April 12, 2024

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CEO MESSAGE

Of all the times travelling on ferries throughout British Columbia, I’ve experienced both the relief of being the very last vehicle to make it on board and the disappointment of missing the ferry by one car. Sitting at the front of the line is little consolation when you have no choice but to wait another two hours for the next sailing.

Thankfully, BC Ferries introduced a reservation system many years ago to help passengers better plan their travels and ideally avoid long lineups. However, even with reservations, there is always the possibility of missing a sailing or three due to lack of staff, bad weather, or broken boats that result in delays or cancellations which often wreak havoc with travellers and cause a ripple effect for businesses and communities that rely on ferry traffic.

Like raising the subject of politics, if you ask family, friends, or colleagues about the ferry system in BC, you’ll likely hear some strong opinions no matter if they’re a regular user or not. As a private company, BC Ferries in particular faces constant scrutiny by municipal and provincial governments, residents, visitors, media, and various sectors including tourism. And rightly so considering how important their transportation service is to all constituents.

To that end, last fall BC Ferries embarked on a public engagement project entitled - Charting the Course – A Vision for Coastal Ferries – to solicit input on what it could be doing better, what’s important to ferry users, what needs fixing, amongst other priorities. Essentially Charting the Course was launched to identify what’s needed to keep people, goods, and services in coastal communities connected today and into the future.

In their recent update report, the ferry corporation noted several themes that emerged from the consultation exercise including the top priority to deliver more capacity and reliability in concert with the other overarching goals of affordability, efficiency, safety, comfort, convenience, integration, resiliency, and sustainability.

Considering that the corporation received an equal ranking of satisfied and dissatisfied vis-à-vis customers’ experiences over the past year in a recent survey, achieving these goals is no small task, especially in the context of increasing demand and ridership, higher costs for fuel, goods and labour, aging infrastructure, more frequent weather-related events, new government policy (e.g. GHG reduction targets), and other factors such as the current funding model, as well as the independent decision-making authority that influences prices and other operating procedures. Nonetheless, the engagement project is a positive move and tells me that BC Ferries is determined to right the ship (no pun intended) to ensure residents and visitors receive the level of service required to meet present and emerging needs.

From the perspective of BC’s visitor economy, one quarter of passengers take a ferry for tourism and leisure purposes. Considering that BC Ferries carries well over 20 million passengers annually, the service is paramount to the success of visitor-dependent communities up and down the coast, as well as inland. Clearly, we as an industry have a pivotal role to play and a huge stake in the effort to find solutions to the many challenges the ferry system faces.

TIABC contributed to the consultation process, as did many of our members including 4VI, CCCTA, BC Aviation Council and DMOs such as Victoria, Vancouver, Parksville/Qualicum Beach, Port Hardy, Sunshine Coast, Bowen Island, Nanaimo, and Powell River. The next phase of engagement will take place sometime this spring culminating in the release of a new vision next year. Stay tuned.

I absolutely love sailing on the COHO, Clipper, Hullo, or any BC ferry to and from the many incredible communities along the West Coast. Lately I’ve ditched the car in favour of boarding as a walk-on (& taking public transit) or with my bike which almost always guarantees a spot. That said, given the growing demand for BC Ferries’ services in particular, one can never be too cautious so I usually buy a ticket in advance. After all, I don’t want to be the last man standing and watching the ship depart, nor do I care to be first in line for the next sailing.

BTW...BC Ferries President & CEO Nicolas Jimenez will be among the panelists in a discussion on transportation at the upcoming BCHA Summit, which takes place in Whistler May 1-2.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

"Tourism Week 2024" is almost here! This week-long celebration takes place across Canada from April 15-19, and is an annual invitation for all tourism partners to come together to champion and promote our destinations, tourism businesses, and employees.

In recognition of National Tourism Week, TIABC and Destination BC have partnered once again in this joint project. We encourage you to follow our social channels to repost your communication throughout the week and help us spread the message that #BCTourismCounts.

The 2024 Tourism Week Industry Toolkit contains the following resources for your use:

• BC Government Resources
• Key Messaging
• Tourism Week Fact Sheet
• Suggested Social Media Posts
• Infographics and Graphic Tiles
• Value of Tourism Presentation Toolkit (more info below)
• Value of Tourism Videos
• Ideas to Celebrate Tourism Week
• go2HR Resources
• Sustainable Tourism Pledge 2030
• TIAC Resources

We trust the toolkit will assist you in developing new initiatives and ideas to implement during Tourism Week and beyond!

