C-19 BULLETIN - November 13, 2020
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BC State of Emergency Extended
The state of emergency is extended through the end of the day on November 24th, to allow staff to continue to take the necessary actions to keep British Columbians safe and manage immediate concerns and COVID-19 outbreaks.
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Updates to Public Health Order
Our industry partners at ABLE BC have prepared a thorough summary of the recent updates to the November 7th Public Health Orders:
The Provincial Health Officer has released the following new documents for the Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health Regions:
The original website detailing Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley restrictions has also been updated. The new public order and guidance offers the following important clarifications for food and liquor primaries:
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People can meet up at a liquor or food primary with a maximum of six at a table. The rules for food and liquor primaries have not changed under the temporary order, but it is very important that they are diligently followed
- Until November 23rd, there are no receptions permitted following weddings and funerals
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Patrons have been advised by government that they should only visit a restaurant with “people in your household or core bubble” with a maximum of six people at a table
Important reminder: daily business and worksite COVID-19 employee screenings should already be included in every business’s existing COVID-19 safety plan.
Read the full ABLE BE update at:
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Destination BC Updates Messaging Guide
BC tourism businesses can refer to the Messaging Guidance for November 10–23 related to the announcement on Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley restrictions. The document includes messaging for entities within and outside the Vancouver Costal Health and Fraser Health Regions, and a FAQ.
For more details, visit the Destination BC website:
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WorkSafeBC to Increase Inspections
Maintaining COVID-19 safety plans
On November 7th, the provincial health officer issued an order to all employers in the Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health Authority regions.
This order requires that all employers in the affected regions review their COVID-19 Safety Plan to ensure that appropriate protocols are in place to protect workers from the risk of transmission, including physical distancing, the use of barriers, and the use of masks. Employers are also required as part of this order to ensure that workers and others are prohibited from entering the workplace if they have symptoms of COVID-19.
Enhanced COVID-19 inspections and consultations
As of November 9th, WorkSafeBC has been conducting enhanced COVID-19 Safety Plan inspections and consultations at workplaces in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions to complement the order.
Prevention officers will be focusing on ensuring that workplace controls are effectively implemented and managed, that appropriate workplace protocols are in place and that health screening is being conducted.
Download more information here or visit the Worksafe BC website:
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BC Regional Tourism Secretariat
COVID-19 Tourism Impact Report, October 2-31
Key Provincial Highlights:
The proportion of firms unable to pay their monthly bills has dropped 7% in September from August, bringing the proportion back down below July levels. The drop in revenue compared to 2019 has also improved 2% from August, continuing a trend of revenue getting closer to normal.
Only 19% of firms, however, reported that the increase in demand from BC residents has been enough to lead to increased business this year, meaning that 81% of firms have received less business in 2020, with any increase in BC residents not being enough to offset the usual business received from elsewhere.
42% of businesses reported using the federal wage subsidy programs, while more than half reported not using it. Those that reported not using the programs were not sure they were eligible for the programs, with many expressing that they don’t have full-time employees. Those that reported not needing the subsidy also did not apply.
Over half of businesses reported that the subsidy programs have enabled their firm to stay in business, implying that this program has been highly effective for those accessing it. In an open-ended question, many firms implied that the wage subsidy was one of the key factors allowing them to stay in business and not close down.
Download the full report here
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August Visitation Numbers
The August numbers were released by Statistics Canada in late October, wrapping up what would normally be a busy summer season. Instead, the numbers show that with ongoing border restrictions, there was little change to arrival numbers between June and August.
In 2019, Canada welcomed 9.46 Million international travellers in the summer months. This year, arrivals only totaled 200,000 a difference of almost 98%.
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ArriveCAN Awareness Toolkit
As the COVID-19 global situation continues to evolve rapidly, the Government of Canada is taking a variety of measures at the border as part of its efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19
in Canada. ArriveCAN was created as a secure and user-friendly tool to help travellers comply with these border measures.
The digital engagement kit contains information for air travellers, land/marine travellers, general key messaging about ArriveCAN, sharable social media content, promotional videos highlighting requirements, and more.
