When car manufacturers introduced vehicles with DVD players, I thought nothing of piling the kids into our new mini-van and driving 18 hours straight to Christopher Lake in Northern Saskatchewan to stay with family at the cottage. Playing videos as we travelled stopped the kids from asking, are we there yet? every 10 minutes and also kept me awake (along with several cups of coffee). We did that trip so often, I knew every line in the movie School of Rock even though I never actually saw the film.

 

For the most part, the days of long drives for vacation are over for me, but not necessarily so for business trips. Case in point…this week I put upwards of 1,700 kms on my rental car in three days travelling from the Vancouver Coast & Mountains region, to the Thompson Okanagan, on to the Kootenay Rockies region, then to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, and back home again.

 

Given how difficult it was to find convenient flights, I chose to drive an average of seven hours each day to allow me to get to various destinations on time. Although it was somewhat tiring, I thoroughly enjoyed criss-crossing BC, while taking in the incredible scenery and experiencing fall and winter-like weather along the way.

 

In Castlegar, I had the good fortune of attending the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association annual general meeting and conference where I met with and presented to colleagues/friends, many of whom I hadn’t seen since before COVID.

 

Same for 100 Mile House, where I presented to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) AGM and conference (along with Ingrid Jarrett & Richard Porges). Again, it was good to be among friends and colleagues, especially CCCTA CEO Amy Thacker who is back in the saddle after an extended leave.

 

My presentations focussed on seven areas with three main points in each. To begin with, I spoke about the changing political climate in BC with 70 new mayors taking their positions this month, along with a new premier about to assume the province’s top job, and a new tourism minister at the helm as of a few weeks ago.

 

I referenced three recent TIABC policies (camping reservations, short-term vacation rentals, highway signage); three budget requests to government (emergency management funding for tourism, RMI security, infrastructure funding); three challenges to tourism growth (transportation, housing, workforce); three requests to the federal government (develop tourism assets, improve visitor access; create Indigenous workforce strategy); three sector opportunities (tourism renewal, reconciliation, regenerative tourism); and three bits of information on TIABC (member survey, AGM, BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference).

 

It was a bit of a whirlwind trip to be sure but so worth it for many reasons. Contrary to the days when I listened to kids’ movies on road trips, there were long stretches where I had neither cell service or a radio station to listen to, let alone a DVD player. Even my hybrid rental car made little noise other than the sound of rubber on pavement at high speeds. I tried at times to recite lines from School of Rock to stay awake and alert. Sadly I couldn’t remember many.

Walt Judas,

CEO, TIABC

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Finance introduced Bill 42 – 2022: Provincial Sales Tax Amendment Act, 2022 into legislature which will present a new Major Events Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) of up to 2.5% on short-term accommodation sales.

The Major Events MRDT is a time-limited, dedicated funding tool that communities can apply for through Destination BC. Communities will need support and prior approval from the minister responsible for tourism and the minister of finance to help ensure the tax is dedicated and applied as intended, and that it is time-limited and subject to public reporting and transparency.

The City of Vancouver has asked the Province to temporarily raise the MRDT charged on purchases of accommodation within the city to help pay for the cost of planning, staging and hosting FIFA 2026 matches. The Province is working with Vancouver on how the new Major Events MRDT could be applied within the city.

Yesterday, the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) advised they are working with the Hotel Association of Vancouver (HAV), the Province of British Columbia, and the City of Vancouver to determine the collection amount, duration, and overall workability of this regulation as it relates to the 2026 World Cup.

BC has become the first province in Canada, and one of a handful of jurisdictions in North America, to implement a permanent cap on fees charged by food-delivery companies.

The Food Delivery Service Fee Act has received Royal Assent in the Province of British Columbia and will now provide more cost certainty to restaurant and bar owners throughout the province. BC's cap limits the fees for core services that delivery companies can charge restaurants to no more than 20% of the dollar value of an order.

