My Dad taught me some common-sense, valuable lessons about money that have always stuck with me. I’m sure you can relate to some or all of these. For example: never spend more than you make; set aside a portion of every paycheque to give to charity; save for a rainy day (e.g. retirement portfolio, down payment on a house, for emergencies); pay off your credit cards every month; don’t spend money on stuff you don’t need; and if you borrow money for a major purchase such as a home, make sure you can afford the payments.

 

Basic, fatherly advice that has served me well for decades largely because I’ve always worked within an annual budget that compartmentalizes my fixed and variable costs (e.g. utilities, taxes, insurance, food, gas), as well as any discretionary expenses (e.g. dining out, entertainment, recreational activities, hobbies, travel). Sticking to a plan keeps me in check and makes my personal finances relatively easy to manage.

 

Contrast that with tourism businesses where the annual budgeting process is far more challenging these days with ever rising costs for rent, utilities, wages, goods and services, taxes, premiums, insurance…the list goes on and on. The financial pressure on operators is enormous and many are still barely making ends meet, especially given debt incurred during the pandemic.

 

Then there are government budgets. With so many demands by multiple stakeholders, not to mention the variables created by global events, market conditions and unforeseen crises, I can only imagine how complicated the budgeting process must be. At the same time, it doesn’t mean we turn a blind eye to omissions or misplaced spending.

 

As advocacy organizations, TIABC and our sector association partners across the country need to hold governments accountable for budget decisions and continue to press decision-makers on allocating funding to much needed tourism industry priorities.

 

In our province, government spending is pegged at some $81 billion for the fiscal year with expenses up nearly $6 billion over 2022/23. The federal government’s new budget is more than five times British Columbia’s with a deficit 10 times higher than ours.

 

Because the province’s priorities were outlined in cabinet ministers’ respective mandate letters last November, BC’s budget (introduced last month) contained few surprises. For the tourism sector specifically, there was a nominal lift to the Ministry of Tourism’s (Arts, Culture & Sport) base budget that includes the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) as a permanent line item. There were additional performance-based monies for Destination BC, as well as the third and final year of funding for destination development projects.

 

The feds offered support for a few priorities that our sector had been advocating for including more money for Destination Canada, funds to facilitate easier access to Canada from other countries, and additional dollars to support communities, small businesses and non-profit organizations to be distributed via regional development agencies (e.g. PacifiCan).

 

In the meantime, we continue to wait for the launch of the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy which will determine government priorities and corresponding financial support for our sector in the coming years. As well, TIABC will continue to advocate for access to contingency funds as necessary to help our sector deal with myriad challenges and opportunities as we continue to rebuild the visitor economy. For example, we need dedicated funding for tourism emergency management services at the provincial level. Federally, our industry needs further support for debt relief.

 

Admittedly, I had been procrastinating on setting up my 2023 budget prior to a recent visit to the grocery store where I again experienced sticker shock on the price of food. If my father was alive he would have said, “Son, if your income stays the same but your expenses have increased, you’ll need to cut back on discretionary spending.” Wait! What? I can’t do that.:)

 

Perhaps I’ll try fasting every other day.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

On March 28th, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, tabled Budget 2023 in the House of Commons.

The TIAC Team is currently reviewing the document in detail, but now provides a high-level overview of announcements related to the tourism sector.

TIAC noted they are pleased that the Federal Budget announced the first building blocks of the government’s new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy as Budget 2023 confirmed the government will present a new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy to chart a course for growth, investment, and stability in Canada’s tourism sector (Note: there has been no indication as to when). TIAC has been actively advocating for a Growth Strategy that is adequately financed.

In particular, TIAC applauds the Budget announcement to invest:

On March 29, the BC Chamber of Commerce responded to the Federal Budget 2023 and President and CEO Fiona Famulak noted “As is often the case, government budgets try to carefully balance managing economic realities alongside spending initiatives and policy priorities. This year’s budget is no different".

The BC Chamber of Commerce welcomed the federal government’s investment in green energy and continued support for the development of critical minerals through the introduction of the tax credit. In addition, further commitments to streamline regulatory processes that are vitally important for the resource sectors in our province.

The BC Chamber of Commerce would like to have seen the federal budget attach a higher priority to enacting changes that encourage economic growth, for example, measures to reduce the ever-increasing costs shouldered by small- and medium-sized companies that are the backbone of our economy.

The Chamber is concerned about the larger than forecasted deficits and the prospect of tax increases at a time when economic turbulence and a mild recession are expected.

Read the full response HERE.

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada is frustrated with the lack of long-term investment into one of Canada’s fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry.

