April 26, 2024

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CEO MESSAGE

Years ago my uncle joined several of his Keremeos neighbours to erect homemade signs that said, “No National Park”. Travelling through the Similkameen Valley last month, I observed that many of the signs are still there. On the surface it seems odd that locals would be against a national reserve since parks are generally a good thing, especially to maintain the ecological integrity of wildlife habitat and plant species.

However, there is always another perspective (i.e. two sides to the story) worth considering. I’m told the signs originally went up because many residents feared the loss of freedom to enjoy the backcountry, not to mention a new layer of costs for services like parking and permits if government establishes and oversees a park. Even ranchers expressed concern about access to valuable grassland, never mind being able to renew grazing tenures within park boundaries.

For more than 25 years, Parks Canada and the Syilx/Okanagan Nation have been determined to establish a park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen but it was only two years ago that plans progressed to the next stage.

I was reminded about the park scheme recently after learning of a similar proposal that involves the establishment of a national marine conservation area reserve (NMCAR) on the Central Coast. Guided by a steering committee that includes Parks Canada, DFO, the province, feds, and six first nations, an assessment is underway to determine the feasibility of establishing a NMCAR to cover an area of approximately 7800 square kilometres for the purpose of rebuilding fish populations and eco-systems, creating greater resilience to climate change, and providing long-term economic stability for coastal communities.

To be sure, the rationale appears sound, especially given that national marine conservation areas work to achieve conservation while allowing ecologically sustainable activities such as First Nation traditional use, scientific research, commercial and recreational fishing, as well as tourism, to occur.

Yet, in spite of the apparent advantages, some tourism operators remain skeptical about the consultation process, decision-making authority, and other factors including permitted activities within the proposed boundary. In a meeting that CCCTA’s Amy Thacker and I attended last week with Parks Canada, several professional colleagues expressed similar sentiments to the national park issue in the South Okanagan regarding licensing, permits, jurisdiction, control, compensation, impact, and the notion of tourism being treated the same as recreation when it comes to usage should the NMCAR on the Central Coast come to fruition.

This week TIABC’s Policy Committee debated its position on the proposed NMCAR and the subsequent advocacy work we need to do on behalf of the Central Coast marine tourism sector to mitigate potential harm to operators.

In our view, establishing new parks and conservation areas are welcome for myriad reasons but not before extensive consultation with all stakeholders, including the tourism sector, so that potential impacts are taken into account and solutions identified to benefit all parties.

If anything, the ‘No National Park’ signs in Keremeos and Cawston prolonged the inevitable but at least local concerns were heard and somewhat addressed. As I continue to travel throughout BC, I’m curious why so many “No Pipeline” signs still dot the countryside considering the $31+ billion project is essentially complete. My guess is that while the signs failed to stop the pipeline, they remain in place to compel folks to consider both sides of this critical issue.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

ICYMI | Episode #22 in Voice of Tourism Podcast Series

Meet Rachela Pollock, host of the She Dares to Travel podcast as she discusses her career path, the value of travel agents, and her travel experiences with TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas .

You can listen to the Voice of Tourism podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Check us out on Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Deezer, Podcast Addict and Podchaser. Or listen through the link below.

Would you like your image to appear in our weekly Postcards from BC feature? Contact deborah@tiabc.ca

Updated | go2HR Workforce Profiles

go2HR has updated the BC Tourism & Hospitality Workforce Profiles for 2023, and they are now readily available for your use.

These 11 comprehensive profiles provide an in-depth look at our industry from a provincial, regional and sector perspective. They have also developed a great highlight sheet that summarizes all the information you need to know to stay on top of BC labour market trends.

Delve into detailed demographic insights that highlight the diversity within our industry, learn how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced our workforce, presenting both challenges and opportunities for growth, and gain perspective on how our sector performed in 2023.

Download the Workforce Profiles highlight sheet and 2023 Report HERE.

Vancouver Residents’ Perceptions of Tourism Industry Survey Results

Destination Vancouver has released results from the Residents’ Perceptions of Vancouver’s Tourism Industry 2023 survey. The findings show that the majority of residents overwhelmingly value the contribution that visitors make to the local economy.

