News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Accommodation Plastic Use and Reduction Survey
Accommodators in the Thompson Okanagan are invited to take the BCHA’s short survey on plastic use and sustainability.
Accommodators in the Thompson Okanagan are invited to take the BC Hotel Association’s (BCHA) short survey on plastic use and sustainability.
Results from this survey will be used to assess the current landscape of plastic use and reduction efforts among accommodators, contributing to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) annual reporting commitment.
Managing Crisis Communications | BC Hotel Association Education Series in June
BC Hotel Association is offering crisis communications training for hotels to ensure teams are prepared to face the unforeseen with resilience and professionalism. This online training is held over 3 sessions in June.
BCHA's Fast Track Your Future Education Series returns for one more series this season - Managing Crisis Communications. Co-facilitated by Hatch Hospitality and tartanbond Communications
In the fast-paced world of hospitality, crises can range from natural disasters like fires and floods to complex HR issues and cybersecurity threats. Effective communication during these times is paramount to safeguarding the reputation of hotels and resorts while maintaining guest trust.
Preparation is the cornerstone of crisis management. In this series, we equip participants with essential issues management and communication tools tailored to the unique challenges of the hospitality sector. From establishing proactive response plans to implementing best practices, attendees will gain the confidence and expertise needed to navigate crises responsibly and intentionally. Join us to ensure your team is prepared to face the unforeseen with resilience and professionalism.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
· June 4th Preparedness Protocol
· June 11th Strategic Responses
· June 18th From Reaction to Recovery
Industry Outlines Recommendations for Federal Tourism Growth Strategy
Following a consultation request from government on a Canadian Tourism Growth Strategy, industry advocates across Canada have submitted their recommendations.
Following a consultation request from government on a Canadian Tourism Growth Strategy, industry advocates across Canada have submitted their recommendations:
As a result of consultations with industry leaders and members -- which included focus groups, surveys, and direct outreach -- the Hotel Association of Canada has submitted hotel-specific recommendations as part of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy consultations. View Submission →
The BCHA and HAC are also a part of the Hardest Hit Coalition (HHC) - a collection of more than 120 business associations in the tourism sector, co-chaired by HAC and TIAC. With collaboration from industry, the submission reiterates the four key pillars with attention to tourism and hospitality. View Submission →
Expanding on the accommodation-specific recommendations outlined in submissions, the BC Hotel Association outlined specific recommendations and investments needed to support our provincial accommodation sector. View Submission →
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada also outlined tourism-specific recommendations; View Submission →
BCHA Participates in Fully Funded Hotel Operations Services Skills Training Project
BCHA has partnered with the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) and Western Community College to offer a 23 week online “Hotel Operations Services Skills Training Program”. This program is designed to train 30 candidates who are currently unemployed or under employed in the Okanagan area and deliver them to industry trained and ready to work. The training is fully funded and will focus on readying the candidate for meaningful work in the hotel industry.
BCHA has partnered with the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) and Western Community College to offer a 23 week online “Hotel Operations Services Skills Training Program”.
This program is designed to train 30 candidates who are currently unemployed or under employed in the Okanagan area and deliver them to industry trained and ready to work. The training is fully funded and will focus on readying the candidate for meaningful work in the hotel industry.
Eligibility
Unemployed or part-time employed (working less than 30 hours per week) or precariously employed
High school graduate or 19+
Be a resident in BC and be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Refugee Protected person with authorization to work
Proof of English language proficiency
Currently living in British Columbia
Benefits & Certificates
Pandemic Awareness
PPE
Food Safe
Privacy Awareness
Serving It Right
BSAFE Certificate
Heart of Hospitality Certificate
OFA Level 1
WHMIS
Super Host
GBA+
Safe Lifting
For registration and more information please contact Claudia Tran at 604.596.7722 ext. 177; claudia.tran@pics.bc.ca
For hotels who may be interested in candidate recruitment during the final phase of the 23 week program, please contact Alison Langford at alison@bcha.com
BCTHC | In Memoriam Tribute
During the BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards Gala, BC Hotel Association and the Tourism Industry Association of BC shared a tribute to those in the BC tourism industry industry lost in recent years, in honour of their contribution and memory.
