News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Resources for Job Seekers, Workers, and Businesses from Tourism and Hospitality Emergency Recovery
As tourism and hospitality businesses kick start their operations, retaining skilled employees and attracting new workers will be critical to their success. The Tourism and Hospitality Emergency Recovery project is developing tools and resources to help operators respond to this enormous challenge.
Tools include:
Free self-guided training guides for employees
Labour force survey results
Resource listings for individuals and businesses
As tourism and hospitality businesses kick start their operations, retaining skilled employees and attracting new workers will be critical to their success. The Tourism and Hospitality Emergency Recovery project is developing tools and resources to help operators respond to this enormous challenge.
Tools include:
Free self-guided training guides for employees
Labour force survey results
Resource listings for individuals and businesses
Government Resources for Managing a Business During COVID-19
The Government of Canada has compiled resources for companies, employees, and self‑employed individuals including financial support, loans, and access to credit.
The Government of Canada has compiled resources for companies, employees, and self‑employed individuals including financial support, loans, and access to credit.
Cap U Program Available to Assist in Creating Recruitment Strategy
In this difficult labour shortage, Capilano University School of Tourism Students are available to help develop business recruitment strategies. The Human Resources class will be working with tourism businesses to create a comprehensive recruitment strategy throughout the month of February.
After an initial consultation with the manager, students will analyze your needs and assess opportunities to help you attract a larger pool of candidates. In their report, students will design recruitment policies, audit current practices, and create recommendations on employer branding.
They will recommend recruitment sources and present a digital strategy, helping you take a broader talent management approach. They will present their findings to your team via zoom and prepare a comprehensive report. The time commitment for employers is 1-2 hours of virtual meetings. There is no cost to participate.
Email Joanna Jagger at joannajagger@capilanou.ca for more information.
In this difficult labour shortage, Capilano University School of Tourism Students are available to help develop business recruitment strategies. The Human Resources class will be working with tourism businesses to create a comprehensive recruitment strategy throughout the month of February.
After an initial consultation with the manager, students will analyze your needs and assess opportunities to help you attract a larger pool of candidates. In their report, students will design recruitment policies, audit current practices, and create recommendations on employer branding.
They will recommend recruitment sources and present a digital strategy, helping you take a broader talent management approach. They will present their findings to your team via zoom and prepare a comprehensive report. The time commitment for employers is 1-2 hours of virtual meetings. There is no cost to participate.
Email Joanna Jagger at joannajagger@capilanou.ca for more information.
Government of Canada Support Programs Available for Tourism and Hospitality Businesses
The following federal business recovery programs are available to support your business:
Note: If you applied for the Tourism & Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) for period 22 (October 24 to November 20, 2021), you may have been affected by an error in the calculation spreadsheet for wage and hiring support, which erroneously showed they were ineligible for the THRP when they may have been eligible.
The following federal business recovery programs are available to support your business.
To understand what your company is eligible for, complete the Determine Your Eligibility form.
Note: These programs were formally known as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS).
Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
Apply for wage/hiring subsidy, rent/property subsidy, or both. Business, charity, or non-profit part of the tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment, or recreation sectors, or affected by a qualifying public health restriction.
Note: If you applied for the Tourism & Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) for period 22 (October 24 to November 20, 2021), you may have been affected by an error in the calculation spreadsheet for wage and hiring support, which erroneously showed they were ineligible for the THRP when they may have been eligible.
Local Lockdown Program
The Local Lockdown Program is a way businesses, charities, and non-profits affected by a qualifying public health restriction can be eligible for wage and rent support through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP).
You do not have to be in the tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment, or recreation sectors to be eligible for this support.
Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program
Eligible organizations, regardless of their sector, may qualify for the HHBRP if they don’t qualify for the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP).
Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP)
Eligible employers can claim either the higher of the CRHP, or the wage portion of:
the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP), or
the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP)
Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB)
Temporary income support to employed and self-employed people who cannot work due to a COVID-19 lockdown. Employees can receive $300 ($270 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period. You may apply for any weeks your region has a COVID-19 lockdown order between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.
