Message from President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett
Dear Accommodation Community,

Last weekend, my family gathered and sorted through some boxes of old papers with my elderly mother. My parents moved to British Columbia on their honeymoon in the 1950s -- my father as a forester from England, and my mother as a young bride from Norway. They settled in the Cariboo and have many tales to tell of the hospitality, the wildness, the country, and the people from towns or hamlets such as Likely, 100 Mile House, Horsefly, Williams Lake and several others.

I love the history of our province, along with the resilience and hospitality of the people. We still have family and friends from generations since. I suppose some of my wild side, and the adventurer in me comes from discovering what was down the gravel roads we passed and that we so often camped and discovered together as a family.

In the box of papers, we found some amazing pieces of history. There are two that stood out I would like to tell you about.

The first was a vaccination certificate from 1823 for small pox, for my 3 ½ year old great great grandmother. The second was a vaccination certificate from 1862 for my 5 year old great grandmother also for small pox. Due to the vaccinations for smallpox around the world, that deadly and horribly disfiguring disease is eradicated. My great grandmother went on to have 5 children in the 1880’s, which was the time when the Spanish Flu spread across the globe.

Unlike smallpox, there was no vaccine for the Spanish flu, and my great grandmorther lost 4 of her 5 children to the deadly disease. During my time working with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts there was a photo gallery in the Fairmont Hotel Mcdonald that featured the streets of Edmonton during the 1918/19 Spanish Flu pandemic. The loss of life for that pandemic is estimated at 50 million people, with 500 million people contracting the virus. The photos are so telling, everyone in the photos were wearing masks.

We are now in the 19th month of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are in the middle of the 4th wave. Our hospitals are full of people critically ill from Covid-19, our industry is bracing for the fall and winter season with a hopeful eye for spring of 2022 to be the start of recovery. But – it all rests on all of us to get vaccinated, hold our family and friends safe, and ensure we are all working together to put this pandemic behind us.

The proof of vaccination protocol is proving a relief for many, and a challenge for others. We stand behind our employees and businesses to do everything they can to support a healthy work environment by way of mandating vaccinations, or complying with the proof of vaccination checks at the identified businesses.

We are all in this together.

Best wishes,

Ingrid Jarrett,
President and CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association
Picture below, the BCHA Board of Directors proudly show off their BC Vaccine Cards. Get yours today!
Today's update includes:

As of September 13th, all individuals 12 and up are required to show proof of vaccination for entry into certain social settings. Details from the Provincial Government can be found here.

Hotels are an essential service, and do not require proof of vaccination in order for a guest to check-in. However, there are certain settings and facilities within an accommodation that may still require proof of vaccination. 

The BCHA has compiled full information including an updated Communications Toolkit to assist accommodators and provide all necessary resources.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We have received questions regarding conflicting orders from regional vs. provincial health authorities. Please note to closely follow regional health authority mandates should there be disparity between the two.
With the approaching Federal Election, the BCHA will leverage the opportunity for hotels to speak with one voice to effectively ensure our industry’s concerns are heard. As part of our election strategy, the BCHA has engaged with the political party representatives to present priority issues for our industry but we need your voice to help us achieve this collective goal. 

There is an urgent need to communicate the needs of our sector to ensure we a tailored survival program is supported by all parties. Detailed in the button below our further resources to help you make an informed opinion.

Campaign Platforms:
 
Updated Restrictions for
Interior Health and Central Okanagan
On September 13th, the provincial government announced that Interior Health is updating COVID-19 regional medical health officer orders to make it possible for larger events to go ahead in the Interior, as long as participants show proof of full vaccination.
 
The following updates have been made to the Interior region Gatherings and Events Order:
 
  • For smaller organized events, participants will be required to show proof of vaccination (minimum one dose) until October 24th. By October 24th, full vaccination (two doses) will be required. Indoor events may be held with up to 50 people, and outdoor events may be up to 100 people.
  • Proof of full vaccination will be required for participants at all large events, consistent with Step 3 of BC's Restart Plan. This means indoor events may be held that include 50 people or 50% of a venue’s capacity (whichever is greater); outdoor events may include 5,000 people or 50% of a venue’s capacity (whichever is greater). 
 
Check here for the recent updated announcement for Interior Health.
 
The provincial government also announced yesterday, the Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order for the Central Okanagan has been repealed. Establishments in the Central Okanagan must now follow the province-wide public order for Food and Liquor Serving Premises.
 
What this means for food and liquor serving premises in the Central Okanagan:
 
  • You are no longer limited to 6 patrons per table
  • Physical distancing between patrons is no longer required
  • Patrons can sing and engage in karaoke, but no dancing is allowed
  • Restrictions on hours of liquor service have been removed; you must follow what is on your license
 
Click here for the recent updated announcement for the Central Okanagan.
We're Looking for Nominations! | InnFocus Magazine Winter Issue
NOMINATION OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Industry Rising Star:
  • Are you or someone you know a hospitality superstar? We want to hear from you!
  • InnFocus Magazine is looking to profile a young industry colleague who possesses a positive outlook, tireless work ethic, and sincere passion for industry, among other characteristics. The chosen candidate will be featured in the Winter 2021 Leader of the Future column!
  • Send a brief description of the candidate outlining why you think they should be our next Leader of the Future to Kelsey@bcha.com.

