C-19 BULLETIN - July 20th, 2021
Now Published Tuesdays & Fridays Over the Summer
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Provincial State of Emergency Declared
The BC government is declaring a provincial state of emergency to support the province-wide response to the ongoing wildfire situation.
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, made the declaration on July 20, 2021, based upon the recommendation from the BC Wildfire Service and Emergency Management BC.
The declaration will be in effect starting July 21, 2021.
The state of emergency is initially in effect for 14 days once issued and may be extended or rescinded as necessary. The state of emergency applies to the whole province and ensures federal, provincial and local resources can be delivered in a co-ordinated response to protect the public, which remains the provincial government's top priority.
As of July 20, there were 299 wildfires burning in BC, with 40 evacuation orders affecting approximately 5,724 people (2,862 properties), in addition to 69 evacuation alerts impacting approximately 32,076 people (16,038 properties). The extended weather forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions, with heightened wind activity in the Interior and southeastern BC.
The federal government has responded to and accepted British Columbia’s request for firefighting assistance. In the coming days, federal personnel and resources will be arriving in BC to assist with wildfire efforts.
The state of emergency gives agencies, such as the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Emergency Management BC, the fire commissioner and the RCMP, the authority to take every action necessary to fight the wildfires and protect people and communities.
Quick Facts:
- Declarations of provincial states of emergency may be issued by the minister responsible under the Emergency Program Act.
- The provincial government can extend the period of a declaration made by the minister responsible for further periods of time.
For information on evacuation orders and alerts, visit Emergency Info BC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
Click here to read the full news release. |
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Border Measures Ease for Fully Vaccinated Travellers
The Government of Canada is prioritizing the health and safety of everyone in Canada by taking a risk-based and measured approach to re-opening our borders.
On September 7, 2021, provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favourable, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travellers who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements.
As a first step, starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.
Subject to limited exceptions, all travellers must use ArriveCAN (app or web portal) to submit their travel information. If they are eligible to enter Canada and meet specific criteria, fully vaccinated travellers will not have to quarantine upon arrival in Canada.
To further support these new measures, Transport Canada is expanding the scope of the existing scheduled international commercial passenger flights: Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport.
Effective August 9, 2021, international flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at the following five additional Canadian airports:
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport;
- Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport;
- Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport;
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport; and
- Edmonton International Airport.
All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, will still require a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test result. However effective August 9, 2021, the Government of Canada is adjusting its post-arrival testing strategy for fully vaccinated travellers. Using a new border testing surveillance program at airports and land border crossings, fully vaccinated travellers will not need a post-arrival test unless they have been randomly selected to complete a Day 1 COVID-19 molecular test.
The three-night government authorized hotel stay requirement will also be eliminated for all travellers arriving by air as of 12:01 A.M. EDT on August 9.
Fully vaccinated travellers who meet the requirements will be exempt from quarantine; however, all travellers must still provide a quarantine plan and be prepared to quarantine, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet the necessary requirements
Click here to read the full news release. |
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Changes for Travellers Entry to Canada
Effective August 9th, to be eligible to enter Canada, fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents must have received the full series of a vaccine - or combination of vaccines - accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).
Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country, and must provide evidence supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation (along with the original).
What Changes August 9th:
- Allow discretionary (non-essential) travel for fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents, currently residing in the U.S., who meet all required criteria. This includes the need to submit information electronically through ArriveCAN.
- Allow entry of unvaccinated children under 12 years of age, or unvaccinated dependent children (due to a mental or physical condition), who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently residing in the U.S. and who are accompanying a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor who either has a right to enter Canada (e.g. Canadian citizens and permanent residents), is a U.S. citizen and permanent resident currently residing in the U.S, or is otherwise is permitted entry under the US Prohibition on Entry Order made under the Quarantine Act. They must meet all other required criteria, including submitting information electronically through ArriveCAN and all testing requirements.
- Travellers who do not meet all the required eligibility requirements for discretionary (non-essential) travel will be denied entry into Canada, precluded from boarding their flight, and/or could face additional fines on arrival. It is therefore important that all travellers find out about whether they are eligible to enter Canada well in advance of their travel, and understand applicable requirements.
Testing Requirements
- Allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents travelling to the U.S. for less than 72 hours to do their pre-entry test in Canada.