During the BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards Gala, BC Hotel Association and the Tourism Industry Association of BC shared a tribute to those in the BC tourism industry industry lost in recent years, in honour of their contribution and memory.
BC Hotel Association InnFocus Magazine Spring 2022 Edition
The BC Hotel Association released the first issue of Innfocus Magazine of 2022. Among the wealth of information and content featured in the Spring issue, are articles that include:
Attracting US Visitors
The Pandemic's Legacy
New Practices in Food & Beverage
Recruiting Programs
Region Feature: Kootenay Cool
Leader of the Future: Cat Mackintosh
Hotelier Feature: Debie Hemich
GoGreen: GreenStep EcoFund
Wellbeing and Travel
Grappling with Ghost Hotels
How do we Get BC on Bucket Lists of World Travellers?
What's New?
... and much, MUCH more!
The BC Hotel Association released the first issue of Innfocus Magazine of 2022. Among the wealth of information and content featured in the Spring issue, are articles that include:
Attracting US Visitors
The Pandemic's Legacy
New Practices in Food & Beverage
Recruiting Programs
Region Feature: Kootenay Cool
Leader of the Future: Cat Mackintosh
Hotelier Feature: Debie Hemich
GoGreen: GreenStep EcoFund
Wellbeing and Travel
Grappling with Ghost Hotels
How do we Get BC on Bucket Lists of World Travellers?
What's New?
... and much, MUCH more!
BC Tourism & Hospitality Award Finalists Announced
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) announced the finalists of the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards! The awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers.
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) announced the finalists of the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards!
The awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers.
Following the call for submissions, the organizing committee received hundreds of nominations, highlighting the wealth of exceptional talent within our industry.
Congratulations to all the finalists! The Thompson Okanagan individuals recognized for their outstanding contribution to British Columbia's tourism and hospitality community are:
Accessibility Award | Sponsored by Destination British Columbia
Mike Riediger | CEO, Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association
Julie Ratcliffe | Marketing & Events Manager, BC Wildlife Park Kamloops
Employees First Award | Sponsored by go2HR
Accent Inns & Hotel Zed | Employer
Indigenous Operator of the Year Award | Sponsored by Indigenous Tourism Canada
Adam Blair | General Manager, Quaaout Lodge & Talking Rock Resort
Innovation Award | Sponsored by City of Richmond
Kimberley Barnes | Marketing Director, Wine Growers British Columbia
Professional Excellence (DMO) Award | Sponsored by Destination Think!
Thom Tischik | Executive Director, Travel Penticton
Community Contribution & Impact Award
British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network
The winners will be awarded at the Awards Gala evening on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the Richmond Conference Centre, as part of the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference. There’s still time to purchase a ticket to the celebratory evening!
Coalition of Businesses & Sector Associations Express Concern With Province's Sick Pay Program
In a letter to Labour Minister Harry Bains, the coalition noted that the sick pay program comes at a difficult time for businesses during the height of the new Omicron wave. It's particularly challenging for businesses such as pubs and restaurants which were not closed (and thus many were ineligible for government assistance) and whose business dropped precipitously.
There are many examples of businesses experiencing functional closures and seeing a significant portion of their employees at home sick. Consequently, operationally and administratively it has been a very challenging start to the year.
One of the primary concerns relates to the fact that businesses and employees rely on payroll and human resources information systems to track, store, and provide accurate information on use of paid sick days and payment. Nearly all of these systems are based on a workplace having a common ‘employment year’ which is most often the calendar year or a business’s fiscal year.
However, the current wording of the ‘employment year’ definition on the Employment Standards website from the policy interpretation of Illness or Injury Leave - Act Part 6, Section 49.1 is causing confusion for employers and workers alike: “Employment year” refers to the specific employee’s employment year, based on their start date.
Most businesses remain unaware of this interpretation of the policy. In addition, there are problems faced by businesses struggling to understand how to implement paid sick leave for part-time and short-term employees.
