While spending the better part of two days in a Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) board meeting onboard the Rocky Mountaineer last week, I learned a lot about my fellow directors from across Canada, partly because I asked a lot of questions.

Throughout our time together, I asked my professional colleagues to share more on their career journeys, home life, travels, what keeps them up at night, hobbies, and other stuff. In some ways I felt like I was recording another episode of TIABC’s Voice of Tourism podcast.

Aside from what I already knew about their jobs and positions, I found out interesting tidbits on various board members that I was previously unaware of. For example, Serge is a heavy metal fan; Nina is a German gourmet chef; Heidi renovates and flips houses; Mandy is a hard-core mountain biker; Michelle recently took up the clarinet; John is a reluctant owner of two sports teams; Matt, the lawyer-entrepreneur is also a small-town mayor; Christina produces maple syrup from her own farm; Philip paints acrylics of landscapes and animals…the list goes on. It’s amazing how much one can learn when curiosity is in your DNA.

As for the business of the board meeting itself, I was also able to enquire about some of the issues that TIAC is dealing with, which again proved to be helpful to inform TIABC’s work in collaboration with the PTTIA (Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Association) on similar challenges.

Later this month the PTTIA will meet face-to-face in Quebec City for the first time in over six months to discuss our governance model, policy priorities, partnership opportunities, and best practices, among other things. As part of our meeting, our group will have the opportunity to participate in a private Q&A session with federal Tourism Minister Randy Boissonnault. The aim is to find out what government is doing or planning to support the tourism sector as it continues to rebuild following the pandemic. Some of the questions PTTIA members are poised to ask include:

A. When will the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy be released and what might we expect? Will there be any new dollars attached to strategy initiatives?

B. How will government activate the tourism sector as a 7th Strategy Table as identified prior to the pandemic?

C. Will government consider a longer payback period on federal loan repayment terms to help operators who are struggling to meet their debt servicing obligations?

D. How will government support new product development and much-needed transportation infrastructure improvements?

E. Is government willing to address issues such as the luxury tax on boats, unfair taxation on private campgrounds, and arbitrary fishing closures that are wreaking havoc on sectors of the industry?

F. When will the tax nuance on foreign property owners in Sun Peaks, Apex, and Silver Star be repealed?

G. How can the tourism industry be better positioned to help government meet its biodiversity and climate-action targets? Will government prioritize and partner with the tourism sector on this priority?

H. How can the tourism sector, together with government, be better prepared for the likelihood of another major crisis like the recent pandemic?

There are many others to be sure. If there are specific issues you’d like me to focus on or questions to ask related to government policy, please drop me a line at your earliest convenience.

Last week I told my TIAC board colleagues that my first career was in broadcasting. Some asked if I ever had aspirations to re-enter the broadcast journalism field. The answer was emphatically no although the interviewing skills I learned at journalism school have come in handy for the podcast and other aspects of my job. Don’t be surprised if I asked you a pile of questions the next time we see each other face-to-face.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

Residents, travellers and campers are strongly urged to use caution and remain vigilant to prevent human-caused fires when enjoying the outdoors this weekend. With wildfires currently occurring in a few areas of BC, Destination BC has updated their emergency messaging for industry and consumers.

If you are currently visiting BC or planning a trip, find out the latest wildfire information and know before you go. If you are currently visiting BC or planning a trip, you can find on-the-ground information and support by visiting or calling a Visitor Centre in the area you are travelling. During your travels, make sure you take the necessary protocols to prevent and report wildfires. Report a wildfire by dialling *5555 on a cellphone or calling toll-free: 1-800-663-5555⁣.

In addition, government advised today, Category 2 and 3 open burning fires are now prohibited across the most of the province and campfires (known as Category 1) are prohibited throughout the Prince George Fire Centre. For information specific to your region, visit HERE.

TIABC's One Minute Monitor (OMM) is a short survey deployed as necessary to help us better understand members' views on pressing issues, and to help inform policy development and prioritize advocacy activities.