- Allow individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, but continue to test positive, to present a positive COVID-19 molecular test result on a specimen taken 14 to 180 days prior to arrival in Canada as part of the pre-arrival test requirements.
- Adjust post-arrival testing for fully vaccinated travellers. Using a new border testing surveillance program at airports and land border crossings, fully vaccinated travellers will not need a post-arrival test unless they have been randomly selected to complete a Day 1 COVID-19 molecular test. This shift responds to the pandemic's evolution and will monitor prevalence in travellers. It will also identify new variants of concern entering Canada and provide intelligence, including vaccine effectiveness.
- There are no changes to the mandatory testing requirements for unvaccinated travellers.
Temperature screening requirements
- Due to the improving epidemiological situation in Canada, effective August 9, 2021, Transport Canada will remove the requirement for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to perform pre-board temperature screening of passengers on all domestic flights and international departures (including Transborder), as well as airport workers.
Quarantine Requirements
- Eliminate the three-night government-authorized hotel stay requirement for all travellers arriving by air as of 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 9.
- Continue to require unvaccinated travellers to undergo Day 1 and Day 8 COVID-19 molecular tests, and complete a mandatory 14 day quarantine, subject to limited exceptions.
- Unvaccinated children under 12 years of age and dependent children (due to a mental or physical condition) of fully vaccinated travellers will no longer have to complete a 14 day quarantine, but must follow strict public health measures. This includes those travelling from the U.S for discretionary purposes. This means they can move around with their parents, but must avoid group settings - such as camps or daycares - during the first 14 days after their arrival. Unvaccinated children will remain subject to the Day 1 and Day 8 testing requirements. Provinces and territories may have more stringent rules around people who have recently returned from travel. More details will be available in the coming days.
Proof of vaccination for foreign nationals permitted entry for discretionary purposes, who enter on the basis of their vaccination status
- Starting August 9, 2021, air carriers will be verifying that the travellers coming to Canada have submitted their information digitally by using the ArriveCAN app or website before they board their flight. Discretionary travellers who are unable to show their ArriveCAN receipt – either on their mobile device or a printed copy - will not be allowed to board their flight to Canada, as they are ineligible to enter Canada. In addition to their ArriveCAN receipt, travellers should carry their actual vaccine certificate with them to show officials at the border entry point.
Discretionary travellers include:
- Fully vaccinated American citizens or permanent residents who reside in the U.S., and are entering from the U.S. for discretionary (non-essential) travel (starting on August 9, 2021); and
- Other fully vaccinated foreign nationals coming to Canada for discretionary (non-essential) purposes (intended to start on September 7, 2021)
- Travellers with a right to entry, (e.g. Canadian citizens and permanent residents), or travellers who qualify for entry under another exemption (e.g. immediate or extended family member) or who are coming to Canada for essential reasons (such as temporary foreign workers, or international students) will not be denied boarding, but will be required to submit information relating to their vaccination status via the ArriveCAN app or website.
Click here to read the full announcement from the Public Health Agency of Canada. |
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Border Re-opening & Staff Shortage
Chair of the TIABC Board, Vivek Sharma spoke to CKNW's Stirling Faux on July 18th about the the potential of the border re-opening, how TIABC has been advocating and educating on behalf of the tourism industry about health and safety practices that are in place and the need to follow international trends by introducing the re-opening of the borders when it is safe to do so.
Vivek also spoke to the concern of low staffing levels in the hospitality sector and the impact it is having on businesses since moving to Stage 3 of the provincial Re-Start Plan.
Click here to listen to the full interview and move to the 45:20 mark. |
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Canada - US Border Re-opening
With Canada moving to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated US citizens and permanent residents on August 9th, Vivek Sharma, Chair of TIABC spoke with CBC's Gloria Macarenko on July 19th to explain what this means for tourism in the province. He explained why our industry remains cautiously optimistic of the positive impact this could have on the tourism and hospitality industry as businesses take steps to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
Click here to listen to the full interview. |
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A Need for an Accommodation Plan
Emergency Management BC is asking people in wildfire-affected communities to plan their accommodations, in the event of an evacuation order, in advance to help ensure capacity for evacuees who need hotel rooms.
If possible, the best option would be to arrange to stay with family or friends, so commercial accommodations have capacity for evacuees who have no other option.
If you are under an evacuation order, you can self-register with ESS online:
If you cannot self-register online, go the reception centre designated by your local government or First Nation to register in-person. By registering, your community will know where you are, and loved ones can find out if you are safe.
