I prefer to vacation closer to home in the summer months given the endless choices, familiarity and appeal of BC destinations, relative ease of access, good weather, and multiple other factors. While I have often visited different countries at this time of the year, exorbitant prices, overcrowding, smoking hot temperatures, and other issues have made me less inclined to travel internationally until the so-called off-season.

At the same time, by holidaying in BC during the summer, I’m competing for hotel rooms, flights, restaurant and ferry reservations, tee times, and other amenities that out-of-province tourists also need.

As you likely know, some 60+ percent of international visitors to British Columbia arrive during the months of May, June, July, August and September. For some of the same reasons I like to travel in the province during the peak season, people from other parts of Canada and the world also prefer to visit over this five-month period.

Yet for years our industry has talked about the need to shift or attract more visitors outside of the summer months. In fact, the recently introduced Federal Tourism Growth Strategy – Canada 365 – that Minister Boissonnault spoke about earlier in the week in Vancouver and Whistler notes that by welcoming more visitors in the shoulder and winter seasons and encouraging travel to lesser-trafficked regions and destinations, we can align Canada's visitor economy with sustainability and regenerative tourism goals and avoid the social and environmental impacts of over-tourism at certain destinations.

I should point out that Destination BC has also incorporated the goal of year-round travel and to lesser known places around the province as part of its corporate strategy, as have many regional and community DMOs. And they've been doing so for years. Notwithstanding there are already many tourists that visit BC over the winter for business, to ski, and myriad other activities, the notion of further seasonal dispersion is both strategic and necessary but the question remains…can federal and provincial visitation goals outside of the peak summer months be achieved anytime soon?

Some suggest we can’t count on any substantial increases to the number of visitors beyond the summer because of fewer flights, inaccessible highways/poor infrastructure, competition from sun destinations, nasty weather, seasonal staff availability, and many other reasons. While there may be an element of truth to that, from my perspective it shouldn’t stop Canadian and BC communities/regions from continuing to pursue a seasonal dispersion strategy, even if only for the sustainability reason referenced in the Canada 365 Strategy.

Moreover, with a strong provincial/federal partnership, a dedicated focus on advocacy, sufficient marketing resources, and a coordinated strategy to develop new products, bolster transportation infrastructure, among other priorities, many of the aforementioned obstacles can be overcome and opportunities leveraged to grow tourism well beyond the May to September period. Although it won’t be easy or quick, there appears to be a greater willingness on the part of senior governments to make it happen by 2030 or sooner.

So far in 2023 I’ve travelled a lot within BC by car, ferry, plane and train. I can attest firsthand that it’s not as seamless as it used to be because of heavy traffic, constant delays due to road work, highway closures, wildfires, flight and ferry cancellations, and other issues. Because of my personal travel experiences this year and from what I hear in communities and from members, I'm even more motivated to advocate aggressively on files such as transportation and infrastructure to help with seasonal dispersion and other tourism industry needs.

Although I’m still planning to visit my favourite BC haunts this summer for vacation, I may consider shifting some of my travels to the shoulder season to avoid some of the challenges I referenced earlier. The activities I choose may be slightly different because of the time of year, but it could ultimately be an even more positive experience overall, not to mention bolstering support for tourism operators at a normally slower time of the year.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

In Tofino, the revenue reportedly lost by businesses during the closure period was an estimated $29.7 million. In Ucluelet that figure is $14 million, for a West Coast total of nearly $44 million in losses. This number does not include the amount of revenue lost in the Alberni Valley.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has advised that beginning Monday, July 17th, crews will undertake essential rock scaling on the hillside affected by wildfire along Highway 4 on Vancouver Island. This work is critical in ensuring the long-term safety of the corridor. While this work is underway, the highway must be closed to keep crews and travellers safe from rockfall hazards.

Closures will be in place from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and then again from 1:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. Monday to Friday until mid-August. A two-hour opening to flush traffic daily will take place between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. There will be no closures on weekends, including on the BC Day long weekend. Given the nature of this work, rock scaling must be completed during good weather and daylight hours. Outside of the closure periods for rock scaling, Highway 4 will continue to operate with single-lane-alternating traffic, and will remain available for residents, travellers and commercial traffic.

TIABC, Tourism Tofino, Tourism Ucluelet, 4VI, Destination BC and other stakeholders are working together on mitigation plans to ensure local business concerns are being addressed, as well as addressing the needs of travellers in the region.

Learn more about what travellers can expect HERE.

