine what effect it could have on the world. These awards recognize companies and individuals who are rebuilding a travel industry for a brighter and more resilient future.
Keith Henry, President & CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), has been named as a finalist in the Visionaries Category. Determined by a panel of advisers, all experts in different categories of travel, these finalists are travel leaders that created new initiatives or adapted previous ones to make the travel industry more aligned, responsive and indicative of responsible and sustainable tourism.
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Request for Proposal
2022 Tourism & Hospitality Conference
1 More Week to Submit a RFP
- Are you an experienced event and/or conference planner?
- Are you passionate about the tourism and hospitality industries?
- Do you possess a strong skillset to develop, produce, and manage large-scale events?
The Tourism Industry Association (TIABC) and The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) have issued an RFP to solicit proposals from qualified meeting and events planners interested in successfully organizing, coordinating, and managing the 2nd Annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, taking place in-person March 8-11, 2022 in Prince George.
About the Conference:
In face of the challenges presented over the course of the COVID-19, in March 2021, TIABC and the BCHA joined forces to present the first ever BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, held virtually. With the aim of providing industry with tools, knowledge, and resources for success, the conference will once again bring industry operators, partners, and stakeholders together in March 2022 for a four-day period filled with connection, growth, and inspiration.
How to Submit A Proposal:
Please refer to complete RFP package here for full submission guidance. Proposals must be received by August 30th at 5pm PST and can be submitted to the following:
1). By mail:
BC Hotel Association/Tourism Industry Association of BC
200-948 Howe Street
Vancouver, BC
V6Z 1N9
2). Electronically:
Walt Judas Ingrid Jarrett
CEO, TIABC CEO, BCHA
wjudas@tiabc.ca ingrid@bcha.com
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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. |
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Coasters Helping Coasters
Faced with a shortage of workers, a small army of seniors in Sechelt is volunteering to cover shifts at restaurants and other small businesses, rather than see them close their doors because of a lack of workers.
A new volunteer program named Coasters Helping Coasters is an idea developed by a group of mostly retired friends fed up with the frequent closures of their favourite restaurants. The group figured they could help fill a gap. They don't get paid, restaurant owners instead donate their hourly wages to charity. The group started with 9 volunteers, but this week are up to 22! As one volunteer stated "We don't need the money. They need the money and we are happy to help."
View to the full news story here
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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 wish to thank them for their ongoing support.
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Tourism Kamloops
Tourism Kamloops is the not-for-profit destination marketing organization for the city, governed by an 11-member Board of Directors.
The team at Tourism Kamloops has been a long-standing supporter of TIABC including participation on the board. Beverley DeSantis, CEO of Tourism Kamloops is the current chair of our Policy Development Committee.
Learn more about Tourism Kamloops here.
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2021 TIABC MEMBERSHIP
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.
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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.
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Social Media for Small Business
While it’s amazing for catching up with old friends, social media can also be a huge driver of traffic and attention to your small business. And, just because you know what social media is, does not mean you necessarily understand how to use social media to grow and develop your business.
This workshop focuses on understanding social media for small business, what it is and how it’s connecting people.
Date: August 25, 2021, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Venue: Online Webinar
Click here to learn more and to register for the free webinar, using coupon code DBC3034. |
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Q&A With ABLE BC's Executive Director
Hear directly from ABLE BC's Executive Director, Jeff Guignard about the state of BC's liquor industry. Catch up on anything you may have missed over the last month, including changing public health orders, liquor policies, and regulations
Get the results from the recent Hospitality Industry Outlook survey and insight into how BC's liquor and food primaries are recovering from the pandemic,
update on ABLE BC's recent meetings with government, 2021 policy priorities, and advocacy work, including vaccine passports, licensee sales, and the labour crisis. Members of the ABLC BC Board of Director's will also be joining the session.
Date: Thursday, August 26th at 10:00 am PT.
RSVP here. A Zoom link will be provided prior to the meeting. |
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Future Consumption Trends in Canada
As Canadians begin to slowly transition from managing harsh pandemic restrictions to social and economic recovery, the data is clear, our cumulative pandemic experience has had a profound impact on consumption habits, beliefs and perceptions.
Rapid shifts have impacted what we consume, where we gather, who is present, how we are sourcing and planning and cooking and baking behaviours, to name a few. Additionally, functional and emotional needs driving our food, beverage and beverage alcohol choices have shifted.