Emergency Management BC urges people who have self-evacuated to larger communities due to smoky conditions to consider returning home. Because smoky conditions shift and move, self-evacuating to another community does not guarantee a person’s exposure will be reduced. Unnecessary relocation or travel will only add stress and anxiety that can also have negative health effects.
In many communities, accommodations are reaching capacity. By returning home, people can help host-community ESS create capacity for people who have been evacuated from their homes due to a direct wildfire threat.
If you are not on evacuation order and you are worried about smoke issues in your area:
- Stay indoors and keep the air clean (windows/doors closed, no smoking, no burning fireplaces/candles/incense, no vacuuming).
- Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors. Avoid vigorous outdoor activities.
- When in a vehicle, keep windows closed with air conditioning set to recirculate.
- Visit places with controlled air supply, such as shopping malls, swimming pools, public libraries, etc.
- People with asthma or other chronic illnesses should ensure they have an adequate supply of inhalers/medication, and should activate their asthma or personal protection plans.
For information on evacuation orders and alerts, stay tuned to your local authority’s public information channels and Emergency Info BC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
Click here to read the full news release. |
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Resources for Tourism Operators & Communities for Emergency Situations
In view of the wildfire situation in parts of British Columbia, here are important resources for communities, destination marketing organizations (DMO's) and tourism operators to use to communicate with guests and prospective visitors.
Given the evolving emergency situation, the messaging guide, as well as respective websites will be updated regularly.
- Emergency plan for tour operators here
- PreparedBC's 3 steps for preparedness here
- EmergencyInfoBC here
- BC Wildfire Preparedness Guide here
- The BC Wildfire Service and interactive map here
- The Air Quality Health Index map here
Check DriveBC's info about road closures, major events and transportation delays here
Click here for Destination BC's "Know Before You Go".
We encourage visitors and travellers to check in with the Visitor Centre in the communities they will be visiting for real-time, on-the-ground updates.
To report a wildfire (dial *5555 on a cell phone or call toll free 1.800.663.5555)
As a tourism partner and/or tourism business owner, here’s what you can do:
- Share these resources with your staff and follow key social media accounts for the latest news.
- Communicate with fellow businesses and neighbours in your community, share official information with them too, and offer assistance if you can. Look after your community and take care of your neighbours.
- Help your guests; If your business is located in an impacted area, provide your current customers and future reservations with regular updates, by directing them to official information sources.
- If your business is not impacted directly, help your current guests plan the rest of their trip to areas that are safe and open for business (your local visitor centre has a wealth of information on places to stay and things to do). Also, be proactive with future reservations—let your customers know it’s business as usual and you are looking forward to hosting them. BC is a very large province and sometimes our out-of-province guests (or even our own residents!) don’t consider the vast geography of our province.
- Have a plan—use the PreparedBC: Tourism Resources to prepare for emergencies and to identify potential hazards.
TIABC continues to regularly engage with our industry and cross-government partners via the Tourism Emergency Management Committee (including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, DBC, ITBC, the BCDMOA and the BC Regional Secretariat), the Joint Information Centre (with representation from each Government of BC agency), and others as needed, to ensure that we – and BC’s tourism industry – have the latest information and can respond in a timely manner.
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Indigenous Community Business Fund
Indigenous Tourism BC in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and the Aboriginal Financial Institutions in BC are once again delivering a Tourism and Hospitality Fund through the Indigenous Community Business Fund.
The fund supports the operation of the businesses as well as costs to support the adaptation, planning and reopening of businesses.
It is intended to relieve financial pressure and allow these businesses and micro-businesses to strengthen operations and support their viability during the pandemic, with the goal of positioning them for recovery.
This fund will provide non-repayable grant contributions to First Nation owned businesses and micro-businesses in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Who can Apply
Your community or collectives are eligible if the business:
- is First Nations, community or collectively-owned business
- is located in the provinces of BC
- has been in operation since October 1, 2019
- has either incurred a negative financial impact due to COVID-19 or that financial support will prevent layoffs, bankruptcy or permanent closure
- has been solvent, financially viable, and not declared bankrupt prior to the economic disruptions associated with COVID-19
- currently operates as a for profit entity and expects to continue to operate with a reduction in revenues from the previous year over the coming months as a result of COVID-19 in line with the terms of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
- has previously applied for federal business support and been declined, in whole or in part, or does not qualify under business support eligibility criteria:
- this may include applications to more than 1 federal program depending on the requested support
- First Nations, may apply for funding for 1 or more community-owned businesses.
