New Border Measures Resources & Tools

On August 9, 2021, the Government of Canada introduced new border measures. Some of the key changes include: 

1. Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are currently residing in the U.S. may travel to Canada for non-essential reasons; 

2. The removal of the requirement to stay at a government-authorized hotel for all travellers; and 

3. The removal of the requirement for all fully vaccinated travellers to take a post-arrival test, unless they are randomly selected to take one. 

The Public Health Agency of Canada has developed several products/tools to help you and your clients/customers better understand the full scope of these changes and what travellers will need to know before, during, and after their entry to Canada.  

1. Travel Toolkit: A quick guide to help other government departments understand the latest changes to travel rules, and to help them quickly find online resources with more in-depth details. This toolkit is available here.  

2. Marketing Toolkit: A resource for travel/tourism industry partners with pre-written social media, blogs, fact sheets, and newsletter content that can be used to inform their audiences. This toolkit is available on Google Drive. 

All travellers arriving or returning to Canada must continue to use ArriveCAN to submit their travel information. See travel.gc.ca/travel-covid for more details. 

We encourage you to use these products to answer questions your clients and customers may have, and to use them to develop content for your websites and social media to help travellers understand the new travel requirements.  

These resources will be updated as new rules and processes are implemented, and Destination Canada will be sure to share updated copies with industry as they are available.  

Free Workplace Mental Health Training Certification

Tourism and hospitality employees can access a new, free training certification program focused on mental health, well-being, and resiliency skills. The program is part of the recently-launched BC Workplace Mental Health Hub which offers tools to help address common workplace concerns such as bullying, harassment, COVID-19 exposure, coping with stress and more.

The program includes online training modules, optional webinars, and access to learning coaches who will answer questions and provide support. Learning coaches will enhance the experience by ensuring participants have a guide to support them as they work through the course at their own pace.

The new training program was developed with the needs of people working within the tourism and hospitality in mind. Level 1: Foundational Skills aims to teach participants about mental health and how it can fluctuate over time as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and substance use issues. They’ll also learn how to reduce stigma and start positive conversations about mental health and better recognize and address chronic stress and burnout to support their own well-being.

Watch Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform Webinar Recording

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) hosted a virtual info session on the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform and how it can help B.C. tourism companies track progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and develop a Sustainable Tourism Plan.

Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle is an easy-to-use digital platform that recognizes your commitment to sustainability and links your organization with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its 169 targets, through the development of a custom sustainability plan.

Members of TOTA's Biosphere Commitment Program receive a 1 year free trial for the platform and can now access the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform.

Emergency Support Fund for Canada’s Live Music Sector

Budget 2021 includes $25 million for Canada’s live music sector. The purpose of this program is to help Canadian live music companies and organizations operating in Canada who are facing financial pressures due to public health directives in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

The majority of companies and organizations targeted by this program are not regular beneficiaries of the Canada Music Fund (CMF); emergency funding for these types of companies and organizations is a recognition of the essential nature of the live music sector in achieving the objectives of the program. Thus, the temporary financial support will allow companies and organizations in Canada’s live music sector to continue to exist during and beyond the pandemic and ultimately to continue i) to produce and promote a diversity of Canadian music in a world of choice ii) to be competitive at home and abroad and iii) to contribute to Canada’s creative economy.

Funding will be allocated based on eligible revenues from each applicant’s last completed fiscal year prior to the pandemic.

Funding is subject to availability of funds and submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

The deadline to apply is September 2, 2021.

Who Can Apply?

This program targets Canadian-owned companies and organizations specializing in live music. This includes live music venues, booking agents, concert promoters, festivals, artist managers, artist-entrepreneurs, and service companies. To be eligible, companies must play an essential role in the Canadian live music sector and in the development of Canadian artists.

Tourism Business Builders Online Resources

Tourism HR Canada team has launched the Tourism Business Builders online program, developed specifically for tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs. This much-anticipated update moves the renowned program to a fully online offering, allowing for 24/7 access on the organization’s Emerit.ca learning platform and the flexibility to quickly add content.

Businesses who have been the most adversely impacted by COVID are not only looking at recovery, but in many cases a complete restart to their operations. This presents opportunities to re-assess priorities, including product and service offerings, audiences, financing, and marketing.

