Today's update includes:

  • General Updates
  • Border Changes Now in Effect
  • New Federal Measures to Address Canada’s Labour Shortage
  • GVBOT Share Open Letter to Premier Horgan on Introduction of Bill 10
  • Invictus Games Coming to Vancouver!
  • Weekly Domestic Visitors | Week of April 17th
  • Just Announced! Seat at the Table: Research on Retaining and Developing Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality
  • GoGreen Tip of the Week | Book Your Assessment
  • OTA News | Australia Fines Expedia Group's Trivago US$33M on Misleading Hotel Room Rates
  • New Associate Member | Elevate Your Leaders, Team & Operations through Training with Blue Mountain Solutions
  • Survey | Input on Actions to Reduce Waste
  • Explore These Exceptional Training Opportunities
  • Reminder | go2HR is Seeking Nominations for our Board of Directors
  • What Makes a Website Effective? | Destination BC Learning Centre
  • Hiring Support | Tourism HR Canada
  • REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON! | Okanagan Golf Tournament May 10
  • News - See more below!
  • Hot Off the Press
  • BC | Canada News
  • World News
  • Industry Trends
  • Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
  • Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport Awards Chance Boruck!
  • Mark Your Calendars - see below!
  • Comment Card | Thoughts and Comments from Our Industry
  • Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Our Members Smile
Border Changes Now In Effect
As of yesterday, April 25th, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor will no longer be required to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test for entry to Canada. Pre-entry tests will still be required for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers 12 and older who are currently eligible to travel to Canada. Children under 5 years of age are not required to provide a COVID-19 test result.

Additionally, all fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. This requirement will also be removed for children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian, or tutor and travellers with a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine.

Furthermore, fully vaccinated travellers arriving to Canada on or after April 25, 2022, will no longer be federally required to do the following for 14 days after arriving:
  • mask while in public spaces;
  • monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms;
  • quarantine if another traveller in the same travel group exhibits signs or symptoms or tests positive; and
  • maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.

The BCHA has been advocating for the eelimination of pandemic-related barriers to entry at the border in recent months. We are pleased to see this news.
New Federal Measures to
Address Canada’s Labour Shortage 
On April 22, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a new temporary policy that will allow over 50,000 recent international graduates with expiring temporary status an opportunity to stay in Canada longer, to ensure that businesses and employers have access to the skilled workers they need to grow and succeed.

Starting in summer 2022, former international students who are in Canada and have a post-graduation work permit expiring between January and December 2022 will qualify for an additional open work permit of up to 18 months.
GVBOT Shares Open Letter to Premier Horgan on Introduction of Bill 10
This week, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade joined with 23 organizations to express concerns over Bill 10 and the impact it would have on labour relations in B.C.

An excerpt: "The secret ballot is a fundamental component of our democratic system and a standard that should apply in workplaces just as it does in other facets of public life. Workers in British Columbia have a right to join a union and our organizations believe in and respect the collective bargaining process. Workers also have the right to make this decision in a manner that is free from influence. The secret ballot is essential to protecting that right."
Invictus Games Coming to Vancouver!
Last week, it was announced that the Invictus Games will come to Whistler/Vancouver in 2025 and we couldn't be happier! Events are fundamental to our accommodation and tourism sector, and it is a very positive sign to see them returning in such a big way.

The Games will bring together over 500 competitors from 20 nations to compete in adaptive sports, including winter adaptive sports for the very first time - Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Skeleton, and Wheelchair Curling - in addition to the core Invictus Games sports of indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.

The Invictus Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and sick serving members and Veterans.
Weekly Domestic Visitors | Week of April 17
Please see below for STR visitor highlights from the week ending April 17. Please contact us if you have any questions!

Domestic Overnight Visitors Week Ending April 17 Highlights:
  • Average Domestic Overnight Visitation to BC for Week 15 (April 11 - April 17, 2022) is down -8.2% compared to the same week in 2019
  • When comparing Week 14 (April 4 - April 10, 2022) to Week 15 (April 11 - April 17, 2022) Vancouver Island, Vancouver Coast and Mountains saw an increase in visitation. Thompson Okanagan, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern BC saw a decrease.
  • British Columbia decreased 4.7% when comparing Week 14 (April 4 - April 10, 2022) to Week 15 (April 11 - April 17, 2022)
 
STR Report Highlights Week Ending April 16:
  • British Columbia had a 62.0% occupancy from Sunday-Thursday and a 78.9% occupancy during the weekend, down -0.4% compared to the same week in 2019.
  • British Columbia had an ADR of $185.31 from Sunday-Thursday and an ADR of $205.30 during the weekend, up 10.4% compared to the same week in 2019.
  • British Columbia had a RevPAR of $114.87 from Sunday-Thursday and a RevPAR of $161.91 during the weekend, up 9.9% compared to the same week in 2019.
 