According to the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, BC's restaurants were closed fewer days than any other jurisdiction in North America. The Food Delivery Service Fee Act joins other ongoing supports, including the ability of bars and tourism operators with liquor licences to purchase beer, wine and spirits permanently at wholesale prices and the authorization of thousands of Temporary Expanded Service Areas, helping businesses weather the pandemic and serve more patrons while complying with health orders.

The Food Delivery Service Fee Act also prohibits delivery companies from reducing driver compensation, ensuring employees and contractors continue to be paid their wages and gratuities.

Read the official government announcement HERE.

The final cruise ship of the season has departed from the Port of Vancouver, completing a comeback year for the local cruise industry, following a two-year hiatus due to pandemic restrictions.

There were a record 306 cruise ship visits to Vancouver in 2022, an increase of 6% compared to 2019.

While passenger numbers were expectedly lower in 2022 as people slowly returned to their pre-pandemic travel habits, occupancy levels gradually increased throughout the season and are expected to average approximately 70% for the year. This would mean approximately 815,000 passenger visits to Vancouver in 2022, compared to approximately 1.1 million in 2019.

Based on preliminary bookings, in 2023 there will be 334 visits to the Canada Place cruise terminal at the Port of Vancouver. If the industry continues to have normal capacities, Vancouver could have a record 1.3 million cruise passenger visits in 2023.

Next year’s cruise season could bring a record one million passengers to Victoria’s Ogden Point, now that the industry is rebounding from the pandemic, says the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority’s CEO, Ian Robertson.

Robertson made the prediction while marking the final ship visit for 2022, a year that broke records for the number of ship visits and passengers landing at Ogden Point, as the Alaska cruise route rebounded from two seasons of pandemic shutdown.

Ogden Point saw a total of 329 cruise-ship visits this year, up from the previous record of 257 in 2019, Robertson said.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are important elements in sustainable labor recovery. But what do these really mean in the workplace context? While businesses are aware of the importance of these elements, many are often unsure where to start.

go2HR is committed to building strong and safe workplaces. We have engaged ParriagGroup, a leading EDI firm, to build a webinar that deepens our understanding of EDI and how to start reshaping the workplace.

Date: November 24th | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm (PT)

What participants can expect:

• learn what is generally meant by the terms equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)

• learn why it is so important from both a people and a business perspective

• receive an introduction to the EDI Framework

• learn how the EDI Framework can be used

This is the beginning of our EDI initiative aimed at creating respectful workplaces for all. Please join us in this important journey toward a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse tourism and hospitality industry in BC.

DR. AMANDA PARRIAG has a wealth of experience in diversity, equity and inclusion, focused on both the engagement and innovative ways to gather data. Amanda has been engaging with diverse and racialized communities, across Ontario and nationally, using a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and evidence-based approach. Amanda recently carried out engagement sessions with Black, Indigenous and racialized employees working for the Ontario Public Service.

ERIN BULL is based in Vancouver and holds a Bachelor of Arts - Honours (Global Studies and Women and Gender Studies) with Distinction. She is a smart and thoughtful researcher who specializes in qualitative analysis, carrying out environmental scans, reviewing sensitive writing, and conducting and analyzing interview and focus group data. Erin regularly works with diverse populations on a number of research and evaluation projects, including those with focuses on racialized populations, Indigenous communities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people

PAUL CHAULK has a Masters of Science degree in Experimental Psychology from Memorial University and is a ‘Credentialed Evaluator’ (CE) professional designation (see https://evaluationcanada.ca/about-the-ce-designation), and 20+ years experience as a researcher, evaluator, and consultant in the health, labour market, more recently in workplace sexual harassment and gender-based violence (as an ally), and other fields. He has worked with Amanda Parriag and ParriagGroup continuously since 2003.

Earlier today, Greg D’Avignon, President and CEO of the Business Council of BC advised the Business Council’s Executive Committee of his decision to leave the organization in pursuit of another opportunity.

To ensure an orderly transition of leadership, Greg will stay in his role into early 2023. In the intervening period, Cheryl Maitland Muir will be stepping in as deputy CEO to support the transition and provide continuity with the staff and executive.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) announced yesterday the recipient of its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for 2022, Bill Knowlton. A seasoned professional and accomplished leader with more than five decades in the industry, Bill’s storied career has taken him from tour directing for Tauck Tours in the 1970’s to becoming a partner at Jonview Canada where he was instrumental in growing the company to become one of the country’s leading inbound receptive tour operators.