1. Do you support the idea of a province-wide (open) campfire ban between the months of May and October to help mitigate wildfires in British Columbia? YES or NO

2. Why or why not? Please explain.

The Province has announced upgrades and enhancements this summer to key highway rest areas to improve safety, accessibility and other amenities along BC's highways. 2023 improvements to include installing new lighting and signage, updating playground equipment, increasing accessibility, and improving rest area facilities, grounds and picnic areas for:

Learn more HERE.

The Province has announced impending upgrades to several regional airports to help support economic development, improve aviation services and safety, and enhance access to BC's rural and remote communities.

The Province is investing $19.8 million in the latest round of BC Air Access Program (BCAAP) projects, which will support 40 projects at 29 air facilities, improving safety, security and passenger facilities. Projects include runway extensions, improved runway lighting, pavement improvements, terminal enhancements and better fire protection.

Since its launch in 2015, BCAAP has committed $66.8 million in grants to infrastructure projects at 71 air facilities. The program is open to applicants from facilities that serve fewer than one million passengers per year.

Earlier this year, TIABC met with Transportation Minister Rob Fleming to appeal for additional aviation infrastructure funding, among other priorities. Learn more about the BC Air Access Program projects and communities that have received funding for 2023-24 HERE.

A new report released last week by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) revealed the Canadian Travel & Tourism sector continues to show strong signs of post-pandemic recovery.

According to the latest news, the WTTC says the industry is set to contribute $162.6 billion to the Canadian economy in 2023, up more than 17% from last year and the $173.9 billion posted in 2019.

Last year, spending from overseas travellers bound for Canada ballooned by 64% to $23 billion, the report said. Council president Julia Simpson said the trend is likely to continue, bringing the expected total this year closer to 2019’s $43 billion.

Beth Potter, who heads the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, said she expects domestic tourism spending to match pre-pandemic levels this year, but overseas visitors may not reach that peak until 2025. Business-related tourism likely won’t fully recover until 2026, she said.

WTTC is also forecasting that Travel & Tourism will create 90,000 jobs this year, recovering almost all of the jobs lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic to reach 1.64 million.

Read the full summary report HERE.

Last month, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and other BLG members submitted a joint letter to Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on how to incentivize older workers to participate in the labour force and delivered a few suggestions for government’s consideration on minimizing disincentives to work for older, or experienced, workers.

In summary, the following recommendations were put forward by the CFIB and participating BLG members:

1. Better communicating existing program provisions

2. Enhancing the Age credit amount

3. Rebasing the CPP basic exemption amount

4. Making Employment Insurance (EI) premiums voluntary for those 65 years of age or older (like the CPP)

The BC River Outfitters Association (BCROA) has written a letter to government requesting a change in the processes used for the adjudication of temporary foreign workers in the commercial river rafting industry.

As they explained, the rafting industry in BC and Alberta employs hundreds of trained, certified rafting guides annually from May to September. The industry is chronically short of Canadian qualified senior river guides and relies on hiring guides fro the international commercial rafting community to address the shortfall.

The BCROA has recommended that a practical solution would be a policy change to create two review streams; one for new applicants and one for returning applicants that would allow a returning applicant to be fast-tracked. Another would be creating multi-year work permits/company applications that are accessible to the commercial rafting industry.

The letter was sent May 12th to Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Honourable Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation, and Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.

Vancouver’s FIFA World Cup 26™ Official Host City Brand was unveiled this week, marking the beginning of the city’s journey to hosting the biggest single sport event in history, in a little over three years’ time.

Each of the 16 Host Cities is rolling out its own unique FIFA World Cup 26™ Official Brand look and feel. Vancouver’s design showcases vibrant, nature-inspired colours on dynamic patterns that represent the majestic mountains and the waters that surround the city.

Starting May 18th and leading up to 2026, Vancouverites and visitors to the city will be able to see the excitement visually at many places across the city.