Key results from the survey are:

• 80% of residents value the contribution visitors make to the local economy
• 81% of residents agree that the tourism industry supports local businesses in their community
• 74% of residents agree that the positive impacts of tourism in their community outweigh the negative
• 76% of residents take pride in making visitors feel welcome in their community

To learn more, download the summary report HERE.

West Coast Sustainable Tourism Association Commits $250,000 to Support Clayoquot Sound Community

The West Coast Sustainable Tourism Association (WCSTA) celebrated its one-year anniversary by announcing that its ongoing fundraising efforts secured a remarkable $300,000 through strategic partnerships with its members.

The WCSTA has pledged to allocate $250,000 of these funds to support the vibrant community of Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere region renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

A cornerstone of WCSTA's sustainable tourism initiatives is its innovative partnership model, which involves participating hotels and accommodations donating a self imposed 1% fee on their room revenue to the association's cause. This collaborative effort has yielded significant financial resources, empowering WCSTA to make a tangible difference in the future of the communities it serves.

Recognizing the importance of preserving cultural landmarks and fostering artistic expression, WCSTA also announced a donation of $60,000 to the Clayoquot Sound Theatre for their much-needed renovation project.

Learn more about the West Coast Sustainable Tourism Association HERE.

REMINDER | Securing Small Business

Rebate Program

Recognizing the increased costs to businesses due to property crime and vandalism in rural and urban communities across the province, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation is sending a reminder that its $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program, is open, and will run through to January 2025 (or until funds are expended).

The Program will provide small businesses with funds for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs, or to implement eligible preventative measures and covers expenses incurred between January 2023 to December 30, 2024. The BC Chamber of Commerce will administer the rebate program.  

Learn more on this Program including information about some of the changes made HERE.

National Day of Mourning | April 28

The National Day of Mourning is observed in Canada on April 28. The day honours the memory of workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered illness as a result of work-related incidents.

We encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the Day of Mourning and honour those we have lost.

Our colleagues at go2HR also want to remind everyone to "let us also use this time to recommit ourselves to joint action that involves everyone - employers, workers, supervisors, stakeholders, and guests, to make sure that everyone returns home safely at the end of the work day".

For a list of ceremonies taking place across the province, and to access the Day of Mourning Resources and Toolkit, visit THIS LINK.

CCCT Welcomes New Member to its Team

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism (CCCT) has recently welcomed Jacqueline Harper to the CCCT team as the second new Destination and Experience Manager. She joins Troë Weston of Williams Lake.

Jacqueline will support members from Gold Rush Trail South, while Troë will work with members from Gold Rush Trail Central. The team is rounded out by Patti Gerhardi working in Gold Rush Trail North, and Judith Call supporting Chilcotin/Great Bear Rainforest members.

TIABC extends a warm welcome to Jacqueline!

Learn more about the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism and the work they deliver on behalf of their stakeholders HERE.

Job Opportunity | Mgr. Co-op Marketing Programs

The manager of Co-operative Marketing Programs plays a strategic role in driving and influencing engagement within the tourism industry. The manager leads a strategic business unit that designs, develops, and implements Destination BC’s Co-operative Marketing Partnerships Program, as well as administering the organization’s role in the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) Program.

Acting as an important liaison and resource between Destination BC and the tourism industry, they connect and influence successful outcomes for tourism communities and experience sectors.

Learn more about this exciting opportunity and how to apply HERE.

Job Opportunity | Emergency Management Specialist

The Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) is searching for an Emergency Management Specialist to join its team for a term position ending on March 31, 2025 to play a pivotal role in shaping emergency management plans and engaging with community leaders to build an understanding and consensus of the critical role of being prepared for and responding to emergencies.

They will engage with levels of government, rights holders, stakeholders, community leaders, and partners to ensure that emergency management plans are aligned and supportive. 

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply HERE.

Partnership Aims to Preserve Natural Beauty of Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park

According to an update from the province this week, a partnership between BC Parks, Líl̓wat Nation and N’Quatqua for Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park has been established to maintain a protective balance between supporting the growing number of people who want to visit this summer, and sustainably conserving the natural and cultural values that make the land special.

The park is collaboratively managed with Líl̓wat Nation and N’Quatqua with the primary goal of maintaining the park’s natural environmental state. It is managed to protect Indigenous cultural values, including nťákmen (meaning “our ways”), and ensures resource protection as well as public safety. BC Parks, Líl̓wat Nation and N’Quatqua have been working together since December 2018 on park and visitor-use management, and have developed a joint Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park Visitor Use Management Strategy.