Regional STATS the Weekend of April 15-16, 2022:
  • Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: OCC 50.4% ADR $148.01 REVPAR $74.54
  • Kootenay Rockies: OCC 48.6% ADR $157.22 REVPAR $76.40
  • Northern BC: OCC 46.3% ADR $127.52 REVPAR $59.09
  • Thompson Okanagan: OCC 78.3% ADR $152.11 REVPAR $119.06
  • Whistler: OCC 84.1% ADR $374.42 REVPAR $314.85
  • Vancouver Island: OCC 85.7% ADR $232.46REVPAR $199.25
  • Vancouver: OCC 88.1% ADR $216.33 REVPAR $190.54
Just Announced! Seat at the Table:
Research on Retaining and Developing Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality
In the Seat at the Table webinar, Joanna Jagger, President of WORTH Association, will examine why women aren't dominating in a female dominated industry and how we can work collectively to ensure more women take a seat at the table.
 
As the industry faces the most problematic labour shortage ever, this webinar will encourage attendees to examine recovery through a gender based lens and calls on the industry to retain and develop women of recreation, tourism, and hospitality.
 
The webinar includes:
  • Findings from a research project with industry leaders, this "womanifesto" hopes to challenge industry norms that are resulting in a female talent drain.
  • Downloadable Gender Equity Audit co-created by women in leadership roles, with recommendations and best practices related to professional development, inclusion, balance /flexibility, harassment free workplaces, and total rewards.
All genders are welcome and encouraged to attend the session.

Thursday, May 5 | 1:30 - 2:30 PM
GoGreen Tip of the Week | Book Your Energy Assessment
Are you committed to taking action to protect our planet? Are you a hotel operator looking to improve efficiency and save money in the process? ENTER DYLAN TOMLIN: BCHA's incredible Energy Analyst!

As part of BCHA's GoGreen program, Dylan has conducted energy assessments with countless accommodations across the province, helping hotels identify energy conservation opportunities, and save up to tens of thousands of dollars by making eco-conscious changes!

Assessments are complimentary to all BCHA members and include:
✔Analysis of energy costs, consumption, and overall energy performance
✔Benchmarking against similar properties across Canada
✔Identification of alternate revenue sources and available incentives and rebates
✔Identification of energy saving opportunities
✔Recommended next steps for equipment replacement
✔And much much more.
OTA News | Australia Fines Expedia Group's Trivago US$33M on
Misleading Hotel Room Rates
In the world of OTAs, an Australian court fined Trivago, a unit of U.S.-based online travel firm Expedia Group, A$44.7 million (US$32.91 million) for misleading consumers over hotel room rates, in what would be one of the country's largest payouts for breaching consumer law.

The Federal Court issued the fine on Friday after finding Trivago, a hotel booking website, falsely presented hotel rooms as being the cheapest available, when it was in fact promoting rooms of paid advertisers.

In January 2020, the court found that Trivago had breached Australian Consumer Law by misleading consumers by using an algorithm that pushed hotels paying "the highest cost-per-click fee" higher, and not highlighting the cheapest rates for consumers, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) said.
New Associate Member | Elevate Your Leaders, Team & Operations through Training with Blue Mountain Solutions
Blue Mountain Solutions provides leadership development, customer service training, and operational support to organizations and companies of all sizes. Principal, Theresa Ito, and Culinary Business Adviser & Implementer, Takashi Ito, have over 75 combined years of international hospitality leadership experience and this is complemented by a dynamic team of diverse associates eager to support your hotel services. With a proven track record of helping top hoteliers across the world reach their business goals, Blue Mountains Solutions can support your property’s success with options that include: leadership development, customer service, online training, operational support, powerful sales training, diversity training, along with bullying & harassment training and culinary expertise.
 
Interested in Learning More? Contact:
Theresa Ito - Principal at Blue Mountain Solutions Inc.
1 250 507 8352
Survey | Input on Actions to Reduce Waste
The Province is proposing a new regulation to reduce single-use and plastic waste by limiting or banning the use of certain single-use items. The regulation will complement and expand on the actions taken by B.C. municipalities and the federal government to tackle plastic waste and pollution.

The survey also seeks your input on other actions to reduce plastic waste, address materials that are difficult to reuse or recycle, and keep what we do use working for us for longer.

Engagement timelines: April 22 to June 21, 2022
Have You Explored These Exceptional Training Opportunities?
We implore our members to explore training opportunities offered by our partners at go2HR. The organization leads incredible work aimed to support the training and development of our industry, and to create safe and successful workplaces.