COVID Impact Report on Francophone and Bilingual Tourism Services in Canada (outside of Quebec)
The Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité (RDÉE Canada) commissioned Léger to conduct a study on the evolution of Francophone and bilingual tourism in Canada almost 15 months after the start of the pandemic. The report is based on a web survey of Canadian tourism companies outside Quebec, which offer services in French and in both languages to a Francophone clientele. The results of this report will allow RDÉE Canada and its members to establish a strategy and an action plan to support tourism businesses in welcoming visitors from the French-speaking markets of Quebec, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Eastern Europe.
The Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité (RDÉE Canada) commissioned Léger to conduct a study on the evolution of Francophone and bilingual tourism in Canada almost 15 months after the start of the pandemic. The report is based on a web survey of Canadian tourism companies outside Quebec, which offer services in French and in both languages to a Francophone clientele.
The results of this report will allow RDÉE Canada and its members to establish a strategy and an action plan to support tourism businesses in welcoming visitors from the French-speaking markets of Quebec, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Eastern Europe.
Read the Report:
Sell Products or Services through the London Drugs Local Central Initiative
London Drugs is offering up centre aisle shelf space in select stores to local small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19. 100% of all sales will go back to the business or individual helping customers. Small businesses in Western Canada are welcome to submit products for consideration, including health and wellness companies.
London Drugs is offering up centre aisle shelf space in select stores to local small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19. 100% of all sales will go back to the business or individual helping customers.
Small businesses in Western Canada are welcome to submit products for consideration, including health and wellness companies.
Business Access to Employee Rapid Testing
With the intention of keeping businesses open and employees safe, the Province of B.C. has launched Safe Screen BC to provide businesses with the toolkits, resources, and guidance to access rapid antigen tests and set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for employees.
Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), Safe Screen BC will guide businesses through the required application process for provincially available test-kits and support businesses in the set-up of onsite rapid workplace screening programs for employees.
Program Eligibility
Safe Screen BC supports businesses interested in offering voluntary screening for employees without symptoms in close contact settings.
Participating businesses will be asked to contribute a fee to cover the cost of the services provided by the Safe Screen BC program which include: tailored support services to apply for test kits, access to a custom-designed reporting solution, and access to training resources and additional support services to assist businesses with the implementation of onsite rapid screening.
Test kits are provided free of charge by the province via Health Canada Rapid Screening Program for employers COVID-19 rapid testing and screening in workplaces.
For more information, contact info@safescreenbc.ca.
With the intention of keeping businesses open and employees safe, the Province of B.C. has launched Safe Screen BC to provide businesses with the toolkits, resources, and guidance to access rapid antigen tests and set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for employees.
Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), Safe Screen BC will guide businesses through the required application process for provincially available test-kits and support businesses in the set-up of onsite rapid workplace screening programs for employees.
Program Eligibility
Safe Screen BC supports businesses interested in offering voluntary screening for employees without symptoms in close contact settings.
Participating businesses will be asked to contribute a fee to cover the cost of the services provided by the Safe Screen BC program which include: tailored support services to apply for test kits, access to a custom-designed reporting solution, and access to training resources and additional support services to assist businesses with the implementation of onsite rapid screening.
Test kits are provided free of charge by the province via Health Canada Rapid Screening Program for employers COVID-19 rapid testing and screening in workplaces.
For more information, contact info@safescreenbc.ca.
Business Continuity Planning Resources from Invest Kelowna
With the surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, businesses need to develop and update contingency plans to continue operations with expectations of up to one-third of staff potentially being off sick.
Invest Kelowna has provided resources to support businesses, including templates for business continuity planning, how to address critical elements of your business to protect your cash flows and your workforce, and best practices for business operations during COVID-19.
With the surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, businesses need to develop and update contingency plans to continue operations with expectations of up to one-third of staff potentially being off sick.