Download the Toolkit here
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Statement by Minister Garneau
on Measures to Protect Canadians from the Impacts of COVID-19 on the Air Travel Sector
On November 8th, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau, issued the following statement:
“A strong and competitive air transport industry is vital for Canada’s economy and the well-being of Canadians. Due to our vast geography, Canadians rely more heavily on air travel than other countries. Canada has successfully built a strong air travel system that connects communities across regions, supports a green, world-leading aerospace supply chain, the tourism sector and regional economic development, and directly employs over 100,000 Canadians.
“The pandemic has hit the air sector harder than any other and it is facing a delayed and slow recovery. With passenger levels still down almost 90%, air carriers and airports have been forced to take drastic measures to remain viable. Broad-based government supports like the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy have helped to mitigate the severe impact on employees in the sector.
“However, we have heard from many Canadians who have been negatively affected. When this unprecedented pandemic broke out in the spring, Canadians who had already booked travel ended up stuck with vouchers for trips they could not take instead of getting refunds. They found themselves in a situation where they have given thousands of dollars in interest-free loans to airlines.
“We have heard from Canadians in the air travel and related industries who have lost their jobs or fear for their job security. The air sector cannot respond to these challenges on its own, given the unprecedented impacts on its operations. To protect Canadians, the Government of Canada is developing a package of assistance to Canadian airlines, airports and the aerospace sector. As part of this package, we are ready to establish a process with major airlines regarding financial assistance which could include loans and potentially other support to secure important results for Canadians. We anticipate beginning discussions with them this week.
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Recent Travel Restrictions Another Blow to the Industry
BC's Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry Could Take Years to Recover from COVID-19
“We’re already seeing operators faced with cancellation, people who were planning trips to other parts of the province have cancelled their hotel reservations and that has a trickle down effect to restaurants, attractions, other activity areas. So, no question this is a concern,” Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of BC, tells NEWS 1130.
BC's Latest Pandemic Travel Restrictions are 'Devastating' Blow for Tourism, Industry CEO Says
"I can tell you today, the reaction is one of utter devastation," said Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria. "We understand why this needs to happen — it doesn't mitigate the fact that it is devastating."
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BCIT Practicum Student Opportunities
BCIT is offering two ways in which the industry could support students currently enrolled in tourism and hospitality programs. There is concern that with the slow recovery in 2021 there may be problems finding organizations willing to take a practicum student this spring. If students can’t find a placement in tourism they may well drift into other industries, and it could slow our industry's recovery further if we lose students choosing tourism as a career path.
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Annual Business Consulting Project (BCP) offers organizations a marketing research project at no cost (in the past BCIT charged $750)
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Practicum – students work for 9 weeks (4 days per week) in a tourism organization in the spring for free.
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Endorsement Request:
BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group
The BC Meetings & Events Work Group continues its work on plans and strategies to present to government to restart the meetings and events sector at the appropriate time. As shared earlier, the sector has received a very positive industry and government response to the BC Meetings & Events COVID-10 Safe Restart Guidelines. However, given the recent Provincial Health Order, the group is delaying the next communication phase by a few weeks.
In the meantime, the group is continuing to seek support from individuals, companies and organizations across the sector to formally endorse the Guidelines in order to demonstrate the foundational high level of support within BC to government.
Please click on the link below and submit your details. It takes no more than 30 seconds. Thank you.
If you would like any additional information please contact:
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Membership Renewal Reminder
TIABC is finalizing its membership renewals for 2020. If you have not received your membership renewal or have questions, please drop us an email at info@tiabc.ca
TIABC is grateful to all members for your support during this challenging year. Note - TIABC is able to extend memberships to 2021 for members who require this option.
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Kelowna Industry Indicators
Tourism Kelowna is a data-driven organization, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they have continued to monitor the impact that this health emergency is having on our industry.
In September, and for the fourth straight month, Kelowna and the Central Okanagan registered an increase in overnight trips to the area with a total of 222,660 visitors, a 36.16% increase year over year (YOY). The total year-to-date (YTD) overnight stays to Kelowna have now increased YOY by 3% to 1,474,990.