FIFA World Cup 26™ will benefit the local economy significantly. Preliminary estimates by Destination BC and BC Stats show that the tournament could generate more than $1 billion for BC’s tourism sector during and in the five years following the tournament and an incremental 900,000 additional visitors to the province.

Read the full City of Vancouver news release HERE.

To learn more, visit www.vancouverfwc26.ca 

Since its launch in 2021, the Camper’s Code has seen over 2,500 take the online pledge to camp responsibly and follow the nine simple yet important and very necessary rules of the Camper’s Code.

To help keep the campaign momentum strong and continue to build awareness and support, the Camper’s Code has launched a humorous and cheeky animation series using Instagram reels to inspire a sense of shared responsibility, clarify appropriate camping behaviours, and ultimately help the 9 rules stick. The goal is to encourage campers to pledge to follow the Camper’s Code, to camp responsibly as a result, and to encourage their fellow campers to do the same.

The new campaign kicked off May 18th on the Camper’s Code Instagram and Facebook pages and is shared on partner Instagram and Facebook pages.

Jamie Cox, President of the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (and TIABC board member) said that “The goal of the Camper’s Code is to build more awareness about desired camper behaviours, educate new campers on acceptable behaviours, and to promote the sustainability of British Columbia as a destination for future generations to enjoy.”

Learn more and take the pledge to camp responsibly at camperscode.com.

Pour More BC Program

Wine Growers BC has launched Pour More BC, a hospitality program developed to support and promote BC restaurants with BC focused wine lists. The program is designed to benefit everyone involved - from the BC wineries crafting premium wines, to the restaurants serving by the glass or bottle, and finally to the consumers who enjoy them.

Eligibility for restaurants to the Pour More BC program is based on confirmation of a BC wine dominant wine list - then a listing on Wines of BC Best BC Wine Restaurants page. Pour More BC restaurants have also been added to the award-winning Wines of BC Explorer App.

Learn more about Pour More BC HERE.

It's Safe Boating Awareness Week (May 20-26) and Boating BC wish to remind everyone that as the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us find ourselves drawn to the beauty and tranquility of the water. Safe Boating Awareness Week is a crucial annual event that reminds us to prioritize water safety and make informed choices when venturing out onto the waves.

Here are some safe boating tips that you could provide to your to your customers:

Visit HERE to learn more about safe boating!

Hear from Rachela Pollock of Acera Insurance, a commercial insurance broker that specializes in outdoor recreation & adventure tourism. Rachela will discuss ways to have your insurance policy work better for you.

.

Join us to learn about how presenting your tourism business or association in the best light to underwriters can make all the difference on your premiums, along with insurance tips & tricks, understanding current market trends, and how claims have impacted the tourism industry as a whole. You won't want to miss this informative session.

Date: Tuesday, May 30

Time: 12:00 (Noon) - 1:00 pm via ZOOM

Reporting to the Tourism Inspiration Centre Manager and Indigenous Tourism Specialist, the Indigenous Cultural Ambassador (ICA) is a temporary, part-time, contract position onsite at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre outside Peachland. The ICA is a position created to deliver the activities associated with the Destination BC Indigenous Learning and Projects grant for the summer season 2023.

The objective of the project is to complement the existing Indigenous Artisan Trails (IArT) Venue which is located at the Tourism Inspiration Centre. The role of the ICA would be to engage and educate visitors to the centre while honouring Indigenous cultures, and promoting intercultural understanding and communication between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Learn more and apply 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.

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.

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.

Construction is expected to start work this June on a 139-room Hyatt Centric flagged hotel in Victoria, located on Broad Street.

The news was enthusiastically welcomed by Victoria's tourism sector. Paul Nursery, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria said downtown Victoria needs 400 to 600 new hotel rooms in the next 18 months to two years to stay competitive with other cities.

Read more about this project HERE.

Legally known as the Whistler Resort Association, Tourism Whistler is the non-profit member-based marketing and sales organization representing the resort community. The organization also operates the Whistler Conference Centre, the Whistler Golf Club, and the Whistler Visitor Centre, as well as Whistler.com - Whistler's official source for accommodation and activity bookings and information.

