C-19 BULLETIN - December 4, 2020

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CEO Message

As a broadcast journalist decades ago, my regular workday started at 4:30 in the morning and often didn’t end until 11:30 at night. Luckily, I was young, keen, energetic and a tad naïve and ultimately learned to exist on little sleep. In fact, to this day I can’t sleep past 6 a.m. no matter what time I go to bed. I somewhat relived those early mornings and late nights this week to meet a number of deadlines and obligations, all of which I considered to be a high priority.

On top of significant commitments to the Tourism Task Force, as well as a presentation to the Vancouver Coast and Mountains Region, TIABC’s annual general meeting, and our subsequent board strategy session, yesterday I met for the first time with the Honourable Melanie Mark, BC’s new Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, along with new Deputy Minister Neilane Mayhew.

Minister Mark was keen to learn about TIABC's role in the tourism ecosystem, but more importantly, she was interested in the state of the tourism and hospitality industry and how government could address the many challenges through existing or new measures. Among the topics we spoke about was the need for a plan to re-open travel and tourism; the importance of messaging by government to restore and/or maintain consumer and resident confidence; the extensive COVID-19 safety plans undertaken by industry to protect our workforce and guests; the need for additional measures to help businesses address liquidity; the barriers to specific support programs; and the desire by industry to better understand the data and rationale for government decisions that affect the visitor economy.

Earlier today, my colleagues and I (BCHA, ABLE BC, Restaurants Canada) met again with Minister Mark, as well as the new Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, Honourable Ravi Kahlon to discuss how difficult it is for many tourism operators to qualify for the Small & Medium-Sized Business Recovery Program. As identified in our submission (attached below), we provided Minister Mark and Minister Kahlon with background and context for our recommendations to adjust the criteria, in addition to showing data that illustrated how few tourism and hospitality businesses have received grants to date.

The ministers pointed out that some of our suggested changes had already been made (see letter below), but also committed to further reviewing our recommendations with the goal of helping more operators with grants in the days ahead. I was very encouraged by both conversations with Minister Mark, including today’s meeting alongside Minister Kahlon.

In case you missed TIABC’s annual general meeting yesterday, allow me to provide a brief synopsis, with a focus on the path forward instead of looking back at the previous 12 months. In no particular order:
 
  • TIABC will continue to work with dozens of our sector partners on relief and recovery measures. Twice a week, some of the larger sectors including TIABC, BCHA, ABLE BC, and Restaurants Canada convene not only to exchange intel, but to collaborate on advocacy initiatives that include policy positions, media relations campaigns, research and other actions. 

  • We will also continue to meet twice a week with the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (Tourism Vancouver Island, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association) to work on government relations activities, as well as research priorities. Note – TIABC is pleased to have signed an MOU with the BC Regional Secretariat to work on initiatives such as restoring confidence, research, and other projects.

  • We will also continue to meet bi-weekly with Vancouver Coast & Mountains Tourism Region to exchange information on our respective activities.

  • As part of my responsibilities, I will carry on as chair of the Metro Vancouver Tourism & Hospitality Industry Response and Recovery Task Force Government Relations Committee. In the days ahead, the Metro Van Task Force will join forces with the Greater Victoria Tourism Rescue & Recovery Task Force, along with other partners throughout the province to consider communication activities that include a BC version of the hardest hit campaign that was originally developed by our federal counterparts.
 
  • Together with our partners in the Adventure Tourism Coalition, PNWER, the YVR Travel Corridors Working Group, and the Meetings & Events Working Group, we will continue to develop plans and press senior levels of government on a path forward to re-open borders and relax gathering restrictions when the time is right.  

  • TIABC is a member of the Coalition of BC Businesses whose primary focus is on labour issues. We will continue to support the coalition to advance concerns on labour code changes, the Workers Compensation Act, and in the context of the pandemic, wage subsidies and temporary layoff provision extensions.
 
