Thank-you for your readership! We encourage you to send us your ideas or content that would be valuable for TIABC to share through our Bulletin.
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CEO MESSAGE
Our national counterparts at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) shared some interesting information with its board members (of which I am one) earlier this week that showed the depth to which they’ve gone to advocate for Canada’s visitor economy.
According to the National Lobbyist’s Registry, TIAC was second only to the Breakfast Club of Canada in the number of reports filed during the first six months of 2022. The organization submitted briefs or met with senior government officials virtually every single business day between January and June and registered every discussion as they are required by law to do. Talk about impressive work!
Earlier this week, TIAC submitted its latest brief to government on Canada’s Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. It’s another comprehensive and outstanding piece of work by the TIAC team, supported by members of the board, the Provincial and Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA – chaired by TIABC), Tourism HR Canada (THRC), HAC, and several other TIAC members and partners who provided context and recommendations to help inform the strategy…in some cases taken from their own submissions.
Similarly, the Hardest Hit Coalition (of which TIABC is a member), co-chaired by TIAC and HAC, produced an excellent submission with similar suggestions on what Canada needs to achieve its tourism goals and objectives.
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On behalf of BC’s tourism and hospitality industry, TIABC and BCHA submitted a joint brief, primarily emphasizing some of the key recommendations in the TIAC report while adding a BC lens to the four pillars identified by our national counterparts. |
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Several of our members, including Destination Greater Victoria and the Butchart Gardens (jointly with PNWER), also submitted reports to compel the federal government to pay close attention to local issues on Southern Vancouver Island, as well as broader opportunities vis-a-vis infrastructure, workforce, transportation and access, among other priorities.
The federal government initiated a process to help set the stage for the future of tourism in this country that garnered significant attention by our industry. However, the work is far from over.
While the feds evaluate all of the submissions from across Canada, organizations like TIAC, Hardest Hit Coalition, PTTIA, THRC, HAC and many others need to keep their collective foot on the gas to ensure that the recommendations put forward during this process are accepted, funded, and implemented in a timely manner to allow the tourism and hospitality to not only fully recover from the impacts of the pandemic, but more importantly, reach its potential as a viable business sector and contributor to all facets of Canadian society.
Filing monthly lobbying reports can be quite onerous. For TIAC, I’m sure this month’s filing will be done with both a smile and big sigh of relief.
Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
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Stay Prepared for Wildfires and Heat Warnings
As weather conditions remain hot and dry, seasonal and above seasonal temperatures forecast for the second half of summer will sustain current wildfire activity in BC. Residents and visitors are reminded to stay informed of wildfire activities that may occur and remember to exercise caution, stay informed, be prepared and remain vigilant to help prevent wildfires.
With temperatures in most parts of the province expected to stay high in the days ahead, residents and businesses are reminded to monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for regular updates.
Last month, the Province released an Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide to help people prepare for extreme heat with tips about how to stay safe when temperatures rise.
The BC Wildfire Service is also closely monitoring these changing conditions and making necessary preparations with strategic aviation and crew placements. Of note is the potential for widespread lightning when the current weather pattern changes.
Destination BC has updated the Emergency Preparedness webpage and is available with key messaging guidance and resources to help BC's tourism industry prepare for emergencies such as wildfires.
A reminder - Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are prohibited throughout British Columbia.
Additional Resources:
NOTE: Effective August 4th, all campfires are banned throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, which includes the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast and Sea-to-Sky. A map of the affected areas is available in the link below. The campfire ban is in effect until October 28th or until the order is rescinded.
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BCRTS COVID-19 Tourism Impact Survey
Final Report
The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) released the final BC COVID-19 Tourism Impact Survey 2020-2021 Report, which summarizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BC's visitor economy from April 2020 to December 2021. The report outlines survey responses from BC tourism companies in order to share the experiences through one of the most challenging periods in recent history and lessons to navigate future events, impacts, and crises.