In its letter, the coalition offered a number of recommendations for the province to consider including amending the definition of 'employment year', as well as reimbursing businesses for the additional sick days paid over the annual intended five days paid sick leave businesses understood they were required to pay.
Organizations that signed a letter include TIABC, BC Chamber of Commerce, Greater Vancouver BC Restaurant & Food Services Association, Restaurants Canada, go2HR, ABLE BC, BCHA, and others.
Originally published by TIABC on January 28, 2022.
In a letter to Labour Minister Harry Bains, the coalition noted that the sick pay program comes at a difficult time for businesses during the height of the new Omicron wave. It's particularly challenging for businesses such as pubs and restaurants which were not closed (and thus many were ineligible for government assistance) and whose business dropped precipitously.
There are many examples of businesses experiencing functional closures and seeing a significant portion of their employees at home sick. Consequently, operationally and administratively it has been a very challenging start to the year.
One of the group's primary concerns relates to the fact that businesses and employees rely on payroll and human resources information systems to track, store and provide accurate information on use of paid sick days and payment for those days. Nearly all of these systems are based on a workplace having a common ‘employment year’ which is most often the calendar year or a business’s fiscal year.
The current wording of the ‘employment year’ definition on the Employment Standards website from the policy interpretation of Illness or Injury Leave - Act Part 6, Section 49.1 is causing confusion for employers and workers alike: “Employment year” refers to the specific employee’s employment year, based on their start date.
Most businesses remain unaware of this interpretation of the policy. In addition, there are problems faced by businesses struggling to understand how to implement paid sick leave for part-time and short-term employees.
In its letter, the coalition offered a number of recommendations for the province to consider including amending the definition of 'employment year', as well as reimbursing businesses for the additional sick days paid over the annual intended five days paid sick leave businesses understood they were required to pay.
Organizations that signed a letter include TIABC, BC Chamber of Commerce, Greater Vancouver BC Restaurant & Food Services Association, Restaurants Canada, go2HR, ABLE BC, BCHA and others.
Winter Travel Toolkit for B.C. Tourism Industry | Updated December 16, 2021
B.C.’s tourism associations have developed a toolkit to guide operators in advising the public to plan travel in British Columbia this winter, with the unique challenges caused by the 2021 floods and road closures. Operators can share this document, include the information in their communications, and provide links on their website.
British Columbians have faced unprecedented challenges from severe weather and flooding that have impacted the normal ability to travel between the Lower Mainland and the rest of the province.
While the work is ongoing to repair the damage done, we can still travel to connect with family and enjoy winter recreation if we plan ahead and prepare for situations that can shift rapidly. Many of us are eager to travel and see family and friends this winter.
This toolkit is designed as a guide for operators with the information needed by the public to plan travel in British Columbia this winter. Operators can share this document, include the information in their communications, and provide links on their website.
People can get from the Lower Mainland to the Interior by driving via Highway 99 as of Dec 20, via Highway 3 as of Dec 21, and via the United States. They can also take advantage of the lower rates and extra capacity a number of airlines have added, or travel via existing commercial bus operators.
Situations can evolve rapidly, and we’ll do our best to keep everyone informed by updating this toolkit and the links to critical information that should reflect changes to travel information.
Call for Presentations: BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference | Submission Deadline: Dec 17, 2021
Tourism stakeholders are invited to submit a proposal for a presentation at the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference taking place in Richmond, B.C. from March 9 – 11, 2022. The theme of the 2022 conference is Kickstarting the Comeback. The conference is seeking presentations on success stories, resiliency, new research and best practices, creative projects and initiatives, and bold ideas that will help kickstart the comeback of B.C.’s tourism industry. A limited number of submissions will be chosen to present during the conference.
The deadline to submit a proposal for presentation is December 17, 2021.
Attendee registration will open in early 2022.
Tourism stakeholders are invited to submit a proposal for a presentation at the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference taking place in Richmond, B.C. from March 9 – 11, 2022. The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference is brought to you by the Tourism Industry Association of BC and the BC Hotel Association.
