Survey on Tourism Relief Fund

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada has been advocating for the faster roll out of Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) support to the industry and asked the government to consider supporting projects under this Fund that help tourism operators recover and relaunch their businesses from the pandemic in addition to projects which:

• Create new or enhance existing tourism experiences and products to attract more local and domestic visitors; and

• Help the sector reposition itself to welcome international visitors.

To properly advocate and make changes, TIAC needs up-to-date information from operators on whether the Fund is responding to your current needs, where you are experiencing challenges in accessing the program and the nature of those challenges, as well as how you believe improvements to the Fund could be made.

Take Survey →

Government of Canada Budget 2022 Questionnaire | Submit by Feb 25, 2022

The Government of Canada has launched pre-budget consultations. This is an opportunity for Canadians and businesses across the country to share ideas and input about how Budget 2022 can support a strong economic recovery for everyone.

Learn More & Take Questionnaire →

Paid Sick Leave Survey | Open Until February 10, 2022

As of January 1, 2022, the provincial government mandated five days of paid sick leave for employees. ABLE BC is seeking your voice to better understand how this new policy has impacted your business since its implementation. The information you provide will support our collective industry's ongoing engagement with all levels of government.

This survey will be open until Thursday, February 10, 2022.

Take Survey →

ABLE BC is continuing to work with our industry partners to request logical and necessary amendments to the paid sick leave policy, including pressuring government to redefine “employment year” as a calendar year and to re-introduce the now-expired Employer Reimbursement Program for COVID-19 related sick leave wages.

Visit the FAQ to better understand this policy.

Join a New Working Group to Help Rebuild the Tourism Workforce | Apply by Feb 18, 2022

Tourism HR Canada's new Workforce Recovery Project aims to restart tourism by securing a skilled, diverse, and resilient workforce.

As a part of this project, Tourism HR Canada is calling on tourism industry leaders, business owners, workers, educators, and students to join working groups.

The goal of the working groups is to gather recommendations to align the project with the realities experienced by the sector and by sharing a wide range of ideas to ensure the representation of diverse tourism stakeholders from across Canada.

Apply by February 18, 2022

Learn More & Apply →

Kal Grad 2022 Globox™ Fundraiser | Raffle Ends March 15, 2022

Building on the successful Globox™ fundraiser of 2021, the 2022 graduating class of Kalamalka Secondary School in Vernon are again working with Glohaven Community Hub to support their fundraising efforts.

KSS usually raises 10K-12K through their annual Apple Pie Fundraiser, however the event was unable to proceed in 2021 due to COVID. Instead, the Kal Grad Globox™ Raffle 2021 raised over $14,000 - making it the single most successful fundraiser in the history of Kal High School.

The 2022 online raffle ticket campaign has launched with nearly $12,000 worth of amazing prizes from an incredible 45 local Okanagan businesses, including Indigenous businesses and Biosphere Committed Companies.

Prizes include:

• 2 Indigenous Globoxes™ (featured experiences: a getaway to Spirit Ridge Resort and a Moccasin Trails excursion)

• 1 Remarkably Loved Globox™ (featured experience: a getaway to Sparkling Hill Resort).

• 1 Family Fun Globox™ (featured experience: Sicamous Houseboats Vacation package)

• 1 Eldorado Resort VIP Globox™ (featuring a getaway to the Eldorado Resort in Kelowna)

View Prizes & Buy Tickets →

1 for $20, 3 for $50, OR 7 for $100!

Raffle Ends: March 15th at 11:59 pm

About

This type of fundraising campaign is one of the ways Glohaven is supporting communities, partners, and the creators of local products and experiences (Glohaven offers to purchase their products / experiences).

They call this a TRIPLE WIN; the 2022 Kalamalka High School Grads WIN with their graduation expenses being covered, the local businesses involved WIN with fabulous exposure, and the recipients of the 5 fabulous Globox™ prizes WIN! Anything that is raised in surplus, will be left as a legacy gift for the school and put towards an outdoor learning structure.

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If you have products or experiences that you would like to participate in these fundraising opportunities to spread the word about your business, contact: angela@glohaven.com.

Vote for Peaks to Prairies EV Charging Station Network by February 8, 2022

“Charging Ahead”, the Peaks to Prairies Electric Vehicle Charging Station Network is eligible for the Green Destinations Peoples’ Choice Award.

Please take a moment to VOTE and highlight awareness of Canada as a destination!