  • At the federal level, TIABC will continue its work with provincial and territorial counterparts along with our national partners at TIAC to lobby for specific measures that would assist all of industry. Through our collective efforts, we saw the federal government take a big step this week in announcing relief measures for the tourism industry that will ease some of the pressure we have faced for nearly nine months. However, there are other priorities to address including support for Canada's national and (BC) regional airlines who are bleeding cash and need help, not only for the sake of the airlines themselves, but for the entire Canadian visitor economy.
 
  • Also at the AGM, I offered assurance to our entire industry that in spite of our focus on relief measures over the past nine months, we aim to address some of the other issues that are so important to the future of the tourism industry in British Columbia (e.g. saving wild salmon and the recreational fishing sector, land tenure security).

  • Operationally, TIABC will continue to publish the C-19 Bulletin three times per week to share the latest government and industry news, as well as information on TIABC activities. We will be working with our partners at Destination BC, Fortis BC, Western Economic Diversification, as well as sectors, go2HR and the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat on videos and public service announcements to inform prospective visitors, residents and decision-makers on the COVID-19 health and safety measures that our industry has undertaken to ensure that tourism and hospitality businesses can remain open.

  • In March, we’ll partner with the BC Hotel Association on a combined virtual tourism and hospitality conference with as many as 20 workshops, combined keynote sessions, a sponsor forum and other highlights. Our 2021 plans also include a revamp of our website, increasing our social media activities and growing our presence on various platforms, all with the goal of being more effective advocates.

As Friday draws to a close and the weekend is officially upon us, I wish I could say that I’m looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. However, I’ll be up before 6 with a coffee in hand. Truth be told, it’s usually the best time to get a hold of me. But please don’t call. Send a text instead if you need to.

Walt Judas
CEO
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TIABC and Industry Partners Meet
with Jobs, Economy Recovery and Innovation Minister

On October 16th, TIABC, BC Hotel Association (BCHA), ABLE BC and Restaurants Canada submitted a brief to (now former) Deputy Minister to the Premier, Don Wright (view letter here), outlining the liquidity challenges faced by tourism operators and the need to find an immediate and efficient way to provide grants to tourism and hospitality business owners. Streamlining the application process and adjusting the criteria accordingly will allow more operators to receive much-needed assistance to survive through the pandemic and shoulder season into recovery. 

As mentioned above (in CEO message), Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation Minister Ravi Kahlon, and Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport Minister Melanie Mark met with Walt Judas (TIABC), Ingrid Jarrett (BCHA), Jeff Guignard (ABLE BC) and Mark von Schellwitz (Restaurants Canada) to further address the concerns outlined in the October 16th letter, and to follow up on government's response (view letter here).
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Latest National Tourism Labour Market Data

Data is from the week of November 8 to 14.
 
In the tourism sector, employment dropped by 34,400, a decline of 2.1% from October. (The seasonally adjusted labour force survey data is showing an increase of 62,000 jobs in November. However, the unadjusted data that we use shows that the Canadian economy lost jobs from October to November. Overall, seasonally unadjusted employment dropped by 19,800 jobs.)
 
Employment declined in the accommodation (-1.1%), food and beverage services (-3.9%), and recreation and entertainment industries (-8.9%). Employment gains occurred in the transportation (+8.1%) and travel services industries (+18.3%).
 
Despite employment losses, the tourism unemployment rate declined to 13.9% from 14.5% in October. This was driven by a decrease in the number of unemployed individuals. The number of unemployed tourism workers dropped from 282,300 in October to 262,700 in November. This indicates that former tourism workers were either finding jobs elsewhere or choosing not to seek employment due to labour market conditions.

Unlike last month, when employment losses were concentrated in Quebec, most provinces saw a loss of tourism employment in November. The greatest loss occurred in Manitoba (-13,900), followed by Quebec (-11,400), and Ontario (-10,200). The decline in Manitoba is particularly notable as it represents a loss of 22.6% of tourism employment compared to October.
 
In November, the tourism sector employed 410,000 fewer people than it did in February 2020 and 466,000 fewer people than in November 2019. On a year-over-year basis, the travel services and accommodation industries have seen the greatest percentage decrease in employment.

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$21M Arts & Culture Funding Announced

Artists and organizations are getting more to help them through the pandemic, with increased funding and extended deadlines to apply for arts and culture recovery supports.