The theme of the 2022 conference is Kickstarting the Comeback. Hundreds of tourism owner/operators, hoteliers, destination marketing and management professionals, educators, government representatives, industry sectors, and other stakeholders representing all regions of British Columbia will gather together to learn, tackle issues, forge new relationships, and work toward resiliency in the face of one of the hardest years in our sector's history. The conference is seeking presentations on success stories, resiliency, new research and best practices, creative projects and initiatives, and bold ideas that will help kickstart the comeback of B.C.’s tourism industry. A limited number of submissions will be chosen to present during the conference.
The deadline to submit a proposal for presentation is December 17, 2021.
Attend registration will open in early 2022.
BC Meetings & Events Industry PHO Distinction for Business Events
The BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group has successfully received a distinction for business events in the latest provincial health order. This is relevant because now business events are allowed as standing events. Networking, receptions, and mingling are all acceptable. Holiday parties associated with businesses are considered “business events.”
This distinction in the health orders is a big step in the right direction.
Submitted to TIABC by Joanne Burns Millar, BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group
Originally published in TIABC Dec 7 Email Newsletter
"Since March 2021, when the BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group submitted its COVID-19 Safe Restart Plan to the BC Government and the Public Health Officer (PHO), the working group has been actively engaged with industry and government working toward a recognized distinction for business events from public and social gatherings.
Alongside advocacy efforts from the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA), the working group has been in regular discussions with the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery & Innovation (JERI), and the PHO, bringing awareness to the importance and rationale for such distinction.
Following a pivotal discussion last week with Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Brian Emerson, chaired by Tourism Minister Melanie Mark, the working group was successful in receiving the distinction for business events in the latest provincial health order.
Here are some key relevant points extracted from the order.
Business Events are allowed to have standing events. Networking, receptions, mingling are all acceptable. Holiday parties associated with businesses are considered “business events”.
Events such as wedding receptions, funerals, theatrical and musical events, concerts must be seated.
The health order separates the meaning of inside events into A & B categories:
A. "inside event” means (a) a gathering of more than 50 participants in an inside place for one of the following purposes: (i) a form of entertainment involving a performance such as a theatrical production, a concert, a symphony performance, a choral performance, any other type or musical performance or a dance performance; (ii) business, but limited to a lecture or presentation; (iii) a wedding reception; (iv) a funeral reception not held at a funeral home, (v) a sponsored or ticketed party at which there is musical entertainment, other than for the purpose of providing background sound;
B. a gathering of more than 50 participants in an inside place for one of the following purposes (i) a business purpose not described in (a), and including a conference, convention, commercial trade fair or workshop or home show; (ii) gambling; (iii) recreational education or classes, including arts, crafts, music, photography, culture, or travel education or classes (c) a gathering of any number of participants in an inside place for the purpose of an adult sports activity, an adult exercise or fitness activity or class, or an adult dance class; (d) a sports event in an inside place; (e) a program for children or youth in an inside place; (f) a worship service in an inside place.
This indicates that only events in category “A” must be seated events. Category “B” events are legally able to be standing events.
A person must not permit a place to be used for or must not organize an inside event with a purpose described in paragraph (a) (Category A) of the definition of an “inside event” unless the event is held as a seated inside event.
A person must not permit a place to be used for or must not organize an inside event as a standing event, if the purpose of the event is described in paragraph (a) (Category A) of the definition of “inside event”
A note on dancing: There is still no dancing allowed unless it is a performance. There have been conversations and advocacy around this issue, however, it is not expected that restriction to be lifted in the near future. Things are still in a tenuous place and while they had hoped that all restrictions would be lifted by now, the PHO is not ready to remove this one.
While progress for the sector has moved more slowly than we need to begin a measurable recovery, this distinction in the health orders is a big step in the right direction."
BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards | Nominations Open Until January 14, 2022
The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards are presented by BCHA and TIABC to recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality industry. These Awards recognize the province’s most exceptional products, services, experiences, and people who exhibit the utmost standard of excellence.
If you know a business, organization, or individual deserving of a nomination, submit your nomination before January 14, 2022.
