January 5, 2024

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CEO MESSAGE

Happy New Year! I trust you enjoyed a restful and relaxing holiday season. To be sure, many folks are still away this week but TIABC is back in the office and ready to tackle the issues that plague BC’s visitor economy.

My home-sick, Regina-based daughter recently sent me a social media post of a pod of orcas frolicking in the waters of Active Pass, putting on a show for the folks aboard BC Ferries and those gazing from the shores of both Galiano and Mayne Islands.

As I’ve mentioned before, to me there is hardly a bigger thrill than seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habit. Seems it's the same for thousands of others too. In fact, well over 200,000 people annually join some 14 BC-based Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) member operators on tours that generate in excess of $132 million in economic activity and support close to 1,200 jobs. One-third of these non-resident guests report that whale watching was their primary reason for visiting our province.

For nearly five years, Transport Canada has issued an interim order vis-a-vis the killer whale in Southern BC waters with the intention of protecting the endangered J-Pod (Southern Resident Killer Whale). Some of the measures include interim sanctuary zones in the Gulf Islands that are closed to vessel traffic, and increasing the approach distance from all killer whales from 200 to 400 metres.

However, each year Transport Canada has made exceptions for trained whale watch professionals to continue viewing non-endangered killer whales (e.g. Bigg’s, Northern Residents) from the 200 metre distance in exchange for no viewing of Southern Residents from any distance. While the authorization technically expires each May 31st, the annual exemption appears to be in limbo.

This past November, Transport Canada indicated it may discontinue the authorization altogether citing confusion over differing regulations for professional whale watch vessels and recreational boaters. Consequently, operators forced to view all killer whales (i.e. regardless of species) from a distance of 400 metres would realize a significant impact on their business. Imagine trying to see an orca from the equivalent of four football fields away at sea level.

There are other measures Transport Canada is considering that would also be detrimental to this vital tourism sub-sector. To that end, a decision is expected next Friday followed by a 30-day consultation period for stakeholders and members of the public after which Transport Canada will deliver its final recommendations next month with new rules to be adopted in mid-April.

Our members at PWWA recently sent a letter to the province requesting a meeting (TIABC would also attend) to further outline concerns, discuss proposed solutions, and enlist provincial government support to advocate on behalf of whale watch operators to ensure their future livelihood and the retention of this quintessential, iconic BC visitor experience.

If you’re a regular reader of this newsletter, you may be experiencing déjà vu. You’re right…we’ve dealt with this issue before but for some reason the odds don’t look good in this latest go-around.

I’m mindful that there are some folks who prefer to do away with the whale watch sector citing environmental and other concerns. Putting aside the economics (i.e. creating jobs, generating visitor spending in restaurants, hotels, attractions, transportation, retail), there are many reasons why these highly trained ecotourism professionals should be allowed to continue and thrive, not the least of which is the sustainability and conservation work they do daily to ensure responsible wildlife viewing and the health and well-being of all killer whales and other whale species in our waters.

TIABC will keep you posted on Transport Canada’s decision and the opportunity for you to respond within the public engagement process.

As you know, the BC Tourism Industry Conference takes place in Victoria in early March. I’ve already heard from our whale watch members who are keen to host delegates for a tour either before or after the event. For me, there would be no bigger thrill than seeing a killer whale on the water and then connecting with my industry colleagues at the conference.

On behalf of TIABC, I wish you a safe, healthy and prosperous year ahead.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

Province Seeking Input on

Support for Evacuees

The Province is seeking input from people about the supports available when they must evacuate their homes during a disaster. 

The Province is revamping its approach to emergencies to ensure people and communities are receiving the supports they need. A part of this work involves updating the Emergency Support Services (ESS) program to better meet the needs of people requiring support when they are evacuated from their home due to an emergency.

To gather wide-ranging and diverse perspectives, the Province is seeking feedback from evacuees, front-line workers, volunteers, families and businesses about how ESS could be improved. The public survey will be open until February 9th at 4pm.

