I confess that I once turned down a wedding invitation from a close relative to attend the Pender Harbour Blues Festival (PHBF) which takes place annually the first weekend in June. PHBF is the only event each year that I won’t miss for anything…not even for nuptials or for that matter, my own funeral.

Visiting my happy place, listening to some of the best blues musicians on the continent, fishing, eating fresh seafood, sailing, enjoying the odd cigar, and hanging out with my pals is one of my top five favourite things to do.

Because the festival was cancelled in 2020 and 2021, I expected tickets for this year’s festival to sell out quickly, so I purchased mine months ago. I was somewhat surprised though by a recent notice from the festival’s producer advising me that I would also need to present proof of vaccination to enter the main venue. Wait, what? I thought we were past providing PoV for events. Last I checked, BC’s Chief Medical Health Officer lifted restrictions throughout the province for all social activities.

I’m curious why the precautions for this festival in particular versus the many others that I’ve attended over the past couple of months where event staff have reverted to checking for a possible mickey in my pocket as opposed to verifying my membership in BC’s 52% tripled-dosed club.

My point is that even though most COVID health and safety orders have been lifted, some local rules and/or federal restrictions remain in place which can be confusing for both residents and visitors. For example, masks must still be worn in airports and on airplanes in Canada, and all passengers must be vaccinated to travel on a plane to or within our country. The big question for the tourism sector is why, especially given that there are no restrictions on virtually any other activity anywhere in Canada.

In the case of international visitors, many remain blissfully ignorant about Canada’s inconsistent rules for entry by land, air, train or sea. Lately I’ve heard many more stories about the added confusion and onerous process of uploading documents and information on the ArriveCan app. It’s so bad, some group business for both leisure and meetings is bailing on visiting Canada for the foreseeable future.

Earlier this week, the federal government announced that the remaining travel restrictions would be lifted at the end of the month but if necessary reinstated. However, it may be too late for some tourism sub-sectors. Waiting another month as the peak season encroaches creates more uncertainty for prospective visitors, leading to the simple and convenient choice of booking travel to one of dozens of other desirable countries where all restrictions have been removed.

From TIABC’s perspective, we’re urging the federal government to consider advancing the June 30th date by at least two weeks, making masks optional in airports and on airplanes, and putting the ArriveCan app on ice immediately. What are we waiting for? In keeping with the theme of National Tourism Week, “Green Means Go”…let’s get on with it.

For the record, I personally don’t care that PHBF organizers are asking for proof of vaccination to attend some of the performances, especially since I’m triple-vaxxed and fully recovered from a bout of COVID last month. Heck, I’ll show them my entire medical history if they want it…that’s how keen I am to attend the festival this weekend.

Until the feds remove the remaining barriers once and for all, we can only hope that international visitors’ desire to visit Canada trumps their aversion to our restrictions. Otherwise, some of us will be singing the blues for the rest of June not just this weekend.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

This week is Tourism Week! This is our opportunity to celebrate this incredible industry and the people who choose to dedicate their careers to tourism. For over two years, this sector has faced immense challenges and has continued to demonstrate its strength.

Throughout the pandemic, the tourism industry’s economic, social and cultural importance in Canada has become evident:

As detailed above, tourism’s impact can be felt across the country in many ways, and the work that the people in our industry are doing does not go unnoticed. As we emerge from the pandemic, we are committed to working alongside our partners to drive a robust and rapid recovery for our sector, while also laying the foundations for greater resilience so that together, as an industry, we can take on the realities of a new world.

As we wrap up Tourism Week 2022, I want to thank the members of our industry—from helicopter pilots to international sales managers, from pastry chefs to wilderness guides, and everyone in-between – for your continued dedication to making Canada a coveted destination among Canadian and foreign travellers as well as for your contribution to improving the quality of life of residents. With people like you as the heartbeat of our industry, I am optimistic about the future of our sector and look forward to taking this new path forward with all of you.

As the MP for West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country and Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Tourism Caucus, Patrick Weiler has been hosting events to mark National Tourism Week in Ottawa and to highlight the incredible tourism sector here in our province and across the country.

Click here to view his message celebrating Tourism Week.