As part of the Stronger BC for Everyone: B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan, the Province is providing $21 million for arts and culture through the BC Arts Council:
  • $16 million to expand the Arts and Culture Resilience Supplement
  • $5 million for the new Pivot Program to help organizations adapt

The supplement helps existing BC Arts Council clients pay for operating costs like rent and utilities, and rehire people who work in the sector, such as artists, theatre technicians, production designers or arts administrators. Supporting vital arts organizations in B.C. communities supports artists, helps families access the arts and encourages more cultural activities. Arts and culture organizations are already starting to receive their supplements and the BC Arts Council has extended the deadline to Jan. 29, 2021.

The new Pivot Program helps arts and cultural organizations adapt to new realities resulting from the pandemic. Organizations can apply for assistance to modify their business model and practices, or get support for operational changes, such as going carbon neutral or buying better equipment for livestreaming events. This program will help BC organizations plan for the future so the arts can stay resilient and recover strong. Applications are open until Jan. 4, 2021.

Stronger BC outlines the B.C. government’s latest steps to help people, businesses and communities recover and come out of COVID-19 stronger and better prepared.
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Impacts of COVID-19 on Restaurant Business
November 2020

The BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association (BCFRA) invites restaurants to complete a new survey to tell them know how business is doing. They need industry's help to gather a current picture of the restaurant, bar, and pub response to COVID-19.

Only aggregated responses will be shared. BCFRA's goal is to speak to newly appointed BC cabinet ministers and public health officers to continue to advocate for support and program help in the months to come.

Complete the survey here.

The BCFRA also hosts a range of resources on their website for restaurants, for example: COVID-19 Restaurant Marketing, 10 Tips for Successful Expanded Winter Patios - learn more at: www.bcrfa.com/covid-resources
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TIABC CEO Guest Speaker as part of SFI Webinar Series

On November 27th, Walt Judas presented at the Sport Fishing Institute. The presentation can be viewed here.
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TOTA Declares a Climate Emergency

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has declared a climate emergency as a signatory of Tourism Declares, a global tourism-specific initiative bringing together organizations and individuals from across the industry to take purposeful action and reduce Carbon emissions. TOTA has committed to developing and publishing a comprehensive "Climate Emergency Plan" within the next 12 months, including transparent goals, measurable reductions, and yearly progress updates.

"The climate crisis poses an immense threat. Throughout COVID-19 recovery efforts, we must stay one step ahead to not only mitigate environmental impacts, but work toward transforming tourism into a force for good," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "Becoming a signatory of Tourism Declares is reflective of TOTA's Regional Strategy, Embracing Our Potential, which has lead to this commitment to take climate action towards long-term, measurable results."

Like all signatories of Tourism Declares, TOTA has committed to five key actions, which includes accepting current advice of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stating the need to cut global Carbon emissions to 55% below 2017 levels by 2030, sharing a public commitment, and acting as an advocate for change and urgent action. TOTA intends to support the regional as well as wider travel and tourism sector through continued leadership efforts, accelerating the transition to a low carbon tourism economy.

During the TOTA and Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) joint Virtual Tourism Summit on November 25 & 26, Jeremy Smith, co-founder of Tourism Declares, was welcomed to a panel discussion to share background, insights, and practical tools for climate action. A recording of the panel can be found at News.TOTABC.org/update/Summit-Recap/Climate-Action.
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Five Steps to Manage
Your Online Presence During Recovery

As our industry shifts towards encouragement of BC-wide travel, it is vital that travellers have timely, fulsome, and accurate information about tourism businesses that are open in their community, and around British Columbia. Destination BC had provided a resource outlining five things to do right now to ensure your online presence is up to date.
Download the PDF here or visit:
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Industry Survey for Tourism Operators in the
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Region
Survey Extended

TIABC is working with the BC Destination Marketing Organization Association, the Metro Vancouver Tourism & Hospitality Industry Response and Recovery Task Force, and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region (VCM) on an important survey to ensure we have up-to-date information on the impacts of COVID-19 on the region's visitor economy. This survey is being led provincially by the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat, BC Hotel Association and the BCDMOA.