The survey can be accessed HERE.

Deadline Extended!

Public Input on Disaster

Financial Assistance

People who want to help shape and improve how the Province provides financial support following a disaster now have until January 31st to provide input.

The Disaster Financial Assistance program helps people, small businesses, charitable organizations and communities cover disaster-related losses that are not readily insurable. This may include the replacement of personal items, building repairs and debris removal. 

A new regulation is being developed to revamp the Disaster Financial Assistance program through extended public engagement allowing people, communities and small businesses to share their experiences and provide written feedback to help inform new policies.

To learn more and to participate in the public engagement, visit HERE.

Restaurants Canada Needs Your Help Looming CEBA Deadline

With the CEBA repayment deadline submission due this month, Restaurants Canada is seeking support on behalf of its members and sector. According to the organization, 1 in 5 hardworking restaurant operations say they will need to close some, if not all, of their locations.

After a year of sharing stories from restauranteurs, demonstrating an industry with a proven track record of being an economic driver, the federal government is not budging by extending the January 18th repayment deadline.

In this time of much needed support, Restaurants Canada is asking for your help! Enter your information HERE and share why extending CEBA until the end of 2024, is the best solution.

Spread the Word - BC Ski Resorts

Open for Business

Despite media reports and the seasonally mild temperatures, BC's ski resorts are sending a message that they are open and welcoming visitors! Many ski resorts around the province have been operating since mid-November and report good ski conditions and strong visitation.

Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) continues to educate the media and marketplace that resorts are working extremely hard to ensure optimal conditions through a combination of grooming, snow-making and other measures.

A reminder that most ski resorts have video cams and deliver real-time reports on current conditions. With a winter system scheduled in the forecast in the coming days, we encourage you to share the news that BC ski resorts are open for business!

Pictured: Skier recently enjoying a day on the slopes at Kicking Horse Resort (photo courtesy of RCR President, John Shea)

ICYMI - Episode #17 in TIABC's Voice of Tourism Podcast Series

Meet Joanna Jagger, founder and President of the WORTH (Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality) Association. Joanna joins TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas to discuss the importance of supporting women in BC's tourism industry, her vision for WORTH Association, and some of the policy issues affecting the industry that require government attention.

Now Available on Spotify or the following link:

REMINDER | BC's Single-use Plastics Regulations Now In Effect

Effective December 20th, businesses cannot give out, manufacture, or import for sale plastic-based checkout bags, cutlery and straws under federal laws across the country. While these requirements and prohibitions are now in will effect, the timeline for others will be extended to July 15th, and in the case of PVC film wrap, July 1, 2028. This approach will allow businesses to use up existing stock and select better options, give people more time to learn about the changes, and allow additional time to develop and implement sustainable acceptable alternatives to more challenging items such as PVC film wrap.

In June of 2023, the Government of Canada published the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations. The regulations prohibit the manufacture, import, and sale of the following categories of single-use plastics that pose a threat to the environment and are commonly used by foodservice businesses:

• Cutlery
• Foodservice ware designed for serving or transporting food or beverage that is ready to be consumed
• Stir sticks and straws
• Checkout bags
• Ring carriers flexible and designed to surround beverage containers in order to carry them together

The phased implementation will proceed as follows in the image below. For further information, please consult the government’s Fact Sheet on these regulations.

Input Needed!

Share Your Thoughts on AI

Calling all tourism stakeholders! Take a moment to participate in this brief survey and contribute your thoughts on the use of AI in BC's tourism industry.

The survey findings will take center stage at the upcoming BC Tourism Industry Conference in March.

Join in for a informative session hosted by Peter Pilarski, president of the Tourism AI Network (TAIN), where we’ll explore the results that will shape the future of tourism in the region. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation!

BCHF Scholarship Applications Now Open

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) has a strong scholarship program. Since 2009 it has awarded 363 scholarships to future leaders in the hospitality industry amounting to over $463,500.