Formed in 1979, Tourism Whistler is responsible for promoting the resort as an international, four-season destination with the goal of increasing overnight visitation.

Tourism Whistler represents more than 7,000 members who own, manage and operate properties or businesses on resort lands including hotels, restaurants, activity operators and retail shops.

Learn more about Tourism Whistler HERE.

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.

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.

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.

With the busy summer season ahead, now is the time to think about how to keep your stress levels—and your team’s—in check. When work pressures increase and stress is not managed properly, it can lead to damaging effects both mentally and physically.

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (VCM) and go2HR invite tourism industry partners from the VCM region to join this special webinar.

Date: Wednesday, May 31

Time: 10:00-11:00 am

Learn about stress, our body’s response to it, and strategies for better managing it. You’ll leave with evidence-based tools that you and your employees can use to help shift out of fight-or-flight response and promote that ever elusive work-life balance.

Learn more and register HERE.

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is hosting its 2023 Auction in the month of May. The auction will be supporting Care Camps in Canada.

Care Camps are founded by campground owners and help kids with cancer get to experience the healing power of the outdoors by sending them to specialized oncology camps.

Donations can be made through the auction by visiting the website linked below, up until May 31st.

If you would like to donate a gift card or a gift certificate for the auction, please email Darlene@bclca.com or call 604-908-5594.

Visit the website for more information 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:

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”.

Date: Wednesday, May 24th, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

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

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, draft agenda, list of speakers, as well as hotel and travel partner recommendations is available HERE.

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.

Sport Events Congress, the largest annual gathering of everyone connected to the over $7.4 billion sport tourism industry in Canada, is a 3-day interactive and educational event. SEC23 has been designed to help facilitate the recovery of sport hosting. The SEC23 program is interactive, educational, offers opportunities for business-to-business networking, and evening social events

Date: June 6th - 8th

Location: Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel & Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel, Richmond

Learn more and register HERE.

BC's Family Fishing Weekend is an annual celebration of fishing that coincides with the Father’s Day weekend each year. In 2023, the three-day event falls on June 16th to 18th. This is a great chance to get together with family and friends, and try fishing! There are community events held around the province, with family-friendly fishing activities and education.

DYK - you can fish for free during the Father’s Day weekend and right through the third weekend in June (including the immediately preceding Friday), the provincial government waives the requirement for residents of Canada – individuals who have lived in Canada for the preceding 12 months – to buy or carry a non-tidal (freshwater) basic fishing licence. The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which manages fishing in tidal waters, also offers the opportunity to go saltwater fishing for free.

Check out the map of events on BC Family Fishing and learn more HERE.

Future Borders Coalition (FBC) members are invited to the Annual General Meeting and Air-Cruise Intermodal Roundtable event in Vancouver.

Date: June 22nd

Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, SFU

.

The roundtable picks up from where we left off in Ottawa in April, with a specific emphasis on Cruise to Air transfers and planning for FIFA World Cup 2026. The event is hybrid, so if you can’t make it in-person, please register to attend virtually.

Learn more and register HERE.

The 21st Annual Coast Hotels Shuhachi Naito Golf Classic will take place and will begin with a 12:00 Noon shotgun start in a Texas Scramble format. Last year, the tournament raised $80,000.00 for designated charities.

Date: July 13

Location: Tsawwassen Springs Golf Club, Delta

The two beneficiaries this year are once again the ALS Society of BC and the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. Due to the success of this event, more than 50% of this year's playing spots have already been pre-sold.

Learn more and register HERE.

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 BCRFA BC Restaurant Hall of Fame is returning. The BC dining scene is recognized across the country as industry and trend leading. Gather to celebrate the individuals and businesses whose vision, creativity and unbelievable hard work made this possible by inducting them into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame.

Date: October 23

Location: Italian Culture Club, Vancouver

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