A Message from BCHA President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett
Dear Accommodation Community and Stakeholders,
 
Last Friday, Minister Farnworth delivered a press conference surrounding updates on travel restrictions and how they would be enforced. Following the scrutiny our industry has faced concerning our role in enforcement, we reached out to the Ministry ahead of the press conference in an effort to ensure this matter was clarified to the public.
 
When questioned about the role that accommodators play, Farnwoth stated that our association and industry has done a remarkable job and has "stepped up remarkably well". He added that the hotel operators "job is not to enforce [public health orders], and we've never said it was, but they have been doing a remarkable job in explaining what those rules are. Many hotels, when people book, explain the rules and then people have been cancelling or rebooking”. 
 
We share Minister Farnworth's sentiment in recognizing the tireless commitment each person from our hotel community has demonstrated in keeping British Columbians safe and abiding by these health restrictions. We acknowledge the hardship of lost revenue, the uncertainty and frustration for the lack of accessibility for the relief funds both federally and provincially. We are committed to continuing to work on your behalf to secure liquidity relief, fixed cost relief and ensure we get a workable plan to move forward and leave this pandemic behind. Your efforts have made that recovery a more likely reality for this coming summer season, and for that we thank you.
 
We also know the decision to support and take a leadership position with some of our BC residents is not popular, but it is vital that we can keep BC citizens safe, protect our health care system and save our summer season. We are committed to work hand in hand with our industry partners and government towards reopening and recovery. Without reducing Covid-19 numbers, that is extremely unlikely. Today we are seeing half the cases on a daily basis than we were two weeks ago, which shows – your contribution to the goal is significant. Thank you. 

I share a gentle reminder that in addition to managing bookings, we must also pause all marketing efforts that promote out of region travel, as our message needs to support residents to stay close to home until May 25. Furthermore, it is in our best interests to be flexible in managing bookings and cancellations. The first choice is to move the reservations for non-essential travel to a future date. Under the consumer protection laws, guests are enabled to secure a refund for services they do not receive due to travel restrictions. Should you have any further questions on this matter please reach out to questions@bcha.com

With an eye to recovery, and in response to the inquiries we receive for properties for sale or to purchase, we are hosting a webinar with our partners at HVS and Colliers, registration is below. We hope you can join us.
 
Finally, we have made some minor updates to the communications toolkit based on the new information that was delivered at the press conference last Friday. We hope you have found this information helpful and we will continue to keep you updated on further changes.
Stay safe and stay well,

Ingrid Jarrett
President & CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association
Today's update includes:
 
  • Premier, Community Leaders Working Together to Get Everyone Registered
  • Legislation will build a more accessible, inclusive B.C.
  • Upcoming Webinar: BC Hotel Sector Transaction Market Outlook presented by HVS and Colliers
  • Emergency Pandemic Sick Leave Letter
  • Destination Canada Resident Sentiment Research
  • Participate now in the 2021 Census!
  • Mark Your Calendars
  • Navigating, Recruiting, and Hiring of International Workers in the Age of COVID-19
  • New B SAFE training for BC's tourism and hospitality industry
  • Canadian Hotel Investment Conference
  • Welcome New Member!
  • Uno Digital
  • In the News
Premier, Community Leaders Working Together to Get Everyone Registered
Premier John Horgan is reaching out to community leaders this week to enlist their help as B.C. calls on all eligible people to register for their COVID-19 vaccine through B.C.’s Get Vaccinated online system.
 
This week Premier Horgan will meet virtually with dozens of community leaders – including Lower Mainland mayors, youth, non-profits, business leaders, academics, social media influencers, and faith leaders – to enlist their help in encouraging all community members to register for vaccination, especially in high transmission neighbourhoods.
 
More than 274,000 of Health Canada-approved doses are expected to be delivered this week to health authorities throughout B.C. – for a total of 1,236,570 over the month of May.
 
People can register for a vaccine in one of three ways:
  • 24-7, online
  • by phone through a provincial call centre between 7am and 7pm (PDT), toll-free, at 1 833 838-2323
  • in person at the nearest Service BC location 
Read more here
BC's vaccine supply is increasing with more than 1 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine set to arrive in May.
 
Register now if you're 18+ and book as soon as it’s your turn: http://gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated 
Legislation will build a more accessible, inclusive B.C.
We are committed to working hand in hand with government and our industry to ensure the new accessibility standards support inclusion for people with disabilities and their support networks.
Legislation will build a more accessible, inclusive B.C.

New accessibility legislation will set British Columbia on the path to a more accessible and inclusive province for people with disabilities and their support networks. If passed, the accessible British Columbia act will allow government to...

Read more
news.gov.bc.ca
Due to the number of inquiries about buying and selling hotels and accommodation properties in the province, we will be presenting a webinar in partnership with HVS and Colliers on the market outlook, state of the industry in BC, and potential for recovery.

Carrie and Russell will come together to discuss the current state of the hospitality industry in BC. They will take a look at the historical and projected operating statistics, the transaction market, and discuss the outlook for the industry as we move through this crisis to better days ahead.
 