Click here for more information and to apply. |
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FireSmart Community Funding & Support
The First Nations’ Emergency Services Society, the Forest Enhancement Society of BC and the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) are working with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development to deliver the FireSmart Community Funding & Supports program. Eligible applicants:
- Include all local governments (municipalities and regional districts) and First Nations (bands, Treaty First Nations and Indigenous National Governments with authority for lands and resources) in BC are eligible to apply.
- May apply for up to $50,000 or $150,000, depending on their specific risk of wildfire. There are opportunities to apply for additional funding for regional districts, and for fuel management proposals that include Provincial Crown land within and adjacent to community boundaries. Information on determining risk is provided in Appendix 2 of the Program Guide.
For enquiries about the program or application process, please contact UBCM at cri@ubcm.ca or 250-356-2947.
The FireSmart Begins at Home Manual was developed to help people reduce the risk of personal property damage due to wildfires.
Download FireSmart Guides & Manuals here.
Click here for more information and to apply. |
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Ongoing Relief Programs
TIABC endeavours to keep our industry and members up to date with the various relief and recovery programs. In addition to the recently announced Tourism Relief Fund program, here is a list of federal funding programs currently available.
Federal Programs
Tourism Relief Fund (TRF): to help tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. The $500 million national initiative across Canada will be administered by Western Economic Diversification in Western Canada.
Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS): Subsidy to cover a portion of eligible expenses until September 25, 2021. Also includes an additional Lockdown Support of 25% if your business was significantly affected by a public health order. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP): Aimed at sectors like tourism and hospitality, hotels, arts and entertainment, and will offer 100% government-guaranteed financing and provide low-interest loans up to $1 million for up to ten years.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Covers part of your employee wages retroactively back to December 20, 2020 until September 25, 2021. The maximum subsidy is 75%. Hotline: 1-800-959-5525
Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP): The new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) is designed to encourage businesses to grow as the economy recovers, whether it’s due to hiring and re-hiring staff, increasing shifts, or increasing overall pay.
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB): $400 per week for 13 two-week periods between September 27, 2020, and September 25, 2021 for self-employed workers and those in the gig economy. Applications are handled through the Canada Revenue Agency. Hotline: 1-833-966-2099
Indigenous Programs
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Tickets for Charity on Sale Now
The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce that tickets for its first-ever online 50/50 raffle are now on sale. The raffle starts with a $1000 jackpot and will increase with every ticket purchased above and beyond until sales close on August 16th 2021.
The initiative is a fundraiser for the BCHF, with a mission of supporting hospitality and tourism workers in need.
The winning name will be drawn at noon on August 17th and will be posted on the BCHF website and social media shortly thereafter, pending notification to the winner. Funds raised by the event will be used by the BCHF to support hospitality industry workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member.
Click here to purchase tickets online, and view updated jackpot as tickets are purchased. |
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Despite the ongoing challenges our industry continues to face as a result of the impacts of COVID, TIABC is heartened to observe the strength, resiliency and innovative means taking place today. This new Bulletin feature will share stories of how businesses and organizations, large and small are doing things in a new way as they guide their enterprises through the pandemic crisis. |
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Merridale Cidery & Distillery
Merridale Cidery & Distillery, located in Cobble Hill, BC, has been a pioneer of British Columbia and Vancouver Island’s agri-tourism experiences, but no business has gone unscathed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including Merridale.
The financial impact has been significant for Merridale given they are not only farmers, but a manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer and hospitality provider. While large commercial liquor producers may have seen a surge in sales due to COVID-19, for the most part, that has not been true for small craft producers such as Merridale.
Merridale took a hard look at what they really wanted to do and trimmed down their business to respond with what was allowed under COVID-19 restrictions. They invented new systems, found new products, changed their style of service, started a delivery business, and the list goes on.
Docherty concludes, “We continue to make quality products and offer agri-tourism experiences we are proud of while we all wait this out. It has been heartwarming to see the tourism industry come together to support one another and the incredible creativity shown as businesses pivot their offerings. We are so grateful for supports like the Vancouver Island Coastal Tourism Resiliency Program.”
