C-19 BULLETIN - March 5, 2021

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CEO Message

At my age I can scarcely remember the events of last week let alone last year. But I vividly recall the first Friday of March exactly 12 months ago as we wrapped up one of the most successful BC Tourism Industry Conferences ever. By all accounts the content, calibre of speakers, celebration, organization, food, attendance, sponsor support, venue, and other elements were first rate.

In case you missed it, the conference began with an outstanding presentation by former VANOC CEO John Furlong who inspired us and took everyone on a wonderful trip down memory lane to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Over the course of the following two days, hundreds of delegates attended a series of exceptional workshops and multiple plenary sessions featuring speakers such as British Columbia’s key transportation leaders, as well as assistant deputy ministers representing various provincial government portfolios.

Coming off another record tourism year, our industry was on a high and everyone was excited to be together in the lead-up to an anticipated busy spring and summer season. Registration and sponsorship were so good, TIABC was able to present every paid delegate, speaker and sponsor with an autographed copy of one of Rick Antonson’s travel books. We also had the pleasure of honouring the former president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver with a TIABC Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual BC Tourism Industry Awards dinner. Similarly, we recognized several of British Columbia’s top tourism businesses and employees for their outstanding achievements over the previous 12 months.

Yet as I reflect back on the event, two things stand out for me above all else. First…given what was evolving at the time, we added a bonus session to day one with a panel discussion on COVID-19. Speakers included Twenty 31’s Greg Klassen, Rick Antonson, Destination BC’s Maya Lange, and Vancouver Island’s Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Richard Stanwick. The good doctor spoke about this largely unfamiliar virus that was slowly and steadily wreaking havoc around the world. As Dr. Stanwick presented the information known at the time and offered guidance to delegates, the entire audience was enraptured.

The other session that captured mine and everyone else’s attention was the crisis presentation by the president and CEO of Visit California, Caroline Beteta. With the combination of catastrophic wildfires, floods, mass shootings and other major incidents in recent years, no one understood more than Caroline about the difficulties of managing and marketing an extremely popular destination that’s been continually pummelled by one crisis after another. Wouldn't you know it, Caroline was called home immediately after her presentation to deal with the emerging COVID emergency.

Even though the conference was going well, behind the scenes I was sweating bullets wondering if at any time we would be forced to send delegates home early given the evolving global situation. In fact, my nervousness was exacerbated by texts I received days before from our international speakers asking whether the conference was still a go and whether it was safe to travel to Canada.

After six months of planning and hundreds of thousands of dollars of expenses incurred, pulling the plug on such short notice was the last option we wanted to pursue but would have done so if necessary. As an aside, some weeks later we learned of a delegate that fell ill after day one and wisely stayed in his room until after the conference was over. Thankfully, he never contracted the dreaded virus and neither did anyone else to the best of our knowledge.

As we bid farewell to delegates one year ago with the promise of reconvening in Prince George in 2021, many attendees decided to skip a post-conference weekend in beautiful Victoria to head home given the news that destinations around the world were shutting down amid fears of the unknown and the fact the virus was gaining traction. Little did any of us know at the time that the BC Tourism Industry Conference would be one of the last major events of 2020 in our province. What’s more, no one could have predicted how devastating COVID-19 would be on our industry for the rest of the year and into the next.

So here we are 364 days later and yet it still feels like March 2020 in many ways. I don’t need to rehash what’s transpired since our Victoria gathering, but I will remind you that next week is the 2021 version of what’s now called the BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference (BCT&HC), thanks to TIABC’s partnership with the BC Hotel Association.

In spite of my memory challenges, I have no doubt that BCT&HC will be another unforgettable event for all the right reasons, not the least of which is the hope that this will be both the first and last virtual conference we stage for the foreseeable future.
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Business Recovery Grant Program Extended

The BC government has extended the deadline for the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program to ensure businesses have the time they need to apply.

One of the main requirements has also been lowered to ensure more businesses are eligible. The previous requirement for a business to have experienced at least a 70% revenue loss at some point in March or April 2020 has been adjusted. Now, a business is required to demonstrate only a 30% revenue loss in any one month between March 2020 to the point of application.

The time to apply for the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program has been extended from March 31st to August 31st.

Learn more at:
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According to Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of BC, the timing of B.C.’s vaccine rollout will dictate the sector’s recovery.
“By the time we achieve herd immunity in the province, much of the season will be over, and that’s a big concern,” Judas said, noting that the industry cannot be sustained with domestic demand alone. “I’m hearing so much more desperation this year than last year.”

Opinion: B.C.’s parks, now and post-pandemic, need our support more than ever
The popularity of BC parks was off the charts last summer when they reopened, as British Columbians clamoured to get into the outdoors, say parks proponents Annita Mcphee, Walt Judas, Louise Pedersen and Jesse Zeman.

BC Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Recovery Grants for Businesses
Walt Judas, CEO of Tourism Industry Association BC, joined CFAX Radio's Adam Stirling to talk about BC expanding eligibility for COVID-19 recovery grants for businesses and how this will impact the tourism industry. (interview mark 20:17)

BC Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Recovery Grants for Businesses
Walt Judas, the CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of BC, applauded the change, saying, “this is the type of response that will help businesses get through these difficult times.”
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Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Visitor Strategy Posted for Public Comment

British Columbians are invited to share their feedback on a proposed strategy aimed at managing the growing number of visitors at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park and protecting its natural and cultural features. 