Invest Kelowna has provided resources to support businesses, including templates for business continuity planning, how to address critical elements of your business to protect your cash flows and your workforce, and best practices for business operations during COVID-19.
New go2HR Restaurant Safety Initiative
go2HR's newest restaurant safety initiative provides free resources to prevent the most common injuries in restaurant kitchens and make your kitchen a safer space.
go2HR's newest restaurant safety initiative provides free resources to prevent the most common injuries in restaurant kitchens and make your kitchen a safer space.
BC Farmers’ Market Expansion Program | Apply by January 28, 2022
The new BC Farmers’ Market Expansion Program will support the expansion of farmers’ markets to accommodate more vendors and maintain operations during emergencies to ensure communities throughout B.C. have continued access to food. The one-time program is providing $475,000, with up to $15,000 available for each eligible applicant.
Applications will be accepted until Jan. 28, 2022 on a first-come, first-served basis or until available funding has been fully committed.
Farmers’ markets in the province are receiving funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia to help cover the costs to expand local food and beverage sales, and operate during emergencies.
The new BC Farmers’ Market Expansion Program will support the expansion of farmers’ markets to accommodate more vendors and maintain operations during emergencies to ensure communities throughout B.C. have continued access to food. The one-time program is providing $475,000, with up to $15,000 available for each eligible applicant.
Farmers’ markets can use the funding for signs and merchandising, storage and transportation, and power and operations costs. Eligible applicants include non-profit groups, co-operatives, for-profit corporations, local governments, and First Nations that operate a farmers’ market that primarily sells B.C. food and beverage products.
The funding is a one-time, cost-shared, reimbursement-based program delivered through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, in collaboration with the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets. It will help markets come back stronger from their pre-pandemic operating levels, set a strong foundation for future growth and long-term success, and support efforts to strengthen B.C.’s food security.
Applications will be accepted until Jan. 28, 2022 on a first-come, first-served basis or until available funding has been fully committed.
Invasive-Wise Tourism Training & Support Program
The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) has partnered with a group of tourism operators across B.C. to pilot the new Invasive-Wise Tourism program, a training and support program for B.C.’s tourism industry. The program includes an eLearning course, print, and digital resources for staff and clients, support from ISCBC, and a recognition program.
Learn More & Become an Invasive-Wise Tourism Partner →
Tourism staff are invited to take part in a complimentary eLearning course developed for the tourism industry, which increases awareness of invasive species and identifies practical steps to prevent their spread.
The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) has partnered with a group of tourism operators across B.C. to pilot the new Invasive-Wise Tourism program, a training and support program for B.C.’s tourism industry. The program includes an eLearning course, print, and digital resources for staff and clients, support from ISCBC, and a recognition program.
The overall goal of the program is to protect species at risk and B.C.’s rich biodiversity from the threats of invasive species by focusing on high-risk pathways such as movement by tourists, anglers, boaters, floatplanes, and recreationists.
Learn More & Become an Invasive-Wise Tourism Partner →
Invasive Species E-Learning Course
Tourism staff are invited to take part in a complimentary eLearning course developed for the tourism industry, which increases awareness of invasive species and identifies practical steps to prevent their spread.
By the end of the course, staff will understand:
The impacts of invasive species on BC’s environment, economy, and the tourism industry
The connections between tourism activities and invasive species
Simple actions to take to prevent the spread of invasive species
Project Learning Tree Canada Funding for Employers
Project Learning Tree Canada offers a 50% or 80% wage match with up to $32,000 CAD in reimbursements, to employers hiring youth aged 15-30 into Green Jobs.
A Green Job is one that supports nature-based solutions for a more sustainable planet. Green tourism jobs are typically involved in, but not limited to, jobs in parks, recreation, and interpretation. See examples of Green Jobs.
Eligibility
Communities, businesses, and non-profits.
Must be a new job—the funding must be used to help your organization hire more youth than normal.