2024 Guidelines:



• Candidates can apply to all open scholarships by filling out the appropriate scholarship form.
• Applicants will only be awarded one scholarship per year and will not be awarded the same scholarship two years in a row.
• Scholarships will be granted, and the disbursement of funds will be held in trust until the successful applicant provides a “completion” document for the corresponding enrollment period, as indicated on the application form.

Learn more about the BCHF Scholarship Application Program and process and HERE.

WORTH Volunteer Opportunities

WORTH (Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality) is currently looking for the following volunteers to join their team:

• Volunteer Content Strategy Specialist
• Volunteer Newsletter Content Creator
• Volunteer Website Administrator

WORTH strongly encourages those with the following identities to apply: Black, Indigenous, persons of colour, people with intersecting identities, LGBTQIA+, people living with disabilities and others with experience in marginalized communities.

Learn more about WORTH and these opportunities HERE.

In Memoriam | W.D. Kello Wilson

TIABC, BC's transportation sector, and the tourism industry is saddened to hear of the passing of W.D. Kello Wilson, founder of Wilson’s Transportation Ltd., who passed away December 30, 2023, at the age of 92.

Kello founded Wilson’s Transportation Ltd. more than 40 years ago, when the small trucking company he and Mary Wilson started on Salt Spring Island in 1963 grew large enough to service the Greater Victoria area. He built a reputation as a respected businessman who cared about his community, dedicated staff, and his buses (that he fondly called his “babies”).

Kello will be remembered for his generosity, hard work, passion for business and community, the love for his family and friends, and his witty sense of humour. His legacy continues through the family-owned business that remains in operation today.

Please join us in extending our condolences to the Wilson family. A service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church – 4040 Nelthorpe Street, Victoria on Saturday, January 13th, at noon. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of choice would be appreciated.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION CLOSES JANUARY 17TH!

Shaping Our Future Together' is the theme of the BC Tourism Industry Conference in 2024. With both a 'knowledge and skills' track for workshops, delegates will not only be informed but able to apply their learnings within their own professional setting. Our goal is that in partnership, all elements of British Columbia's tourism industry will align to help the sector meet the challenges ahead but also create an environment to build back better than ever.

Opening Keynote Announcement

Shaun Boothe (left) is a Canadian award-winning hip-hop artist and world-renowned speaker who has gained recognition for his "Unauthorized Biography Series", a critically acclaimed musical project that is a unique celebration of some of the world's most influential cultural icons. Featuring iconic figures such as Terry Fox, Chris Hadfield, Bob Marley, Malala Yousafzai, Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., among others,

Shaun educates and inspires through a series of biographical hip-hop tracks, revitalizing their stories and legacy in a way that is one of a kind. He's shared stages with several prominent celebrities such as Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and Laryn Hill. After spending over 10 years in the music industry, Shaun decided to focus on his passion for motivating others through his work. He has since then become a successful motivational speaker and performing artist, moving others to achieve their own greatness.

2024 Industry Award Nominations Open Until January 10th!

The 2024 BC Tourism Industry Awards are presented by TIABC and sponsoring partners to recognize and celebrate the excellence, leadership, and innovation in British Columbia’s tourism industry.

Awards will be presented in the following 10 categories:

• Business Woman of the Year
• Community Contribution & Impact
• DMO Professional Excellence
• Employees First
• Inclusive and Accessible Tourism Experience
• Indigenous Operator or Experience
• Innovation
• Remarkable Experience
• Sector Association Excellence
• Sustainability Excellence

Call for Silent Auction Donations

It's time to think of your silent auction donation for the 2024 conference! If you would like to donate a silent auction item, please submit the online donation form. If you have any questions, please contact info@bctourismconference.ca

BC Leads in Top 10 Ski Resorts in Canada

According to local experts and professional skiers, BC ski resorts are among the best in Canada. In a recent article in Travel & Leisure magazine, 7 of 10 ski resorts that rank the best in Canada are in British Columbia.