Minister of Tourism Celebrates

National Tourism Week 2024

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, has released a statement to mark National Tourism Week 2024. Here is an excerpt:

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I want to wish all Canadians a happy National Tourism Week!

“National Tourism Week is a chance to celebrate the faces and places that make our country so special, including the millions of Canadians who work in tourism.

“The people in our tourism sector are more than workers: they are ambassadors for Canada. They are often the first Canadians that a visitor meets when they arrive, and the last ones they see before heading home. The industry is a leader in hiring women, newcomers and young people—even the Prime Minister had one of his first jobs in tourism!"...

...“Of course, tourism is not without challenges, and we’re working with the industry to overcome them. We’re helping businesses attract and retain more staff. We’re improving transportation and housing. We’re also addressing climate change, an existential threat to Canadian tourism.

“This week, I’m inviting you to discover the attractions that make your community and country so special. Tourism is powerful because it creates connections, finds common ground and brings people together—and we need that now more than ever.

“Happy National Tourism Week!”

Read the full statement from Minister Ferrada HERE.

Second Intake of Micro-Grant Funding

Support Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation

Eligible tourism businesses and non-profit organizations that provide tourism experiences within BC and that already have a sustainability or climate adaptation plan that's been co-developed or developed in partnership with a sustainability or climate adaptation plan expert and are ready to implement the recommendations into their organization by purchasing equipment, updating infrastructure, implementing new systems, or pursuing sustainability certification can apply starting May 13th for a micro-grant of up to $15,000.

Project Two of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI) offers micro-grant funding to support the implementation of recommendations in a business’s sustainability and climate adaptation plan or road map, facilitating long-lasting, positive impacts on the business and provincial climate resiliency goals.

Save the Date: May 7 - Virtual information session to learn more about the application process, eligibility criteria, and more. Event details coming soon!

Tourism organizations previously awarded $15,000 during the first intake are not eligible to apply for this round.

Learn more about the funding program HERE.

Tsunami Preparedness Week

April 14-20

People living in coastal BC communities are encouraged to get prepared for tsunamis and practise their evacuation plans during Tsunami Preparedness Week April 14-20.

During Tsunami Preparedness Week, some coastal communities are hosting high ground hikes, where people can practise reaching their tsunami safe zone. Knowing where higher ground is and how to get there quickly is an important part of tsunami preparedness.

FYI - In the event of a tsunami, people at risk will receive an alert to their cellphone, TV and radio stations through BC's emergency alert system.

• To read the PreparedBC Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness Guide, visit HERE.
• Learn more and read the official announcement from government HERE.

Royal BC Museum to Become Stewards of Iconic Terry Fox Collection

The Royal BC Museum (RBCM) and the Terry Fox Centre announced earlier this week that they have entered a long-term partnership to protect and preserve the iconic Terry Fox collection.

The Royal BC Museum will become stewards of the Fox family’s collection of objects gathered throughout both the Canadian legend’s short life and his 1980 Marathon of Hope.

The collection includes a number of iconic items owned and worn by Terry, including the shoes and prosthetic leg he wore on his daily marathons, the van he and his best friend/driver Doug and younger brother Darrell slept in throughout the journey, and a large collection of letters written to Terry from school children across the country.

Today marks the 44th anniversary of the day Terry set out on his Marathon of Hope, a feat that would have taken him and his support crew across the country from the Atlantic Ocean in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to his final destination, the Pacific Ocean in Vancouver. (Photo ItkasanImages/Victoria Buzz)

Read the official announcement from the RBCM HERE.

New Policy Will Help BC Liquor Manufacturers Enhance Visitor Experiences

In response to industry feedback, the province has implemented a suite of policy changes to enhance visitor experiences at wineries and other liquor-manufacturing sites this summer.

Improvements to the customer experience include:

• Allowing people to sit and enjoy samples while on a guided tour
• Allowing packaged liquor sales in more places on site, including tours
• Allowing more flexibility around sampling so liquor manufacturers can customize sampling experiences for visitors; and
• Allowing manufacturers to sell and promote their products in picnic areas and host visitors more effectively.

Learn more from the official government announcement HERE.

Hockey Day Economic Impact to Victoria

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada left a significant mark on Victoria and a positive impact on the region's economy this past January. The Destination International Economic Impact Report from the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission has calculated the total economic impact at nearly $4m in economic activity. The event also supported 2,369 jobs and generated $627,025 in taxes.