TIABC Chair J.J. Belanger, who is also General Manager of Crystal Cove Beach Resort in Tofino spoke with CBC Radio's Gregor Craigie earlier this week and explained that despite tourism numbers starting to get back to normal since the recent closure of Highway 4 due to the Cameron Bluff wildfire, it has had a devastating impact on the communities of Vancouver Island's West Coast.

Listen to the interview HERE.

In a follow up interview with CBC, J.J. Belanger said the "highway closure cost the Tofino and Ucluelet economies $44 million and that further closures will bring more losses."

Read the full story HERE.

 

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA) collaborated over the past three years to deliver the BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference during a challenging time for our shared industry. This conference was a testament to our industry's resilience and the power of collaboration. With deep consideration, we have jointly decided to take a new direction and focus our efforts on our respective conferences, while maintaining our strong relationship.

 

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming events—the TIABC Tourism Industry Conference in Victoria on March 6-7, 2024 and the BCHA Summit in Whistler on May 1-2, 2024. Our aim is to provide you with a more targeted and impactful experience that caters specifically to your interests and needs. By focusing on our individual conferences, we can deliver content that addresses your unique challenges and aspirations for the ever-changing landscape in which we operate.

 

We want to express our sincere gratitude for your support and contributions to the success of the BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference. It was a remarkable accomplishment during a time of immense adversity. We are proud of what we achieved together and are excited to build upon that success as we move forward.

 

Rest assured, our commitment to fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and supporting our industry's ecosystem remains unwavering. We will continue to leverage our strong relationship to ensure we collectively thrive.

 

Thank you for your ongoing support and participation. We look forward to welcoming you to our respective conferences in 2024, where we will create new opportunities for growth, innovation, and success.

 

Warm regards,

Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC

Ingrid Jarrett, President & CEO, BC Hotel Association

As drought conditions worsen, with unprecedented levels of drought being observed in BC this early in the season, people and businesses are urged to prioritize water conservation.

Provincial staff are monitoring the situation and working to balance water use with environmental flow needs and have been working with communities during the past few months to prepare, including working with local government partners and First Nations.

Additionally, a program is in place so the Province can reimburse First Nations and local authorities for the costs of transporting drinking water and desalinization when needed. Government will be releasing a Water Scarcity Dashboard in the coming weeks.

If conservation measures do not achieve sufficient results and drought conditions worsen, temporary protection orders under the Water Sustainability Act may be issued to water licensees to avoid significant or irreversible harm to aquatic ecosystems.

People and tourism businesses in BC are invited to share their thoughts on grizzly bear stewardship and commercial bear viewing, as government develops strategies to strengthen environmental stewardship and biodiversity.

The Ministry of Forests is gathering public feedback on the draft Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework and the Commercial Bear Viewing Strategy through two online questionnaires, which can be accessed online until Aug. 18th.

Grizzly bears have special cultural significance in our province. They play an important role in many First Nations cultures, as well as tourism and recreational activities.

The Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework will strengthen stewardship of bears and their habitat, better managing biodiversity in BC. Help shape the Commercial Bear Viewing Strategy, which provides guidance for responsible bear viewing practices and supports a sustainable wildlife tourism industry.

A new provincial regulation was updated earlier today that will expand BC's efforts to tackle hard-to-recycle single-use and plastic items.

The Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation will cover shopping bags, disposable food service accessories, oxo-degradable plastics and food service packaging made of polystyrene foam, PVC, PVDC, compostable or biodegradable plastics.

The requirements will start to come into force in December 2023, allowing six months to educate the public and businesses about the new requirements, and allow time for businesses to use up existing inventory.

The federal government is also regulating single-use plastics that are harmful to the environment. In December 2022, the manufacturing and importing of six plastic items were prohibited and sales of these items will be banned as of December 20th, 2023.

In the province's consultation process, TIABC submitted a brief for consideration on behalf of the tourism sector. View the brief HERE.

To view the Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation, visit HERE.

Most Canadian Private Campgrounds operate businesses that are described as Canadian-Controlled Private Corporations (CCPC), which fall into the small business category, that requires having to undertake an annual process to claim the small business deduction (SBD) when calculating their taxes payable.

Shane Devenish, CEO of the Canadian Camping and RV Council, has authored a guide that can assist businesses to demonstrate they are an “active business” despite having 5 or fewer full-time employees year-round.

This is an important document to read and provides you with a full understanding of tax issues for private campgrounds that can save you overpaying taxes.

