Thompson Okanagan Tourism News Summary | Week of August 16, 2021
Without question, the tourism industry has faced an extremely challenging summer. The B.C. provincial state of emergency has been extended to September 1, 2021, there are a number of travel warnings for parts of the Interior of B.C. due to wildfires, availability of labor continues to be an issue, and we continue to deal with rising COVID-19 numbers.
Destination BC has worked with Emergency Management BC to prepare Messaging Guidance for tourism companies.
Find the latest emergency resource information for BC's Tourism Industry, including updated messaging guidance on Destination BC's Emergency Preparedness page.
Advocacy for Government Support
The situation is gravely impacting the tourism industry and as such, there continues to be an ongoing need for advocacy. It is important that we continue to convey real-time feedback that explains the actual state of tourism relative to what might be considered recovery.
Organizations like TOTA, TIABC, TIAC, and many others will use this information to further advocate for the needs of the industry, particularly for additional government assistance through the course of the pandemic.
We invite Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses to share any challenges with so we can compile information on the evolving situation and share it with the appropriate parties, such as:
What challenges is your business currently experiencing?
How is this impacting your business?
What would help to improve the situation?
Feel free to share your current experiences at any time through the form at TOTABC.org/recovery or by emailing Recovery@TOTABC.com.
Canada Vaccine Updates
Canada to Require Vaccination of Federally Regulated Transportation Sector
As soon as possible in the fall and no later than the end of October, the Government of Canada will require employees in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors to be vaccinated. The vaccination requirement will also extend to certain travellers. This includes all commercial air travellers, passengers on interprovincial trains, and passengers on large marine vessels with overnight accommodations, such as cruise ships.
Canada Moving Forward with Proof of Vaccination for International Travel
The Government of Canada is collaborating with the provinces and territories to develop a proof of vaccination that will facilitate cross-border travel, while reducing the risk of spread and importation of COVID-19.
TIAC Federal Election Advocacy Push
TIAC will be running a proactive tourism advocacy and media campaign. This will include direct TIAC activity, as well as TIAC’s leadership of the Hardest Hit Coalition fighting for business survival support for the tourism suite of sectors. For more information, check the TourismVotes.ca microsite, a one-stop shop for election information for tourism businesses, including detailed Platform Analysis for impact on tourism, messaging guidance, email updates, and more.
As well, TIABC is in the process of developing an election toolkit to support decision-making for the 2021 Federal election.
Watch Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform Webinar Recording
TOTA hosted a virtual info session on the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform and how it can help B.C. tourism companies track progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and develop a Sustainable Tourism Plan.
Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle is an easy-to-use digital platform that recognizes your commitment to sustainability and links your organization with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its 169 targets, through the development of a custom sustainability plan.
Members of TOTA's Biosphere Commitment Program receive a 1 year free trial for the platform and can now access the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform.
Learn More About Biosphere Commitment Program →
CRIS Adaptive Rentals Launches New Adaptive Bike & Pop Up Rentals in BC Parks
CRIS Adaptive debuted the newest addition to the fleet of rental equipment, the Hase Bike, a modular adaptive bike that gives clients significant options for supported and independent riding. CRIS is the first adaptive service provider in the Interior of BC to put a Hase system into service. As well, CRIS is offering a mobile rental program for accessible recreation equipment in various BC Parks. The schedule for rental "pop ups" is available on AdaptiveRentals.ca.
Nominations Open for 2021 Canadian Tourism Awards
If you have a business or an employee in mind that deserves to be recognized for their success in one of the 2021 Canadian Tourism Award categories, submit your nomination before August 31, 2021.
Business Resources
Resource Roundup | Advocacy, Funding, and Training Opportunities
A roundup of resources for tourism businesses, including opportunities to share your experience, apply for support funds, and train employees.
Free Support for FortisBC Rebates
TOTA’s Energy Analyst is helping Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses to find and apply for FortisBC rebates. To find ways to save on new equipment purchases, book a free appointment to learn more.
Free Online Resource: Tourism Business Builders
Tourism HR Canada team has launched Tourism Business Builders, an online learning program developed specifically for tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs. This “how-to” resource contains nine comprehensive modules on business fundamentals and dozens of practical tools, including Excel templates and PDF worksheets, available free until September 1, 2021.
Free Digital Marketing Skills Training Program
The Alacrity Canada Digital Marketing Bootcamp is a virtual skills-training program valued at $6,000 per seat and offered to eligible B.C. small and medium-sized businesses at no cost by the Province of B.C. The eight-week course covers 40 key topics offered by 10 expert mentors to provide a foundation of digital marketing, search-engine optimization (SEO), paid advertising, analytics, content marketing, and other skills.
Emergency Support Fund for Canada’s Live Music Sector
Funding is available to support Canada’s live music sector, including live music venues, booking agents, concert promoters, festivals, artist managers, artist-entrepreneurs, and service companies.