TIAC will be honouring Bill with the Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala ceremony on November 23rd during its Tourism Congress 2022. Earlier this week, the finalists were announced for the the Canadian Tourism Awards which will also be recognized at the gala.

TIABC extends our warmest congratulations to Bill Knowlton on this prestigious recognition.

The Board of Directors of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, has announced that Peter Lawless has stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Highly respected in Canadian sport, Peter has devoted his life to the Olympic and Paralympic movement, helping athletes realize their potential and achieve their dreams. A former Vice President of the Canadian Olympic Committee, and current Director of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Peter has been responsible for helping to shape the strategy and direction for sport in Canada, ensuring continued podium success and the advancement of Olympic and Paralympic values throughout the Canadian sporting community.

Deeply involved with the Canadian Forces’ program for ill and injured service personnel, SoldierOn, Peter has been a part of every Invictus Games since 2016 in roles from serving as the Head Coach of the Canadian Team to being a key member of the bid committee that was awarded the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.

Tourism Richmond is seeking a hybrid Operations and Governance Manager.

To learn more and to apply, visit HERE.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the General Manager of Community Engagement and Cultural Services is accountable for the overall direction and management of the Community Engagement and Cultural Services Division. This role leads the assessment and creation of strategic engagement and cultural development initiatives that support the resort community as it evolves to meet the needs of the community, visitors and environment.

The General Manager leads the Division in its responsibility for managing how the organization supports and interacts with residents in Whistler while also designing and implementing programs and services that the RMOW offers to visitors. This includes advancing the Arts, Nature and Heritage components of the Official Community Plan, which includes building capacity within the resort community, and providing opportunities for the community and visitors to share and experience the uniqueness of Whistler in its entirety – its landscape, lifestyle, arts, heritage, built environment, narratives and stories.

To learn more and to apply, visit HERE.

11:00 AM - Reports of the Society and election of directors

12:00 PM - Complimentary lunch for AGM attendees

12:30-2:00 PM - Presentation and workshop with guest speaker, Joanna Jagger, founder & president, WORTH (Women of Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality) Association

Joanna will be delivering an interactive workshop exploring systemic industry barriers that harm women, and share solutions on retaining and developing female leaders.

We’ll examine how micro-aggressions, overt discrimination and problematic behaviours are being called out by communities that are collectively demanding action. Learn how organizations are responding and leading with empathy. If we are to “build back better”, we must all be held accountable to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Participants will receive a gender equity audit with tools to improve workplace policies and practices based on research conducted by Capilano University's School of Tourism, The Sociable Scientist, and WORTH Association.

Thank you to our sponsors The Fraser Valley DMOs and Fortis BC.

The Backcountry Lodges of BC Association (BLBCA) Mountain Escapes Podcast with backcountry veteran Brad Harrison is back! In this episode, Brad sits down with Thomas Grandi and Sara Renner owner/operators of Talus Lodge. They were both Olympians and World Cup skiing multi-medalists before taking over Talus Lodge. Recounting those experiences as well their joy in raising a young family in BC’s backcountry highlight this podcast. Thanks for tuning in to their Backcountry Podcast.

The Vancouver Island Region now has a series of Accessible Travel Guides to serve travellers of all abilities.

The new Accessible Travel Guides highlight accessible tourism products within 17 participating Vancouver Island communities, providing recommendations and sharing trip considerations.

With the support of 4VI (formerly Tourism Vancouver Island), Spinal Cord Injury BC, Destination British Columbia, and a group of Community Destination Management Organizations, each guide was developed by working in collaboration with travellers with both visible and invisible disabilities.

The Accessible Travel Guides serve to provide representation for travellers with disabilities and to support them with practical information that preserves their enjoyment and dignity while visiting. They also provide businesses with access to information and resources to better understand barrier-free access to their services.