Tourism stakeholders, business owners and employees, as well as members of the public are invited to visit the New Federal Tourism Growth Strategy to provide input and help lay the foundation for the future of Canada’s tourism industry.

In its recent budget, the Federal Government stated that “to continue supporting Canada’s tourism sector, the Minister of Tourism will work with the tourism industry, provincial and territorial counterparts, and Indigenous tourism operators to develop a new post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which will plot a course for growth, investment, and stability.”

Government has initiated national consultations. TIAC will be actively participating in these consultations, including drafting a detailed submission that reflects the tourism industry’s priorities for moving towards growth, investment, and stability. To assist us in this regard, we ask that you complete the following survey.

Destination Canada is pleased to announce the launch of its Canadian Business Events Sustainability Plan, a first-of-its-kind national program aimed at improving the economic, social, and environmental sustainability practices of business events hosted in Canada.

Actionable programs tailored toward the unique Sustainable Development Goals of individual cities will be rolled out to global clients to accelerate the industry’s progress toward net zero targets.

Read the full press release here.

TIABC advocates and supports the business case for advancing gender equality and recognizes that it is well documented. In the tourism sector, the benefits are further amplified due to the high proportion of women working in the sector.

The "Gender Inclusive Strategy for Tourism Businesses" contains tools to support private sector tourism enterprises of all types and sizes achieve effective and consistent strategies and programmes for gender equality across their operations.

In a recent letter to Premier John Horgan, Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove describes the Pelólxw (Pilalt) First Nations-led project as offering “both jobs and financial stimulus for Chilliwack and the surrounding area.”

CSGP has already been supported and endorsed by Indigenous Tourism BC, TIABC, Tourism Chilliwack, Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO), Chilliwack Outdoor Club, Chilliwack River Valley Residents Assoc., and many other key stakeholders and community groups.

Mayor Popove previously expressed support for the sightseeing gondola project to Hon. Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forest, Lands & Natural Resource Operations in March, 2021. This time, he wrote to BC’s top elected official to say: “I am writing to you to express my support for the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project...and want to underscore my support for this particular project, due to is respectful and long-standing relationship with the Cheam First Nations.” 

Similarly, District of Kent Mayor Pranger and Council reiterated their support for the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project: “We again express our support for the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project based on its ecological and cultural benefits.”

This comes at a time when other key stakeholders have spoken out in support of the Cascade Skyline Gondola and against the ski resort project with Sqwa Nation Chief Lara Mussel stating, “Sqwa First Nation supports the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project…we are united in opposing BVMR (Bridal Veil Mountain Resort)…a massive ski resort with multiple villages and supporting amenities disrupting the natural habitat for wildlife in the area.”

Visit here for more information about the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project.

The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains tourism region (VCM) managed by Destination British Columbia, and Spinal Cord Injury BC are pleased to announce their partnership to support the long-term growth of accessible tourism experiences in the region.

This new agreement will see the two organizations working collaboratively to enhance and promote accessible tourism products and services, helping to address the needs of visitors who identify as having a disability.

Work will soon begin to conduct in-person assessments of a wide range of tourism businesses in the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region. Participating businesses will also have their accessibility listings updated on the HelloBC.com consumer trip-planning website so visitors can easily search accessible accommodation, attractions, activities, and experiences.

This new partnership builds on the Accessible Tourism Strategic Framework & Action Plan that supports the development and improvement of accessible tourism products, services, and activities to ensure people of all abilities can participate in BC’s transformative experiences.

In June, we commemorate National Indigenous History Month. During this month, take time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada.

June 21st is also National Peoples Day.

This year, Indigenous Tourism BC is calling on all Canadians to explore #IndigenousBC and our connections to each other in June and beyond. Visit the buttons below to plan your BC getaway and explore additional resources to celebrate the occasion.

Learn more about First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples Here.

Click here for more information about National Indigenous Heritage Month and to access free downloadable commemorative promotional resources.

This year, Oceans Week runs from June 3rd to June 12th in Canada. This is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the breathtaking marine environments found on our coastlines and engage with various environmental organizations working to protect them. Tune in to social channels as Oceans Canada share stories of five important marine species that live on the Pacific coast.

