C-19 BULLETIN - March 1, 2021

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BC Moves to Phase 2 of COVID-19 Immunization Plan

More than 400,000 people in British Columbia will be immunized from March to early April as the Province moves into Phase 2 of the largest immunization rollout in B.C.’s history.

Health authority contact information, complete call-in schedules, hours of operations and step-by-step instructions on how to call to book an appointment for yourself, for a family member, for a friend or neighbour will be available on March 8, 2021, here: www.gov.bc.ca/bcseniorsfirst

Learn more at:
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Pubs & Bars Among the Leaders in Health & Safety Protocols

We are pleased to release the second in a series of sector specific videos on the extensive protocols businesses have implemented to ensure the health and safety of guests, employees, government and other stakeholders. The first video focused on the hotel sector while this new PSA provides insight into the Public Health Officer’s orders and direction to the bars and pubs sector. Please share the link provided with all your members and stakeholders through various communication channels that include website, social media, e-newsletters, youtube channels and word-of-mouth.

Additional videos focusing on the Attractions and Restaurant/food services sector will be released within the next week. Stay tuned. Your support with this vitally important and informative project is most appreciated.  
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#Hardesthit

Members of the TIAC Board and Industry Recovery Committee were on Parliament hill last week – virtually – meeting with Members of Parliament to discuss the recovery plan.

Show your support and send a letter at: 

#TourismCounts #CdnPoli #Hardesthit
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One Week until the BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference!
Craft Beer Tasting

As part of the BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference, we are excited to host a BC Craft Beer Tasting on Tuesday March 9th from 4:30 to 5:30pm PST (we will keep the Zoom call going after the session for anyone who wishes to socialize over their new-found favourite BC Craft beer!)

In this interactive and educational session, join Dave Pearson of Vancouver Island Brewing, a Certified Cicerone (Beer Sommelier), who will discuss three types of beer: Hazy IPA, Pilsner, and Porter/Stout/Dark Lager. Dave will also provide some insights into the history of beer, food & beer pairing, and proper beer serving etiquette.

Purchase a sample of each of the beer styles (Hazy IPA, Pilsner, and Porter/Stout/Dark Lager) from your favourite local craft brewery or local liquor store and join us for a great session.

To learn more and to register, visit:
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BC Chamber of Commerce Announces New CEO

The BC Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Fiona Famulak as President and Chief Executive Officer. Famulak brings to the role more than three decades of international experience working in both private and not-for-profit sectors.

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Dear Tourism Partners,
 
Like you, I am incredibly concerned about the struggles that the tourism and hospitality industry is facing in this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.
 
Recently in the House of Commons, I once again raised a concern which I have heard from many of you: the tourism sector needs clarity. You can see my speech here.
 
Unfortunately, the response I received from the Government was quite tone-deaf and disappointing.
 
However, my Conservative colleagues and I will continue to take every opportunity in and out of the House of Commons to stand up and fight for our vital tourism and hospital industry and will continue to call on the federal government to provide the critical solutions that are required.
 
Tourism Industry Association of Canada
I am happy to welcome Beth Potter as the new President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. Ms. Potter brings years of experience in the tourism hospitality industry to this role, having previous served as the President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario
I have no doubt that she will be a great partner for the industry in navigating the unchartered waters of the pandemic and in the path forward post COVID-19.
Please join me in welcoming Ms. Potter to her new role.
 
Conservative Tourism Recovery Caucus Advisory Committee
The Conservative Tourism Recovery Caucus Advisory Committee was happy to welcome the Tourism Industry Association of Canada last week to discuss solutions and ideas for the tourism and hospitality industry in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

This Advisory Committee, which I Co-Chair with my colleague Member of Parliament, Tony Baldinelli, has a busy spring schedule of outreach meetings ahead, which I will keep you updated on. However, we are always looking to hear from more voices from across all aspects of the tourism and hospitality industry. If you are interested in appearing or submitting a brief, please email me.
 
As always, I want to hear from you! Your voice is important as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and the path forward. Please do not hesitate to reach out with your concerns and ideas.
 
Sincerely,
Blake Richards, MP
Banff-Airdrie
Official Opposition Whip
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Live Nation Revenue Fell 84% in 2020 as Concerts Prepare for Comeback

After going most of the year with virtually no revenue, promoter Live Nation ended 2020 with $1.86 billion in revenue, down 84% from 2019, according to its financial results published Thursday (Feb. 25). In the fourth quarter, its third full quarter since the pandemic stopped concerts and festivals worldwide, Live Nation’s total revenue was $237.3 million, 92% lower than the prior-year period. 

With the U.S. lagging behind other countries in vaccinations, Live Nation has gained more momentum in Europe. In the U.K., Live Nation put three festivals on sale after the government outlined its vaccination plans: Reading and Leeds Festivals sold 100,000 tickets in 72 hours while EDM-focused Creamfields sold out its 70,000 tickets in 48 hours, said Rapino. Music fans “have been excited to get back to the show as soon as we get the green lights in these markets to open up.”

Since May 2020, Live Nation has pointed to indications that fans are ready to attend concerts again: 95% of fans are likely to attend a show when possible, based on its own reporting, and 83% of fans have chosen to hold tickets to rescheduled shows rather than seek refunds. They’ll have their choice of concerts as Live Nation expects 45 major touring artists to be the road in 2022 compared to 25 in a typical year.
 
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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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A Conversation with the Honourable Catherine McKenna

In Canada, we think big. That’s because we are big.
To survive and thrive in the upper half of North America, we have always had to build. That was true when we pushed the railway across the continent. That was true when we built the Trans-Canada Highway and the St. Lawrence Seaway. We found a way. Today we call this “infrastructure.” It’s really about building what we need for the future we want.

We are moving forward with an ambitious plan for modern, sustainable infrastructure - more public transit, renewable energy, high speed broadband - to restart our economy and help create a million jobs, to support vibrant and inclusive communities, and to drive to net zero emissions and ensure a cleaner future for our kids.

Tuesday March 2nd 12:00pm - 1:00pm PT
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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.