Deadline: before midnight (MST) February 8, 2022

About

The Peaks To Prairies EV Charging Network facilitates travel to and within the beautiful region of Southern Alberta with fast charging and Level 2 stations from Canmore to Medicine Hat, south to Waterton and to the Crowsnest Pass... with many stops along the way!

This project builds upon the success of Accelerate Kootenays in southeast British Columbia and in future will connect with an EV initiative in Montana and is the only nominee from Canada, and the only one from North America in this category.

Awards will be presented at the ITB Berlin International Tourism Conference on March 8-10, 2022.

How to Vote

1. Read the Green Destinations Story →

2. Go to the Green Destinations Story Award voting page →

3. Click on VOTE HERE to open the survey.

4. Enter your name and e-mail. (This ensures only one vote per person.)

5. Choose “Americas” as a category.

6. Choose **“Alberta SouthWest Crown of the Continent”

7. … and submit!

World Travel Awards™ Call for Travel Excellence

World Travel Awards is pleased to announce its annual "call for entries" for inclusion in the most prestigious awards and recognition initiative in travel and tourism.

In the quest to identify and reward excellence, World Travel Awards invites brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence to participate in the annual programme.

Each country's very best brands and products are invited to submit their applications to participate and stand a chance to win the ultimate industry accolade. Awards will be given to nominees by country, continent, and, finally, world best.

The deadline to apply is March 27, 2022. Voting opens on 4th April, 2022 when all of the short-listed nominees for Canada 2022 will be announced.

Learn More & Register →

Award Categories

• Leading Airline

• Leading Airline Brand

• Leading Airline Lounge

• Leading Airport

• Leading Airport Hotel

• Leading Airport Lounge

• Leading Beach Destination

• Leading Beach Hotel

• Leading Beach Resort

• Leading Boutique Hotel

• Leading Business Hotel

• Leading Business Travel Destination

• Leading Car Rental Company

• Leading Casino Resort

• Leading Chauffeur Company

• Leading City Break Destination

• Leading City Destination

• Leading Conference Hotel

• Leading Cruise Line

• Leading Cruise Port

• Leading Destination

• Leading Exclusive Retreat

• Leading Family Resort

• Leading Honeymoon Destination

• Leading Hotel

• Leading Hotel Brand

• Leading Hotel Residences

• Leading Hotel Suite

• Leading Inflight Magazine

• Leading Lifestyle Hotel

• Leading Low-Cost Airline

• Leading Luxury Car Rental Company

• Leading Luxury Hotel

• Leading Luxury Train

• Leading Meetings & Conference Centre

• Leading Meetings & Conference Destination

• Leading New Hotel

• Leading New Resort

• Leading Private Jet Charter

• Leading Resort

• Leading River Cruise Company

• Leading Serviced Apartments

• Leading Sports Tourism Destination

• Leading Theme Park Resort

• Leading Tour Operator

• Leading Tourist Attraction

• Leading Tourist Board

• Leading Travel Agency

• Leading Travel Management Company

• Leading Wedding Hotel

• Most Romantic Resort

• Responsible Tourism

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Submit a In Memoriam Tribute for BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference by Feb 11, 2022

Over recent years, many have experienced the pain that comes with loss as we've been forced to say goodbye to some of our most beloved colleagues and industry friends. The absence has been felt across our sector, and due to restrictions on gatherings and events caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have not been able to celebrate their lives and achievements as we once would have.

This year's BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference will be paying respects through an "In Memoriam" slideshow tribute that honours all of those who have passed since we last met in person. We need your help to ensure that each of our industry friends are included.

How to Submit:

Please send direct submissions to info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com by Friday, February 11.

In your submissions, please detail the individual's:

1. First and last name

2. Title and company from their latest role

3. An image or headshot

Kelowna Mill Site Community Engagement

Over the past two years, Tolko has been engaged in the safe and orderly decommissioning work for the Kelowna Mill Site and, more recently, joined in preliminary discussions with the City of Kelowna regarding redevelopment of the property and the opportunity to work with the community to create the vision and plan that will guide that process.

The City of Kelowna is launching a public process for the North End Plan. At the same time, the Mill Site Planning Team will undertake a separate community planning process to create the Mill Site Redevelopment Plan. This process will be integrated with the community’s vision and aspirations for the North End.