They will be highlighting the need for stronger marine protection by the Government of Canada to ensure they meet their goal of protecting 30% of Canada’s ocean waters by 2030.

On June 6th, Pacific Wild be launching a new section on their website all about marine conservation in BC and an opportunity for you to get involved in the #30by2030 Marine Protected Area (MPA) push.

Oceans Week Victoria commences celebration of our oceans starting today through the next ten days of in-person and virtual events for all ages. Activities during Oceans Week Victoria encompass art, music, water sports, science, technology, contests, and conservation.

Check here for a list of events during Oceans Week Victoria.

The Art of Leadership for Women focuses on the topics and trends most critical to leaders. This unique one-day conference features a riveting collection of world leaders, business icons, academics, and bestselling authors who inspire action.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn improved ways of leveraging their value, elevating their skills, and developing the strategies required to take their leadership and their organizations to the next level. This conference is not just for women, but for anyone who wants to champion change on behalf of women. 

Date: Wednesday, June 8th

Time: 8:30AM – 4:30PM

Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, East Building - Hall A, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver

Note: TIABC Members SAVE $100 - Join us at The Art of Leadership for Women in Vancouver on June 8th for a full day of world-class learning, networking and championing change for women.

Destination Vancouver has announced that Stefan Hawes has joined the organization as VP, Global Marketing, effective June 1st.

Stefan comes to Destination Vancouver with a solid combination of leadership, practical skillsets and global experience, holding senior positions from president to general manager to freelance consultant.

Stefan’s strategic thinking has been matched with execution across every creative and content arena, all focused on client and partnership building and retention.

TIABC extends congratulations to Destination Vancouver and Stefan on this great addition to the organization!

Congratulations are in order to TIABC's Social Media Coordinator, Pria Flanagan who has just returned from her graduation ceremonies.

Pria received her Bachelor of Arts with a major in political science and minor in communications and Indigenous studies from McGill University.

It is pleasure to have Pria as a member of the TIABC team, and we join her family and friends in celebrating her achievements. We're proud of you Pria!

On behalf of TIABC and Board of Directors, we are pleased to acknowledge the following member. We appreciate their support and investment in our advocacy efforts. It's a pleasure to introduce them to our industry network and readership.

53 waterfront acres, 300 sites. Open year round. Rated as one of the two best parks in BC, and in the top 25 in Canada! Located 5 minutes to downtown Nanaimo, a waterfront city of 80,000, and only 10 minutes to ferries. Perfect base camp to explore Vancouver Island. Summer swimming in a pristine river, oceanside full serviced sites, kayak rentals, walking trails, WiFi - even a gourmet coffee deck overlooking the ocean! Reserve online.

Click here for more information on the Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Park.

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

There is no better example of what TIABC has done for you than in the last 27-months. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic TIABC has identified your concerns, raised your voice, championed your needs, pushing for support and programs while encouraging policy changes.

Join GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Team for this informative webinar to learn how your business and the planet can benefit from assessing your business’s sustainability performance.

Date: June 6th, 11am - 12:30 pm (PT) via ZOOM

Click here to learn more and to register.

TIABC would like to remind industry of the Safer Spaces course: Creating Sexual Harassment-Free Workplaces in BC's Tourism and Hospitality Industry. This free online course has been extremely well-received by industry as it addresses one of today's concerning topics and supports employers and supervisors in creating workplaces that are free from sexual harassment.

Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to offer free access for tourism business stakeholders across the province to online education supporting COVID-19 recovery.

You will learn how ask the right questions, collect key data and interpret that information to help you make strategic business decisions.

Date: June 17th, 1pm - 4pm (PT)

Register Here using coupon code: DBC3034

Fully Funded Virtual Hospitality Training for Professionals in the Thompson Okanagan Region, provided by TOTA and Okanagan College.

Online, with practicums and work experiences on site as required.

Application Deadline: May 22, 2022

go2HR is offering a free webinar on Challenging Guest Interactions and Preventing Workplace Violence for industry associations to share with their members.

Challenging guest interactions can include worker harassment, verbal abuse and, in escalating situations, even physical violence.