  • Accessible Hotels:
  • Does your team take added measures to ensure your property meets the needs of all guests? Is your hotel particularly accessible?
  • We are looking to feature hotels that have taken steps to accommodate all guests, regardless of ability levels for our next issue.
  • Send a brief description outlining accessibility measures and send to Kelsey@bcha.com.

Please send by Friday, September 17th! We look forward to hearing from you and encourage you to share your submissions!
DATE & TIME
Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 11AM - 12PM PDT

HOST
  • Jordan Fischer
  • Program Manager at FRESCo
  • Dylan Tomlin
  • Energy Analyst at BCHA
  • Angela Nagy
  • President & CEO at GreenStep Solutions Inc.

OVERVIEW
  • Looking to save up to tens of thousands of dollars? Interested in taking steps to more efficient and sustainable operations?
  • Join the BC Hotel Association, GreenStep Solutions, and FRESCo Building Efficiency to learn about two FREE programs that are available to accommodators – the BCHA GoGreen program and Fortis Rental Apartment Efficiency program. These FREE and complementary programs will help operators save water, reduce their carbon footprint, and improve their energy efficiency while saving money! Take this opportunity to sign up!
  • FREE Energy Assessments
  • FREE Upgrades
  • Implementation Support



Sign up for BCHA's GoGreen Program and get a FREE energy Analysis that will help you save up to tens of thousands in cost-savings. Efficient operations, help the planet and put more money in your pocket!
The BCHA is coming to Vancouver Island for four industry information and networking sessions!
TOFINO
  • Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 | 10am – 1pm 
  • Wickanninnish Conference Hall at the Best Western Plus Tin Wis | 1119 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0

COURTENAY:
  • Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 | 10am – 1pm 
  • Ballroom at Crown Isle Resort | 399 Clubhouse Dr, Courtenay, BC V9N 9G3

PARKSVILLE:
  • Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 | 2.30pm – 5.30pm 
  • Grand Moriarty Conference Room at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre | 1155 Resort Dr, Parksville, BC V9P 2E3

NANAIMO:
  • Thursday, October 7th, 2021 | 10am – 1pm 
  • Opera & Harbour Rooms at Best Western Dorchester | 70 Church St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H4
Please register no later than Wednesday, September 29th. Space is limited!

We are delighted to have the opportunity to meet with our entire hotel community in-person and hope to see you there. Interested in learning more? Reach out to Mike@bcha.com and stay tuned for more information on when we will be in your area.
In face of the greatest workforce shortage in recent history, operators are searching for ways to find highly-skilled, highly-trained individuals to join their teams.

To develop a solution to this issue, the BC Hotel Association has partnered with Bliss Hospitality and Cornerstone International Community College of Canada (CICC) to bring you the first iteration of the Hospitality Management Hiring Fair.

  • The Process:
  • Prior to meeting with potential employers, all candidates will be subject to a pre-screening process to ensure they are:
  • Opera PMS certified
  • Food Safe certified
  • Able to perform tasks and duties related to the position
  • Able to communicate in English fluently
  • Location:
  • The Fair will take place at Cornerstone College Tech Campus at 816 Granville Street
  • Date:
  • October 9th, 2021 | Time TBA

Are you interested in participating or learning more information? Click below to register.
go2HR Resources | Employment Tracker, Vaccinations in the Workplace, Survey

As BC continues to battle the 4th wave of the global pandemic, new issues surrounding vaccination status continue to arise. Currently there is no provincial mandate for mandatory vaccination of staff outside of the health care setting. It is up to the individual business to decide on their own policy. How can an employer navigate this situation while balancing health & safety, human rights, privacy and other related legal requirements?

go2HR has compiled a comprehensive suite of resources to help employers understand the issues involved better, and to help them decide on an option that would work best for them.

The go2HR Employment Tracker reports on monthly changes in employment in the BC Tourism and Hospitality industry. The Tracker draws primarily from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), a monthly household survey conducted by Statistics Canada. The LFS is the most timely source of data on the labour market across Canada.
Final Chance! Take go2HR Industry Survey and Win

go2HR needs your help! Take a survey and be entered into a draw for prizes valued at $1,500.
 
Tell us about the impact of COVID-19 on your operations, the human resource issues you face,
and what can be done to help industry in dealing with these issues going forward.
Click here to start the survey.
Mark Your Calendars
Save the Date! | BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, March 8-11, 2022

Mark your calendars! The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference officially has a date. Taking place in Prince George, March 8-11, 2022, the conference will be an informative multi-day conference aimed at supporting growth and celebrating industry.