Project Learning Tree Canada offers a 50% or 80% wage match with up to $32,000 CAD in reimbursements, to employers hiring youth aged 15-30 into Green Jobs.
A Green Job is one that supports nature-based solutions for a more sustainable planet. Green tourism jobs are typically involved in, but not limited to, jobs in parks, recreation, and interpretation. See examples of Green Jobs.
Indigenous communities, businesses, and non-profits are also eligible.
Eligibility
Green Jobs are considered positions that support nature-based solutions for a more sustainable planet.
The job must be a new job—the funding must be used to help your organization hire more youth than normal.
The work experience must last between 2-20 weeks (some exceptions apply).
Work experience must take place in Canada.
Apply for Student Interns through Various Programs
BCIT's 2022 Tourism Management Internship Program students will be looking for Internship opportunities in late March 2022. Submit your Internship Application request form by January 10, 2022. The internship runs for 8 weeks from March 28, 2022, to May 20, 2022. Students can work evenings, weekends, and any day of the week except Mondays, as they must be at school on this day. Any questions, contact David Tikkanen, Program Head, Tourism Management, David_Tikkanen@bcit.ca
Over 100 Capilano University (CapU) Tourism Management students will be looking for work placements from May – September 2022. Many of the students can move into full-time positions at the end of their summer placement as they will graduate. The Cap U Work Integrated Learning team for the School of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation will be conducting an online Information Lunch and Learn session on January 18, 2022, 12:30 – 1 pm. For additional information, contact tourism@capilanou.ca.
Immigration Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) has been providing various support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers, and learn all they need to know about starting their new lives in Canada. Through dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners, ISSofBC provides settlement, education, and employment services to over 20,000 clients every year. There are approximately 20+ graduating students who recently completed the Global Tourism Diploma Program looking for full and/or part-time employment in Tourism & Hospitality. Some are available to start working immediately. Contact Shelina Spilchen, Case Manager – Skills Training for Tourism, for more information: shelina.spilchen@issbc.org
Originally published by go2HR
BCIT's 2022 Tourism Management Internship Program students will be looking for Internship opportunities in late March 2022. Submit your Internship Application request form by January 10, 2022. The internship runs for 8 weeks from March 28, 2022, to May 20, 2022. Students can work evenings, weekends, and any day of the week except Mondays, as they must be at school on this day. Any questions, contact David Tikkanen, Program Head, Tourism Management, David_Tikkanen@bcit.ca
Over 100 Capilano University (CapU) Tourism Management students will be looking for work placements from May – September 2022. Many of the students can move into full-time positions at the end of their summer placement as they will graduate. The Cap U Work Integrated Learning team for the School of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation will be conducting an online Information Lunch and Learn session on January 18, 2022, 12:30 – 1 pm. For additional information, contact tourism@capilanou.ca.
Immigration Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) has been providing various support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers, and learn all they need to know about starting their new lives in Canada. Through dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners, ISSofBC provides settlement, education, and employment services to over 20,000 clients every year. There are approximately 20+ graduating students who recently completed the Global Tourism Diploma Program looking for full and/or part-time employment in Tourism & Hospitality. Some are available to start working immediately. Contact Shelina Spilchen, Case Manager – Skills Training for Tourism, for more information: shelina.spilchen@issbc.org
Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB)
The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) gives temporary income support to employed and self-employed people who cannot work due to a COVID-19 lockdown.
The CWLB is only available when a COVID-19 lockdown order is designated for a province or region.
Those eligible for the CWLB, can receive $300 ($270 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period and apply for any weeks their region is eligible between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.
The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) gives temporary income support to employed and self-employed people who cannot work due to a COVID-19 lockdown.
The CWLB is only available when a COVID-19 lockdown order is designated for a province or region.
Those eligible for the CWLB, can receive $300 ($270 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period and apply for any weeks their region is eligible between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.