The survey heard from many different types of tourism operators across the province, including: accommodation, food and beverage, activities, retail, transportation, visitor centres, Indigenous and non-indigenous owned businesses.
The BCRTS developed a unique perspective on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the visitor economy through its survey program and other advocacy. This perspective has equipped BCRTS with the knowledge and expertise necessary to make recommendations on how to best navigate future crises.
Recommendations for industry include:
- Digitalization and fully developed outreach programs are essential to relief program success.
- Insurance solutions specifically tailored by industry would provide greater protection for industry members during times of crisis.
Recommendations for government and other policymakers include:
- There exists a need to develop scenario analysis and crisis management plans for future crises.
- Access to government-backed credit would increase the coping abilities of the most affected firms in times of crisis.
- Programs that are designed to support individuals create distortions for industry when they penalize workers that choose to continue working in the service sector.
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New Training Program Empowers People to Address Racism
More people throughout the province will receive free training on how to help defuse racist incidents through a new Anti-Racism Community (ARC) Stewards pilot program.
Applications are being accepted for the “train the trainer” program, which will educate people with a passion for leading anti-racism work in as many as 15 small communities. Successful applicants will learn the skills needed to offer training on how bystanders can address racist incidents and facilitate community dialogues on racism and discrimination in their communities.
The pilot project is the first anti-racism training of its kind - developed and delivered by the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS).
People from the following communities are encouraged to apply: Cranbrook, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Houston, Kitimat, Nelson, Penticton, Powell River/gathet, Prince Rupert, Revelstoke, Sechelt/Gibsons, Shuswap, Smithers, Terrace, Vanderhoof, Vernon.
Online applications will be accepted until August 11th. Twenty spaces are available in the program. Successful applicants will begin their training in October 2022. Participants will receive an honorarium and travel expenses will be covered.
Visit HERE for more information on the program and to apply. |
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Survey | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Ministry of Labour is inviting you to participate in a survey on how workplaces and businesses can commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th) each year, including whether BC should establish a new employer-paid statutory holiday starting in 2023.
That National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday which commemorates the history and legacy of the residential school system, honours the resilience, dignity and strength of survivors, and remembers the children that never came home. Designating this day as a provincial statutory holiday would entitle BC employees covered by the Employment Standards Act to an employer-paid day off to personally commemorate the day, or to payment at premium rates if they are required to work on that day.
You are encouraged to submit your views until September 21st. Please forward the link to the survey to your colleagues, members of your organization, and anyone else whom you think will be interested in participating.
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Cedar Creek Wins Major National Wine Award
Congratulations are in order to this family-owned winery with a strong commitment to organic farming. Cedar Creek Estate Winery is the 2022 WineAlign National Wine Awards winery of the year.
The winery received the prestigious award at the recent WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada, besting more than 250 other wineries.
For more than 40 years, CedarCreek has been producing wines in an area with unique soil characteristics that overlooks Okanagan Lake, in the sub-geographical indication (sub-GI) of South Kelowna Slopes. (Sub-GIs are an official protected term under BC law, used to help consumers identify BC wines’ origins.)
Six other BC wineries were also ranked in the top 10 at the awards:
- Spearhead Winery, Kelowna: third (and awarded Best-Performing Small Winery)
- Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, Kelowna: fourth
- La Frenz Estate Winery, Penticton: fifth
- Black Hills Estate Winery, Oliver: seventh
- Fort Berens Estate Winery, Lillooet: eighth
- Bordertown Vineyards & Estate Winery, Osoyoos: ninth
Click HERE to read the official news release. Congratulations again, to all the recipients! |
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News Source & Photo: Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News, Neil Corbett |
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New Pitt Meadows Airport Terminal
Pitt Meadows can now boast the addition of a new regional airport terminal to its community. The terminal (YPK) was recently unveiled to a gathering of politicians, business owners and the aviation community, and included a celebration of its achievements.