As noted in ITAC's news release earlier this week, the organization is disappointed in the lack of investment into long-term and Indigenous-led initiatives required to secure the industry’s future, as well as support ITAC’s plan to make Canada the global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030, and that the Federal Budget short-sighted, $6 Billion 2030 potential for the Indigenous tourism industry.

Read the full response from ITAC HERE.

TIABC, along with our tourism and hospitality partners go2hr, and Destination BC, have collaborated to conduct a survey about the status of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) efforts of tourism and hospitality businesses around the province.

We ask that you take the anonymous DEIA survey to help inform DEIA needs, areas of focus, and our collective path forward. This survey provides an opportunity for meaningful DEIA engagement and open feedback, to gain a better understanding of DEIA efforts that will help lead us to a better future, together.

This DEIA survey is one initiative that supports the BC tourism industry’s continued learning journey as we collectively reflect on how we might better authentically represent communities in BC, understand how others encounter the world, and ensure tourism experiences are safe, accessible, and inclusive for everyone.

Note: This survey should only be completed by one person per business/association/organization, by an employee with the title of, or similar to: Owner, Vice President, General Manager, HR Manager, CEO, COO, or DEIA Specialist.

Please share this opportunity with your network(s) and help the survey team reach over 19,000 tourism and hospitality businesses, and various industry partners, across the province.

Does your tourism business currently hold a Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), or Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) loan? If so, TIAC wants to hear from you!

Last year, the government extended the repayment deadline for CEBA loan holders to qualify for partial loan forgiveness to December 31, 2023; but in recent months TIAC has heard from some operators that are concerned about their capacity to repay by then. As a result, TIAC is launching a study with Nanos Research to more fully understand the issue across Canada. The information obtained will provide TIAC with the critical information it needs to develop its strategic advocacy proposals to best serve the sector.

TIABC is excited to release episode #5 in our Voice of Tourism podcast series. In this episode, host Walt Judas speaks with Philip Mondor, President and CEO of Tourism HR Canada about the tourism workforce shortage in Canada and the issues associated with it, government policy, and other initiatives in the tourism labour market.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism podcasts feature interviews with some of the most respected professionals in the tourism industry and have been developed to provide TIABC members and stakeholders with insightful content and a unique perspective on industry developments, policy directives, the work that sector associations are doing, and the opportunities that exist for businesses, communities, and government within the visitor economy.

Now available on Spotify, or TIABC's website HERE.

Earlier this week, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) released its 2023-24 Action Plan. The plan outlines ITAC’s vision for rebuilding the Indigenous tourism industry to peak 2019 levels of $1.9 billion contribution to Canada’s GDP and 39,000 employed in the industry. The plan also provides insight into the ambitious plan for Canada to become the global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030 with an estimated contribution of $6 billion in GDP annually.

ITAC’s 2023-24 Action Plan builds upon its four-pillar approach to business launched in the 2022-23 Action Plan; Leadership, Partnerships, Development and Marketing.

Learn more and read the full action plan HERE.

On behalf of our industry partner ABLE BC, TIABC is sharing this week's news that the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) has updated the structural change application requirements for Liquor Primary, Liquor Primary Club, and Food Primary businesses. The LCRB released Bulletin 23-03: Structural change application requirements, updating which changes require an application for approval. This change eases red-tape and shortens wait times for hospitality businesses.

A licensee must apply for approval from the LCRB if they are planning a structural change that impacts the:

If you are planning to make your Temporary Expanded Service Area (TESA) permanent, you must apply for a structural change. While the TESA authorization has been extended to December 31, 2024, you are urged to make your structural change application at your earliest, as applications can take up to 10 months to process.

Learn more about Temporary Expanded Service Area HERE.

Also included in the federal government released Budget 2023, a decision was made to temporarily cap the inflation adjustment for excise duties on alcohol at two per cent, for one year only, as of April 1. This is instead of the planned 6.3 per cent increase. It is expected that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will officially publish the updated rates by the end of this week.

Read more on this announcement from ABLE BC Executive Director Jeff Guignard HERE.

Earlier this week, the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) released their 2022 Sightings and Sentinel Actions Report. The report provides a comprehensive overview of last year's 35,000+ wildlife reports and related activity in the Salish Sea. It also details more than 1,000 sentinel actions -- protective interventions performed by PWWA captains, naturalists, and crew members during the course of their wildlife tours.

This report highlights both how abundant whales are in BC waters as well the protective actions professional whale watchers take on the water to ensure those whales stay safe.

Learn more and read the full report HERE.

