COVID Health & Safety Resources for BC Tourism Companies - Resource Roundup
Sunset from atop Battle Bluff, Thompson Valley
Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program advisors continue to support business operators in the region. We have received several questions around preparing for the summer season, particularly around employee & visitor safety, training resources, and employer vaccination policies.
We have compiled the latest resources to support tourism businesses:
Upcoming Webinars
Tourism Resource Roundup | Connect, Restart & Build Forward With B.C.'s Support Network
Wednesday, June 23, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
As we approach the next steps of the BC Restart Plan and begin to welcome visitors back in British Columbia, the BC Tourism Resiliency Network is bringing together a panel of five tourism organizations to help you leverage key resources towards resiliency.
For weekly tourism industry webinar announcements, subscribe to the TOTA Webinar Roundup email newsletter.
Training
BSAFE – “BC Safety Assured for Everyone” Online Training Program (1.5 hours)
A new online health and safety training program designed to ensure foundational health and safety knowledge in B.C.’s tourism and hospitality businesses to keep everyone safe as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business Support
Destination BC Messaging Guidance & Tourism Sector Restart Step 2 Toolkit
Tourism businesses can refer to the DBC Messaging Guidance for Step 2 of BC’s four-step Restart Plan, which includes messaging, resources, and FAQ section.
The Province of BC, TIABC, ITBC, and DBC have prepared a restart framework and toolkit for operators to better understand and support the restart plan. We encourage you to explore the Restart Step 2 toolkit and utilize the key messaging for your communications with guests, employees, and stakeholders — the aim being that the tourism industry is working together towards a safe restart.
go2HR COVID Safety Plan Review Service
The team of health and safety experts at go2HR will review your COVID safety plan, then provide recommendations and targeted feedback to help your business meet current requirements.
Vaccination Policies
The vaccine rollout has left employers with many questions about policies, such as:
Do employers need to have a vaccine policy in place?
Can employers demand proof of vaccination from their employees?
How can employers balance health and safety concerns with human rights or privacy ones?
What do employers need to consider if they want to implement a vaccine policy?
go2HR has created a COVID-19 Vaccinations in The Workplace page with detailed answers to these questions and a new Employer Toolkit.
The BC Hotel Association and go2HR recently hosted a webinar on Vaccinations the Workplace.
go2HR has summarized B.C.’s various types of leave related to COVID-19:
COVID-19 Paid Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program
There is a reimbursement program available for employers who do not have an existing sick leave program. As of June 15, 2021, employers can apply for COVID-19 Sick Leave reimbursement through WorkSafeBC.
Marketing Support
Apply to Display the Safe Travels Stamp
The World Travel & Tourism Council has granted the Safe Travels stamp to the Thompson Okanagan region. All tourism businesses are eligible and encouraged to apply and display the stamp to collectively encourage consumer confidence in the safety of tourism experiences. It's quick, easy, and free!
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We hope these resources are helpful. For the latest industry info and trends, you can refer to TOTA's News Centre, Research page, Resiliency Research page and Fast Facts publication.
We also recommend signing up for the TIABC and BCHA e-newsletters for additional tourism industry news.
Tourism Resiliency Program Supports
We are here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program you can access the following supports:
1-1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor
Expert Business Mentorship with an Okanagan College business professor
Mental Health Support through the Canadian Mental Health Association
Micro Loans through Community Futures
Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to schedule a 1-1 call with a TOTA advisor