The January 17th to 20th event, which included a chance to see the Stanley Cup and dozens of NHL alumni, attracted thousands of fans, filling restaurants, bars, hotels, the inner harbour, and Save on Foods Memorial Centre. As noted by Destination Greater Victoria CEO Paul Nursey, "This success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including Destination Greater Victoria, the Victoria Hockey Legacy Society, Sportsnet, Scotiabank, the Province of British Columbia, and the City of Victoria."

Global Meetings Industry Day

April 11th

Yesterday marked Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) - an International Day of recognition of the positive social and economic benefits that meetings, trade shows, exhibitions, conferences conventions, and incentive travel programs bring to people businesses and communities.

Led by Meetings Mean Business Canada, GMID 2024 is also a reminder that business events are a catalyst for investment and trade, a source of high-value jobs and an opportunity to showcase Canadian innovation to global audiences.

Here is a reminder of the Canadian business events economic impact:

• 40% of all tourism spending in Canada
• $27.4B direct GDP impact
• $901 average spend, per participant, per event
• $47B direct economic impact

Learn more about Canada's meetings and events sector and the Meetings Mean Business initiative HERE.

Responsible Recreation Survey

V.C. & M. Region Recreation Enthusiasts

The Don't Love It To Death team is working on a public education campaign about responsible recreation and they want to hear from you! Have your say by participating in a short (6-7 min.) anonymous survey, which is an assessment of the attitudes and behaviours around responsible recreation.

The Don't Love It To Death campaign was launched in July 2022 as a way to educate the public about these issues and inspire people to respect and protect the places where they play.

Where they we focused

The campaign reaches many communities in southwest BC, including Metro Vancouver and Vancouver’s North Shore, Bowen Island, the Sunshine Coast, the Fraser Valley (from Abbotsford to Hope), and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor.

Learn more and take the survey HERE.

go2HR Launches New Safety Basics

Orientation Training

The Safety Basics Orientation Course is a free, online, asynchronous health and safety training for new and young workers, designed to meet the WorkSafeBC regulatory requirement to provide a health and safety orientation.

This newest addition to go2HR's training portfolio will also help employers deliver a positive onboarding experience, showcasing your commitment to creating a healthy and safe work environment.

Learn more and register HERE.

go2HR | Call for Nominations

go2HR is currently seeking nominations for three director positions (2-year term), focusing on representation from food and beverage and accommodation sectors. go2HR is committed to renewing its board with diversified representation and keen to receive nominations from women, Indigenous operators, and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains and Vancouver Island employers.

Once all submissions are received, the Governance Committee will review the nominations against the qualifications and guidelines for representation. A slate of recommended candidates will be determined and circulated to the membership before the AGM. The election will be held at go2HR’s AGM (virtual) on Friday, June 14th. Nominations will not be accepted from the floor at the AGM.

To learn more about the Board of Directors and nomination process, please contact Past Chair and Governance Committee Chair Heidi Romich heidisrestaurant@shaw.ca or Krista Bax (CEO, go2HR) at 778-836-8745 or kbax@go2hr.ca

Fishing BC App - No More Paper!

The FishingBC app was created by the Sport Fishing Institute of BC in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and is supported by the Pacific Salmon Foundation. It offers tidal water recreational fishing regulations, a catch log, a species identification guide and the ability to display your BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence and catch records electronically. It is available for download on Apple (iOS) or Android mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets.

There is no need for a paper tidal waters licence. 

Learn more about the fishing app HERE.

Scholarship Applications Are Now Being Accepted

FFSBC is now accepting applications for scholarships. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC awards as many as four scholarships annually, each with a value of up to $1,500. These scholarships are available to students enrolled in a fish-culture or natural resource management program at a recognized British Columbia post-secondary educational institution.

Applications close May 31st. Learn more and apply HERE.

Job Opportunities

Squamish Canyon | Okanagan Gondola

Ridge North America is currently recruiting for two projects - Squamish Canyon and the Okanagan Gondola Project. 

GM – Okanagan Gondola Project 

As GM you will play a pivotal role in the success of the business. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the project’s operations, assisting in visioning the operations then ensuring its seamless operation post-launch. Your leadership, strategic vision, and operational expertise will be instrumental in establishing the attraction as a premier destination in Western Canada.

GM - Squamish Canyon

Ridge North America is looking for a General Manager in Squamish, for the NEW the Squamish Canyon, expected to open spring/summer 2025. The project will be a major destination experience of a canyon walk, forest experiences and more. The GM will be part of the team that specializes in a Play, Stay, Live development philosophy.

