BCHA Announces Historic New Board of Directors | Celebrates 50-30 Challange Achievement!
Following an official announcement at our AGM on November 15, we are delighted to introduce our 2022 board of directors and share that we have fulfilled commitments to the 50-30 Challenge, achieving the most significant level of board diversity in the BCHA's 105-year history!
The 2022 BCHA board welcomes five new Board Directors and comprises a team of industry leaders from regions across BC:
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Angie Eccleston – Crest Hotel, Prince Rupert (Executive Director)
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Bryan Pilbeam – Delta by Marriott Hotels, Kamloops (Past Chair & Governance)
- Christine Louden – Granville Island Hotel, Vancouver
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David MacKenzie – Pemberton Valley Lodge, Pemberton (Treasurer)
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David McQuinn – Coast Bastion Hotel, Nanaimo (Chair)
- Eda Koot, Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria
- Eleanor Ryan – Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Center, Fort St. John
- Erin Cassels, Huntingdon Manor, Victoria
- Estreya Gosalbez, Four Seasons Resort, Whistler
- Jean-Francois Vary, Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver
- Jessica Dolan – Ramada Penticton, Penticton
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Jonas Melin – Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel, Vancouver (Executive Director)
- Leo Saad – Best Western Plus Chateau, Fort St. John
- Madone Pelan, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria
- Samantha Hackett – Long Beach Lodge, Tofino
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Tanya Stroinig – Prestige Hotels & Resorts, Kelowna (Vice Chair)
David McQuinn, BCHA Chair: “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair and to work alongside this brilliant group of new and returning board directors as we carve a positive path forward, not just as industry leaders, but as global citizens. We each hold a unique position to steward our accommodation and tourism sector in the right direction and we intend to carry out that commitment in a sustainable way that will support all voices for generations to come.”
Bryan Pilbeam, BCHA Past Chair and Governance Chair: “Diversity in leadership not only creates an opportunity for the next generation of leaders but also fosters understanding and innovation as we are pushed to look at things from different perspectives. We are delighted to have met our 50-30 Challenge goal ahead of schedule and to welcome a group of exceptional leaders that more accurately reflect the make-up of our industry. We also share our thanks to the former board members who selflessly volunteered to step down from their positions for this goal to be met.”
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Managing MRDT
This month, the Provincial Government announced a new Major Events Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) of up to 2.5% on short-term accommodation sales to cover the cost of hosting major international events. Although we recognize that large international events have significant benefits to our province, our global position, and our industry as whole, we believe additional taxation on hotels alone is not the best way to fund large major events. Furthermore, it could hurt the competitiveness of Vancouver as a destination.
While the specifics of the legislation are unclear, it is the position of the hotel community that collaboration for each event between the municipalities, the industry, and government is imperative as large international events with provincial impact need to be clearly defined. We require transparency and collaboration in the planning, implementation, and reporting of all MRDT taxes to ensure these dollars stay within the tourism and hospitality community.
The BCHA is working with government officials to identify long-term solutions and recommends that businesses outside of the accommodation sector that stand to also benefit from international events be considered for collection as well.
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Advocacy Win! Changes to BC Provincial Nominee Program |
Following BCHA engagement, research, and advocacy, changes have been made to the BC Provincial Nominee Program. The changes include updating the Skills Immigration registration scoring system to increase immigration to regions outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District. In addition, eligibility for the International Post Graduate stream has been expanded.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us on Nov.15 for our first-ever SPARK BC Hotel & Liquor Conference. If you attended, please take a moment to complete this 5-MINUTE SURVEY by Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 5 pm. Missed the conference? CLICK HERE to view presentation decks from some of the sessions.
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Premier David Eby Officially Sworn In as Premier |
Premier David Eby was sworn in on November 18. He reiterated his priorities of public safety, affordability, and health care, housing, and announced details of two affordability measures: the BC Affordability Credit, and details on a previously announced BC Hydro credit.
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Housing Becomes Standalone Ministry |
Housing will become its own standalone ministry as part of Premier David Eby’s plan to address the housing crisis in BC. The minister of housing will be named when Premier Eby announces his cabinet on Dec. 7, 2022.
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Action is Needed! Federal Advocacy Support |
Raise your voice and let our elected officials know that, with the right conditions, hotels are poised for incredible growth. Take two minutes to create change!
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Destination Canada Releases Tourism Outlook Forecast |
While challenges prevail, the recovery trajectory for Canada’s tourism sector is becoming clearer, bolstered by the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and resilience in travel demand. Leisure travel is now expected to recover to 2019 levels by 2024. This is one year earlier than our prior forecast (Spring 2022).
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Support Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week |
VIFW is looking for partners like you. The event is looking to secure approximately 10 hotel rooms in Vancouver’s downtown or surrounding area for 2-5 nights per room. In recognition of this generous support, VIFW would be able to provide a collection of benefits. Any portion of this request would be welcome.
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Tourism HR Canada’s October Employment Summary |
Data shows that the tourism labour force in October remained relatively stable compared to September. Across the sector, there were modest increases in the labour force and in employment, and the total hours worked continued to narrow the gap between pre-pandemic levels and more recent estimates.
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An Update on Tourism In BC by Jock Finlayson |
With COVID restrictions in most jurisdictions steadily easing over the course of 2021-22 and both business and leisure travel rebounding from historic lows, the B.C. tourism industry has made a substantial and much-anticipated recovery over the past year or so.
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Early-Bird Registration Open | IMPACT 2023 |
The IMPACT Sustainability, Travel & Tourism Conference returns January 22-25, 2023. Early bird registration is available until Nov.30, 2022.
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2022 TIAC Congress
November 22-23 | The Westin, Ottawa
Register Here
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BCHA Summit Returns!
May 1-2, 2022
Kelowna
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BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference
March 1-3, 2023
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Reshaping the Workplace with an EDI Framework
Thurs, Nov 24, 2022 | 1pm - 2:30pm
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Pan Pacific Whistler Wins Big! |
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Hotel Association of Vancouver Gives back to BCHF! |
BCHF has wrapped this year's Hotels to Help lottery fundraiser and extends its thanks to Board Member, Debbie Morris and the Hotel Association of Vancouver for spearheading this year's campaign. The lottery raised $34,585. You can still contribute!
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Jane Stark Named Marketing Director for 4VI! |
4VI has announce that Jane Stark will be joining their social enterprise on Monday, December 5. Jane brings more than 15 years of experience in the BC tourism industry with a deep knowledge of community and regional-level destination management. Congratulations Jane!
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Member Spotlight | Coast Parksville Hotel |
Located just a short stroll from a beautiful sandy beach, family-friendly attractions and the charming downtown district, Coast Parksville Hotel is a terrific destination for experiencing Island life. All guests of the can also enjoy free mini golff experience at the Paradise Fun Park located across the street.
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THE BCHA INDUSTRY UPDATE IS PRESENTED BY |
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