Resources to Support Tourism Businesses Connect, Restart & Build Forward
As we begin to prepare for Step 3 of the BC Restart Plan we are all gaining an appreciation for just how much is required to be done on this road to true recovery and how long it truly will be.
In April 2020, as part of the regional response to industry needs, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association together with our regional partners in the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) established the Tourism Resiliency Program. This tourism advisory and support program continues today as industry continues to look for information, clarification and guidance to help them through re-opening, recovery, and beyond.
We are very fortunate in British Columbia to also have an existing network of strong industry partner organizations who have collaborated closely in the past 15 months to work through the many challenges this pandemic has created.
Last week, TOTA brought together a panel of five tourism industry organizations to share key resources for building forward and driving resiliency. Each organization shared insights, opportunities, and resources available for B.C. tourism businesses, to help industry prepare for the coming season and beyond.
The webinar recording and presentation decks are available at TOTABC.org/webinar/tourism-resource-roundup.
Here's a summary of the Tourism Resource Roundup:
Symphony Tourism Services
Symphony Tourism Services, a subsidiary of TOTA, provides research, marketing, and consulting services to businesses, communities, consortiums, government, events, and regional destination marketing organizations.
Managing Director Kelly Galaski shared:
Reports on changes in visitation to BC and travel sentiments
B.C. Visitor Origins and Market Segments
Research Resources provided by the BC Tourism Resiliency Network for each region
How to access custom research to better understand your visitors
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BC Hotel Association (BCHA)
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) works with government and regulatory authorities to help the hotel industry thrive.
President & CEO Ingrid Jarrett presented:
State of the industry by region
Advocacy efforts at the community, provincial, and federal level
Forecast for Canadian tourism recovery
Hospitality benchmarking through STR Reports
EcoFund eco efficiency funding program
FoodBuy monthly rebate cheques
Check In Canada listing for BC Accommodation providers
BC Restart Toolkit
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Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC)
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is a non-profit, stakeholder-based organization that is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry.
Samantha Rullin, Stakeholder and Marketing Coordinator, shared:
Overview of Indigenous tourism in B.C.
How to collaborate with ITBC
ITBC Tourism Roadmap
Considerations when working with Indigenous communities
Indigenous BC Trip Planner app to find nearby Indigenous experiences
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go2HR
As the HR and health & safety association for the BC tourism and hospitality industry, go2HR exists to drive strong workforces and safe workplaces that deliver world-class tourism and hospitality experiences in BC.
Ginger Brunner, Senior HR Specialist, presented on:
COVID-19 & BC tourism labour challenges
HR Resources, Support & Consulting
go2HR Job Board
COVID-19 Safety Plan Reviews
BSAFE Training
BC Tourism & Hospitality LMI Research Project
SAFE Spaces Sexual Harassment Initiative
Workplace Mental Health Initiative
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Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna is part of a network of more than 80 CMHA branches that promote mental health for all, working to support the resiliency and recovery of people experiencing mental illness, including workplace challenges.
Aaryn Secker, Associate Director, Education & Health Promotion shared:
Key learnings from the pandemic for tourism employees
Challenges and opportunities to improve workplace mental health
BC's Hub for Hospitality & Tourism Workplace Mental Health
Workplace CARE Certification for tourism & hospitality employees, team leads, and HR professionals
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