The terminal is supported by new hangars, new businesses and new buildings that include 11 different flight schools.
The new terminal building will be owned by Pacific Aircraft Services.
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2022 BC Aviation Council Industry Awards
A reminder that nominations for 2022 BC Aviation Council Industry Awards must be can be submitted no later than August 31st in order to be considered for the current year.
Awards will be presented at the annual Silver Wings Awards event October 20th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Award categories include:
- Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year
- BCAC Environmental Award
- Back and Bevington Air Safety Award
- The Robert Hope Pursuit of Excellence Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Visit HERE for more information and to submit a nomination. |
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Latest Edition | BCLCA Newsletter
The latest edition of the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association E-newsletter is available to subscribers and offers suggestions about ‘things to do’ and upcoming events around the province.
Visit HERE to become a subscriber and to view previous editions from the BCLCA. |
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Moments of Levity
As an industry that continues to face enormous challenges during COVID-19, every once in awhile 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.
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Tourism Fernie Launches AmbassadorWILD
A new 3-year pilot initiative has been launched this summer in response to outcomes from the RDEK A Sustainable Tourism Project and Fernie’s Tourism Master Plan.
AmbassadorWILD is an innovative program that supports sustainable tourism and recreation in the area by helping to take care of important nature-based locations, collect data for quality decision-making, and promote safe and responsible front and backcountry recreation.
The AmbassadorWILD program is managed by Tourism Fernie.
Click HERE to learn more. |
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On behalf of TIABC and Board of Directors, we are pleased to acknowledge the following new member. We appreciate their support and investment in our advocacy efforts. It's a pleasure to introduce them to our industry network and readership. |
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Pacific Coastal Airlines
Pacific Coastal Airlines is a privately owned BC-based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR) that currently flies to 17 airports in British Columbia. They are the sixth-largest airline operating at YVR based on total outbound seats, and the third-largest based on take-offs and landings. They connect to additional destinations along the south coast of British Columbia through its affiliate airline Wilderness Seaplanes, located in Port Hardy and operates flights on behalf of WestJet through a Capacity Purchase Agreement
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Learn more about Pacific Coastal Airlines and their schedule HERE.
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TIABC MEMBERSHIP
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. 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.
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REMINDER | Safer Spaces Course
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.
We encourage everyone to join the TIABC Board and staff in completing the training and certification.
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Silver Star Summer Wine Festival
Uncork together at our reimagined wine festival, featuring Savour the Sun Wine Dinners, wine tasting in the Village, special features and live music with Andrew Allen and guests.
The weekend will bring some of the Okanagan’s most celebrated winemakers up to the popular mountain destination. Savour rare finds and terroir-expressive wines, paired with delicious food from the culinary teams at Silver Star Mountain Resort.
Dates: August 12th - 14th
To learn more and to purchase tickets click HERE. |
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Elevating Women in Food and Wine
Yes Shef returns! At this long-table dinner, guests will be served five unique courses with wine pairings.
Each course is co-created by a notable Chef and their student apprentice. Women of the wine world will select a pairing to compliment the flavour profiles. This inspirational fundraiser features the best Chefs, Sommeliers and Student Apprentices in BC. Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund for the future generation of Shefs.
Your ticket includes a welcome cocktail, five wine pairings and five unique courses created and served by the phenomenal female talent in Vancouver’s food and beverage community. For group seating requests, please email yesshef@worthassociation.com
Date: August 15th, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Place: Chambar Restaurant, 568 Beatty Street, Vancouver
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BC Hospitality Foundation Victoria Golf Tournament
Sign up for BCHF’s Victoria golf tournament! Players partake in bites and beverages at many holes, there are tee prizes and putting contests, and lunch and dinner are included.
This event is a great way to connect with old friends or to expand your network, as it brings together many members of the local hospitality community. It’s been two long years: let’s get our industry together to swing together!