The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards are presented by BCHA and TIABC to recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality industry. These Awards recognize the province’s most exceptional products, services, experiences, and people who exhibit the utmost standard of excellence.
Award nominations are now open! Awards will be presented in the following eight categories:
Indigenous Operator
Sustainability
Employees First
Business Woman of The Year
Hotelier of The Year
Innovation
Community Contribution & Impact
Professional Excellence
Finalists will be announced in February, and the official recipients will be awarded at the Awards Gala evening during the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference on Thursday, March 10, 2022, held at the Richmond Conference Centre.
If you know a business, organization, or individual deserving of a nomination, submit your nomination before January 14, 2022.
Silent Auction
The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Silent Auction will be held in conjunction with the 2022 Conference and Awards Gala. If you are interested in donating an item, contact info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com.
UPDATED: BC Hotel Association and Tourism Industry Association of BC AGM's
The community of Merritt is currently under evacuation due to extreme weather conditions which is impacting the region and other parts of our province. BC Hotel Association (BCHA), TIABC, Tourism Kamloops, and the Kamloops Hotel Association are currently working alongside Emergency Management BC to secure accommodation for those evacuating and unable to stay with friends and family.
In an effort to ensure that maximum accommodation is made available to those in need, a decision has been made to no longer move forward with the in-person TIABC & BCHA Annual General Meeting/s. Instead, the event will take place online only - Wednesday, November 17, 2021
The community of Merritt is currently under evacuation due to extreme weather conditions which is impacting the region and other parts of our province. BC Hotel Association (BCHA), TIABC, Tourism Kamloops, and the Kamloops Hotel Association are currently working alongside Emergency Management BC to secure accommodation for those evacuating and unable to stay with friends and family.
In an effort to ensure that maximum accommodation is made available to those in need, a decision has been made to no longer move forward with the in-person TIABC & BCHA Annual General Meeting/s. Instead, the event will take place online only - Wednesday, November 17, 2021
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) are the voices of the provincial hospitality & tourism sectors at the federal, provincial, and community level, advocating for the best interests of BC’s accommodation and tourism communities.
The session will include:
Updates on advocacy efforts both provincially and federally
Information on emerging issues and strategies to mitigate risk
Tools, resources, and benefits available to our members
Recovery strategies for the tourism and hospitality sector
Special guest speakers and dignitaries
A townhall Q&A session
AGENDA
The run of show will remain as initially planned apart from the networking and reception event which will no longer take place:
1pm – 2pm | TIABC AGM
2pm – 2:45pm | Keynote Speaker, Emile Gourieux of STR on global trends and recovery
3pm - 3:15pm | Remarks by Hon. Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport
3:15pm – 4pm | BCHA AGM & Live Industry Update presentation
4pm – 5pm | Industry Town Hall and Q&A presented by Rising Tide Consulting
2021 BCHA & TIABC Annual General Meeting - TIABC AGM Election Update
For the 2021-2023 term, TIABC was seeking a total of five candidates. These Nominations closed on Friday, October 1. The Election will be held in Kamloops at the AGM on November 17.
TIABC and the BCHA invite you to join them, along with keynote speakers, at their respective Annual General Meetings, both taking place in Kamloops on Wednesday, November 17th, 2021.
Election updates:
For the 2021-2023 term, TIABC was seeking a total of five candidates. These Nominations closed on Friday, October 1.
Based on the nominations, the election will be in two categories with the following candidates seeking a Director position:
Business Category: (in alphabetical order)
Ian MacPhee - Prince of Whales Whale Watching
Sandra Oldfield - Elysian Projects
Stephen Pearce - The Gaining Edge
John Wilson - The Wilson Group
DMO Category: (in alphabetical order)
Beverley DeSantis - Tourism Kamloops
Chris Lewis - Tourism Kelowna
Returning to the TIABC Board of Directors are:
Michael J. Ballingall - Big White Ski Resort
Brenda Baptiste - Indigenous Tourism BC
TIABC's AGM will be held in-person on Wednesday, November 17th @ 1pm at the Delta Hotel in Kamloops where members in good-standing are eligible to vote. Members unable to attend in person will be able to attend virtually via Zoom.