Developed with the Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua, the Joffre Lakes Visitor Use Management Strategy provides direction for the long-term management of the park. The strategy proposes several initiatives, such as free day-use passes to manage the number of people and continuing the First Nations Park Stewards Program – a pilot project introduced in 2019 to educate visitors about the natural and cultural qualities of the park, provide outreach and conduct park management.

Located 35 kilometres east of Pemberton, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is one of the most popular parks in the province, with 196,322 visitors in 2019 – a 222% increase since 2010. In response to the growth, BC Parks has implemented several short-term measures, such as:
  • expanding the parking lots to increase capacity from 250 vehicles to 350;
  • adding washroom facilities at the main parking lot and overflow parking lot;
  • managing the 26 backcountry tent pads through a reservation system;
  • partnering with RCMP, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and the B.C. Conservation Officer Service to address illegal parking and associated safety concerns on Highway 99; and
  • installing a satellite phone at the Joffre Lakes trailhead for emergency response and safety.

The Joffre Lakes Visitor Use Management Strategy was informed by stakeholder consultation and public surveys conducted in summer 2019. The draft strategy will be posted online for public comment for 30 days (until April 4th):

All public feedback provided through the online form will be considered when finalizing the strategy. The park remains temporarily closed to ensure the continued health and safety of local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Starts Monday!
Register today for the 2021 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, taking place March 8-11 with complimentary workshops March 12th. The conference theme is Mission Possible, a reference to the resilience and overall tenacity of the industry as we look to the future of tourism and hospitality.
 
WHEN: The conference will take place Monday, March 8- Thursday, March 11. Friday, March 12 is a free day of learning workshops for anyone in the tourism industry.
 
WHERE: The conference will take place virtually over Zoom.
 
WHAT: Two 60-minute presentations each morning and afternoon (total of 4 per day), with the addition of keynote presentations on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Friday will offer a selection of FREE concurrent workshops for you to choose from.
  
Great value at only $99.00 per person (or $250.00 per company for up to four (4) people) for the week and $20.00 per person to join our Tuesday Craft Beer Tasting. (all prices exclusive of GST and applicable taxes) Over 24 hours of content and complimentary workshops on Friday!
 
Register at:
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Thank you to all our sponsors of the 2021 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference!
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 Moments of Levity

As an industry that continues to face enormous challenges during COVID-19, every once in a while 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 be published in our C-19 Bulletin each week.
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FREE Culinary Tourism Webinars!

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada in partnership with TIABC is happy to offer free online Culinary Tourism webinars to tourism operators and organizations

Five themed webinars will assist small and medium tourism operators and partners develop culinary tourism strategies to maintain their businesses and attract both domestic international visitors once Canada is ready to welcome them again. 
Attracting Culinary Tourists Webinar 
Friday, March 12th at 9:00am PT (10am MT)
This webinar will be delivered Friday March 12th as part of the upcoming BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference – registration opening soon!

Multisensory Experience Development Webinar 
Tuesday, March 16th at 10:00am PT (11:00am MT)

Partnering For Success Webinar 
Thursday, March 18th at 9:00am PT (10:00am MT)

Growing Agritourism Webinar
Thursday, March 25th at 8:00am PT (9:00am MT)

Exceeding Expectations Webinar 
Wednesday, March 31st at 8:00am PT (9:00am MT)

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Recognizing the profound impact Covid-19 has had on our industries, and that inspiration may feel in short supply these days, WORTH* has rounded up an incredible panel of women to share their personal stories & challenges they’ve faced on the path to leadership, as well as their outlook ahead.

Panelists:
  • Kemi Wells, Owner and Founder, Wells Luxury Travel
  • Meeru Dhalwala, Co-owner and Chef, Vij’s Restaurant
  • Tety Partaatmadja, Market Director of Human Resources, Delta Burnaby Hotel, Delta Vancouver Downtown Suites and Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver at Marriott International
  • Ingrid Jarrett, President & CEO, British Columbia Hotel Association and Principal of IJ Management Consulting
  • Ainsley Ericksen, Head of Global Marketing and Information Technology, Rocky Mountaineer

*WORTH association provides members with opportunities for networking, mentorship, education and development. 
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YVR’s New 2021 Strategic Plan: Gateway to the New Economy

Join Tamara Vrooman, Vancouver Airport Authority’s President and CEO, for an address to learn more about her vision and YVR’s new 2021 Strategic Plan that will guide the airport in becoming a gateway to the new economy, in service of our community.

Wednesday March 10th 12:00pm - 1:00pm PT
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Impact Conference 2021

Please join us for an incredibly impactful 1.5 hours as we take a deeper look at the tourism recovery opportunities ahead:

  • Marsha Walden, President and CEO, Destination Canada
  • Keith Henry, President and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and IMPACT Co-Chair
  • Katie Briscoe, President, MMGY Global

Moderated by Paul Nursey, President and CEO, Destination Greater Victoria and IMPACT co-founder.

Wednesday March 31st
8:30am - 10:00am PT

Registration is free but all participants must register.
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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.