go2HR Support for Communicable Disease Prevention Plans

Recently approved WorkSafeBC legislation requires employers to implement communicable disease prevention measures in the workplace. go2HR’s health and safety professionals are available to support tourism and hospitality businesses do just that.

To make the transition to Communicable Disease Prevention Plans as easy as possible, go2HR has developed detailed resources (including a downloadable checklist) for businesses to use to help ensure you have factored in all of the key prevention measures.

• Use the checklist to assess the risks in your workplace and record the steps that you are taking to protect workers.

• Request a free consultation with a member of go2HR's health and safety team to discuss appropriate measures for your business and answer your questions.

• Upload your completed checklist or prevention plan and go2HR will review it for you and provide tailored feedback.

Access Resources →

New Biosphere Committed Member - August

We are pleased to welcome Manteo at Eldorado Resort to the Biosphere Commitment Program!

Manteo at Eldorado Resort features 102 guest rooms, suites & villas on the shores of Okanagan Lake. At Manteo, they believe it is their duty to set the precedent for sustainability practices through their leadership in the tourism industry.

The team is constantly seeking new ways to enrich the local community by creating a safe and healthy environment for all, with an emphasis on diversity and equality. Manteo is proud to take part in environmental initiatives such as Adopt-A-Stream, Neighbourhood Clean-Ups, Bike to Work Week, and the eradication of invasive species, replacing them with native plants.

Giving back and fostering a strong sense of community is extremely important to Manteo. They focus on farm-to-table dining, partnering with local vendors and organizations, as well as raising funds for local charities.

Learn more about Manteo at Eldorado Resort.

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Brenda Baptiste Recognized With the Order of British Columbia

The Lieutenant Governor of B.C. has announced sixteen exceptional people to be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, including Brenda Baptiste of Osoyoos.

On behalf of the board and team at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, we congratulate Brenda Baptiste of this very special honour, the Province’s highest form of recognition. It has been a pleasure to work with Brenda in the Thompson Okanagan over the years through her work with the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre and as board member and Chair of the Board for Indigenous Tourism BC.

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About Brenda Baptiste

In the late 1990s the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) established itself as an economic force in the South Okanagan. At the same time, chief and council embarked on the feasibility for a cultural centre that would not only help preserve Syilx culture but present this cultural richness to the greater public.

In 2003, Brenda Baptiste was hired to coordinate the planning and operations for the $10-million first phase of the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (NDCC) that would celebrate Syilx culture and life in the desert context. The OIB had limited financial resources to subsidize the cultural centre and decided to open the NDCC to the public to assist with financial operations and to celebrate Indigenous Syilx culture, truly a precursor for reconciliation. The centre went on to win numerous awards and is now in a Phase 2 expansion, for which Baptiste is guiding the Indigenous story. The completion of this next phase will further anchor the centre as one of the leading cultural attractions in B.C.

Following the inspirational success with the NDCC, Brenda was elected to the board of the then Aboriginal Tourism BC (AtBC), which was a young financially strapped organization of 12 members and one employee. Now known as Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), the organization now has 500 members and 12 employees.

For Baptiste, three issues became evident:

1. Indigenous cultural tourism would need to become not only an economic opportunity for B.C.’s Indigenous communities but would provide “pride-of-nation” and a powerful path to reconciliation for Indigenous communities as they chose what cultural elements to protect and what to share and celebrate with visitors, ensuring cultural authenticity.

2. For Indigenous cultural rebirth a clear road map was imperative and as a result she worked in collaboration with a team to develop a blueprint for the growth of Indigenous cultural tourism in B.C., and the first of its kind in Canada. The strategy was the catalyst for incredible growth in Indigenous cultural tourism — 20% each year on average, including revenues of more than $1.2 billion and 7,400 full-time jobs.

3. The vision for a potent Indigenous cultural presence had to include a strong B.C. identity, which would celebrate the rich cultural life of Indigenous people. This collaborative effort would be sustained through meaningful partnerships with the B.C. government and tourism industry partners.

Baptiste was also the director of the Aboriginal Business Showcase for the Four Host Nations during the 2010 Olympics. This venue hosted over 500 Indigenous cultural businesses and artisans from across Canada. The vision was to create an opportunity for visitors reflecting dynamic and diverse Indigenous cultures, thereby facilitating the growth of cultural opportunities for all Indigenous Nations in Canada.