Learn More →

Get Involved

Redevelopment of the Kelowna Mill Site area presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transition a large, industrial property to a new, master-planned, destination waterfront neighbourhood adjacent to the downtown core. The site could also benefit the local tourism industry.

The planning team is looking for community input to inspire the vision and objectives for the conceptual design of the site. The community is invited to contribute to crafting a vision for this new neighbourhood an interactive virtual workshop to help us envision the mill site.

There are currently three workshop dates to choose from: 

1. Saturday, February 5, 10am-12pm

2. Tuesday, February 8, 5:30pm-7:30pm

3. Thursday, February 10, 10am-12pm

Register →

Can't make any of those times? There will be many more opportunities to engage throughout the Mill Site Area Redevelopment Plan process. 

Subscribe to Updates →

Nominate a Business for Small Business BC Awards | Closes Feb 28, 2022

The annual Small Business BC Awards present an opportunity to showcase owners of small businesses and validate their efforts, highlighting the impact they make in our lives.

Nominations and voting for the 2022 SBBC Awards are open until February 28, 2022.

There are two categories this year:

• The Business Impact Award; goes to the business owner(s) that are truly making a difference. - Awarded to the Top 3

• Premier’s People’s Choice Award; presented to a BC-based small business that can demonstrate they have the unwavering and loyal support of their community. - One winner

Note: Winners and finalists split a prize pool of $15,000. Taking part is easy - nominate your business, or a business you love for a Small Business BC Award today!

Learn More & Nominate →

Invest in Iconics - Virtual Regional Workshops with Indigenous Tourism BC on January 13 & 18, 2022

Indigenous Tourism Stakeholders, non-Stakeholders, communities, entrepreneurs and knowledge keepers are invited to join Indigenous Tourism BC for an engaging session where you contribute your ideas to shape the future of tourism in B.C.

In this session, you will:

• Participate in a series of interactive activities.

• Learn more about the Invest in Iconic’s strategy.

• Meet other Indigenous Tourism leaders in your area.

• Share your perspective in a respectful space.

• Have fun! Indigenous Tourism BC is working with graphic designers to create a more interactive session that allows you to visually see your feedback in real-time.

• Reward yourself with multiple chances to win a $100 honorarium for your time.

The workshop will be facilitated by Beverley O’Neil (Ktunaxa) and Brian Payer (Objibwe) of O’Neil Marketing and Consulting. With more than 60 years experience and proven results, Beverley and Brian are excited to bring their expertise in tourism and economic development.

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Register for a Thompson Okanagan Session:

Thursday January 13, 2022 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Tuesday January 18, 2022 from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

If you have any questions related to event registration, please email Jordie@IndigenousBC.com

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Survey of Marketers

Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) in partnership with the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA), invites marketers to participate in the second Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Survey of Marketers.

The purpose of the research is to understand how diverse, equitable and inclusive the Canadian marketing community is for individuals at all stages of their careers. The findings will help CMA understand how they can cultivate an environment that is inclusive, respectful and supportive of all.

Take Survey →

Support Systems and Emerging HR Practices Survey

Across the country, governments, industry associations and other key tourism stakeholders have been developing support services for hard hit tourism businesses and workers. This support is desperately needed but has also created confusion due to the many subsidies and services available.

To help understand the complete ecosystem of support services available across the country, we are asking your organization to complete an eight-minute survey. This survey asks you, or another member of your organization, to identify the government programs and industry support services available in your region or to your industry members. The survey also asks about any innovative practices tourism businesses are implementing to mitigate workforce shortages. Please feel free to share the survey with other associations and service providers in your network.

This survey was developed in partnership with OTEC and Tourism HR Canada as part of the Tourism and Hospitality Emergency Recovery project.

The findings of this survey will help to recommend where investments in products or services could/should be made in order to build a toolkit that will help employers or communities address workforce recovery needs.

BC Hospitality Foundation Holiday 50/50 Tickets on Sale NOW!

Support the B.C. hospitality and tourism community by purchasing tickets to the Holiday 50/50 Lottery benefiting the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF).

This licensed lottery is being promoted ONLY to the local hospitality and tourism community, so someone in or related to industry will be the big winner!

Funds will support industry workers in a time of need.

Ticket Package Options:

1. 5 for $10

2. 20 for $20

3. 150 for $40

Purchase Tickets →

Holiday Shopping with the BC Hospitality Foundation

The BCHF receives funds from a variety of corporate initiatives initiated by friends and colleagues in the hospitality industry, including partial proceeds from product sales. By purchasing these products, you can support the supporters and help boost the BC economy at the same time!