Prince of Whales has announced that it has become Biosphere Committed, an internationally recognized sustainability certification from Biosphere. This acknowledges Prince of Whales' unwavering commitment to sustainability and conservation efforts, which aligns with the company's core values. The goal of this program is to adopt a Sustainable Lifestyle and help achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Biosphere helps organizations define, organize, and make their sustainable goals and priorities visible from a single platform. This milestone and commitment to sustainability is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to conservation. Prince of Whales is dedicated to continuing to work towards a more sustainable future and is committed to doing its part to ensure the preservation of the environment for future generations.

To learn more about the Prince of Whales commitment to sustainability, watch the video in the link below.

Nancy Stibbard, owner and CEO of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and the Capilano Group is a BC Business Laureate. She will be inducted into the Laureates of BC Hall of Fame at the Gala and Induction Ceremonies on May 30th. Laureate criteria include possessing a vision unique among their peers, inspiring others by demonstrating exceptional leadership, achieving their goals, leading their lives with integrity, and building a legacy.

TIABC extends our congratulations to Nancy Stibbard on this well-deserved recognition.

WORTH Association is seeking to understand the status of gender equity initiatives, including beliefs and perceptions about equity efforts in British Columbia recreation, tourism and hospitality businesses.

Please complete this five minute survey to share your point of view.

BC's very own Rebecca Marino and her Team Canada teammates, Leylah Fernandez, Bianca Andreescu and Gabriela Dabrowski will take on Team Belgium in Vancouver, in the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, the World Cup of Women's Tennis. The tie is going to be a fabulous showcase of some of the best athletes our country, and the world, has to offer. By attending, watching and following, you're directly supporting and elevating women's sport in Canada.

Sport Hosting Vancouver is a proud supporter of the Billie Jean King Cup and together with our host partners, Tennis Canada, we are offering TIABC members 20% of single day ticket to cheer on Team Canada.

Date: April 14 - 15, at the Pacific Coliseum

On the ticket site, TicketLeader, at the top of the page click the link PROMO CODE and enter – 23BJKCUPCityVan – you will then be redirected to the BJKC Ticket Page to select your seats that will reflect the 20% discount.

Visit HERE for more information on the Billie Jean King Cup. For all ticketing inquiries, please contact tickets@tenniscanada.com

Tourism Week is an annual invitation for all tourism partners to come together to champion and promote Canada’s destinations, tourism businesses, and employees – from coast to coast to coast. After more than two devastating years for tourism, border restrictions have finally been removed. The rebuilding of Canada’s visitor economy is now underway, but there’s a long way to go before tourism reclaims being the $105-billion economic powerhouse it was pre-pandemic. That’s why this year’s theme is CANADA: Powered by Tourism!

TIABC will once again be partnering with Destination BC to introduce a number of initiatives or ideas for DMOs and businesses to implement. Preparation is currently underway as we gather and develop resources that will provide you with tools to help us spread the message that #BCTourismCounts. Until then, mark Tourism Week 2022 in your calendar and start preparing.

Coast Hotels Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of APA Hotels Canada, Inc. is one of North America's fastest-growing and Canada's largest hotel brands. With corporate offices in Vancouver and Seattle, Coast Hotels owns, manages and franchises hotels under the Coast Hotels brand and also manages properties independently.

Coast Hotels offers unique, one-of-a-kind properties throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Yukon, Alaska, California, Hawaii, and Washington State and offers a Coast Rewards loyalty program for guests.

Learn more about Coast Hotels HERE.

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.

It's finally here and with so many ways to celebrate, it's hard to choose just one. Wines of BC suggest tasting a new release, dining at one of our 'Best BC Wine Restaurants', or becoming the BC wine expert in your group by getting BC Wine Ambassador certified! Discover and enjoy new winery experiences such as relaxing yoga, live music in the vineyard or beautiful wine glass art.

Learn more about BC wines and find events taking place HERE.

Designed for DMO's, Visitor Centres, and Provincial Experience Sector Associations, Destination BC’s free, two-day Crisis Communication Planning training series will coach participants with a step-by-step approach to developing a crisis communication plan.

This practical training will share best practices for crisis communication management - how to prepare, how to respond, and how to learn from each crisis we face - to ensure your organization is ready to respond when the unexpected happens. Please note that this is an application-based program with very limited capacity - only one representative per organization will be accepted, so apply soon to reserve your spot. The seven-hour Crisis Communication Planning series is delivered across two days, with the next series scheduled for April 12 & 13, 2023.

Learn more and apply HERE.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is pleased to offer sustainability training, workshops and support completely FREE to industry. Made possible with the generous support of the Government of Canada through the Tourism Relief Fund, TIAC has secured the services of experts in the field to deliver a valuable program.

The program will be offered in cohorts, supporting participants to go deeper in sustainability and receive guidance on how to align with the UN SDGs and find practical actions to make tourism a force for good. This is a great learning and networking opportunity, with offerings including:

Learn more about the Path to Sustainable Tourism HERE. Space is limited, so sign up today!