Recently, Baptiste led the coordination of a holistic cultural program for Indigenous inmates at the Okanagan Correction Centre. She has implemented cultural events for those often in most need to build pride in their essence as a native person. She has implemented Syilx cultural programming, including spiritual counselling, smudging, singing, and drumming, sweat house ceremonies, Syilx language, and crafts.

COVID-19 Update for Thompson Okanagan

New COVID-19 Health Measures for Central Okanagan

Interior Health (IH) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in the Central Okanagan due to significant increases in COVID-19 transmission and announced measures effective July 29, 2021 for the Central Okanagan communities of Peachland, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Kelowna, and Lake Country.

Restrictions Include:

• Mandatory masks in indoor public spaces. Patrons must wear masks unless seated

• Masks are encouraged to be worn outdoors if you are unable to physically distance

• Physical distancing required in indoor and outdoor places (e.g., between tables, line-ups, etc.)

• Events should be organized outdoors and not indoors

• Gatherings have a limit of 50 people or 50% of the venue's total capacity

• Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs must have COVID-19 safety plans in place. Liquor service can remain at normal hours but people should not be socializing between tables

• Nightclubs can remain open with up to 10 people at a table and seated

• Reducing the second-dose interval to four weeks, to get people vaccinated quicker

• Discouraging non-essential travel to the region by people who are not yet fully vaccinated (7 days after second dose)

• Expanded asymptomatic testing availability

• Remind your staff to stay home if they are sick and get tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms

The measures will remain in place for at least 14 days and until the region experiences lower cases and higher vaccination rates.

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Benefits of Vaccination

Now that over 80% of British Columbians are fully vaccinated, the benefits of vaccination are clear:

• Data from the BC Centre of Disease Control (BCCDC) shows that less than 5% of COVID-19 cases from June 15 to July 15 were among fully vaccinated people. More than 95 per cent of recent cases in the Central Okanagan are among people who are not fully-immunized against COVID-19.

• During the same time period, 78% of people hospitalized in B.C. with COVID-19 were unvaccinated.

• Since June 15 there have been no deaths or hospitalizations in fully vaccinated people under 60 in B.C.

This is an important reminder that immunization is our most effective prevention against COVID-19.

Public health officials are not recommending non-essential travel for those who have not been fully vaccinated. Those who have been vaccinated may continue to travel, and we ask they do so safely and responsibly. 

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Vax for BC Campaign

The Province of BC is making it easier than ever for people to get vaccinated with the launch of the Vax for BC campaign to help as many eligible people as possible get vaccinated.

In July, Interior Health (the main health authority for the Thompson Okanagan region) had the second highest rate of unvaccinated individuals, with 26% of the population listed as unvaccinated.

Beginning on July 27, 2021, and lasting throughout the month of August, there will be:

• Community events, vax vans and mobile clinics in dozens of communities in B.C. available by walk-in or pre-scheduling

• Provincewide Walk-in Wednesday on Aug. 4, 2021

• Gradual refocus of vaccine efforts from mass clinics onto programs targeting the hard to reach people where the need is greatest.

A full list of Vax for BC events happening throughout the province is available online: gov.bc.ca/vaxforbc

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How Can the Tourism Industry Help?

The pandemic is not over and the situation can change at any time. The tourism industry needs to continue to lead and do our part to ensure that we continue to stay open by help prevent the spread of the virus. While these temporary restrictions are in the Central Okanagan, it is an important reminder for all tourism companies to:

• Stay informed of the latest health regulations and guidelines from Interior Health
  and Ministry of Health.
  

• Check-in with staff and ensure that your communicable disease plan is being followed by all guests and staff, including cleaning protocols and sanitization. Staff should not come in to work if feeling ill and should continue to wear masks
  

• Reassess your company's Communicable Disease Prevention Plan and get a free 1:1 review from go2HR.
  

• Ensure employees are aware they are entitled to 3 hours of paid leave to be vaccinated against COVID-19.4

• Support Interior Health's campaign #Journey2Immunity by using the hashtag and link www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca to encourage others to get vaccinated on your personal social media channels.

• Share the facts about the benefits of getting fully vaccinated as soon as possible - for example, Big White Ski Resort has shared the benefits along with photos of their team lead and Loose Moose mascot wearing a mask.

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Business Support

The TOTA team is here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program tourism companies can access the following supports:

• 1-1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor

• Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to share challenges faced by your business

Through this time, let's support each other, stay safe, and continue on the #Journey2Immunity.

