A Message from BCHA President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett |
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Dear Accommodation Community and Stakeholders,
Highlighting our industry’s current state of crisis to those outside of our sector has been an ongoing priority to obtain the financial support that is so desperately needed. This crisis has proven there is strength in numbers and I write to you today asking that you join this collective voice by writing to your local MP.
Your invaluable perspective is one that showcases the importance of our industry on a human level. We ask that you share your story, outlining the struggles and hardships that you have faced over the past year, and the gaps in relief measures that are so vital to the survival of your business. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our team for support.
At the BCHA, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that gaps in relief measures are addressed and that a reopening plan is developed. In doing this, our hope is that we can soon get back to the business of rehiring our teams, and once again welcome travellers to British Columbia.
During this weeks cabinet retreat, it is expected that Premier Horgan will be discussing the topic of interprovincial travel and the closure of provincial borders to non-essential travel. This conversation arose from concerns over politicians and others across Canada traveling abroad.
The possibility of these closures fabricates a false narrative that travel is the leading source of COVID-19 transmission when we know that irresponsible gathering is far more problematic. While the hotel sector has not been identified as a significant source of exposure, we recognize that this aggressive narrative on travel raises concerns for the future of our industry.
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We are an essential service, and with that responsibility, comes 10 months of experience in keeping our teams, our guests, the public, and our businesses safe.
We will continue to acknowledge the resiliency of our industry and thank you for your support in helping us advocate on your behalf.
Ingrid Jarrett
President and CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association
Todays industry update includes:
- BC State of the Industry
- BC Chamber Board of Directors Nominations
- Future Borders Coalition
- Upcoming Webinar - FRESCo
- BC Hospitality Foundation Lottery
- Upcoming Education - Royal Roads University
- Member Features
- New Member - The Explorers Society Hotel
- Penticton Lake Resort - New Assistant GM
- In the News
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For any questions please reach out to our team.
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At BCHA, we continue to focus on advocating on your behalf for the support BC accommodators need. We have been regularly compiling pulse check information from our members to help paint a landscape of the dire state of our industry.
The below document provides and overarching and detailed view of the current state, focus, and harrowing stats we have garnered from these pulse checks.
In our ongoing effort to bring awareness of the current state of our industry, we have also recently sent the attached detailed backgrounder to our ministers to assist them in understanding our sector, the impact and the needs, as well as the contribution.
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BC Chamber Board of Director Nominations
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As the BC Chamber kicks off our board nominations process, we look forward to seeing the people who step forward to provide leadership at the board level. As part of this process, we're pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Greg Thomas as the next vice chair of the BC Chamber Board of Directors. Read more about Dr. Greg Thomas
The BC Chamber is looking for exceptional candidates whose values align with ours – they consistently show grit and are passionate about growing the people who power BC. The Board is seeking qualified candidates with expertise in the following areas:
- Policy Governance
- Government Relations
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Risk Management and Strategy
- Region and Sector Specific knowledge
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Communications
Candidates should align with the direction of the BC Chamber, and augment and accelerate the governance principles of the Board.
In 2021, the BC Chamber Board of Directors is seeking four (4) exceptional, engaged and experienced individuals to join the Board. Three of the four vacancies have incumbents and are allocated for individuals in the following areas:
- Vancouver Island / Gulf Islands
- Central
- Northeast
If you think you or someone you know could be a good fit, submit your application before February 2nd, 2021.
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Future Boarders Coalition |
In the January 2021 edition of the Smart Borders Newsletter, the Future Borders Coalition focuses on the latest developments surrounding COVID-19 vaccination and the challenges ahead for a safe reopening of the Canada-U.S. border. In addition, they review the main outcomes of the webinar on testing and vaccination for safe air travel resumption that took place on December 8th, 2020. As well, they feature the Maritime Task Force, one of the four Task Forces under the Border Recovery Working Group.
Read the full newsletter here
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Tuesday, January 19th at 1PM PT
Hosted by Jordan Fisher- President of FRESCo Building Efficiency B.Sc., LEED® AP, RPP, MCIP
Join us for our upcoming webinar and learn about free energy efficiency upgrades, free energy assessments, engineering support, and rebates available! FRESCo offers a free Fortis BC Program and is now available for hotels. The program will help you improve your overall energy efficiency, save money, save resources, and maximize your return on investments. Rebates available.
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BC Hospitality Foundation 2021 Online Lottery |
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The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce an online lottery held in conjunction with Destination Greater Victoria and the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association (BCRFA), Victoria Branch to support Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria.
Tickets will be on sale from January 14 to February 7, 2021.
The prizes for the lottery offer an appealing range of culinary and tourism opportunities:
· Grand Prize: A return trip for 2 from Vancouver to Victoria, or vice versa by Helijet International including: a 2-night stay in a Garden Suite, dinner for 2, and 2 breakfasts for 2 at Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub & Guesthouses, plus lunch for two at Hotel Grand Pacific, Pacific Restaurant plus a $75 visa gift card and $100 The Keg Steakhouse & Bar gift certificate.
· Second Prize: Accommodation for 2 in a luxurious oceanfront room at Inn at Laurel Point, as well as dinner at Aura Waterfront Restaurant with plus lunch for two at Hotel Grand Pacific, Pacific Restaurant.