The information gathered in the Accessible Travel Guides is based on consultations with accessibility experts and partners identified by CDMO's and first-hand experience while visiting each community.

Many of the participating CDMO's have already launched accessibility pages on their respective websites. Participating community partners include Comox Valley, Cowichan Region, Nanaimo, Parksville Qualicum Beach, Tofino, Ucluelet, Vancouver Island North, and Victoria.

It’s essential for tourism destinations to support and give back to their communities. Tourism Revelstoke has implemented regenerative tourism campaigns to allow visitors to actively volunteer and support the community, creating authentic experiences in Revelstoke.

By tracking visitor spending, Tourism Revelstoke concluded that approximately $50,000 was spent at Revelstoke businesses over the two weekends (including accommodation). Participating visitors experienced a deeper connection to the Revelstoke community and had an authentic Revelstoke experience, encouraging repeat visitation.

Learn more about the Gold Rush Trail HERE.

The Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) is a not-for-profit trade association that represents the Ski Areas of Western Canada. Its primary areas of focus are safety and risk management, sustainable market growth, people and talent development, and government advocacy.

Ski areas in Western Canada attract 9.5 million alpine skier visits and generate $2.1 billion in spending annually. They employ 28,600 people (19,000 FTEs) and provide an economic cornerstone for the winter tourism industry.

Click HERE to learn more about the CWSAA.

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.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic TIABC identified your concerns, raised your voice, championed your needs, pushing for support and programs while encouraging policy changes.

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.

Indigenous Peoples have always held and followed protocols; steps and actions that are taken to guide behaviours and actions while on the land. The panel discussion will explore how the recreation community can learn and better understand these practices, support and integrate them into their own recreational activities, and how they can help foster authentic and meaningful reconciliation.

Host and moderator: Patrick Lucas, Registered Professional Planner and Founder and Director of the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program.

Co-host: Tom Eustache, Director of Trails and Public Works, Simpcw First Nation.

The panellists are Chelsie McCutcheon, Sage Kruger and Jay Roque.

Date: Tuesday, November 8th

Time: 7-8:30 PM (PT)

Cost: Free

The panel discussion will be followed by a live Q&A.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Designed for destination management or marketing organizations, visitor centres, and provincial experience sector associations, this 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.

Whether your organization needs to refresh its existing crisis communication plan or needs help getting started, this training series will give you the information, best practices, and tools to be prepared, responsive, and responsible in a crisis.

Note: Due to limited capacity, only one representative from any organization will be accepted to participate.

Click HERE for more information and to apply.

The BC Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome John Horgan as he wraps up five years as Premier of British Columbia. First elected to the legislature in 2005, Mr. Horgan became Premier in 2017, and is BC's longest-serving NDP Premier. a cancer survivor, Premier Horgan announced he would be stepping down as premier and leader of his party in June.

In an exclusive on-stage conversation with CKNW's Simi Sara, Premier Horgan will provide his candid perspective on his time in politics, the accomplishments and challenges faced by his government, and offer practical insights into BC's post-pandemic political economic future.

Date: Thursday, November 17th

Location: Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver

11:30 am Registration

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Event Program

1:30 pm Event Close

The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is joining forces with the experts at go2HR and CMHA for a special webinar event to support with industry health and safety. Join the Canadian Mental Health Association's Aaryn Secker, and Go2HR’s Shane Lobsinger to explore more deeply the importance of mental health and wellbeing on the job, and other topics related to injury prevention and risk management in the workplace.

Date: November 23rd - 10:30 am (PT)

Click HERE to register for the webinar.

You are invited to join in for a weekend of arts collaboration, engaging dialogue and live performances to inspire the creative in you. Events take place at the Evergreen Cultural Centre.

Visit HERE to learn more and to purchase tickets.

After several years of virtual-only meetings, we are thrilled to announce that this year's Fall Forum and AGM will be held together, in person, on the Northern Sunshine Coast.

Please mark your calendars and watch for further details about this year's AGM in our October newsletter. We will also have information about hotel rates and transportation for those travelling from the Southern Sunshine Coast or beyond.