Date: August 23rd
Time: Noon to 9:00 pm
Location: Olympic View Golf Course, Victoria
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2022 Canada 55+ Games
Kamloops
The 2022 Canada 55+ Games are coming to Kamloops August 23–26.
The Canada 55+ Games is a large multi-sport event with over 2500 participants competing in 26 different events.
The Games focus on the social, physical and psychological well being of the participants through participation in a multi-day event. The Games are held over four days and participants must qualify through their provincial 55+ games competitions.
The Games offer opportunities for enrichment, fulfillment and improved quality of life provided by participation in a broad variety of athletic, recreational and social events. Although the very nature of the Games is to declare a winner or winners, the aspect of winning is secondary to the social side related to reuniting with friends from Games past.
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Save the Date | Wine Growers of BC | AGM
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-noon
Virtual Event: Add to calendar HERE
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Camping Appreciation Weekend
Camping Appreciation Weekend will soon be here and it's a time when many Canadian campgrounds coast-to-coast say thank you to campers for their patronage.
Dates: September 9th - 11th
- Say thanks to those that enjoy the camping and RVing lifestyle.
- And, to raise funds for Care Camps to send children with cancer to camp.
There are many BC campgrounds participating - advance reservations are recommended.
Visit HERE to view the map of participating campsites. |
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Mountain Bike Tourism Symposium
"Partnering for Success"
The MTB Tourism Symposium is a gathering of creative minds with a vested interest in advancing the future of mountain bike tourism and recreation in British Columbia.
Date: September 14th-16th
Location: Silver Star Resort
Click here to learn more and to register. |
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North America Meaningful Travel Summit
The Meaningful Travel Summit is an event connecting industry professionals with local change-makers in places around North America. The goal is to learn from one another, infuse more sustainability into our businesses with the knowledge we’ve gained and roll up our sleeves to volunteer in and with the local community.
The North America Meaningful Travel Summit provides:
- Connections to and volunteering with vetted non-profits and social enterprises
- Education sessions around universal topics in sustainability and meaningful travel
- Networking opportunities with other travel and tourism professionals
- Actionable best practices in destination stewardship
Date: September 28th-30th, Victoria
Click here to learn more and to register. |
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Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association
45th AGM and Industry Conference
Save the Date: November 2nd (pm) and November 3rd
Location: Sandman Hotel, Castlegar
More details will follow in the coming months.
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Cariboo Chilcotin Coast AGM
The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) will be holding their Annual General Meeting in person.
Date: November 3rd and 4th
Location: 100 Mile House
In order to better prepare for the AGM, they are asking for input through a short survey (less than 5 minutes) to give some important suggestions on how to improve this AGM and make it worth your while to attend! Take the survey HERE.
Visit here for more information on the CCCTA AGM. |
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West Coast Virtual Hiring Fair
Three world-class universities on the west coast of Canada have joined forces to offer a virtual fair unlike any other. Meet students and alumni from the top 3 universities in Western Canada - SFU, UBC & UVic.
Dates: November 2nd & 3rd, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Showcase your organization and promote your opportunities to students and alumni from a wide range of faculties and programs in one single event.This is the recruitment fair that you don't want to miss!
Visit here for more information and to register. |
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Sport Events Congress | 2022
Sport Tourism Canada and Edmonton Events have announced that Sport Events Congress 2022 will be held November 2nd -4th 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. |
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Save the Date | IMPACT 2023
Save the DATE! IMPACT Sustainable Travel & Tourism, January 23-25 and Day of IMPACT January 22, 2023.
Registration opens in early September, and we have confirmed fees to assist you with budgeting. The biggest change you will see is the option of including Sunday ‘s Day of IMPACT (January 22nd) into your overall registration.
The theme for the event is: O P E N
When we come together with open hearts and open minds, anything is possible. We see connections everywhere. We welcome all ideas, experiences, and ways of life—because this is how we learn, grow, and change.
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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. |
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