Support Tourism Workers in Need Through the BC Hospitality Foundation Online Raffle

The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce that tickets for its first-ever online 50/50 raffle are now on sale. This online lottery initiative is a fundraiser in lieu of in person events due to the pandemic. The BCHF, which is the only charity of its kind in Canada, with a mission of supporting hospitality and tourism workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member.

The raffle starts with a $1,000 jackpot and will increase with every ticket purchased above and beyond until sales close on August 16th 2021. The raffle is half way through sales, with the jackpot is sitting at $2,390. Help BCHF reach $5,000 this week. Winner takes half!

The initiative is a fundraiser for the BCHF, with a mission of supporting hospitality and tourism workers in need, such as:

• Server who suffered soft tissue and head injury from being struck by a car as a pedestrian – covered her rent for a month and other basic expenses so she could return to work.

• Cook who suffered a stroke and his wife had to have an emergency root canal - covered the cost of the dental work and basic living costs for 1 month.

• Restaurant worker who contracted an infection while giving birth to a premature baby girl. Mother and baby were transferred to hospital and stayed for over 3 weeks. The BCHF helped the family to cover the extraordinary costs of the father’s travel, older sister’s care, and living out of home for 21 nights

The winning name will be drawn at noon on August 17 and will be posted on the BCHF website and social media shortly thereafter, pending notification to the winner. Funds raised by the event will be used by the BCHF to support hospitality industry workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member.

Purchase tickets online, and view updated jackpot as tickets are purchased.

Glenn Fawcett Given the Award of Distinction from Wine Growers of British Columbia

Congratulations to Glenn Fawcett on being recognized for his considerable contributions to the wine industry by the Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) with its highest honour – the WGBC Award of Distinction. The Award of Distinction recognizes a winery representative for their outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the advancement of the British Columbia wine industry.

Previous winners of this prestigious award include wine industry luminaries such as Howard Soon, Sandhill (Andrew Peller); Harry McWatters, Time Winery; and Tony Stewart, Quails’ Gate Winery.

During his 35-year career as an entrepreneur and innovator Fawcett has founded and/or consulted to numerous successful companies including Therapy Vineyards and Guesthouse and Black Hills Estate Winery. Fawcett is also a sought-after industry consultant under his company Vinequest Ltd.

Free Access to B.C. Accommodation Performance Tracking Data

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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.

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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.

• Watch video overview of BC’s 2021 hotel performance

• Watch demo video of the FREE hotel benchmarking dashboard

• View STR FAQ and blog

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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.

New Biosphere Committed Members - July

We are pleased to welcome Clos du Soleil Winery, Tightrope Winery, Sperling Vineyards, Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Resort, and Le Vieux Pin Winery to our Biosphere Community!

Clos du Soleil is a tightly-knit team with a common philosophy: our land and the life it contains is a gift, and as stewards of the land it is our privilege to produce wines which are a reflection of this land. Based in the Similkameen Valley, Clos du Soleil is a small artisan winery and estate vineyard. Managing Director and Winemaker Michael Clark states, “Organic certification is really central to our whole approach at Clos du Soleil. We put a great deal of effort into producing wines of place; wines that speak of the land on which they were grown. Organic practices are a crucial part of that process by encouraging healthy soils, and healthy vines, which make for more expressive wines”.

Learn more about Clos du Soleil here.

From the beginning, Graham & Lyndsay knew they wanted Tightrope Winery to be a sustainable business. After all, the property was also to be the home to their young family, and they wanted to ensure it would be a healthy environment for their family for generations. Graham embarked on a journey to create a framework for sustainability and became one of the founding Directors with Sustainable Winegrowing BC (SWBC). Tightrope’s sustainability efforts go beyond environmental stewardship and they also focus on social equity, economic development and how the greater community is affected.

Learn more about Tightrope Winery here.

Sperling Vineyards has been four generations in the making and they have been certified organic since 2017. Sperling Vineyards also recently became a member of Regeneration Canada, a movement supporting soil regeneration. Ann Sperling explained, "We are part of this organization to help get the word out about farmers who are committed to grasslands, permanent cover crops, and farming that benefits the environment. Our treed perimeters, bushes and permanent cover crops sequester carbon from the atmosphere unlike conventional agriculture with tillage that releases CO2."

Learn more about Sperling Vineyards here.

Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Resort is proudly owned by the Little Shuswap Lake Band. The Resort sits on Skwlax Territory and is home to the Secwepemc people. Little Shuswap Lake Band members conceived the idea of a hotel to spur economic development with a sustainable business venture, offering employment and long term security for the band and its members. Guests can reconnect with nature and the culture of the land, with Secwepemc culture woven into each experience.

Learn more about Quaaout Lodge at Talking Rock Resort here.

Named for the solitary majestic old growth pine of their Oliver estate, Le Vieux Pin sits perched amidst the famed vineyards of the Black Sage Bench. Since releasing their first vintage in 2005, Le Vieux Pin has captured the essence of traditional French winemaking, along with the bold New World character distinct to the region. Le Vieux Pin uses low input viticulture and non-interventionist winemaking to make exclusive vintages that carry with them a sense of time and place. They believe that engaging in sustainable and organic practices should be done for the good of the land for the good of those who work it.

Learn more about Le Vieux Pin here.

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Attractions Get Support to Anchor Their Communities

More than 80 anchor attractions and tour bus operators in B.C. will receive direct support for their recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thompson Okanagan recipients include:

• Kamloops Art Gallery - Kamloops

• Thompson Valley Charters Ltd.- Kamloops

• Big White Ski Resort Ltd - Kelowna

• Bluestar Coach Lines - Kelowna

• Energyplex Family Recreation Centre Kelowna Inc.-Kelowna

• Sky Trek Adventure Park Ltd. - Malakwa

• Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre - Osoyoos

• Hoodoo Adventure Company Ltd. - Penticton

• Penticton Art Gallery - Penticton

• S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society - Penticton

• Top Cat Tours Ltd. - Penticton

• Kettle Valley Railway Society - Summerland

• A1 Bus Ltd. - Vernon

• Splashdown Vernon - Vernon

• Vernon Science & Discovery Society - Vernon

• Splash ON Water Parks Ltd. - West Kelowna

“Today is an exciting day for our major anchor attractions that, because of the restrictions that have been in place throughout the pandemic, made sacrifices to keep us all safe,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “The sector called on government to provide grants, not loans, and we worked with tourism sector leaders to make sure these vital businesses and non-profits can continue to employ residents and draw visitors to attractions throughout B.C.”

B.C.’s anchor attractions play an important role in B.C.’s economy by drawing visitors to communities and supporting local small businesses throughout the province. Tour bus companies are a key link to bring travellers to many of the regional destinations, attractions and experiences.

The Major Anchor Attractions Program, first announced in May 2021, was one of the seven calls to action from the Tourism Task Force. Grants of up to $1 million will be provided to both businesses and not-for-profits, including:

• 23 urban anchor attractions;

• 34 rural anchor attractions; and

• 26 tour bus operators.

Organizations can use the grants to pay for rent and utilities, payroll and costs related to restarting or ramping up operations and other business expenses that will help them recover from the impacts of the pandemic. For example, Richmond Night Market will use its $1-million grant to help it maintain its role as a significant attraction in the City of Richmond.

Since the start of the pandemic, the B.C. government has worked with industry to provide relief and support. In addition to the Major Anchors Attraction Program, the Province has provided the following:

• A $100-million tourism-specific stream under the Small and Medium Size Business Recovery Grant program.

• $5 million was allocated in dedicated relief funding delivered by Indigenous Tourism BC for Indigenous tourism businesses.

• $53 million has been invested in community-based tourism infrastructure and destination development to help tourism in B.C. recover, create jobs and spur economic development.

• The Province partnered with go2HR to design a COVID-19 safety certificate course for the tourism and hospitality workforce.

• Budget 2021 includes an additional $50 million in to support tourism recovery and $20 million for community-based tourism infrastructure.

For a complete list of supports, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/covid-19-economic-recovery-plan-boosts-bc-tourism-industry

Quick Facts:

• Applications for the Major Anchor Attractions Program opened June 7, 2021.

• Major anchor attractions in urban centres that receive 75,000 or more visitors per year were eligible for up to $1 million.

• Major anchor attractions in rural areas that receive 15,000 or more visitors per year were eligible for up to $500,000.

• Tour bus companies that serve 30,000 or more passengers per year were eligible for up to $500,000.

• A total of $36.3 million was allocated to grant recipients throughout the province.

Learn More:

For a list of BC Major Anchor Attractions recipients by region, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/7-23_BCMAA.pdf