#3 - Kicking Horse Ski Resort (pictured)

#4 - Fernie Alpine Resort

#5 - Revelstoke Mountain Resort

#6 - Red Mountain Ski Resort

#7 - Big White Ski Resort

#8 - Whister Blackcomb

#9 - Mt. Washington

Congratulations on this outstanding recognition! Read more about these note-worthy destinations HERE.

BLBCA's Mountain Escapes Podcast Returns

Don't miss the latest episode with the Backcountry Lodges of BC (BLBCA) Executive Director, Brad Harrison.

Brad is owner/operator of Colwest Alpine Adventures. The producer of the podcast turns the tables on Brad, putting him in the hot seat where Brad shares stories from a lifetime of working in BC's mountains, starting in the headwaters of the Kootenay Valley through years of running the General Mountaineering Camp for the Alpine Club of Canada, challenges of operating Golden Alpine Holidays, a backcountry lodge system, to his current position as Executive Director of the BLBCA.

HeliCat Canada

HeliCat Canada is the trade association of the helicopter and snowcat skiing industry.

Guided by their mandate, HeliCat Canada is dedicated to developing and holding their members accountable to the highest operating standards in the industry; to supporting research programs that will better our land use practices; to educating about current trends in safety and risk management; and to promoting the continual improvement of the helicopter and snowcat skiing industry.

Learn more about HeliCat Canada HERE.

Would you like to be featured in our weekly Voice of Tourism, social channels and on our website? TIABC member testimonials provide visibility and exposure to the tourism industry and a wider audience for your business. If you want to be featured in an upcoming TIABC Voice of Tourism and other platforms, contact Deborah - deborah@tiabc.ca

Become a Member in 2024

Your Membership is Important to Us!

We strongly encourage you to consider membership or renew your membership with TIABC in 2024 to support our important advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire visitor economy.

TIABC continues to identify your concerns, raise your voice, champion your needs, and push for support and programs while encouraging policy changes at both the provincial and federal level.

Contact info@tiabc.ca for more information, visit our website HERE or the link below.

TIAC's Associate Program for TIABC Members

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) continue to offer TIABC members an opportunity to extend their membership. TIABC members in good standing can enrol in TIAC’s Associate Program FOR ONLY $25.

By visiting this link, you can become a TIAC Associate Member, enjoy access to a range of TIAC benefits and add your voice to National efforts.

Note: If you are already a TIAC associate member, you will receive a renewal notice before your anniversary date. If you are currently a full TIAC member, you already get enhanced advantages. You will continue to enjoy added benefits and savings over and above what is available to associate members, including the TIAC Member Advantage program at Rendez-vous Canada.

DBC Introduces

Crisis Communication Training Series

This FREE 2-day, Crisis Communication Planning Training Series will coach participants with a step-by-step approach to developing a crisis communication plan. The practical training will share best practices for crisis communication mgmt - how to prepare, respond and learn from each crisis we face - to ensure you are ready to respond for the unexpected.

In recent years, emergency, disaster and crisis communication planning have become more essential than ever for CDMOs, Visitor Centres and Provincial Experience Sector Orgs, who act as representatives, partners and advisors of small businesses in their respective communities.

The 10-hour Crisis Communication Planning Training Series is delivered across two days, with the next series scheduled for:

• February 6 & 8
• April 16 & 18

Learn more and apply HERE.

National Tourism Job Fair

Tourism HR Canada, Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Baxter Media have partnered to connect tourism operators and job seekers from across the country with a new, virtual event: the National Tourism Job Fair. This free event will offer networking and learning opportunities

Date: February 1 (virtual)

Led by TIAC, the virtual platform will launch in January 2024, allowing job seekers to explore career options and network with industry leaders. Attendees can look forward to expert-led sessions on industry trends, skill development, and strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of travel and hospitality.

Learn more HERE.