Now these same businesses can access this brand new “how-to” resource, which contains nine comprehensive modules on business fundamentals and dozens of practical tools, including Excel templates and PDF worksheets…all FREE for a limited time.

Tourism Business Builders will retail for $199.00, but as part of Tourism HR Canada’s recovery strategy, the organization will offer it free of charge until September 1, 2021, to assist tourism business owners, operators, and prospective entrepreneurs.

Tourism businesses need support now more than ever, and this special offer adds to Tourism HR Canada’s recovery efforts. These include the free suite of resources available at TourismRecovery.ca and the free Emerit online occupational training offered earlier in the pandemic (with over 5,000 courses accessed).

Tourism Business Builders contains comprehensive online modules that cover such core topics as:

• Creating Your Product

• Financial Management

• Staffing Matters

• Marketing

• The Customer

• Managing Operations

As self-directed resources, these modules will help business owners/operators to review and revamp current planning and management practices. Entrepreneurs looking to launch a new tourism operation can work through the series to prepare a solid business plan and learn how to successfully run a tourism business—from start-up planning to day-to-day operations.

Used in conjunction with TourismRecovery.ca and Emerit.ca training for numerous tourism and hospitality occupations, owners/operators can build a strong business recovery and reengagement plan that covers all the basics needed to steer towards success.

FortisBC Rebates Available for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Businesses

Are you planning to purchase or upgrade lighting, HVAC equipment (boilers, furnaces, heaters, heat pumps, rooftop units, etc), or other business appliances? Have you purchased or installed any of these within the last 365 days? You might be eligible for FortisBC rebates if you are a FortisBC electricity or natural gas customer and meet their requirements for energy-efficient equipment.

Some of the FortisBC rebates that are available:  

• Commercial lighting rebates

• Natural gas boiler rebates

• Heat pump and electric water heater rebates

• Kitchen and laundry equipment rebates

If you are a tourism business operating in the Thompson Okanagan and would like to find out if you are eligible, book a free appointment with our Energy Analyst to learn more.

Free Digital Marketing Skills Training Program: Applications Open

The Alacrity Canada Digital Marketing Bootcamp is a virtual skills-training program valued at $6,000 per seat and offered to eligible B.C. small and medium-sized businesses at no cost by the Province of B.C. The eight-week course covers 40 key topics offered by 10 expert mentors to provide a foundation of digital marketing, search-engine optimization (SEO), paid advertising, analytics, content marketing, and other skills.

Eligibility:

• A BC resident or residents own the business;

• The business’s sole or primary operations are located in BC;

• The business is currently operating;

• The business is registered in BC;

• The business employs less than 149 BC residents

New Employer Toolkit: COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace

go2HR has prepared an employer toolkit with practical information, up-to-date resources, and downloadable tools to help answer questions related to COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace. The toolkit includes an overview of BC employment legislation, legal and mental health articles to help support employee mental health, information to help employers consider vaccination policy and sample employee policies.

Additional Resources:

• Webinar Handouts – COVID-19 and Vaccines: What an Employer Needs to Know

• COVID-19 Vaccination Workplace Policy Considerations

• COVID-19: Free rapid tests for your employees – Canada.ca

• BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner Releases “Proof of Vaccination” Guidance (Mathews, Dinsdale)

Canada USA Border Reopening Resources

Starting Monday, August 9, Canada plans to allow entry to American citizens and permanent residents who are currently residing in the US and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel. This preliminary step allows for the Government of Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7.

Subject to limited exceptions, all travellers must use ArriveCAN (app or web portal) to submit their travel information. If they are eligible to enter Canada and meet specific criteria, fully vaccinated travellers will not have to quarantine upon arrival.

Helpful Canada USA Border Resources:

• COVID-19: Entering Canada requirements checklist

• Destination Canada COVID-19: Guidance for Travellers

• COVID-19: Travel, testing, quarantine and borders

• COVID-19: Travel Information for US Citizens

• COVID-19: Passports and Travel for US Citizens

• Destination BC Messaging Guide for BC's Tourism Industry and travellers from the United States.