Have you and your team completed the training below yet? Click on each graphic to learn more.
Reminder | go2HR is Seeking Nominations for our Board of Directors
Are you interested in running for a position on go2HR’s Board of Directors?
The organization needs your expertise and leadership to help them continue our strategic journey to realize strong workforces and safe workplaces that deliver world-class tourism and hospitality experiences in BC. Now more than ever, go2HR's work is needed to support BC’s tourism and hospitality recovery.
 
go2HR is currently seeking nominations for three director positions (2 year term). They are committed to renewing their board with diversified representation and keen to receive nominations from women, indigenous operators, northern BC employers, and educators.

All completed nominations forms must be submitted to go2HR no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, April 29, 2022. Email to CFO, Ellen Langton at elangton@go2hr.ca
What Makes a Website Effective? | Destination BC Learning Centre
The #1 most important digital asset your organization needs in today’s world is a website. So, what makes a great website and how can you set yours apart from the rest?

Destination BC has put together some key items to focus on to help you make sure your website stands out.
Hiring Support | Tourism HR Canada
To assist employers in moving forward, Tourism HR Canada has created a new, free resource guide Now Hiring: A Guide to Help Employers Attract and Retain Workers in a Post-Pandemic Environment.

The tools in this guide are intended to help tourism businesses get started on the path to recovery, with both short-term and long-term strategies to attract, retain, and grow a skilled workforce. Now Hiring covers a range of essential HR practices, tips to implement them, and practical checklists and forms to help tackle key issues.
REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON! | Okanagan Golf Tournament May 10
Join us for BCHF’s inaugural Okanagan Golf Tournament at the Harvest Golf Club May 10!

The tournament is expected to attract over 130 golfers and will offer a full day of food, drink, prizes, networking, and fun for owners, managers, and suppliers -- all in the name of helping our own! Funds raised help hospitality workers across BC each year that are in a financial crisis due to a medical condition.

At 7,109 yards, The Harvest is a championship-length layout designed by renowned Canadian golf course architect Graham Cooke. Following your round, enjoy a networking reception and silent auction with your fellow players to celebrate our industry among new contacts and friends!
Inaugural Okanagan Golf Tournament
Vancouver Golf Tournament
Victoria Golf Tournament
Industry News & Quick Links
HOT OFF THE PRESS

BC & CANADA

WORLD NEWS

INDUSTRY TRENDS
  
Tipping Our Hat to Industry
Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport Awards Chance Boruck!

A congratulations are in order for Chance Boruck - employee at Four Point by Sheraton Kelowna Airport and the 2021 Heart of Hospitality, Service Superstar Award Recipient!

The award recognizes front-line industry employees that have demonstrated outstanding customer service & personal commitment to go above and beyond over recent years.

A big congratulations to you Chance!
Mark Your Calendars
Register for BCRTS Tourism Impact Portal Virtual Information Session
 
The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) is preparing to launch the Tourism Impact Portal, a common data portal that will serve as the central information place for BC tourism stakeholders on the supply side.

Register for Info Session
Registration closes May 13.

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) announced the launch of the new Okanagan Golf Tournament. The inaugural Okanagan tournament at The Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna will kick off the golf season on May 10, 2022.
 
Register your team now while availability lasts.
 
Online Education Support for Businesses and Employees
 
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.
  • April 26th - Get Started with Email Marketing
May 8, 2022 – May 11, 2022

IMPACT is a collaborative national dialogue on innovation. The dream to create a legacy for sustainable and regenerative tourism in Canada is stronger than ever, and your voices are needed.
 
Join in on a national conversation on sustainable tourism, as delegates and speakers explore and compare models for tourism recovery. Hear from some of the most creative and innovative experts in the business and address our new reality of higher expectations, for and of visitors.
 
Gender in the Workplace

Over the last year, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been offering a variety of training sessions through the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).
  
Sessions Include:
May 5: Gender in the Workplace
May 12: LGBTQ2+ Inclusion
May 19: Indigenous Inclusion
May 26: Including Persons with Disabilities
June 2: Race and Ethnicity in Canada
 
Click here to learn more and to register.
Hiring with EDI in Mind | A Webinar & Resources
Looking for resources to help your organization build more inclusive job postings, interview techniques, accessibility policies, and more?

  • RESOURCE HUB | The Talent MATCH Program is a collaboration between the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture, the BC Museums Association, go2HR, and the Association for Co-operative Education & Work Integrated Learning (ACE-WIL) BC/Yukon. The project explores tools and resources to help WIL employers and staff effectively address student barriers around discrimination and inclusion.
  • WEBINAR | Join #TalentMATCH for an info session reviewing the resources available on April 26 at 3pm.
Comment Card | Click on Image for More
Marriott International Competes in TC 10K!
Grand Okanagan Resort Team Celebrate Earth Day!
Rocky Mountaineer is Ready for the Return of Summer
Penticton Airport Gets New Lock
Last Laugh | Register for BCHF
Okanagan Golf Tournament