Accommodator Workforce Survey - Closed December 9, 2021

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) is seeking accommodators to voice opinions for a critical survey that will help inform advocacy surrounding the workforce file.

The survey addresses the following key themes:

1. Hiring and recruitment

2. Upskilling and education

3. Employee pay

4. Additional employee benefits and incentives 

BCHA needs as many operators as possible to complete this survey and thank you for taking the time you take to complete it. Individual and business information will be kept confidential.

The survey closes Thursday, December 9.

2021 Biosphere Awards - Nominations Close December 1st

Biosphere Hall of Fame

The Biosphere Hall of Fame was created by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) to recognize and celebrate the organizations that make the region a more sustainable destination.

The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program recognizes tourism organizations within the Thompson Okanagan region and gets them involved through TOTA’s Biosphere Certified Gold Destination status.

Biosphere Committed Companies are already taking steps to participate in the value-added programs to working towards the Sustainable Development Goals and are working together to make the destination more sustainable and resilient.

The Biosphere Hall of Fame recognizes Biosphere Committed Companies that have gone above and beyond.

2021 Awards Are Open for Nominations

We want to acknowledge the hard work and sustainable efforts of our Biosphere Committed Companies.

We have created the three awards to further recognize Biosphere Committed Companies:

• Sustainable Project of the Year Award

• Pioneer Award

• Eco Efficiency Excellence Award

Do you know a Biosphere Committed Company that has gone above and beyond? Nominate this business so their work can be recognized.

Winners will receive an award certificate, featured blog post, additional marketing coverage on TOTA social channels, and a feature in the monthly Biosphere Commitment Newsletter.

Nomination Details

There are no entry fees.

Self nominations welcomed.

Nominations are anonymous.

Nominations close December 1, 2021

POST Promise: Business Self-Declaration

The POST Promise is a self-declaration from a business to its customers and employees that it is working hard to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Once completed, a business is provided with the communication and implementation tools needed to educate employees on the five key steps to workplace safety, which were created to be consistent with what has been recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Businesses who make the promise are then able to use and display the POST Promise logo which will act as a clear indication to employees and customers that they are doing their part to protect Canadians’ health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The POST Promise brings together all businesses across industries to implement a common approach which is then communicated by a consistent visual cue.

However, the POST Promise is not a “certification” or “approval” from any regulatory body. All businesses are still required to follow the laws and recommended guidelines from their local public health office and government bodies.

BC Chamber of Commerce Collective Perspective Survey 2021

The BC Chamber of Commerce’s purpose is to know what’s on BC’s mind. They are asking you to use your voice by completing a perspective survey and assist the BC Chamber of Commerce with their advocacy efforts.

The goal of the 2021 Collective Perspective Survey is to capture insight from every sector, business size, and region in the province.

Results from the survey will:

• Identify evolving trends – and roadblocks

• Brief government on the business climate in preparation for the 2022 budget

• Inform our advocacy efforts

The survey will close November 4, 2021, at 4:00pm PDT.

Accommodation Accessibility Features Survey

TOTA is committed to becoming a world-renowned accessible destination and the goal is to promote “Access & Inclusion” in all aspects of community and tourism experiences, products, and services in the Thompson Okanagan region.

Accommodators (resorts, hotels, motels, B&B) in the Thompson Okanagan region are invited to share information about the accessibility features of their venue.

Please take a few moments to fill out this survey to better help us identify the accessible accommodations available in the Thompson Okanagan region.

URGENT Survey: Impact of BC Vaccine Card - Alliance of Beverage Licensees

ABLE BC in partnership with the BCRFA, BC Craft Brewers Guild, Craft Distillers Guild of BC, Wine Growers British Columbia, Restaurants Canada, and New Wave Wine Society want to better understand how the Vaccine Card has impacted hospitality businesses.

British Columbia’s vaccine card program began on September 13. The program requires proof of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine in order to enter restaurants, movies, ticketed sporting events and many other non-essential venues.

As of October 24, those aged 12 and up will need to be fully vaccinated to access those same services and venues.

The goal of this survey is to understand if and how the Vaccine Card has impacted revenue, expenses, and interactions with customers in hospitality businesses. The responses will give real-world information needed to advocate for the government support businesses need to succeed.