· Third Prize: A round of golf for 4 at Olympic View Golf Club
· Fourth Prize: $100 gift certificate to The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
· Fifth Prize: $100 gift certificate to Glo Restaurant + Lounge
· Sixth Prize: $100 gift certificate to Finn’s Seafood Restaurant
· Seventh Prize: $100 gift certificate to Fiamo Pizza & Wine Bar
Tickets will be sold on the BCHF’s website starting January 14th, and the prize draw will take place at noon on February 8th. The event’s gaming license number is 127457.
The BCHF thanks all the businesses that generously donated prizes for the lottery.
January 14, 2021 to February 7, 2021
Tickets are available in the following packages:
1 for $5
3 for $10
8 for $20
25 for $50
Thanks for your support, and good luck!
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Professional and Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University
The following micro-credentials are fully funded through the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills, and Training for qualifying applicants - those living in BC who might meet the following eligibility requirements:
- unemployed or underemployed
- currently underemployed in a sector severely impacted by COVID-19 (retail, tourism, hospitality, etc.)
- Those who are referred from an employment, government or social service agency, or non-profit organization specializing in employment or skills training
- Small- or medium-sized business owners
- Those with financial barriers to education
- Leading Projects in a Digital Environment
This course equips participants with key skills and tools required to successfully manage and lead projects, and associated project teams, through an ever-shifting digital landscape. Participants will explore innovative approaches to project leadership and change management and increase their own resilience and adaptability to ever-changing conditions within digital environments.
Duration: 8-week online program
Start dates: January 25 and February 15 2021
Apply by: January 15, 2021
- Workplace Communication Skills
Effective, professional communication skills are essential in today's workplace. Learn the tools that enable you to communicate with clarity and impact; effectively manage conflict; navigate difficult conversations and develop mindful listening and communication techniques. By increasing these skills, you minimize the potential for misunderstandings and increase your ability to inspire through clear and focused communication strategies.
Duration: 4-week facilitated online course
Start dates: January 25, February 22, March 22 2021
Apply by: January 15, 2021
In addition, Royal Roads is offering the below online course at a 50% reduced rate for BCHA members
- Sales Strategies During Times of Uncertainty
External market impacts often require that companies and their sales professionals engage with traditional and new markets differently. Economic factors may have substantially changed the competitive landscape and the dynamics of the client – vendor relationship. The hospitality and tourism industry, specifically, has unique challenges during these periods and with perishable inventory, sales professionals will be under pressure to increase volume when the market may be restricted or hesitant to travel.
Course runs February 8 - March 7, 2021
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New Member Welcome!
The Explorers Society Hotel, Revelstoke
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Plan an amazing memory at The Explorers Society today!
People from all over the world choose Revelstoke to experience their favorite outdoor activities on a grand scale. Built for travelers who take the quality of their accommodation as seriously as they take their outdoor pursuits, The Explorers Society is the base camp for your next adventure.
Encased in the fully transformed 1911 McKinnon building, we are Revelstoke’s premier boutique hotel. With 9 beautiful rooms, a private rooftop guest lounge, understated luxury, personalized service, and Quartermaster Eatery – our acclaimed in-house restaurant, we provide a unique luxury experience for the discerning Revelstoke traveler.
As we all begin exploring again, take comfort that our special combination of small-town living, lack of crowds, huge scenery, open spaces, and endless outdoor activities makes Revelstoke a smart and safe choice for your next visit or vacation!
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With all the amenities you could need including Revelstoke’s only rooftop guest lounge, patio, Finnish sauna and hot tub, and an inventive kitchen serving up north and south american inspired cuisine, you’ll be sure to rest well after a long day out.
With just 9 rooms, our small boutique hotel can deliver personalized service, attention to detail, and thorough cleanliness and safety standards to allow you to truly relax and rejuvenate.
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Penticton Lakeside Resort Introduces New Assistant General Manager |
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Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre has appointed Brannigan Mosses as Assistant General Manager. In her new role, Brannigan oversees Rooms Division and Sales and Marketing departments of Penticton’s largest hotel and resort. She assumes her new role while transitioning from her former role as Director of Marketing for the Penticton Lakeside Resort.
Mosses’ employment with RPB Holdings Ltd., spans over 8 years as the head of the Sales and Marketing department, an opportunity that has allowed for greater involvement in various departments throughout the hotel. Since graduating on the Dean’s Honours list in Hospitality Management & Tourism from NAIT, Mosses’ experience in hospitality extends to both the Alberta and British Columbia markets, where she worked in both the restaurant industry and the association market. Following her relocation to Penticton, Mosses held various positions at the South Okanagan Events Centre and Penticton Trade & Convention Centre, as well as owning and operating her own Wedding and Events company.
Throughout her years of travel, experiencing various types of accommodations and exploring tourism in other countries, Brannigan’s passion for hospitality grew and eventually became the driver for pursuing the industry as a career. Working through the adversities of the last year of the Covid pandemic, Brannigan is excited to welcome guests local and visiting back to Penticton, once it is safe to do so.
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B.C. bus, coach lines in dire condition
Wilson's Transportation, which connects communities and employs hundreds, says the government needs to offer more support for the industry.
Read more
vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca
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Pandemic ravages B.C. tourism and hospitality businesses
Tourism and hospitality business owners are reeling from the devastation to their sector caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With leisure and business travel drastically reduced, government restrictions crimping capacity and a general reticence to...
Read more
www.burnabynow.com
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Tourism Vancouver - Vancouver Can't Wait To Welcome You Back |
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