Tourism Sector Step 3 Toolkit: Proof of Vaccination Update
The Tourism Industry Association of BC, BC Hotel Association, Destination BC, BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (including Tourism Vancouver Island) and Indigenous Tourism BC are pleased to share an updated version of the Step 3 Tourism Industry Toolkit reflecting Proof of Vaccination.
The Tourism Industry Association of BC, BC Hotel Association, Destination BC, BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (including TOTA), and Indigenous Tourism BC are pleased to share an updated version of the Step 3 Tourism Industry Toolkit reflecting Proof of Vaccination.
It serves to be a quick guide for tourism operators on communications, health and safety, workforce and marketing. We hope this toolkit is helpful to you, and would be happy to hear any feedback or questions you might still have.
Joint Statement from the Tourism Sector
Continued Travel with Proof of Vaccination
Travel is part of our DNA. It gives us something to look forward to. It brings us joy to experience new places, new tastes, and new ideas. It’s the perfect antidote to recharge, connect with friends and families and create new memories. Tourism is fueled by people who are passionate about their work, their jobs are vital to local economies across British Columbia.
While vaccination records are required for specified events and licensed restaurants, and indoor mask requirements have returned, we are continuing to encourage British Columbians to safely travel across our province and to welcome our neighbours from coast to coast to coast, from the United States, and the rest of the world.
As always, we are encouraging the travelling public to know the requirements that are in place before they go, and for tourism operators to let people know ahead of time what is expected in terms of current regulations.
As the tourism sector continues to opens its doors, there’s a growing demand for workers and opportunities for British Columbians looking for jobs to be a part one of the province’s most important sectors. There is an incredible variety of work with options to suit a wide range of skills.
- Joint statement of: Brenda Baptiste, Chair, Indigenous Tourism BC; Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC; Ingrid Jarrett, President and CEO of the BC Hotel Association; Anthony Everett, Chair of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat; and Richard Porges, President and CEO of Destination BC.
Service Provider Feature: Integral Hospitality - Outsourced Staffing and Cleaning / Facility Services
Integral Hospitality, a BCHA premier partner, have assisted a number of hotels throughout B.C. with outsourced housekeeping services. For example, Integral was able to help a BCHA member by supplying two housekeepers to an Okanagan property within 24 hours.
Outsourced housekeeping means employing a third party to look after your housekeeping needs, from delivering trained staff to providing the equipment and cleaning products. A true test of a good outsourced staffing supplier is one that is proficient at moving their model around based on your needs. This means only providing equipment if you need it. It means tailoring staffing based on your needs so whether you are looking for a full suite of housekeeping staff or just temp staff during busier periods, the right third party can help.
Integral Hospitality, a BCHA premier partner, have assisted a number of hotels throughout B.C. with outsourced housekeeping services.
For example, Integral was able to help a BCHA member by supplying two housekeepers to an Okanagan property within 24 hours.
Outsourced housekeeping means employing a third party to look after your housekeeping needs, from delivering trained staff to providing the equipment and cleaning products. A true test of a good outsourced staffing supplier is one that is proficient at moving their model around based on your needs. This means only providing equipment if you need it. It means tailoring staffing based on your needs so whether you are looking for a full suite of housekeeping staff or just temp staff during busier periods, the right third party can help.
Benefits
Management Prioritization: Outsourcing allows managers to focus on driving occupancy and the guest experience.
Cost Savings: Significant savings, increased operational cash flow, and higher profits result from outsourcing recurring employee related expenses, staff training and sourcing supplies. Additionally, come tax season there are incremental savings due to reduced payroll taxes.
Flexibility: Draw from a network of staff to coordinate scheduling during peak times and lulls.
For services, tourism businesses can contact sales@integralservicesgroup.com, (604)-260-7073, or request a quote from the website.
BCHA Industry Update on B.C. Proof of Vaccination Requirement
The following excerpt was originally published by the BC Hotel Association in the response to the B.C. Proof of Vaccination Requirement announcement, including steps to help prepare accommodators for how to address new proof of vaccination measures.