This is an evolving situation which may require frequent updates.

go2HR Baby Boomer Employment Toolkit

The go2HR Baby Boomer Tool Kit aims to help BC tourism and hospitality operators to create strategies to diversify workforce demographics to lessen the impact of current and emerging labour shortages. It contains information and tools that will help your business leverage this currently under-utilized and growing labour pool: the “baby boomer” generation.

The Baby Boomer Tool Kit Includes:

• The business case and benefits of hiring baby boomers

• BC employer success stories

• Checklists & resources

• Tips on marketing jobs to baby boomers

• How to manage multigenerational workplaces

Buy BC Partnership Program

Buy BC provides cost-shared funding and a recognizable Buy BC logo to help B.C.’s agri-food and seafood sector market their products and increase sales within B.C. Buy BC promotes a wide range of agriculture, food and beverage products. Look for the Buy BC symbol at your local grocery stores and farmers’ markets to enjoy and explore local products and support B.C. farmers, producers and our economy.

• Buy BC Logo Licensing: Buy BC logo licensing provides industry with the opportunity to apply for authorization to use the Logo through an Authorized Use Agreement or Consent to Use Form.

• Buy BC Cost-Shared Funding: Once an applicant has been approved for a Buy BC logo license, they can apply for funding to help them undertake sector and/or product specific Buy BC marketing and promotional activities across the province.

New Marketing Partner: Sustainable Life App™

TOTA’s Biosphere team is working to create Sustainable Life App listings for all Biosphere Committed Companies.

The Sustainable Life App™ connects eco-conscious consumers with sustainable businesses and brands. With 4000+ listings, 10,000+ downloads, and 6000+ users, the app is growing in popularity across Canada and internationally.

There is a one-time registration fee of $97 and Biosphere Committed Companies receive an exclusive $50 discount. In addition, $40 of the $47 one-time fee will be reinvested through targeted social media ads in the Thompson Okanagan.

Canada Extends COVID-19 Benefits to October 2021 (CEWS, CERS, CRB)

The Government of Canada has announced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) will be extended by four weeks to October 23, 2021. This extension also includes an increase of the rate of support employers and organizations can receive during the period between August 29 and September 25, 2021 from a maximum of 20 per cent to 40 per cent.

These extensions include:

• Extending the eligibility period for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support until October 23, 2021, and increasing the rate of support employers and organizations can receive during the period between August 29 and September 25, 2021.

• Extending the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) until October 23, 2021.

• Increasing the maximum number of weeks available for the CRB, by an additional 4 weeks, to a total of 54 weeks, at a rate of $300 per week, and ensuring it is available to those who have exhausted their employment insurance (EI) benefits.

Eco Efficiency Toolkit

Did you know that an Eco Efficiency Toolkit was created for Biosphere Committed Companies to use as an additional resource? The toolkit is divided into four key areas: water, energy, waste and carbon and provides helpful tips and low and no-cost solutions for companies of all sizes. To access the Eco Efficiency Toolkit and you are not currently a Biosphere Committed Member, join the Biosphere Commitment Program now.

---

This summer, we have experienced quite the heat wave and drought is currently impacting approximately half of BC, with extremely dry or very dry conditions throughout the Thompson Okanagan.

Here are some helpful tips from our Eco Efficiency Toolkit to help you reduce water usage:

1. Establish your water usage baseline

2. Consider using grey water management systems or harvest rainwater

3. Install low-flow fixtures

4. Track your water consumption, by installing a water meter or using the free Energy Star Portfolio Manager program

5. Check for leaks and drips in your water systems

6. Xeriscape with native drought-resistant plants

7. Use mulch at the base of plants to reduce evaporation from soil

8. Reuse water for gardens and plants

9. Ensure your irrigation system uses water efficiently and use low flow garden hose nozzles

10. Adopt water-efficient cleaning procedures

First International Standard on Accessible Tourism For All

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published the world’s first standard on accessible tourism, ISO 21902 Tourism and related services – Accessible tourism for all – Requirements and recommendations. This is an international standard offering guidelines to ensure access and enjoyment of tourism for all on an equal basis.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Fundación ONCE and UNE (Asociación Española de Normalización)  led the development of this pioneering, cross-cutting standard on an international level, focusing on accessible tourism throughout the whole value chain of the tourism sector.