As part of the 2024 operations plan, three Pipi7íyekw Reconnection Celebration time periods will provide time and space for Líl̓wat Nation and N’Quatqua to exercise their rights. This is in keeping with the provincial Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and will enable Líl̓wat Nation and N’Quatqua to reconnect with the land and carry out traditional, sustenance, cultural and spiritual practices.

During these periods, the park will be closed to recreational visitors from April 30 to May 15,

June 14 to 23, and September 3 to October 6. Read the full announcement, including more information about the park closures HERE.

Tourism Richmond Offering

"Conference on the Coast"



Tourism Richmond, in collaboration with their 20+ hotel partners, is offering a new incentive program for meeting planners who choose Richmond for their next business event. Significant funding is available for both pre-event activities, such as site visits, and for event costs when you book eligible meetings in Richmond. 

Total funding is determined based on a number of factors including:

• Group size and total number of room nights
• Time of year
• Industry sector 
• Event sustainability plan

Learn more about this initiative HERE.

Boating BC

Boating BC is a network of qualified professionals who share their knowledge, insight and assistance to every kind of boater and marine business, from a first-timer to a seasoned tour operator. They offer counsel on business and governance issues, as well as representing and advocating on behalf of the boating industry to all levels of government. Boating BC offers unbiased information from experts who live and work in boating every day.

Learn more about Boating BC HERE.

Would you like to be featured in our weekly Voice of Tourism, social channels or on our website? TIABC member testimonials provide visibility and exposure to the tourism industry and a wider audience for your business. If you want to be featured in an upcoming TIABC Voice of Tourism and other platforms, contact Deborah - deborah@tiabc.ca

Become a Member in 2024

Your Membership is Important to Us!

We strongly encourage you to consider membership or renew your membership with TIABC in 2024 to support our important advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire visitor economy.

TIABC continues to identify your concerns, raise your voice, champion your needs, and push for support and programs while encouraging policy changes at both the provincial and federal level.

Contact info@tiabc.ca for more information, visit our website HERE or the link below.

TIAC's Associate Program for TIABC Members

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) continue to offer TIABC members an opportunity to extend their membership. TIABC members in good standing can enrol in TIAC’s Associate Program FOR ONLY $25.

By visiting this link, you can become a TIAC Associate Member, enjoy access to a range of TIAC benefits and add your voice to National efforts.

Note: If you are already a TIAC associate member, you will receive a renewal notice before your anniversary date. If you are currently a full TIAC member, you already get enhanced advantages. You will continue to enjoy added benefits and savings over and above what is available to associate members, including the TIAC Member Advantage program at Rendez-vous Canada.

WEBINAR | Tourism Corridor

Strategy Program

In 2023, Destination Canada worked with three tourism corridors to develop strategic plans. This includes the Sustainable Journeys from Prairies to Pacific.

Building on the success of the 2023 pilot program, Destination Canada is developing a 2024-2025 intake of the Tourism Corridor Strategy Program.

Join Destination Canada for an informative webinar where they will reveal the latest updates to the 2024-2025 program, walk you through the corridor submission process, and clarify what they expect from our partners. After the presentation, there will be a Q&A session to cover any questions you might have.

Date: May 6th

Time: 11am-12pm Pacific Time (US & Canada)

Learn more about the Tourism Corridor Strategy Program HERE.

To be part of this exciting discussion, please sign up using THIS LINK.

DBC Micro-Grant Program

Info Session

Join Destination BC (DBC) for a virtual information session for the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI). Interested applicants are invited to learn more about the application process, eligibility criteria and more.

Date: May 7th

The BCTCRI micro-grant program provides eligible BC tourism businesses and non-profits with up to $15,000 in funding to enable implementation of existing sustainability and climate adaption plans or obtain sustainability certification.

Applications open May 13th and will be processed on a first come, first served basis. Learn more and register HERE.

Wilderness Tourism Association

Online Auction Now Live!

Auction Alert! - some incredible BC wilderness experiences are up for bidding! TIABC member, the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC (WTA), has launched an online auction to support their advocacy efforts.