• Learn more about Ridge North America and their exciting projects HERE.
• Please send all resumes and inquiries to admin@ridgenorthamerica.com

Indigenous Heritage Project Takes Off at Prince George Airport

Congratulations to the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (LTFN), the Prince George Airport Authority (PGAA), and Tourism Prince George (TPG) who are celebrating the launch of a new Indigenous Heritage Project at YXS. The launch included raising an LTFN flag to fly permanently outside the main terminal and acknowledgement of a new 4-panel LTFN history display inside the terminal.

These projects are part of Phase 1 of a longer-term Indigenous Heritage Project for YXS, with support from Tourism Prince George, and build on the Collaboration Agreement between LTFN and PGAA signed in February 2023.

Learn more about this exciting collaboration HERE.

Lac le Jeune Resort Set to Reopen

Under New Ownership

Monica Dickinson and Vivek Sharma, principals of Polaris Advisory, have announced their ownership of Lac Le Jeune Resort and its reopening scheduled for May 16th to the public year-round.

The new ownership group looks to elevate Lac Le Jeune Resort into a premier destination for leisure travel, weddings, retreats, and events.

First opened in the late 1970s, Lac Le Jeune Resort was a renowned lakeside stopover for international tour operators and a cherished nature retreat for anglers, bird and wildlife enthusiasts, and adventurers until it closed to the public in 2019. Lac Le Jeune Resort is situated on 5 acres of land on the edge of Lac Le Jeune. Located just 20 minutes southwest of Kamloops, the resort has 21 guest rooms, six rustic cabins, and a host of food and beverage services.

Learn more about Lac le Jeune Resort HERE.

#GoBearViewing Spring Giveaway!

Join TIABC member Commercial Bear Viewing Association (CBVA), in collaboration with the Grizzly Bear Foundation as they come together in celebration of the upcoming spring bear viewing season! Share your spring #GoBearViewing stories for a chance to win a camera/binocular carrying system from @cottoncarrier plus a limited edition Grizzly Bear Foundation cap! 

HOW TO ENTER: 

• Post your spring bear viewing photos and videos with the hashtag #GoBearViewing 
• Tag @grizzlybearfdn and @bearviewingbc 

Three winners will be announced on May 7th! Each post is an entry, so the more you post the more you increase your winning chances. Contest ends May 6th, 11:59PM PST

Whether you are a seasoned CBVA guide or have been on a grizzly bear viewing tour before, we want to see your #GoBearViewing stories!

Photo by Great Bear Lodge

DYK | April is BC Wine Month!

From local wineries with gorgeous views to your own backyard enjoy BC wines wherever you are this April. Yoga, a relaxing stroll, live music, or a dreamy winemaker’s dinner, visit our wonderful winery events with an adventure for everyone. 

There’s always a reason to enjoy BC wines this April.

Save THIS LINK and learn more about wine events happening around the province.

Ziptrek Eco Tours

Ziptrek is a must-do, multi award-winning adventure ecotourism business renowned for delivering awareness and appreciation of the natural environment along with a healthy dose of ziplining adventure.

The company was founded in 2001 in Whistler, with a goal to provide a unique experience combining nature-based learning with a rush of adrenaline. The original zipline tour was opened in the summer of 2002, which became the first zipline tour in North America. Upon establishing itself as a key activity player in market, subsequent installations followed that fuelled the evolution of the operation.

Learn more about Ziptrek Eco Tours 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.

Sustainable Tourism Course

Learn from experts from around the world who will go beyond the need for sustainable practices to define the business opportunity and the ways that we can all take steps to develop, attract, and grow sustainable travel for our own businesses and destinations. Program goals include:

• Empower businesses to embrace the sustainability need
• Help businesses to identify the opportunity for sustainable travel
• Build the skills necessary to connect sustainable businesses with travellers
• Create engaged and informed stakeholders
• Develop thriving local tourism economies

This series of live, interactive Zoom lessons will demonstrate the demand for sustainable travel, highlight the opportunities, then empower you to take advantage.

Early bird pricing is now available. Use discount code BC300 to receive a $300 discount. 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

Early bird deadline ends April 15th!

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

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

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.

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.

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, British Columbia 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 22nd, 2024

Location: Fairmont Château Whistler, Whistler

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.

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, 2024

Location: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre

Learn more about Tourism Congress including group booking opportunities HERE.