Note: The guide also applies to small lodging businesses that employ 5 or fewer employees year-round.

TIABC has had numerous conversations with government officials (as recently as last month) about how many campgrounds are unfairly assessed by Revenue Canada and consequently pay too much in taxes. Advocacy work on this file by CCRVC, BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association, TIABC and other partners will continue until the regulations are changed.

Read the guide HERE.

UPDATE - Boating BC with input from other Marine Trade Associations (MTAs) have been conducting an ongoing survey regarding the loss of sales and employment due to the federal government’s luxury tax. The survey has now come to a conclusion.

Boating BC will be conducting a new survey for the coming year to track lost business and revenues. In the meantime, the current survey data shows the devastating effects of the tax on the industry but does not capture all the lost sales and opportunities from those dealers and brokers who chose not to order boats in anticipation of not being able to sell them in a timely manner.

Lost jobs in Sector: 24 technicians, 3 sales staff, 18 yard staff and 24 operations.

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The infographic demonstrates the loss of sales and government tax revenue as a result of this regressive and poorly implemented tax. You are encouraged to share this graphic with your local MP with a copy to the Minister of Finance.

HERE is a link to all the MPs in BC and the Finance Minister's office HERE.

Boating BC and their counterparts are continuing to work to have the tax removed, but need the help of all their members to be pushing hard as well.

With temperatures on the rise across several regions of B.C., WorkSafeBC is reminding employers to be aware of heat-related risks to their workers — both indoors and outdoors — and to implement measures to keep workplaces safe.

WorkSafeBC has developed a booklet that provides a basic overview of risk factors that increase the chances of experiencing heat stress, how to prevent heat stress, and how to recognize and treat heat-related illnesses.

Whether you are a worker or an employer, this booklet contains information essential to health and safety.

For more information, visit the WorkSafeBC heat stress webpage.

DoorDash Canada is rolling out a program where it will provide an "undetermined" number of $10,000 grants to restaurants that have been hit by natural disasters.

Applicants must meet all of the below criteria, as listed in the Terms and Conditions, to be eligible for this opportunity.

Be a for-profit restaurant, gastropub or bakery with a brick & mortar location in Canada that:

Applications must be submitted within 12 months of the declared disaster. Grants can be used to cover expenses directly related to an eligible disaster.

Applications for Round 1 of the grant must be submitted by September 29th at 11:59 PM ET. 

Learn more and apply HERE.

Sophie Pierre has had a life long remarkable journey. She helped turn adversity into triumph and transformed a painful history into a symbol of resilience and prosperity.

To mention a few accolades, Sophie has served on the council of the ʔaq'am band for 30 years, served as the tribal chair of the Ktunaxa Nation Council for 25 years, was recognized with the Order of Canada in 2016, has become a passionate speaker and knowledge keeper, as well as advocated and built partnerships to support the iconic Indigenous product, mission, vision and values.

Last year, TIABC was honoured to have Sophie Pierre as a key spokesperson in our Value of Tourism to Reconciliation video, produced to highlight the positive impact of Indigenous culture to BC's tourism industry.

TIABC's Board and staff offer our sincere gratitude to Sophie for her tireless work on advocating for truth, reconciliation and change and extend warmest wishes for her future endeavours.

Read the full tribute to Sophie Pierre in the e-Know article by Ian Cobb HERE.

Photo: St. Eugene Resort CEO and TIABC Board member Sandra van Steijn (left), presenting Sophie Pierre with a special retirement gift.

The BC Destination Marketing Organization Association (BCDMOA) recently held their first meeting of the new Board and one of the first orders of business was to elect Officers for the 2023-2024 term.

Returning as Chair is Nancy Small (Tourism Richmond) who will continue to represent the 51 members of the BCDMOA through continued engagement with industry leaders such as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, Destination BC, go2HR, TIABC, BCHA, and presence on the provincial Tourism Emergency Management Committee.

During the recently held strategic planning session for the BCDMOA, Nancy Small explained that “as the industry moves into the next phase of rebound, building community resiliency will be critical for DMO's in the months and years ahead.” 