To set the context for the period of transition, join us for a complimentary webinar as we share shifts in consumption behaviours that have impacted decision-making processes versus the pre-pandemic period. Specifically, we will walk through 2 future-casting business case studies that address:
- Future behaviours that will stick
- Looking to the future of Foodservice coffee
Date: Thursday, August 26th at 10:00 am PT
Click here to learn more and to register for this free webinar. |
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Working with FireSmart BC Tools and Resources
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. |
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Lead Generation & Marketing Tips
ABLE BC and Ballistic Arts invite you to join us for a free webinar.
At last! British Columbia and the rest of Canada are opening back up. That's great news, but how are you going to best take advantage of this for your business?
Will you marketing tactics that you used during the lockdown work now that the economy is reemerging? What new initiatives should you think about and what should you avoid?
Join us on this one-hour webinar 'Lead Generation and Marketing Tips for BC's Reopening' with expert Ted Lau, CEO of award-winning Ballistic Arts, and podcast host of Marketing News Canada.
Date: Wednesday, September 1, 10:00 am PT
What you'll learn:
- The big changes in Apple, Facebook, and Google that will affect how you market
- What type of cost effective marketing content makes sense for your lead generation efforts
- Even more about the Marketing Funnel/Loop and where you need to focus in the reopening
The economy is reopening, are you ready? Register here for the free webinar.
If you are unable to attend live, a webinar recording will be sent to everyone registered.
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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.
BC and Alberta: September 14, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm PST
Deadline for sponsorship registration is August 06, 2021
- There are only 50 spots for sellers per event, so make sure to register early!
- CITAP will be arranging the pods, and the deadline for registration of ALL attendees is August 27, 2021
- RTO members are encouraged to attend both sessions
Sellers Note:
- Sellers are required to provide a presentation with a maximum of 4 slides
- Sellers will have 5-minute time limit for their presentation
Deadline for submitting presentations is September 03, 2021
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Selling and Growing Your Business on Amazon
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.
What will I learn?
- How to get started selling on Amazon Canada
- How to grow and scale your business on Amazon Canada, including tools like Fulfilment by Amazon, Brand Registry, and more
- Best practices and top tools used by our most successful selling partners
- How to get the Prime Badge and use FBA
- How to drive traffic with Advertising and Deals
- How Amazon Canada can support your business expansion and reach customers
Click here for more information and to register. |
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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. |
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Annual Camping Appreciation Weekend
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. |
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UBCM 2021 Convention
UBCM’s Executive and staff look forward to welcoming delegates from across the province to the 2021 UBCM Convention. This year’s event is just over a month away, and over the coming weeks they will be detailing the workshops, keynotes and policy discussions that will feature at this year’s meeting.
The plenary will feature the Honourable Murray Sinclair, Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. There will also be an array of thought-provoking workshops that will include sessions on forest policy modernization, cybersecurity and housing affordability, and the need to rethink emergency preparedness, wildfire risk and climate action in light of extreme heat events.
Date: September 14 - 17, 2021.
Click here for conference information and to register. |
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Community Futures 2021 Conference
With this year's theme "Rural, Resilient & Looking Forward", the provincial conference will be held in Revelstoke, BC.
This is an in-person event.
Dates: September 20 - 22, 2021.
Click here for more information and to register. |
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Tourism Vancouver Island AGM
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. |
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Boating BC Annual Conference
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.
Dates: November 23rd and 24th, 2021
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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.
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TIABC Annual General Meeting
Thursday, November 18th
Details to the AGM including official Notice of AGM and registration will soon follow.
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IMPACT Travel & Tourism Conference
Dialogue and recommendations will be captured from this annual conference of thought leaders to produce the IMPACT Conference Proceedings Paper in 2022.
As conference organizers, they believe through conversation, inspiration and collaboration they can position Canada as a global leader in sustainability and innovation in tourism and drive a competitive advantage for the future. This is the legacy they hope to create from the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference.
DATE: January 23 - 26, 2022, Victoria Conference Centre
Details to the Conference including registration will be provided late in August, 2021.
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BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference - 2022
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.
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5 Free Learning Resources
for Tourism Operators & Destination Partners
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) launched the Elevating Canadian Experiences (ECE) program earlier this year 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.
You can now you access 5 practical tools and resources developed by TIAC for the program.
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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.
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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!
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Feel free to send us your ideas on what information would be valuable for TIABC to share through our COVID-19 Bulletin going forward. Drop us a line at info@tiabc.ca. |
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