Stay tuned for further updates coming soon!
Don't Miss This Webinar Series! Introduction to Sustainability for Tourism Businesses

Date: September 21 @1:30pm
October 5 @10am

Join GreenStep for this free webinar to learn how your tourism business, and the planet, can benefit from assessing your business’s sustainability performance.

Improve your knowledge on sustainability, gain tips on creating an action plan, long-term goal setting, and how to engage your customers and staff.

Open to any tourism business globally, register for free at https://lnkd.in/gT5a5pfY
You’re invited to the 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress at the Westin Ottawa on November 30 to December 1 –
in-person & online
 
The pandemic has changed everything. But it’s also given us the opportunity to work together, adopt new ways of doing business, and reimagine what tourism looks like post-COVID-19. Come join the Tourism Industry Association of Canada at the 2021 Tourism Congress.
Tourism Digital Academy Program
 
The Destination BC Tourism Digital Academy is a free, eight-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
 
Designed for business owners or marketing team members, this comprehensive program provides actionable guidance that includes building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing and analytics.
 
Applications for the next two intakes (October 4 and October 11) are now open! Space is limited and past intakes filled up quickly. Don’t miss this free opportunity to take your marketing skills to the next level!
 
Learn more here.
Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
Have News or A Congrats You'd Like to Share? Contact kelsey@bcha.com
Congratulations to Eda Koot and everyone a the Inn at Laurel Point on Eda's appointment to General Manager!

Victoria's Inn at Laurel Point is proud to welcome general manager Eda Koot to lead its distinguished team! With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Koot brings a team-focused and results-driven leadership style to the celebrated Victoria hotel.

Eda steps into the shoes of former BCHA Board of Director, Reverend Canon Ian Powell, whom was a mentor to her. Stepping into his shoes brings this journey full circle.

ABOUT EDA's JOURNEY TO INN AT LAUREL POINT:
Koot began her hospitality career with Delta Hotels in Calgary, along with several years at Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Calgary before accepting a general manager position at Delta Red Deer Hotel in Alberta. She then moved to British Columbia, working as the general manager at Delta Hotels in Victoria, Whistler, Sun Peaks and the Lower Mainland. During her time at Delta Sun Peaks Hotel & Resort, Koot helped create a year-round destination by growing summer offerings at the property, as well as in the village itself. Most recently, as general manager of Pacific Gateway Hotel at Vancouver Airport, she successfully oversaw the hotel’s transition from being part of the Delta brand, to an independent hotel, while achieving the property’s highest ever top line revenue growth. During her time there, Pacific Gateway received many accolades, including the Hotel Association of Canada’s Environment Award.

“Inn at Laurel Point is leading the charge towards a sustainable future” says Koot. “We're collaborating with non-profits like One Tree Planted and earlier this year, the property was the first hotel in North America to sign onto The Climate Pledge. As we head into an exciting new chapter after the pandemic, I’m looking forward to continuing to showcase the property’s commitment to the community and to sustainability.”

We're excited for what the next chapter holds for the Inn at Laurel Point - congrats Eda!
Industry News & Quick Links
AHLA Report: Hotels Projected to End 2021 Down $59 Billion in Business Travel Revenue The hotel industry is projected to end 2021 down more than $59 billion in business travel revenue compared to 2019, according to a new report released today by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Kalibri Labs. That comes after losing nearly $49 billion in business travel revenue in 2020. Read More

When examining the latest Air Ticketing Data for industry partner CAPA, a clear observation is that travel recovery is performing at a different pace from country to country – even if you are in the same region! Read more
 
Data is like gold for hotel marketers - but only if it’s good data. Learn all about how bad data can make your marketing fall flat, and discover our step - by - step process for cleaning up your database. Read more
In order for hotelier’s to drive revenue growth through 2021, it’s time to zero in on domestic demand. We’ll show you how to understand domestic demand and capture this critical market. Read more
 
With more than 800 million monthly active users and 52 minutes of average daily view time, TikTok is the hottest new addition to the social media scene. Read more

Hotels struggled to remain upright in 2020: just breaking even was considered a monumental feat. In order to do so, many hotels were forced with the unenviable - though necessary - task of slashing services where they could. One of the most remarkable was and continues to be the suspension of daily housekeeping at many hotels. The service, once taken for granted by guests, became an on - request deliverable and typically not offered until multiple days after a check - in. Read more

Tourism’s Acute Need for Labour
The tourism sector experienced a summer in which our ability to find workers was more difficult than ever. This was despite restricted demand from tourists, especially international travellers, and unemployment levels that remained above pre-pandemic levels. Many industries within the tourism sector are still waiting for demand to return, but for those that have started to reopen, demand for their services has outstripped their ability to find enough workers to meet that demand. Full Article
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