As an operator in the VCM region, completing this confidential survey allows us to be more effective in advocating on your behalf with both the provincial and federal government.
Recognizing the demands on your time we have made the survey as short as possible while collecting the necessary data to inform decision-makers.
Please respond as soon as possible. Thank you.

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Industry on the Move

Karen Soyka Joins Tourism Vancouver
as Vice President, Strategy & Business Development

Tourism Vancouver is pleased to welcome Karen Soyka to the team as Vice President, Strategy and Business Development. As part of the organization’s senior leadership team, Karen will be responsible for the rebuild of the organization to deliver on the 2021-22 Business Sprint that will position Vancouver as a leading destination in support of Vancouver’s tourism industry.

Karen will lead Tourism Vancouver’s destination promotion team including business insights, corporate communications, leisure promotions, sales and public relations, and the Visitor Centre.
Karen joins us from Alberta where she has spent 24 years as part of the tourism industry. Her experience includes resort operations, destination development, domestic and international business development and promotion, stakeholder relations, and strategic planning. Throughout her career, Karen has collaborated with domestic and international governments, industry, and the private sector, always with a focus on building strong teams and strategic partnerships globally. Her most recent years saw her as a member of the senior leadership team at Travel Alberta.

Karen’s first day at Tourism Vancouver was Monday, November 23rd. Please join us in welcoming her to the Vancouver tourism community!
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Revelstoke Tourism Stakeholders Raise Almost $10,000 to Mask Up Revy 

In a collaborative effort, the Revelstoke Recovery Task Force, Tourism Revelstoke, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce, and passionate community members share a unified message: Mask Up Revy.

The initiative encouraged mask wearing by providing free face masks to businesses, residents and visitors. 20,000 masks were purchased with funding from the city of Revelstoke, the chamber of commerce as well as the CSRD and given out to businesses, residents and visitors starting in mid August.
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The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) understands that businesses across Canada are facing extraordinary challenges due to the difficult economic conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This presentation will highlight some of the key economic dynamics impacting Canada’s property and casualty insurers, how the industry, governments and businesses are working in partnership to address the current challenges, and more importantly, share resources you can use to assist members of your community. 

The webinar will be 45 minutes in length with a 15 minute open forum for any questions.
Click here to register.
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RRU
Join Royal Roads University for a panel discussion to explore ways we can care for ourselves and others. Each of us is navigating through this time of uncertainty. Inevitably, worry, anxiety, and stress impact our work performance, as well as our mental and physical health. Three experts consider the challenges of sustaining our bodies, minds, and souls so we can continue to thrive as managers, leaders, and learners in the immediate and long term. Our panelists will provide three interrelated perspectives and a range of practices we can use daily in our lives.

December 10, 2:00-2:50pm (PST)


Panelists
  • Dr. Hilary Leighton, PhD, Associate Professor, Psychotherapist & Registered Clinical Counsellor. School of Environment and Sustainability, Royal Roads University
  • Tina Derix, NSCA – CPT, NCCP, CFit Lvl 1 Instructor. Co-Owner, Forge Gym, Victoria.
  • Dr. Carolin Rekar-Munro, PhD, CPHR, CTDP, Professor, Leadership. School of Business, Royal Roads University

This panel is an initiative of the Tourism and Hospitality Resource Forum of Royal Roads University, a volunteer initiative to support BC's tourism industry. For more information on joining the Resource Forum for free or about this event, please contact Geoff Bird at geoff.2bird@royalroads.ca
Together with the Tourism Cafe, the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat is pleased to announce expanded support through the BC Tourism Resiliency Network. Launching this month, Ideas Labs are a series of 30 online sessions on nine original topics selected from requests from tourism operators across the province. The labs will bring small groups together in a business-to-business learning environment to address hot topics where solutions to common problems are discussed and shared, and new ideas are incubated. These are 1-hour online peer-to-peer discussions led by an inspiring industry topic specialist.

Each session is limited to only 12 participants and space is limited. Ideas Labs is a program created and produced by the Tourism Cafe.

Learn more at:
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TIABC's C-19 Bulletin is published every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

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.