The WTA is dedicated to the preservation of 'Super, Natural British Columbia'. They speak up for wild salmon, demand protection of precious forests, advocate for changes to antiquated legislation and ask that the government treat tourism on par with other industries. Wilderness tourism protects and restores BC’s wild spaces and wild species (wolves, wild salmon, cariboo, bears) and serves as a sustainable economic enterprise.

Support the efforts of the WTA by bidding on a 'once in a lifetime' offer! The auction will be live until the end of April.

Learn more and start bidding HERE.

BC Hotel Association Summit

Registration is open for the 2024 BCHA Summit Conference.

Date: May 1-2

Location: Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Join the BCHA to network with leaders, owners, operators, vendors, and tech partners. Featuring provincial and federal advocacy, in-person Fast Track Your Future education series, dynamic opening and closing keynote speakers, plus many more speakers, session, and panels! The full program is now complete and can be viewed HERE.

Learn more and register HERE.

WORTH Leadership Summit

This Spring, women-identifying leaders and their allies in recreation, tourism, and hospitality will come together for a full-day industry event. Top voices in the sector will share inspiring ideas to spark dialogue about issues that impact women in the workplace. Their perspectives will inform, ignite, and empower to collectively identify ways to retain and develop women in the industry. This event will connect a community of leaders to expand their network and create meaningful relationships.

Date: May 13

Location: Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver Hotel

Please Use Discount Code: WLS2024TIABC

Learn more about the full program and purchase tickets HERE. For sponsorship details, please get in touch with summit@worthassociation.com or view HERE.

2024 Online Auction

Benefitting Care Camps Foundation

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is hosting its annual charity fundraising Auction. The charity Care Camps Foundation, founded by campground owners, helps kids with cancer get to experience the healing power of the outdoors by sending them to specialized oncology camps.

Donations and bids can be made through to May 20th. To donate, please email Darlene@bclca.com or call 604.908.5594. It is an excellent opportunity to support the Care Camps Foundation while potentially getting a fantastic holiday, a new product or gift cards and more.

Learn more HERE. The Auction Board is NOW LIVE! Visit the link below.

Okanagan Wine Festivals Return in June!

The Okanagan Wine Festivals returns this June with three weeks in wine country you don’t want to miss. There is no better time to visit BC Wine Country than in June. Just before the summer season kicks into high gear, you can explore all your favourite wineries and discover hidden treasures. The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival will focus on a TASTE and SIPS series of events throughout the Okanagan Valley.

Dates: June 2-23

The official launch of the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival will take place at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on Friday, June 7, following the British Columbia Wine Awards private reception, where the 2024 BC TOP 50 and the Wine of the Year will be announced.

Learn more about the Okanagan Wine Festivals, the various events and how to purchase tickets HERE.

Kelowna Boat Show | Members Meet & Greet

To kick off the Kelowna Boat Show, join us for a complimentary Meet & Greet for Boating BC Members, Exhibitors and Non-Member industry organizations. 

Come out and get together with fellow recreational boating companies. Hear what Boating BC is doing and planning for the next couple of years and enjoy the fine hospitality of the Kelowna Yacht Club. 

Date: April 26

Time: 5-7 pm, Kelowna Yacht Club

Registration is free - sign up for your complimentary tickets HERE.

EXCELerate2024

GroYourBiz with the Speed of Collaboration invites you to a dynamic gathering of inspiring innovators and global policy influencers converging to forge impactful business relationships. Our mission is to create a space where like-minded leaders and business owners can exchange ideas, form powerful partnerships, and gain practical tools for growth, ensuring they leave equipped to not only thrive, but prosper and scaleup generating positive change in their organizations.

Dates: April 26 & 27

Location: Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver

EXCELerate2024 is dedicated to the full spectrum of women entrepreneurs and all professionals from all sectors and sizes. We encourage male businesses and colleagues along with young entrepreneurs to join us.

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE. Use code FREIND20 for 20% off!

2024 Annual Heritage Conference

Heritage BC

Help Heritage come alive through the power of people! Explore how collaboration with local voices empowers communities to add their stories to the historical narrative, how inclusive heritage conservation centers the human experience, and how prioritizing the needs of community can ensure a more authentic and sustainable heritage legacy. Together, we’ll explore how putting people at the forefront leads to shared ownership and increased support for heritage.

Dates: May 1-3

Location: Nelson

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with passionate advocates. Learn more about the conference and register HERE.