The BCDMOA Board for the 2023-2024 term are:

1. Nancy Small (Chair), Tourism Richmond

2. Colin Carson (Vice-Chair), Tourism Prince George

3. Blain Sepos (Past-Chair), Parksville, Qualicum Beach Tourism

4. Liz Smaha (Treasurer), Kermodei Tourism

5. Allison Colthorp, Tourism Chilliwack

6. Monica Dickinson, Tourism Kamloops

7. Kelley Glazer, Destination Osoyoos

8. Carly Pereboom, Tourism Nanaimo

9. Chris Peters, Tourism Burnaby

10. Meghan Tabor, Tourism Revelstoke

11. Lesley Weeks, Tourism Squamish

BCDMOA is a non-profit society advocating for BC’s community-based destination marketing organizations that represent over $60 million in hotel tax spending on strategic tourism marketing, management and destination development projects.

Learn more about the BCDMOA HERE.

If visiting gardens during your travel plans this year, Gardens BC has launched their new, resourceful website to help you find what you’re looking for.

The new site offers tourists and locals alike the best spots to stop and smell the flowers, with a comprehensive guide to exploring the diverse and captivating gardens located throughout British Columbia. The new site identifies popular amenities and activities at each garden, and for those who enjoy a true hands on experience, there is also plenty of gardening education available for those with green thumbs.

Visit the new website HERE.

The Business Research and Sustainability Specialist works with the VP Strategy, Governance and Stakeholder Engagement to collect, collate, analyze and report on information that supports Destination Greater Victoria (DGV) and its stakeholders in informed decisions. This role will also work with the Director Public Affairs, Destination Stewardship and Sustainability to research, develop, support and promote all aspects of DGV’s sustainability work, programs and engagement.

This role helps in identifying opportunities for sustainability initiatives, develops materials and information to underpin the organization’s sustainability work, and connects with and supports DGV’s members and other stakeholders regarding sustainability programs, issues and the circular economy. The Business Research and Sustainability Specialist also measures and monitors DGV’s sustainability impact and provides insights to inform strategic decision making.

Learn more and apply HERE.

Visit Penticton has just released a new fun and informative video about the name “Penticton,” including where the name comes from and history of the area.

The name "Penticton" pronounced 'pen-TIK-tən' comes from the nsyilxcən word "snpintktn." Penticton has commonly been translated as “a place to stay forever,” but more accurately means “a place where people have always been all year long," or "The Always Place."

Anona Kampe, of the Penticton Indian Band in the Syilx Okanagan Nation, provide some background and history on the name Penticton or snpintktn.

Meet Kathy MacRae, Executive Director of the Commercial Bear Viewing Association (CBVA) and member of TIABC' Policy Committee to learn more about why her organization became a member of TIABC and why she encourages other businesses and organizations to consider a membership.

Your support and engagement is vital to ensuring businesses, DMO's and sectors are united and speaking with one voice on issues that impact BC's tourism industry.

Would you like to be featured in our weekly Voice of Tourism, social channels and on our website? TIABC member testimonials provides 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

We strongly encourage you to consider membership or renew your membership with TIABC 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.

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) are happy to announce an exceptional offer to TIABC members! Effective now, TIABC members in good standing can enrol in TIAC’s Associate Program FOR ONLY $25.

TIAC is the national voice for the travel and tourism sector and acts on behalf of Canadian tourism businesses promoting and supporting policies, programs, and activities that will benefit the sector’s growth, development, and prosperity.

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.

Contact info@tiabc.ca for more information or visit our website HERE.

Aimed squarely at the tourism and hospitality sector, the Propel Student Work Placement Program is helping the hardest-hit sector recover from the devastating impacts of the pandemic

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program, Propel offers post-secondary students opportunities to develop the work-ready skills required to secure meaningful employment upon graduation.

Qualifying employers are provided with a wage subsidy for each qualifying student hired through the program.

Date: July 17

Time: 10:00 am (PT)

Learn more about the program and register HERE.

The BC Museum Association (BCMA) and go2HR are partnering to host a webinar about Preparing and Responding to Challenging Guest Interactions. Topics included in this webinar are:

go2HR Vancouver Island HR Consultant, Peter Charles will also be doing a Q&A session.

Date: July 19

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Visit HERE to learn more about this webinar and to register.

Vancouver 13th Annual Tournament

July 17 - Westwood Plateau

Victoria 9th Annual Tournament

August 23 - Olympic View

If you want to become a sponsor for any (or all) tournaments, contact Samantha at samantha@sasparilla.ca our Event Manager or Mike Macleod, Golf Committee Chair at mike@bcha.com

The 30th Annual Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Golf Tournament will be hosted at Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops.

Date: Thursday, August 24th

The event comes with a full day of food, drink, and fun and is a fundraiser to create bursaries to support tourism students from Thompson Rivers University, University of BC Okanagan, and Okanagan College.