The webinar will be 45 minutes in length with a 15 minute open forum for any questions. Please submit any questions you have with your registration.

Hosted by Carrie Russell, HVS and Russell Beaudry, Colliers.
Emergency Pandemic Sick Leave Letter
Yesterday, we wrote a letter in partnership with BC Business Council as well as other businesses around the province regarding sick-pay for COVID-19 in regards to Government considering implementing a provincial sick leave policy.

Business leaders understand and fully support the need for workers who contract COVID-19 to rest, isolate and recover. We also understand the ongoing imperative for workers with mild symptoms or who have tested positive to self-isolate.
We believe it is critical that any proposed provincial actions on sick leave be temporary, funded by the provincial government from general revenues, and workable for business. We urge government to consult extensively with the business community prior to enacting any policy or legislative change.

It is also important to note, that vaccinations on days off, or before or after work are not eligible for sick pay under Bill 3. 
Destination Canada Resident Sentiment Research
Destination Canada produces a report outlining the level of ‘welcome’ that residents of each province/region are feeling towards visitors.
 
BC residents’ level of welcome towards visitors from nearby communities has fallen to 43% (from 62% previously) based on the latest research from April 2021. Meanwhile, provincial resident sentiment towards welcoming visitors from other parts of BC and Canada has fallen to 32% and 20% respectively. The expectation is that this sentiment will continue to shift and evolve in the weeks and months ahead as vaccination continues and as health orders and recommendations continue to be published in response to this pandemic. We will continue to keep a close eye on this for planning purposes.
 
Download the report here
Participate now in the 2021 Census!
On behalf of Statistics Canada, I am pleased to inform you that the 2021 Census of Population is underway. For collective dwellings such as a hotels, motels, campgrounds, YMCA/YWCA, Ronald McDonald House, hostels and school residence, the census has been in progress since April 26th and need remaining questionnaires to be completed immediately.

The census provides a statistical portrait of Canada every five years. Information collected through the census will provide decision-makers with data needed to forecast funding requirements and plan for services such as schools, public transportation, hospitals, and residences for temporary accommodation.

Since the census is an essential source of information, it must be complete and accurate. It is therefore important that everyone complete and return their questionnaire. 
Mark Your Calendars
Navigating, Recruiting, and Hiring of International Workers in the Age of COVID-19
 
Wednesday May 5th 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (PDT)
 
Bewildered by the complexities of immigration processes for hiring foreign workers in the age of COVID-19? We’ve got the answers and expert advice you need. Please join the Vancouver Coast & Mountains Tourism Region, managed by Destination BC, and go2HR for an engaging and informative session on Navigating the New Normal When Hiring International Workers in the age of COVID-19.
 
What You’ll Learn:
  • An overview and updates on requirements for federal and provincial immigration programs
  • Overview of how the requirements may impact tourism and hospitality employers as they prepare to recruit internationally
  • Practical tips, insights and resources to help navigate international recruitment processes
 
For more information, and to register, please visit the event page
New B SAFE training for BC's tourism and hospitality industry

B SAFE is a new 90-minute, online course oriented toward staff in BC’s tourism and hospitality industry. The training aims to provide staff with a strong foundation in COVID-19 health and safety protocols, and to assist them in understanding ever-evolving best practices. Upon successful completion of the course, participants are awarded a certificate that demonstrates their knowledge of and commitment to COVID-19 health and safety. go2HR's objective is for B SAFE to become an industry standard: a recognizable indicator of the extent to which health and safety is a priority for BC’s tourism and hospitality employers. B SAFE stands for BC Safety Assured For Everyone Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, B SAFE aims to build community and staff confidence in the health and safety protocols of BC’s tourism and hospitality industry as the province navigates and emerges from the COVID-19 era.

Save the date!

The Canadian Hotel Investment Conference will be celebrating it's 25th anniversary this June. Mark your calendars for our virtual CHIC June 22nd and 23rd.
 
Registration will open next week where we will announce our keynote speakers and sessions. 
 
Are you interested in sponsoring? Please contact Stephanie for further details. 
 
This is a milestone event you will not want to miss! 
Welcome New Member!
Uno Digital has been one of BC’s most innovative and reliable large format print and media design companies for over 20 years. We have a sterling reputation garnered from numerous projects large and small across BC. We work across several fields include luxury retail, property development and many more. 

BENEFIT TO MEMBERS
Let us help you during these difficult times. We supply bespoke decals and plastiglass barriers to ensure your guests’ safety along with virtually invisible anti microbial film that can be applied to practically all commonly touched surfaces and will prevent germs for over five years! We are also the only source for fully customizable, fully textured art and wallpaper for when your facility needs a facelift that truly stands out from the crowd. 

HOW TO GET STARTED
See www.unodigital.com for some examples of our work, then give us a call!
Sponsorship Opportunities
The BCHA offers opportunity to reach a diverse array of individuals across the accommodation and tourism sector through our sponsorship opportunities.

If you are interested in sponsoring an upcoming BCHA webinar, we have availability for the next two months. Please contact Mike Macleod at membership@bcha.com for more information. 
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