The following excerpt was originally published by the BC Hotel Association on August 26, 2021 in the response to the B.C. Proof of Vaccination Requirement announcement:
“Industry partners at Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and Destination BC (DBC) have engaged government and are working closely to detail the specifics of the order and ensure that the questions you submitted are answered in full. Furthermore, in the coming weeks we will be releasing a Toolkit for Step 4 of the reopening, and also detail Proof of Vaccination processes to clarify as much as possible for you. Our goal is to ensure that you have the tools and resources needed to operate safely and with confidence. The toolkit will be similar to ones produced for each stage of BC's reopening and will include key messages, operational steps, and added resources, among other critical information.
Our position for the Vaccination passport, is that similar to the circuit breakers, our front line employees cannot be the ones to police the public. We can however play a lead role in ensuring the communications, the understanding, and the policies are clearly communicated, and that our teams are trained as we continue to do everything we can to support a safe business environment between now and the end of the pandemic. We hear you loud and clear – the impact of the announcements without the specifics for operations/communications has once again had a devastating impact on you as business owners and operators. There's been an increase in stress due to uncertainty -- from cancelled meetings and events, which increase the fiscal hardship and liquidity concerns; to employees who are questioning the safety of the work environment without specifics around vaccinations; and once again, the need to update best practices for operating procedures.
Regarding Operations as of September 13
With the introduction of the BC Vaccination Card program, accommodators have not been identified as a setting where proof of vaccination is required; however, many properties have amenities or services that will require proof of vaccination to use. Please note, the government has no plans to mandate immunization as a condition of employment and that this decision is up to each individual business.
The following steps will help prepare accommodators for how to address new proof of vaccination measures.
STEP 1 | CHOOSING A PoV POLICY
Prior to September 13th, accommodators will need to determine what their proof of vaccination policy is. While it is not essential for them to do so, accommodators can introduce their own policy.
The main options are outlined below.
OPTION 1
Make no vaccination requirement for either staff or guests to work or stay at the property
NOTE: Public spaces are mandated for masks, and therefore policies to control masks remain in place.
OPTION 2
Require that ALL employees AND guests be fully vaccinated in order to work and stay at the property
OPTION 3
Require that all guests be fully vaccinated in order to stay at the property – Employees can remain unvaccinated
OPTION 4
Require that all employees be vaccinated in order to work at the property – guests can be unvaccinated to stay at the property
For options 2, 3, and 4, operators will need to take action to develop and implement their chosen policies. The BCHA will be creating templates to better assist operators in this process. In the meantime, the Business Council of British Columbia and the team at Roper Greyell prepared an informative overview on the shifting public opinion and evolving legal landscape. Read the brief here.
STEP 2 | DEVELOPING PROTOCOLS SURROUNDING PoV POLICY
Many of you reached out with questions on how the vaccination checks would work as you may have areas on property -- like breakfast rooms, fitness centres, meetings spaces, etc. -- that would require proof of vaccination in order to use. The BCHA is acutely aware of workforce crisis we are dealing with. It would be unreasonable to expect that workers be stationed at each point of entry, which would also create multiple points of potential confrontation for workers. The contentiousness of this program is a burden we certainly do not want our workers to bear. We will be including best practices for developing protocols and sharing it with you as soon as we have the necessary information from PHO.
Because of this, the BCHA is advocating that any accommodator offering services where proof of vaccination would be required, check for BC Vaccine Cards at the point of check-in, and only then. Should you wish to move forward with a vaccination mandate for guests, we also encourage PoV check at check-in; employee mandated vaccinations will need to be done internally.
STEP 3 | COMMUNICATING ON YOUR CHANNELS
Clear communication to both guests and staff will be fundamental to ensuring that this transition goes smoothly. All of this information, key messages, and further details will be included in the PoV Toolkit that I mentioned is being built out and will be available to you as soon as we have the specific information from the Ministry of Health.