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and ABLE BC have partnered to bring the first ever BC Hotel & Liquor Conference.

Date: Tuesday, November 15th

Location: Granville Island, Waterfront & Nest Theatres, Vancouver.

The event will include targeted industry sessions, the BCHA AGM, a special lunch at Dockside restaurant, networking reception, and much more. All industry members are welcome.

Your feedback is critical in our efforts to produce a conference that will be impactful and engaging. Please reach out to BCHA Communications Manager, Kelsey Millman, at kelsey@bcha.com to share your insights on what topics you'd like addressed.

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.

The SFI Big Splash Annual Gala & Fundraiser and Policy Conference returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre. The Conference will be held during the day beginning with a buffet lunch from 11:30. An agenda and full speakers list will be made available in advance. Presentations and remarks will be provided from a variety of perspectives regarding this year's theme: Selective Fishing: Achieving a Balance.

Date: November 18th,

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre - West

Visit HERE to learn more, to register and purchase tickets.

The industry first hit, hardest hit, and last to recover continues to confront economic challenges. Over the last two years, while there have been many lessons learned, we are ready to RISE, REBUILD, and REIMAGINE.

The two-day, in-person event will host over 400 delegates from across the country, feature 11 thought-provoking sessions, and offer valuable networking opportunities. Following the Tourism Congress, join the celebrations at the 2022 edition of the Canadian Tourism Awards.

Dates: November 22-23

Location: The Westin, Ottawa

Visit HERE to learn more, to register and purchase tickets.

The 2022 Boating BC Conference entitled “Winds of Change” will explore our current business landscape and delve into “what’s next”. Learn from leading experts in business development, customer retention and industry best practices over two days of in-person sessions, keynotes and social activities. Safety protocols will be in place to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.

If you operate a marina and are attending the conference, be sure to join us Monday evening (November 21) for Marina Night. The evening includes guest speakers and networking.

Dates: November 22-23

Location: Sheraton Vancouver Airport, Richmond

Visit HERE to learn more, to register and purchase tickets.

This year’s agenda features plenty of time for networking and reconnecting with your tourism peers in the region.

Hear from keynote speaker Tewanee Joseph, CEO of the Tewanee Group, a First Nations owned and operated company that delivers meaningful partnerships, communications strategies and planning, and training in communications and inclusivity.

Topics will also include the importance of creating a respectful workplace to retain staff, Indigenous tourism capacity building, and an update on Destination BC’s Invest in Iconics Strategy.

Date: Tuesday, November 29th, 9am - 4pm (PT)

Location: Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier, North Vancouver - 138 Victory Ship Way

Register through Eventbrite, or by emailing vcm@destinationbc.ca. 

IMPACT Sustainable Travel & Tourism, January 23-25 and Day of IMPACT January 22, 2023.

Registration opens in early September, and we have confirmed fees to assist you with budgeting. The biggest change you will see is the option of including Sunday ‘s Day of IMPACT (January 22nd) into your overall registration.

The theme for the event is: O P E N

When we come together with open hearts and open minds, anything is possible. We see connections everywhere. We welcome all ideas, experiences, and ways of life—because this is how we learn, grow, and change.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is hosting the 2022 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit.

Date: Wednesday, November 9th at Thompson Rivers University Campus (Kamloops).

Tourism stakeholders are invited to come together as a tourism community to learn from everything we've been through and think differently about how we can co-create a more vibrant and resilient tourism industry in BC.

Registration to be announced soon. Click HERE for more information.

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA) are excited to announce the date for next year's annual BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, taking place in Prince George, March 1-3.

Be sure to save the date and start planning now to connect with industry colleagues, DMO's, communities, and government leaders.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details.

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is excited to announce registration is now open for the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC).

This conference is designed to unite the global Indigenous tourism industry bringing together tourism operators, international delegates, members of parliament and tourism partners. IITC features collective sharing of best practices and networking as Canadian and global delegates participate in panel discussions, breakout sessions, keynote presentations and local cultural experiences.

Dates: March 8-10, 2023

Location. Treaty 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis - Winnipeg

Learn more and register 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.