Click here for more information on Merridale Cidery & Distillery. |
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TIABC Member Recognition
TIABC recognizes that many of our members have been supporting our organization's advocacy efforts for a very long time. In this feature, we are showcasing those businesses and organizations that have been active members for 10 years or more.
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Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer offers luxury train journeys through Western Canada and the American Southwest. Their world-renowned train travels by daylight and is the best way to experience some of the most spectacular scenery North America has to offer.
Their trains operate exclusively during the day to maximize scenic views; therefore, no sleeper service is offered. All trips include overnight stops at which passengers disembark and stay in hotels.
Rocky Mountaineer is a rail tour service and all journeys are end-to-end. They are committed to delivering world-class service to you while ensuring your health and safety is their highest priority. As government guidelines and industry best practices evolve on the prevention of COVID-19 and other viruses and illnesses, they have updated their operating procedures to align with heath and safety protocols.
Click here to learn more about Rocky Mountaineer and their current season. |
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2021 TIABC MEMBERSHIP
The month of July marks membership renewal dates for the majority of TIABC's members. Due to the difficulties our industry has faced since early 2020, we have extended various payment options to members if required. Please contact Deborah to learn more about how we can assist you with your membership renewal, or if you are interested in becoming a member
We strongly encourage you to consider membership with TIABC to support our important advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire visitor economy.
C-19 BULLETIN OVER THE SUMMER
During July and August, TIABC's C-19 Bulletin will be published twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays). We will continue to keep you informed of our advocacy efforts, government announcements, industry updates and any other relevant information to help you in your recovery efforts.
We continue to gather national, provincial, regional and community industry news, activities and events, and will be sure to provide additional updates should there be extraordinary news to share with our members.
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Tourism Relief Fund
On Tuesday, July 12, 2021, the Federal Government of Canada announced an investment of a minimum of $50M from the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) to be invested in Indigenous tourism projects.
Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), will be hosting a webinar to discuss what this means for Indigenous tourism businesses, Indigenous Tourism Provincial/Territorial Partners and ITAC.
Henry will be hosting the webinar on his personal Facebook Live Page. The webinar will also be available to view on ITAC's Corporate Website afterwards.
Date and Time: Thursday, July 22nd at 10:00 PT
Click here for more information. |
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Rebates & Rising Energy Rates
Did you know that forging a path to sustainability not only helps our planet but can result in significant savings?
Join BCHA partner, Angela Nagy of GreenStep Solutions, where she will walk through how accommodators can best take advantage of the BCHA GoGreen Program to cut high fixed costs now and in the future, as a way to adapt, survive, and thrive after the impacts of COVID-19.
Participants will learn what the first three steps are in getting started, as well as immediate low and no-cost measures they can take to realize quick wins and early savings.
Date and Time: Thursday July 22, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Click here to register and submit questions. |
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Indigenous Cultural Protocols
Cultural Protocols, Empathy & Safety offers a facilitated de-colonial dialogue to support you or your organization to work through Nahanee Creative’s mini-courses and writing prompts together. In this two-hour workshop, you will create a Cultural Safety Plan of your own. While the teachings & critical Indigenous theory shared by Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee are grounded in Squamish world view, they are applicable across Indigenous Territories.
What will I learn?
- Introduction to cultural protocols, empathy and safety
- Self-reflection to understand your own role in these conversations
- Explore approaches to cultural work and decolonizing practices in a good way
- How to start introducing cultural safety into workplace policy
- Begin a Cultural Safety Plan of your own
Date and Time: Thursday, July 22nd at 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Click here for more information and to register. |
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Transitioning from COVID-19 to Communicable Disease Prevention
On Wednesday, July 28th we will welcome attendees from across the province as we hear from Chris Back, director of OHS Consultation & Education Services at WorkSafeBC on Transitioning from COVID-19 to communicable disease prevention in the workplace.
About the event:
Beginning with Step 3 of the provincial government’s BC Restart plan, employers will no longer be required to maintain a COVID-19 Safety Plan, and will instead transition to communicable disease prevention. Chris Back, director of OHS Consultation and Education Services, discusses the fundamental components of communicable disease prevention (CDP) and shares information and resources to support employers in developing their CDP plans.
When: Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 1:00PM PDT
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the zoom information to join the meeting.
An event invite to members will follow. Please feel free to share this event with your members and community as the webinar is open to any business that would like to attend.