On the other hand, hotels and motels in Kelowna continue to present a decline in average occupancy when compared to last year. In the nine months ending in September, Kelowna has seen an average hotel occupancy of 44.3%, which is a decrease of 25.5 points from the same time frame last year. It is important to note that this year three new hotels have opened in Kelowna, which would naturally have an effect on occupancy levels.
Kelowna accommodators did, however, register occupancies consistently above the provincial average and during the summer months, Kelowna and the Central Okanagan were one of the leading destinations for travel in the province despite the challenges. Even though we are one of the leading destinations, we are still seeing a significant drop and as we move into the fall and winter, and our industry will continue to be challenged until full recovery is possible.
The hotel occupancy data demonstrates that visitors are choosing smaller and more intimate accommodation options such as Airbnb, camping, and staying with family and friends over the more traditional options of hotels and resorts. Lead times and booking windows remain very short; however, time spent researching destinations has increased significantly. This serves as a reminder to make sure your website and social media are updated regularly not only with inspiring messaging but also with information regarding your COVID-19 measures and procedures.
Passengers travelling through the airport have also decreased steadily throughout the year. In the nine months ending in September, there has been a 60% drop in passengers. This shows that being a drive-to market has been very beneficial for the Central Okanagan, with the majority of visitors arriving by vehicle.
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Vancouver Tourism Facility Managers Association
AGM Notice
The Vancouver Tourism Facility Managers Association (VTFMA) will be holding its fifth annual general meeting on November 18th at 12pm. The meeting will be a hybrid event with board members onsite at the Westin Bayshore Hotel broadcasting virtually to the membership this year.
Guest Speakers include:
- Fortis BC update incentive programs for commercial customers.
- Update on WTTC Safe Travels Stamp registration
- Third speaker TBD
The Vancouver Tourism Facility Managers Association was created in 2015 by a group of dedicated facility managers who saw the need to bring together the tourism facility management professionals in a way to foster collegiate learning, sharing of best practices and better communications. Primary membership includes Chief Engineers, Directors of Engineering and their staff from hotels, attractions, and meeting facilities in Metro Vancouver. The VTFMA also has associate membership for industry suppliers, vendors and consultants who are an integral part of the high-quality service delivery to visitors and locals in Vancouver and Metro Vancouver. Our purpose is to support excellence and leadership in tourism facility management.
Please share with people in your organization who are involved with building and facility management you think might be interested. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the organization.
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Virtual Freshwater Fishing
Tourism Symposium
TIABC will be presenting as part of the Virtual Freshwater Fishing Tourism Symposium on November 18th from 11am to 2:30pm.
The event will also include updates from:
- Fish and Aquatic Habitat Branch
- The Adventure Tourism Coalition
- Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
- Fishing BC Marketing Campaign
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Sport Fishing Institute
Conference and Webinar Series 2020
The Sport Fishing Institute is hosting a series of virtual discussions intended to seek pathways for recovery of salmon stocks and predictable opportunity and reliable access for BC’s public fishery. Each session will be approximately 90 minutes long and will cover topics within this year's theme, Charting a Predictable Path for Salmon and BC’s Public Fishery.
Attendance is free, with thanks to conference sponsors, but you must register in advance for each session. Please visit the SFI website and the 2020 Conference page for registration links and conference updates. _________________________________________________________________
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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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Destination BC Tourism Digital Academy
5 New Intakes (free)
The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, 8-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. From setting your goals to building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, analytics and more – you’ll leave the program with the confidence and knowledge to put that plan into action.
This online program includes:
• 8 weeks of interactive sessions led by digital marketing experts and ongoing access to the video recordings (Tuesdays & Thursdays each week for a total of four hours per week)
• Technical tutorials to dig deeper into specific areas and share experiences with other participants (Wednesdays each week for one hour)
• One-to-one coaching available, on-demand, to answer your sticky questions
• Audits of your business website, SEO and social media channels, to assess your current situation
• A marketing plan template to guide the development of your own plan
• Opportunities for peer support and networking
There are multiple intakes, each running for 8 weeks, beginning the week of:
• January 4
• January 11
• January 18
• February 1
• February 15
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November 17 & 18
November 25 & 26, 2020
Indigenous Tourism BC AGM
November 25
TIABC AGM
December 2nd, 4pm (PT)
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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.
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