A Message from BCHA President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett
Dear Accommodation Community and Stakeholders,

Happy New Year from the BCHA team. We hope each of you were able to enjoy a joyous and restful holiday season despite it being so different this year.

This afternoon, we learned that Public Health Order restrictions, which began November 19, 2020, have been extended until February 5, 2021. As daily case reports have remained high, this news unfortunately does not come as a surprise to many of us.

While this past year, and particularly these past few months, have been arduous, it is important that all British Columbians adhere to these restrictions for the benefit of us all. By following these restrictions closely, we will come out of this sooner and stronger.

We know these continued restrictions are challenging for your business and we recognize that the continued commitment to safety amongst accommodators has at times gone unnoticed. We urge you to stay the course and remain strong. We will get through this time together.

Stay safe and stay calm.

Ingrid Jarrett
President and CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association

Todays industry update includes:

  • Public Health Order Extended to February. 5th
  • Free STR Benchmarking Survey - Register Today!
  • Sign the TIAC Petition
  • Destination Canada Survey
  • Upcoming Webinar - FRESCo
  • Upcoming Education with Royal Roads University - Sign Up Now!
  • Leading Projects in a Digital Environment
  • Workplace Communication Skills
  • Sales Strategies During Times of Uncertainty
  • Member Hotel Feature - Fairmont Chateau Whistler
  • In the news
  • Public Health Order Extended
  • Indigenous Business Owners in B.C. Reflect on COVID-19
Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver
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For any questions please reach out to our team. 
Province-wide Restrictions Extended
Until February 5
Today, government announced the province-wide restrictions will be extended until February 5, 2021 at midnight.

These restrictions came into effect on November 19, 2020 and include:

  • All events and social gatherings are suspended
  • No social gatherings of any size at your residence with anyone other than your household or core bubble
  • Customers must wear a mask in restaurants, pubs, and bars when not at a table and there is a maximum of 6 people at a table and no moving between tables
  • Masks are required in many indoor public settings and all retail stores, including liquor stores
  • WorkSafeBC will continue to conduct inspections to verify that COVID-19 Safety Plans remain effective

New: retail and vending markets

By order of the PHO, retail businesses are required to:

  • Establish capacity limits based on 5 square metres of unencumbered space per person
  • Post occupancy limits
  • Where practical, post directional signs to keep people moving in the same direction and not congregating
  • Review the PHO Order: Gatherings and Events

For more information, please click here.
STR Registration
We highly encourage all hotels in the province regardless of size to participate in the FREE STR Benchmarking report. The information gathered will help your hotel be more competitive and help your local DMO or regional marketing association to better communicate the economic impact of our sector.

Your information and data is kept in strict confidence and your property will be not identified in the reporting. The sign-up process is an easy three steps and your monthly reporting commitment takes less than five minutes.

TIAC & Destination Canada Updates
At the end of December, Conservative MP and Special Advisor to the Leader on Tourism Recovery, Tony Baldinelli, has sponsored an electronic petition that calls upon the Government of Canada to present a tourism recovery plan on or before the 2021 federal budget. 

Please show your support! The deadline to sign is February 7, 2021 at 5pm EST.

Destination Canada has launched a new survey to better understand how we can improve COVID-19 research reports and what research you find valuable as we more forward.

Upcoming Webinar
Tuesday, January 19th at 1PM PT

Hosted by Jordan Fisher- President of FRESCo Building Efficiency B.Sc., LEED® AP, RPP, MCIP
 
Join us for our upcoming webinar and learn about free energy efficiency upgrades, free energy assessments, engineering support, and rebates available! FRESCo offers a free Fortis BC Program and is now available for hotels. The program will help you improve your overall energy efficiency, save money, save resources, and maximize your return on investments. Rebates available.

Upcoming Education
Professional and Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University

The following micro-credentials are fully funded through the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills, and Training for qualifying applicants - those living in BC who might meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • unemployed or underemployed
  • currently underemployed in a sector severely impacted by COVID-19 (retail, tourism, hospitality, etc.)
  • Those who are referred from an employment, government or social service agency, or non-profit organization specializing in employment or skills training
  • Small- or medium-sized business owners 
  • Those with financial barriers to education

  • Leading Projects in a Digital Environment
This course equips participants with key skills and tools required to successfully manage and lead projects, and associated project teams, through an ever-shifting digital landscape. Participants will explore innovative approaches to project leadership and change management and increase their own resilience and adaptability to ever-changing conditions within digital environments.
Duration: 8-week online program
Start dates: January 25 and February 15 2021
Apply by: January 15, 2021

  • Workplace Communication Skills
Effective, professional communication skills are essential in today's workplace. Learn the tools that enable you to communicate with clarity and impact; effectively manage conflict; navigate difficult conversations and develop mindful listening and communication techniques. By increasing these skills, you minimize the potential for misunderstandings and increase your ability to inspire through clear and focused communication strategies.
Duration: 4-week facilitated online course
Start dates: January 25, February 22, March 22 2021
Apply by: January 15, 2021

In addition, Royal Roads is offering the below online course at a 50% reduced rate for BCHA members

  • Sales Strategies During Times of Uncertainty
External market impacts often require that companies and their sales professionals engage with traditional and new markets differently. Economic factors may have substantially changed the competitive landscape and the dynamics of the client – vendor relationship. The hospitality and tourism industry, specifically, has unique challenges during these periods and with perishable inventory, sales professionals will be under pressure to increase volume when the market may be restricted or hesitant to travel.
Course runs February 8 - March 7, 2021
Member Hotel Feature
Fairmont Chateau Whistler New Fairmont Gold Experience
Whether travelling on business or pleasure, Fairmont Gold offers a new level of service and luxury, that will help you make the most of every moment. After you immerse yourself in the Fairmont Gold experience, you’ll never want to stay anywhere else.

Our Fairmont Gold floors are privately located on the 7th – 12th floors of the hotel, and guests are offered exclusive services and amenities. They include private reception and concierge, access to the Fairmont Gold Lounge which boasts views of Blackcomb mountain, as well as priority reservations for dining, tee times, and hotel BMW car service. Exclusive to Fairmont Gold, all guest rooms and suites are equipped with Skinjay Essential Oil Shower Capsules, to indulge the senses and promote a unique wellness experience.

In the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge, our dedicated team ensures that your every need is met. Among a small selection of like-minded guests, you can unwind after a day on the mountain by choosing a quiet nook in the newly-expanded, alpine-designed lounge. The chic interior (expertly crafted by renowned designers at Hirsch Bedner and Associates), includes sumptuous leather, custom stone work, and beautiful natural materials, creating a warm, inviting ambiance.

Learn more here
In the News
COVID-19 Update: January 7, 2021 | Destination BC

By order and direction of the PHO, individuals and businesses in BC must continue to significantly reduce social interactions and travel. The existing order, which began November 19, 2020, has been extended until February 5, 2021.

Read more
www.destinationbc.ca
'Roll with the punches': Indigenous business owners in...

Indigenous businesses in British Columbia have shown resilience, adaptability, and positivity in unprecedented times. A handful of First Nations business owners and managers have shared how they felt when the Coronavirus pandemic hit and how they ...

Read more
www.wellandtribune.ca
Anthony Everett: Hoping for broader support and better...

In 2020, a crisis of a different kind emerged in the form of COVID-19, and again, because of the unique relationship with operators from a grassroots perspective, the BCRTS and it regional associations once again assumed an important role.

Read more
theprovince.com
COVID-19 UPDATES ONLINE AT BCHA.COM