2024 BC Mountain Bike Symposium

Mountain Biking BC has announces the next symposium to be held will be at the Naramata Centre in the South Okanagan. The theme chosen for the symposium is “Stewardship; Creating a Culture of Care”. Stewardship can be applied to many aspects of mountain biking from the responsible management of trails to the effective leadership of our organizations and to the way we promote and market the experience to riders. 

Date: May 1-3

The venue is just 15 kilometers north of Penticton on the east side of Okanagan Lake and has many great riding options to offer including the extensive Three Blind Mice trail network and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail that connects Naramata and Penticton along the scenic Naramata Bench.

Registration is now available HERE.

OC Cultivates

Okanagan College is hosting the second in a series of industry events called OC Cultivates, highlighting the Okanagan’s food, wine, beverage, hospitality, and tourism industries. Join in for a panel discussion exploring the unique characteristics and opportunities of our region’s food and beverage businesses. Learn more about how the Okanagan is striving to become a globally renowned gastro-tourism destination.

Date: Thursday, May 2

Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Event doors at 5:30pm and tear-down at 8pm.

Location: CFL Building, Okanagan College, Kelowna

Format: Mingling and paired tastings followed by a talk-show style speaker series

Learn more HERE.

Pig Out Festival

Buy tickets now for Pig Out Festival Weekend in the heart of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country.

Date: Saturday, May 4

A colourful "Fiesta" celebration of the diverse food and culture of the South Okanagan, this popular one-day event returns to its original spring dates, in an exciting new location.

Gather with friends and savour the start of the sunshine season with one of the biggest and best outdoor culinary festivals in the Okanagan Valley.

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

2024 BC Economic Summit

Transforming Industries, Empowering Communities

With the theme "Transforming Industries, Empowering Communities," the 2024 BC Economic Summit will be delivering this highly anticipated annual event, dedicated to fostering collaboration and growth among Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike, and to focusing on local industries and empowering communities to achieve success.

Date: May 6-9

Location: Penticton

The BC Economic Summit serves as a dynamic platform that brings together a diverse range of thought leaders, experts, and innovators from within and outside British Columbia. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest economic development trends, strategies, and success stories that are reshaping industries and creating positive change in communities.

Learn more and register HERE.

Rendez-vous Canada 2024

Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) is Destination Canada’s signature event, co-produced with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). For nearly 50 years, this event has shined a spotlight on Canada, connecting international travel buyers with Canadian tourism businesses and creating meaningful opportunities from coast to coast to coast.

Dates: May 14-17

Location: Edmonton Convention Centre

Learn more about Rendez-vous Canada, and register HERE.

2024 Canadian RVing and Camping Week

The Canadian RVing and Camping Week is designed to encourage Canadians and international visitors to get outside to enjoy a fun, safe and secure camping experience with family and friends.  

Dates: May 21-26

The week is organized and sponsored by the Canadian Camping and RV Council and supported by the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association to:

• Promote the lifestyle associated with camping and RVing.
• Promote good behaviour and respect via the Camper’s Code
• Raise funds for Care Camps to send children with cancer to camp.

Be part of the program and sign up HERE.

Save the Date

Destination Vancouver AGM

Please join Destination Vancouver and the Board of Directors for the 121st Annual General Meeting

Mayor Ken Sim will be joining in for a Q&A session with members, moderated by Bridgitte Anderson, President & CEO, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

Date: Wednesday, May 22| 2:45pm - 6:45pm

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre West, Room 302-305

Save the Date

2024 Annual Conference | BCAC's "Soaring Above Challenges"



The BC Aviation Council (BCAC) is excited to announce that the 2024 Conference is now scheduled! Mark your calendar now and check in with our draft event webpage closer to the date for more details including agenda, speaker profiles, sponsorship opportunities, activities (including add-ons), travel and hotel partners, and more.

Date: May 27-29

Location: Nanaimo

Registration is open, learn more HERE.

2024 BC Chamber of Commerce AGM

Join us and explore this vibrant, diverse and naturally beautiful city located on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people.

Date: May 28-30

Location: Coast Capri, 1171 Harvey Ave., Kelowna

Learn more and register HERE. Early bird registration ends April 30th.

30th Annual TOTA Golf Tournament

Up Fore Some Fun? Register for the TOTA Golf Tournament

Yes, there will be great golf on an award-winning course, but this annual tournament is really about bringing people of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry together for a day of connection and comradery, and, of course, fun!