Click here for more information and to register. |
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INFO Session
Student Work Placement Program Wage Subsidy
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Now is the perfect time for organizations to start thinking about hiring for the fall semester (Sept.-Dec.). For hospitality and tourism organizations, it would be helpful to have students on board to support what is bound to be a busy shoulder season
The Talent MATCH Program is a collaboration between go2HR, the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture, the BC Museums Association, and ACE-WIL, the Association for Co-operative Education & Work-Integrated Learning. It aims to build awareness among employers from museums, arts, tourism, culture, and hospitality organizations about hiring student talent while providing resources, connections to post-secondary institutions, and one-on-one support.
Click here to join Talent Match on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 1:00 pm PT for an information session on how the program works, eligible positions, and how to apply. |
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With the move to Step 3 of BC's Restart Plan and the prospect of moving to Step 4 by no earlier than September 7, our industry is expanding virtual meetings and once again opening their meeting room and conference room doors. We are pleased to provide you with updated information on the following industry meetings, conferences and events. |
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2021 TIAC Tourism Congress
Under the theme, “Forging Canada’s Tourism Future”, this year's Congress will have an amazing line-up of valued experts, innovative panels, enriching content and robust networking opportunities you can only get in person.
Thinking of registering in person? You’ll enjoy additional sessions that are only available live.
TIAC Members who register by September 7 SAVE $100 on in-person registration.
Dates: Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2021.
Click here to register and to view the programming being offered at this year’s Congress.
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TIABC Annual General Meeting
Thursday, November 18th
Details to the AGM including official Notice of AGM and registration will soon follow.
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BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference - 2022
March 8 - 11, 2022
Prince George
Details to the conference including registration, accommodation and speaker highlights will be updated in Fall, 2021.
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5 New Free Learning Resources
for Tourism Operators & Destination Partners
It’s no secret that Canada’s tourism industry was devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. One year into this new reality, our task is two-fold. We, as individual stakeholders, need to recover from the pandemic. And together, we must rebuild the visitor economy—when it is safe to do so.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) launched the Elevating Canadian Experiences (ECE) program to help tourism stakeholders seize innovative opportunities in culinary tourism and in the winter and shoulder seasons (WSS).
The ECE program was conceived as a series of in-person workshops held in rural and remote areas. But the program launch dovetailed with the pandemic and, like so many organizations, we needed to pivot.
From April 2020 to March 2021, TIAC and their partners, which included TIABC, delivered virtual workshops/webinars to over 4,000 participants, reaching over 30,000 businesses from coast to coast to coast.
And now, TIAC is pleased to announce the ECE content hub, where you can access 5 new practical tools and resources developed for the program.
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Culinary Tools
Canada has all the ingredients to become a world class culinary destination. Our culinary webinars and national guidelines support growth and innovation in creating tasty experiences for domestic and international visitors.
Self-Guided Webinars
Over the course of five learning modules, you will learn how to concoct compelling culinary experiences, attract tourists and partner with other tourism stakeholders in your region. You’ll also explore how to nurture agritourism, create multisensory experiences, and how to exceed your visitors’ expectations—every single time.
Culinary Tourism Strategy Development National Guidelines
Create your destination’s culinary tourism strategy using best practices from TIAC’s culinary tourism strategy development pilot, which took place in four regions in Québec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Informed by the methods, processes, activities, and learnings from the pilot project, the guidelines provide practical advice for tourism operators and destination partners.
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Winter / Shoulder Season Tools
Summer is Canada’s peak tourism season. But we have a lot to offer visitors beyond June, July and August! Our WSS webinar, toolkit, and research report help operators and destination partners develop exceptional year-round experiences for when it’s safe to welcome visitors back.
Developing Winter / Shoulder Season Tourism Toolkit
Developed by industry experts, this toolkit helps destination partners discover untapped opportunities for tourism products and experiences from September to May. Full of valuable insights, worksheets, tips and strategies, the toolkit will fuel ideas to boost your region’s off-season tourism.
Enhancing Winter / Shoulder Tourism In Canada Webinar
Made up of six learning modules, this webinar will give you actionable advice on how to define your strategy, develop products and experiences, build collaborative partnerships and more to boost seasonal tourism in your business or region.
Winter / Shoulder Season Consumer Demand Research Report
Discover current data on the domestic WSS travel consumer that provides essential market insights to help tourism operators and destination partners develop exciting off-season products and experiences.
Start today!
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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. |
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