Operators will need to clearly communicate their proof of vaccination policy:
on their website
at time of online booking
vocalized at time of over-the-phone or in-person booking
in a pre-arrival email
with signage posted at entryways and in-front of any PoV-required setting ie. fitness centre, breakfast room, meeting space etc.
with OTA's and third party booking platforms
FINAL COMMENTS:
Please note, that we are committed to ensuring that our position to only check proof of vaccination at check-in is accepted by the PHO, in order to best protect businesses, our employees, as well as our guests. This approach will make the most sense operationally, and will refrain businesses from having to shut down their amenities and services. From the feedback we are receiving from you it also will grow confidence for travellers, as well as meeting and events organizers as we look to rebuild business this fall. We will keep you updated on where this advocacy work lands and will continue to keep you updated on the toolkit.”
Free Access to B.C. Accommodation Performance Tracking Data
As we move toward recovery, it’s important to strategize around pricing of rates. Accommodation operators have a unique opportunity to learn more about the performance of B.C.'s hotel, lodge, and B&B performance, with no cost to participate. STR’s weekly reporting tool enables accommodation providers to see how their own property is performing against those within the local market by geographic area and class of accommodation.
Screenshot of STR Accommodation Benchmarking Dashboard
Accommodation operators have a unique opportunity to learn more about the performance of B.C.'s hotel, lodge, and B&B performance, with no cost to participate.
As we all move toward recovery, it’s never been more important to strategize around pricing and understanding whether to try and recoup occupancy rates or maintain room rates.
STR’s weekly reporting tool enables accommodation providers to see how their own property is performing against those within the local market - both geographic area and class of accommodation.
How It Works
STR collects rooms available, rooms sold, and net room revenue on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis from participating hotels. Data is then fed back to all participants in reports - and via your own dashboard. All individual hotel data remains confidential and is never released to a third party.
Your participation assists not only your property, but also your local market and the entire province. Participation is fast and easy, taking less than 5 minutes a month.
Background
The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA) have teamed up with STR to help more accommodation owners join and benefit from this program.
Weekly and monthly STR reports that detail accommodation performance across the province are provided to the Regional DMO partners each week by Symphony Tourism Services. The aim of the BCRTS partners, BCHA, and STR is to increase hotel participation so that quality and accuracy of data increases for everyone across British Columbia.
STR, BC Hotel Association (BCHA), BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), and Symphony Tourism Services have teamed up with to help more accommodation operators join and benefit from this program.
B.C. Hospitality & Tourism Industry Update - Recording & Presentation Slides
The Tourism industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA) co-hosted an industry update webinar to discuss the state of the hospitality and tourism industry and an outlook on the future.
The Tourism industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA) co-hosted an industry update webinar to discuss the state of the hospitality and tourism industry and an outlook on the future.
Review Presentation Slides
Watch Recording
B.C. Large Operator Survey | TIABC / BCHA / ITBC
Provincial industry associations are collecting data to use in our conversations with various levels of government about the types of relief and assistance packages required for the industry and for large operators. Please complete the survey by May 7.
The BC Hotel Association, the Tourism Industry Association of BC, and Indigenous Tourism BC have been advocating for the needs of larger BC tourism and hospitality operators. As part of that advocacy, they have been meeting with various levels of government to discuss relief and assistance measures. As a result of those discussions, they have been asked to provide additional industry level data, specific to the large operators, about your collective situation and needs.
The purpose of collecting this data is to aggregate the data for us to use in our conversations with various levels of government about the types of relief and assistance packages required for the industry and for large operators. No individual company data, nor individual responses to any of the questions will be shared with government officials or other entities. This information will be treated as confidential and only used at the aggregate level.
The survey has 21 questions and should take approximately 10-12 minutes to complete.
Preparation for Survey
There are several questions that require more detailed data on BC assets, financial metrics, and employee demographics. We would recommend that you have your financial data for 2019 and 2020 available, and your employee demographics data if you collect that type of information. We have provided a preview of the full list of questions as an attachment in order for you to prepare to complete the online survey.
Should you have any questions or concerns about the survey, or the purpose of it, please contact membership@bcha.com