This is a business that in the European Union represents a potential market of 80 million persons, or 130 million if companions are included. Moreover, the market is growing considering the population pyramid in many European countries, and this is also the case for other parts of the world.

As from today, this standard is available in Spanish as UNE-ISO 21902,  having been translated and included in the UNE national catalogue of standards. It addresses service providers and tourism operators as well as public administrations and tourism destinations.

The UNE-ISO 21902 standard establishes requirements and recommendations for accessible tourism. For example, in order for a beach to be considered accessible, it must offer showers, toilets and a route that can be used by all. Also, accessible pedestrian routes in a natural environment must provide, amongst other requirements, a continuous, firm and stable floor and signalling and must offer details on the itinerary before the start of the route. In general, in their written communications, tourism establishments must use clear and simple language following a logical sequence, with images and graphic symbols where appropriate, and with contrasting colours and easy-to-read fonts.

It is hoped that the standard will become a key tool for enforcing the right of everyone to enjoy tourism and leisure. In spite of advances over recent decades, in many countries there is still much to be done before the tourism sector takes into account the needs of the more than 1 billion persons with disabilities in the world.

Because of the way in which environments, infrastructure and a wide range of tourism services have been conceived, tourists with disabilities often face challenges starting from the actual planning of their trip and including their experience in the destination. This standard aims to trigger change.

Throughout 2021 and 2022, UNWTO, Fundación ONCE and UNE, together with experts, will hold an awareness campaign addressing their members and associates to stress the harmonization of accessible tourism on a global scale by means of standards.

This worldwide standard was developed by the International Standardization Committee ISO/TC 228 on Tourism and related services, in which UNWTO coordinated working group WG14 bringing together 85 experts from more than 35 countries and five relevant organizations in this area who were responsible for the drafting. Fundación ONCE held the technical leadership and UNE provided the secretariat and coordinated with ISO.

Free Access to B.C. Accommodation Performance Tracking Data

View fullsize

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.

• Watch video overview of BC’s 2021 hotel performance

• Watch demo video of the FREE hotel benchmarking dashboard

• View STR FAQ and blog

---

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.

1:1 Support to Share Travel Offers on HelloBC.com

Destination BC will promote Travel Offers as a “hook” to encourage potential travellers to explore a variety of BC experiences, attractions, and accommodations.

BC tourism businesses can list up to three "Travel Offers" at no cost. Offers do not have to be discounts. 

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program is offering free 1:1 support to set up your business listing and travel offers to display on HelloBC.com.

New Tourism Digital Marketing Expert Certification Program through the BCRTS and eLearningU

As a member of the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is pleased to announce that all tourism businesses in our region can gain access to the Digital Marketing Expert Certification Program by eLearningU. Tourism businesses can sign up for a FREE subscription to eLearningU, where, upon registration, they will be provided a username and password for their account. Multiple people within the same organization are welcome to join the program.

In addition to the Tourism Digital Marketing Certification Program, registered members will have FREE access to 50 live webinars over the course of the year, and a full webinar library of 350+ recordings. 

Become a Tourism Digital Marketing Expert

After registering for your free eLearningU subscription, follow the link below to access your Tourism Digital Marketing Certificate dashboard. There are 5 Certifications in this program, broken down into individual certificates, they are as follows:

• Tourism Social Media Marketing Certificate (14 courses, 14 hours)

• Tourism Content Marketing Certificate (6 courses, 6 hours)

• Tourism SEO/SEM Marketing Certificate (8 courses, 8 hours)

• Tourism General Marketing Certificate (7 courses, 7 hours)

• After each of these are complete, the Tourism Digital Marketing Expert (TDME) Certification is awarded.

Check out the Program Here

Each course is compiled of a 1-hour video training and a 5-question quiz. The quizzes come directly from the content in the video training and must be passed in order to complete the lesson. You may retake the quiz in order to pass. The goal is to verify that you have reviewed and learned the information presented.

Sections and lessons do not have to be done in order, so if something seems more interesting or useful, complete that one first and finish the rest at your leisure. As we are apart of the launch of this exciting program, the sooner you sign up, the more live webinars you will be able to attend. All required webinars will be added to the library after their live premiere.