Date: May 30

Location: Bighorn Golf & Country Club, Kamloops

Learn more and register HERE.

Active Transportation Summit 2024 Registration Now OPEN!

Shape the future of active transportation in BC at the 2024 Active Transportation Summit. This dynamic two-day conference, supported by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and hosted by BCCC, brings together planners, engineers, government leaders, industry experts, nonprofits, and academics for collaboration and innovation. This year's theme, "Let's Keep Moving", challenges us to do even more.

Dates: June 18-19

Location: Anvil Centre, New Westminster

Get 50% off the regular price if you register before April 5!. Learn more and register HERE.

Art of Leadership for Women Returns

to Vancouver

The Art of Leadership Women is returning to Vancouver! This year's conference features a riveting collection of renowned world leaders, business icons, esteemed academics, and bestselling authors who share strategies and insights on the most critical issues confronting leaders in our world today. Don't miss this unique opportunity to develop your leaders, engage your talent, and build high-performing teams.

Date: June 24

Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

Use promo code TIABC40  and save $100 per pass.

Learn more and register HERE.

2024 CanSPEP National Conference Registration

Join event entrepreneurs at CanSPEP featuring immersive programs, networking and awards in Victoria, BC.

Dates: June 25-28

Early registration is now open until May 3rd. Learn more and register HERE.

2024 BCHF Golf Tournaments

Registration is now open for the 2024 BC Hospitality Foundation golf tournaments. This year a new venue is being introduced to the Vancouver location which will bring a whole new experience: 

Dates:

• July 5 - Tsawwassen Springs Golf Club, Tsawwassen
• August 21 - Olympic Golf Club, Victoria

Learn more and register HERE.

Save the Date | Hidi Nishi Golf Tournament

The highly anticipated Hidi Nishi Golf Tournament is set to tee off! Golf enthusiasts and industry professionals alike will gather for a day of friendly competition and networking against the stunning backdrop of British Columbia’s scenic landscapes.

Dates: July 17

Location: Tsawwassen Springs Golf Club, Tsawwassen

To Register: please email the CITAP+ office at info@citap.ca to be invoiced for your preferred activities/ sponsorships. Please indicate the number of individuals that will be in attendance.

SKAL Vancouver | Tourism Industry Golf Tournament

This year Vancouver's tourism executive club: Skal, is hosting a different kind of tourism industry Golf Tournament; a KP (Closest to the Pin) Shootout.

Date: June 21st

Location: Mylora, Richmond

Having 15 Par 3's to shoot at for $1000.00 in cash & prizes on a course anyone can play on, with a Shotgun start, is the way to go. More fun, no waiting around for 5 hours on a golf course, and a great barbeque onsite at the end.

We are looking for Golfers, Hole sponsors, a Title sponsor for the event, the reception, and the KP shootout. For more information, visit THIS LINK. 

33rd Annual PNWER Summit

Advancing a Sustainable Regional Economy through Clean Energy & Innovation

Legislators, business leaders, academics, and policymakers from the U.S. and Canada will gather in Whistler for PNWER's 33rd Annual Summit from July 21-25 to discuss regional economic best practices and trade concerns. It will be an opportunity to engage with our region's key decision makers on both sides of the border. 

Dates: July 21 and 22

Location: Fairmont Château Whistler

Learn more and register HERE.

Save the Date | NBC Tourism Summit!

The Northern BC Tourism Summit is back for 2024! It will be the first time the summit has happened since 2019 and we are thrilled to be back in the room together.

Dates: October 22-24

Program details will be released soon!.

Save the Date | Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association AGM

The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association will be holding it's 47th Annual General Meeting & Tourism Industry Conference.

Dates: October 23-24

Location: Prestige Lakeside Resort, Nelson

Mark your calendar! Program details to follow!.

Tourism Congress 2024

Join the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) in beautiful Vancouver for an immersive conference experience that brings together tourism leaders, stakeholders, and innovators from across Canada and beyond. Get ready to share insights, explore new ideas, and celebrate our industry's resilience and creativity. We are thrilled the Tourism Congress is hitting the road this year.

Dates: December 3-5

Location: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre

Learn more about Tourism Congress including group booking opportunities HERE.