Learn More & Register HERE.

You are invited to join Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country for the 2024 Half Corked Marathon

The 2023 Half Corked was so much fun for everyone involved that organizers are already preparing for 2024! They are offering the opportunity to “Skip The Lottery” and purchase tickets to the highly anticipated 2024 Half Corked Marathon, taking place in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country on Saturday May 25th, 2024.

This is your chance to secure a spot at the 2023 pricing, $265 plus tax.

Visit HERE to learn more and to purchase 2024 tickets.

Ready, set, network! Join us for an evening connecting with your fellow women of WORTH. Why you need to attend:

You'll network with some influential women of recreation, tourism and hospitality - it's free! Plus, your first drink is on us.

You’ll learn about WORTH's upcoming programs and events and how you can get involved

You’ll have a chance to win great door prizes

Date: July 17

Location: GLOWBAL, 590 W. Georgia St.

Time: 5-7PM (Speed Networking starts at 5:30pm)

Reserve your spot HERE.

A friendly reminder that the registration for the upcoming Hidi Nishi Classic Golf Tournament is now open!

Date: Wednesday, July 19

Venue: Tsawwassen Springs Golf Club - 5133 Springs Boulevard

Tee off Time: 12:00 pm (Noon) - subject to change

Format: Standard Tee off format

Please join in for a fun-filled day of golf and dinner! An optional activity will be available for non-golfers. Please visit HERE to learn more.

Suppliers sponsoring golfers and dinners will get priority in foursome and table assignments.

To Register: Email the CITAP+ office at info@citap.ca to be invoiced for your preferred activities/ sponsorships. Please indicate the number of individuals that will be in attendance.

The Abbotsford International Airshow has grown to become one of the Fraser Valley’s largest and most exciting annual events.

Dates: Aug. 11, 12 & 13

Location: Abbotsford International Airport

Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now! Early Bird ticket access is EXCLUSIVE to Airshow Insiders.

Learn more about the event performers and event attractions HERE.

The Northern BC Tourism Association will be holding their annual Summit, and you are encouraged to mark your calendar.

The Road Forward is the theme for the 2023 Summit. The sector has taken continual hits from natural disasters and global pandemics to economic pressures and this year is our opportunity to come back together and plot the road forward together.

Date: October 11-13

Location: Ramada Hotel, 444 George Street, Prince George

Learn more and register HERE.

The highly anticipated second annual SPARK BC Hotel and Liquor Conference is back!

BC’s Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) and the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) are joining forces once again to bring together industry experts in hospitality, liquor retail, and accommodation.

This event offers an unparalleled opportunity for liquor and hospitality businesses across BC to network with like-minded professionals, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights from informative sessions and speakers.

Date: October 16 and 17

Location: Anvil Centre, New Westminster

Learn more HERE.

The BCRFA BC Restaurant Hall of Fame is returning. The BC dining scene is recognized across the country as industry and trend leading.

The highlight of the evening is the 2023 BC Restaurant Hall of Fame awards presentation. This year’s inductees will join the almost 100 individuals whose contributions have been forever commemorated in the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame to date.

Date: October 23

Location: Italian Culture Club, Vancouver

Tickets to attend the Inductee Evening are now on sale and are available HERE.

The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association will be holding it's 46th Annual General Meeting & Industry Conference. You are encouraged to mark your calendar.

Date: November 1-2

Location: Copper Point Resort - Invermere

Details to follow in the months ahead!

Be sure to save the date for Boating BC’s 2023 conference. There will be world class speakers, great discussions and amazing entertainment at the Cascades Casino.

Marina night will be on November 20th. Please mark the dates in your calendar - more information to be shared soon.

Date: November 21-22

Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott, 6055 Highway 17A, Delta

Planning for the 2024 Tourism Industry Conference has already begun, and you are encouraged to "Save the Date" for this must attend conference. The conference will be held at the Victoria Conference Centre, March 6 & 7, 2024.

Stay tuned for updates on workshops, speakers, sponsor opportunities, daily activities, awards, as well as schedule and accommodation.

We look forward to seeing you in Victoria next year!

Drop us a line at info@tiabc.ca.

TIABC recognizes that our members, stakeholders and staff occupy the ceded, unceded and traditional territories of Indigenous Nations across British Columbia. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to live, work and play on the lands that our Indigenous friends and First Nations ancestors honour and care for.