Today's update includes:

  • General Updates
  • Reminder | Resources to Support with Heat Wave & Wildfire Preparedness
  • Destination Canada Releases Tourism Outlook Findings From Spring 2022
  • Funding Announced for Vancouver Island Tourism Experiences
  • Seeking Hospitality Storytellers | Submit Your Story for TED@DestinationCanada
  • Prince George Airport to Receives $3M in Investments
  • News - See more below!
  • BC | Canada News
  • World News
  • Industry Trends
  • Tipping Our Hat to Industry!
  • Congratulations to Jeneen Sutherland, Wilderness Tourism Association's New Executive Director!
  • Mark Your Calendars
  • Comment Card | Thoughts and Comments from Our Industry
  • Last Laugh | A Little Something to Make Our Members Smile
Reminder | Resources to Support with Heat Wave & Wildfire Preparedness
It is wildfire season in BC and hot and dry weather for many parts of the province expected from now until Saturday throughout British Columbia. Hotels and tourism businesses are encouraged to monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for updates and prepare to support guests.

Plan ahead and access heat and wildfire preparedness resources online:

Should you have any questions or require support during this stretch of heat, please reach out to questions@bcha.com.
Destination Canada Releases Tourism Outlook Findings From Spring 2022
Destination Canada has published its Spring 2022 Tourism Outlook outlining the forecast for tourism recovery. The study was conducted between late March and May and the assumptions reflect the operating context of that time.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
  • Travel demand is high and domestic travel will continue to lead recovery, with US following closely behind.
  • Our other international markets have been slower to recover; international arrivals from DC long-haul markets have only recovered to 35% of the equivalent September to April period in 2018/19. 
  • While recovery is uneven among our markets, momentum is building and we are forecasting that leisure travel will return to 2019 levels by 2025, with an upside to 2024 as our best-case scenario.  

Read the full report to learn about travel demand, key recovery drivers and several forecast scenarios.
Funding Announced for Vancouver Island Tourism Experiences
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), recently announced an investment of over $4.3 million through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for 13 projects, and $406,647 through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) for five projects, all located throughout central and northern Vancouver Island.
 
These investments will enable the upgrade of public spaces and enhancement of tourism experiences in many communities spanning from Ladysmith to Port Hardy.
Seeking Hospitality Storytellers | Submit Your Story for TED@DestinationCanada
Destination Canada is collaborating with TED to create TED@DestinationCanada – 14 TED talks from the brightest speakers, best storytellers, and biggest change-makers connected to Canada.
 
The talks will highlight the fresh ideas that drive our country forward in tourism, the creative economy, culture, and business innovation. These talks will be filmed on February 23, 2023 at the TED World Theater in New York City. Once recorded, the talks will be released onto the TED channels and be available for viewing for years to come. In forming a partnership with TED, Destination Canada will refresh and elevate the perception of Canada globally as an ideal place to travel, and by extension, study, work, invest, and live.

For our Members:
This is an incredible opportunity for BC's hospitality community to share our story. We encourage our members to consider sharing their story. The Deadline for application is August 14th.
Prince George Airport to Receive
$3M in Investments
Last week, the Government of Canada announced that it will invest more than $1.7 million in the Prince George Airport through Transport Canada’s Airport Relief Fund to help it maintain important airport operations and essential air services for residents and workers in the City of Prince George and surrounding communities.

The Prince George Airport also received over $1.4 million from Transport Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program for the purchase of a 4x4 snowplow truck and a wet/dry material spreader. This equipment will help the airport maintain safe operations for aircraft, passengers, crews and airport workers by keeping runways and taxiways clear of snow and ice.

We are grateful to see much needed investments that will support Northern BC's tourism and hospitality community.
Industry News & Quick Links
Tipping Our Hat to Industry
Congratulations to Jeneen Sutherland, Wilderness Tourism Association's New Executive Director!

The BCHA extends a hearty congratulations to Jeneen Sutherland, the new Executive Director of Wilderness Tourism Association (WTA). Announcing her appointment, Jeneen stated:

"The WTA is a 'force for good' that aims to preserve remote areas of BC, and it is our goal to foster responsible and respectful travel in our beautiful province. We are one of the many voices advocating for forests, oceans, communities and wildlife. For our members, operating a wilderness tourism business goes hand in hand with being stewards of the land and sea."

We look forward to working with Jeneen, helping to preserve the beauty of our province!
Mark Your Calendars
Jul 27, 2022 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Host: Small Business BC
Jul 31, 2022 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Host: Small Business BC
July 31 – August 2, 2022 I Nashville, TN 
Yes SHEF! Elevating Women in Food & Wine returns this summer in Vancouver!
August 15, 2022
More details to come! Email yesshef@worthassociation.com for sponsor / partnership opportunities
BC Hospitality Foundation’s 8th annual Victoria Golf Tournament
August 23, 2022
Comment Card
Minister Mark Celebrates BC Summer Games!
Big White Ski Resort Honours
Health Care Workers
Join Tofino Beach Clean!
The Power of Sustainability
Last Laugh