---

Background

The TOTA Tourism Resiliency Program, part of the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, provides long-term support to tourism businesses to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt services, and work towards eventual recovery. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program, tourism businesses can access the following FREE supports:

• Digital Support Services with a digital marketing expert

• 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/video chat with a TOTA Program Advisor

For more information on TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program, go to TOTABC.org/resiliency.

---

Tourism Skills Training Program: Application Now Open for Free Virtual Certification

Online Course Dates:
February 8 - May 5, 2021 (Mon - Thurs, 9 AM - 4 PM)

Application Deadline:
February 3, 2021

Limited seats available

TOTA has received government funding to provide tourism training skills programs and we are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Canadian Tourism Professional (CTP) Program, a free Domestic Tourism Certification for the Thompson Okanagan Region.

This 13-week full-time virtual program is an opportunity for unemployed, casual, seasonal and part-time employees to upgrade their skills, knowledge, and industry connections to overcome the challenges through this uncertain time. 

The Canadian Tourism Professional Program will prepare 60 participants to work in various tourism and hospitality positions in the Thompson Okanagan region with a focus on serving domestic markets in traditional employment and/or self-employment. Participants will receive instruction, mentorship, employment coaching, and job placement support.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements:

• Living in Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia (including Shuswap, Boundary Country, Similkameen, and Gold Country/Nicola Valley)

• Legally able to work in Canada

• Currently unemployed or working casual, seasonal, or part-time

• Over 15 years of age

For more information:

Website: TOTABC.org/Training
Email: Training@TOTABC.com
Phone: (778) 752-5877

Delivered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in cooperation with the University of Victoria-Peter B. Gustavson School of Business and supported by the Province of British Columbia.

---

Share This Opportunity

Feel free to share this opportunity with potential employees of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, particularly unemployed or part-time, casual, and seasonal employees looking to expand their career.

We have provided sample content to share on bulletins, email newsletters, website listings, and social media:

New Support for Small Business: Canada United Small Business Relief Fund

Applications open October 26 for grants of up to $5,000 to cover costs of personal protective equipment, make physical modifications to business to meet health and safety requirements, and enhance digital/e-commerce capabilities.

For Small Business Week, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, announced an investment of $12 million in the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund.

The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund, which is managed by the OCC, is supporting Canadian businesses across different sectors and industries with grants of up to $5,000. These grants will help thousands of small business owners cover the costs of personal protective equipment, make physical modifications to their businesses to meet local health and safety requirements, and enhance their digital or e-commerce capabilities. This is especially important as we enter the second wave of the pandemic.

Canada United is a national fundraising campaign created by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in collaboration with private sector partners and provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, including the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). The campaign has been rallying support from Canadians for local small businesses in every corner of the country.

This investment builds on the Government of Canada’s continued support for small and local businesses through a wide range of COVID-19 emergency programs, such as the expanded Canada Emergency Business Account, the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.

Quick facts

• Starting on October 26, small businesses can apply online through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for the next wave of Canada United Small Business Relief Fund grants.

• Applications are open to small businesses across sectors and industries in every part of the country that have between $150,000 and $3 million in annual sales; have up to 75 employees; are registered in Canada; and would use the grant to cover the costs of personal protective equipment, make physical modifications to their businesses to meet local health and safety requirements, and enhance their digital or e-commerce capabilities.

• To support Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada introduced the largest relief package in our country’s history, which includes the following major programs for business owners and their employees:

  • The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) is helping businesses by covering up to 75% of payroll, retroactive to March 15 and with the intention of continuing support into summer 2021.

  • The expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) will provide businesses with an additional $20,000 interest-free loan on top of the original $40,000 CEBA loan.

  • The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, building on the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA), would provide simple and easy-to-access rent and mortgage support until June 2021 for qualifying organizations affected by the pandemic.

  • The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) is delivered through Canada’s regional development agencies and supports small businesses across Canada that have been unable to access existing relief measures. Originally vested with $962 million, the RRRF has been topped up with an additional $600 million. 

• In addition to broad support programs, the government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes targeted measures to help tourism businesses, rural communities, artists and athletes, innovative high-growth businesses, Indigenous-owned businesses, women entrepreneurs, farmers and agri-food businesses, and more.

The new application window will be open on Monday, October 26, 2020.