The webinar is a 45-minute session and can be a stand-alone webinar or added to an existing meeting. In the webinar, your members will learn:

In addition, your members will gain access to tools, checklists and resources that they can personalize for their business and use for worker training.

Connect safety@go2hr.ca to learn more about the webinar and schedule your presentation!

Small Business BC provides practical business education tailored for small businesses right here in BC. Whether you need help starting your business, hiring employees, managing operations, or anything else, Small Business BC is here to help.

Live webinars are real-time engaging presentations with live video and chat. Have a scheduling conflict? A recording will also be available for you to stream over the next seven days so you won’t miss a thing.

Self-directed e-courses are available anytime, anywhere. Each on-demand e-course will cover bite-sized topics and help you learn through multimedia features such as readings, handouts, videos and quizzes. With course access for one full year, you can review to the course material multiple times as you progress through your entrepreneurial journey.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is hosting an online workshop to share how tourism and hospitality experiences can spark conversation that leads down the path towards reconciliation.

Reconciliation through tourism is an ongoing journey, one that will take a collective effort to find a new way forward. Thompson Okanagan tourism and hospitality professionals in all sectors are invited to take part in this important conversation.

In the workshop, participants will learn:

The workshop is a safe environment where people can engage in meaningful discussion and explore different ways to achieve tourism-based reconciliation.

Date: June 7th, 9am - 12pm (PT)

Price: $30

Limited availability.

Click here to learn more and to register.

Join the BC Chamber of Commerce on June 7-9 for their 2022 AGM and Conference, that will take place in-person in Prince George.

We are excited to gather together again with BC Chamber of Commerce members from across the province to hear what's on BC's mind, connect in person to discuss business priorities, and debate policies that will drive our network's advocacy efforts for the years ahead.

Come say hi at the Oceans Week booth on Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria on June 12th where Pacific Wild will be stationed alongside the whale watching and conservation group Eagle Wing Tours.

Date: June 12th - Join anytime between 10:30am-3:00pm.

Mark your calendars, the 2022 CITAP AGM. Online registration will open in early June, so please stay tuned! There will be no cost to attend the meeting.

Date:  Wednesday, June 29th

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM (PT) via Zoom

CITAP Board of Directors Openings for the 2022/23 Election:

If you would like to nominate someone or seek a seat on our Board of Directors, please review our nomination and slate document and submit the nomination form by Tuesday, June 7th and subsequently a nominee profile by Tuesday, June 14th.

Prior to the AGM, on June 21st, CITAP will give all candidates the opportunity to address membership as part of their campaign via Zoom. To update your profile, please log in to your CITAP account on the website.

For further information, please contact CITAP office at 604.247.1997 or citap97@citap.ca. 

Date and Location: Victoria | June 13-16, 2022

This year’s conference theme is Regenerative Tourism: Building Resilience. The conference will focus on recovering efforts of the global tourism and hospitality industry and communities to regenerate tourism in the post-pandemic era and at the same time to increase resilience to crises, sustain resources, and distribute more fairly tourism benefits.

Join us in Victoria, BC, or attend virtually!

Click HERE to learn more and to register.

The culmination of WGBC activities, including marketing, communications, advocacy and more over the Fiscal Year 2022 will be reported on in the Annual Report released at the Annual General Meeting. As quorum is critical for this meeting to proceed, please add this date to your calendar.

Date: Wednesday, September 7th - 10am - 12pm

Virtual Event: Add to calendar HERE

Sport Tourism Canada and Edmonton Events have announced that Sport Events Congress 2022 will be held November 2-4 in Edmonton.

SEC22 promises to be everything that attendees know and love about Congress – interactive, educational, opportunities for business-to-business networking, evening social events (including an Edmonton Oilers NHL match-up at Rogers Place). View the preliminary schedule here.

Feel free to send us your ideas on what information would be valuable for TIABC to share through our Bulletin going forward. Drop us a line at info@tiabc.ca.

TIABC recognizes that our members, stakeholders and staff occupy the ceded, unceded and traditional territories of Indigenous Nations across British Columbia. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to live, work and play on the lands that our Indigenous friends and First Nations ancestors honour and care for.