The Pathway to Net Zero Carbon training MasterClass will provide participants with the key steps to measuring the carbon footprint of their organization based on the internationally accepted Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, and how to uncover the opportunities to both reduce emissions and save money. It is broken into the following three steps:

Step 1: The Carbon Challenge - review GHG accounting and reporting standards, and methods.

Step 2: How to Measure Your Carbon Footprint.

Step 3: We will help the participants on “How to Set Carbon Reduction Goals & Prioritize Actions based on a Net Zero Goal”.

This program includes three workshops:

Calling runners and wine lovers: There are a FEW special tickets to the 2023 Half Corked Marathon available now. Tickets cost $265 plus tax and booking fee and will be available for a limited time only.

Dates: Friday May 26th - Registration & Primavera | Saturday May 27th - Race Day, FinishLine Party

Visit HERE for more information and to register.

Over 50 tourism businesses and events are expected to be exhibiting at TRUE Penticton, and it is completely FREE to attend, but donations of food items for the Penticton Community Fridge and Pantry are accepted and greatly appreciated. There will be adventure operators, rentals and tour companies, festivals and events, wine and craft beer tastings, artisan food samples, a kids scavenger hunt as well as the opportunity to win fantastic prizes.

Date: April 2

Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Penticton Trade and Conference Centre

Visit HERE for more information and to register.

Housing a local workforce is among the most pressing matters facing mountain resorts today.

Industry experts from throughout North America will speak to mountain resort housing models utilized in Whistler before expanding the lens to explore mountain resort housing models throughout North America. The discussions will be followed by an opportunity for the audience to engage in a Q&A session.

Date: Thursday, April 27th

Time: 2:00pm-4:30pm (PT)

Location: Whistler Conference Centre

Tickets: $25 per person

Learn more and register HERE.

The CWSAA Spring and Trade Show returns this year in Whistler. Don't miss the biggest annual ski conference of the year and registrants have the option to enjoy the Sea to Sky Gondola tour or go on a ride and enjoy the experience on your own! go2HR and CMHA BC will also be doing a presentation together about psychologically safer workplaces for employers, supervisors and OHS professionals. Register today.

Dates: April 25th - 27th, Whistler

Learn more and register HERE.

Join the DGV Board of Directors and CEO Paul Nursey update to members about Destination Greater Victoria’s work and achievements, and plans looking forward. We will also be celebrating the Life Member Award and Miracle Award recipients. Following the business portion of the AGM, mix and mingle at the DGV members’ reception featuring complimentary appetizers, refreshments and a cash bar.

When: Friday, April 28

Time: 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm

      AGM from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

      Reception from 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Where: Inn at Laurel Point, Spirit Rooms, 680 Montreal Street, Victoria.

Learn more and register HERE.

Take advantage of the early bird rate and SAVE BIG! Early bird pricing ends March 17th and includes complete access to the industry welcome reception at BNA Brewing Co., all conference sessions, the Summit Marketplace, and the BC Hotel Association Award Gala and Reception.

Dates: May 1-2

Location: Delta by Marriott Hotels, Grand Okanagan Resort, Kelowna

Learn more and register HERE.

A world-class conference that connects international buyers with Canadian sellers of tourism products, this year’s Quebec City event will bring together approximately 1,700 tourism business leaders for more than 30,000 one-on-one appointments, experienced-based luncheons, exclusive breakfasts, and engaging networking opportunities. Get your brand in front of an audience with influence at RVC2023!

Dates: May 30 - June 2

Location: Quebec City

Learn more and register HERE.

This year’s AGM and Conference theme is Focusing Forward… Together.

Over the course of two days, public sector, private sector and Indigenous leaders will inspire us, challenge us to think outside-the-box and take steps to work together and chart a path to a future where businesses prosper, British Columbians thrive and communities flourish.

Date: May 31- June 2

Location: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, Whistler

Registration is now open! View the program and register HERE.

We are pleased to announce the dates for the next annual BCAC Conference. It will take place in Prince George, ("Base camp to the North" and home to YXS) at the "Courtyard by Marriott" hotel.

More information including conference theme, agenda, list of speakers, as well as hotel and travel partner recommendations to follow soon.

Questions or Sponsorships? Ask Dave!

The Art of Leadership Women focuses on the topics and trends most critical to leaders. This unique one-day conference features a riveting collection of world leaders, business icons, academics, and bestselling authors who inspire action.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn improved ways of leveraging their value, elevating their skills, and developing the strategies required to take their leadership and their organizations to the next level. This conference is not just for women, but for anyone who wants to champion change on behalf of women.

Date: June 6

Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

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.