Dine Out Vancouver Festival

January 17 - February 4

Save the date for the annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival, which has grown into Canada’s largest food and drink festival. The festival comes complete with a full schedule of delicious events and experiences in addition to hundreds of restaurants offering three-or more course menus at select prices. The festival also includes special hotel offers to help make an overnight Dine Out experience both safe and relaxing.

Learn more and follow for the event activities HERE.

Okanagan Winter Wine Festival

Join in as Valley First presents WINTER SIPS-South; a grand tasting taking place at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. This is the kick off evening to a weekend of wonderful winter programming in the Okanagan.

Date: Saturday, January 20

Time: 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Location: Penticton Trade and Convention Centre Ballroom, 273 Power Street, Penticton

Tickets are $95.00 plus taxes and fees. Subscribers receive 10% off tickets with your promo code EARLYBIRD10 until December 20, 2023

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

IMPACT 2024

A partnership between Destination Greater Victoria, Synergy Enterprises, Tartan Bond Integrated Communications and Starrboard Enterprises.

IMPACT is a collaborative national dialogue on innovation. Do you:

• Design policies that affect tourism?
• Teach a tourism and hospitality course?
• Care about tourism’s positive or negative impacts on communities?
• Believe the positive, sustainable growth of tourism in Canada is a key economic driver?

Then IMPACT is for you.

Date: January 21-24

Location: Victoria

Registration is NOW OPEN - Visit HERE for more information.

Dine Around Stay in Town Victoria 2024

The off-peak season is a challenging time for the hospitality industry in Greater Victoria. The Dine Around and Stay in Town (DASIT) program has an important mission: to drive more traffic through Victoria business doors during a typically slower time of year.

Date: January 26 - February 11

Gala Tickets: Coming Soon

Learn more about the event, and how you can participate HERE.

International Indigenous

Tourism Conference

The 2024 Indigenous International Tourism Conference (IITC) is on the horizon!

IITC is a gathering of industry professionals, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and partners dedicated to promoting and celebrating the vibrant world of Indigenous tourism. The purpose is to showcase the diverse cultures, traditions, and tourism experiences offered by Indigenous communities in Canada and beyond.

But here's the catch – it's time to seize the moment and grab your Super Early Bird tickets before they're gone!

Date: February 26-28

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Registration is NOW OPEN - Visit HERE for more information.

2024 BC Mountain Bike Symposium

Mountain Biking BC has announces the next symposium to be held will be at the Naramata Centre in the South Okanagan. The theme chosen for the symposium is “Stewardship; Creating a Culture of Care”. Stewardship can be applied to many aspects of mountain biking from the responsible management of trails to the effective leadership of our organizations and to the way we promote and market the experience to riders. 

Date: May 1-3

The venue is just 15 kilometers north of Penticton on the east side of Okanagan Lake and has many great riding options to offer including the extensive Three Blind Mice trail network and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail that connects Naramata and Penticton along the scenic Naramata Bench.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend! More details are available HERE.

Pig Out Festival

Buy tickets now for Pig Out Festival Weekend in the heart of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country.

Date: Saturday May 4

A colourful "Fiesta" celebration of the diverse food and culture of the South Okanagan, this popular one-day event returns to its original spring dates, in an exciting new location.

Gather with friends and savour the start of the sunshine season with one of the biggest and best outdoor culinary festivals in the Okanagan Valley.

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

Save the Date

2024 Annual Conference | BCAC's "Soaring Above Challenges"



The BC Aviation Council (BCAC) is excited to announce that the 2024 Conference is now scheduled! Mark your calendar now and check in with our draft event webpage closer to the date for more details including agenda, speaker profiles, sponsorship opportunities, activities (including add-ons), travel and hotel partners, and more.

Date: May 27-29

Location: Nanaimo

View the draft event agenda HERE.

2024 BC Chamber of Commerce AGM

Join us and explore this vibrant, diverse and naturally beautiful city located on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people.

Date: May 28-30

Location: Coast Capri, 1171 Harvey Ave., Kelowna