Local Lockdown Program for Non-Tourism Organizations
The new Local Lockdown Program is a way non-tourism and hospitality businesses, charities, and non-profits affected by a qualifying public health restriction can be eligible for wage and rent support through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP).
The new Local Lockdown Program is a way non-tourism and hospitality businesses, charities, and non-profits affected by a qualifying public health restriction can be eligible for wage and rent support through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP).
Les Dames d’Escoffier Scholarship Program - Apply by January 31, 2022
Women in B.C. with a desire for training in the culinary, beverage, or hospitality fields are invited to apply for Les Dames d’Escoffier BC Scholarship Program to receive partial funds to an educational institution/course of their choice.
All scholarships are awarded based on merit, ability, commitment, and passion, and may range in value anywhere between $1,000 – $2,000 depending on funds available, program requirements and approved applicants.
Apply by January 31, 2022. Scholarships will be awarded in March 2022.
Women in B.C. with a desire for training in the culinary, beverage, or hospitality fields are invited to apply for Les Dames d’Escoffier BC Scholarship Program to receive partial funds to an educational institution/course of their choice.
All scholarships are awarded based on merit, ability, commitment, and passion, and may range in value anywhere between $1,000 – $2,000 depending on funds available, program requirements and approved applicants.
Apply by January 31, 2022. Scholarships will be awarded in March 2022.
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.
Commemorate Canada Re-opening Fund | Apply by January 10, 2022
The Reopening Fund is a one-year funding initiative through the Celebration and Commemoration Program to support initiatives that will:
increase opportunities for Canadians to participate in various commemorative activities and celebrations to mark Canada’s emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic; or
build a sense of pride and belonging to Canada by holding celebratory and commemorative activities that recognize people and achievements in the response to COVID-19 ; and / or
support the revival of local economies through in-person events.
Canadian not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations with non-commercial projects, educational institutions, and government institutions are eligible to apply.
The deadline to apply is January 10, 2022.
The Reopening Fund is a one-year funding initiative through the Celebration and Commemoration Program to support initiatives that will:
increase opportunities for Canadians to participate in various commemorative activities and celebrations to mark Canada’s emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic; or
build a sense of pride and belonging to Canada by holding celebratory and commemorative activities that recognize people and achievements in the response to COVID-19 ; and / or
support the revival of local economies through in-person events.
Who Can Apply?
Canadian not-for-profit organizations
Canadian for-profit organizations where proposed projects are non-commercial in nature
Canadian educational institutions
Canadian provincial/territorial, municipal governments, Indigenous governments (or equivalent authority) or other municipal, provincial or territorial institutions.
Eligible Projects
To be eligible for funding from the Celebration and Commemoration Reopening Fund, your project must:
be free of charge (no admission fees or donation required for entry)
be open to the general public and promoted as such
support the revival of local economies after the hardship of the pandemic
commemorate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, either as a general theme or by specifically honouring first responders, front-line workers, communities, pay tribute to lives lost or
provide an opportunity for Canadians impacted by COVID-19 to share their stories, experiences and contributions during the course of the pandemic in Canada
The deadline to apply is January 10, 2022.
Updates & Resources: Floods and Road Closures
TOTA will continue to share the official announcements on the TOTA News Centre and the Thompson Okanagan Know Before You Go page. Read on for information about resources to support residents and businesses.
On November 17, 2021, the B.C. government declared a provincial state of emergency to mitigate impacts on transportation networks and movement of essential goods and supplies, and to support the provincewide response and recovery from the widespread damage caused by severe flooding and landslides in British Columbia.
TOTA Crisis Response
Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the floods and landslides. Thank you to the first responders and the many people assisting others through this situation.
TOTA will continue to share the official announcements on the TOTA News Centre, resources in the section below, and the Thompson Okanagan Know Before You Go page.
TOTA employs a Crisis Management Coordinator, who regularly engages with Emergency Management BC, to closely monitor the region and work with impacted communities, tourism businesses, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders.
As well, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program advisors continue to support tourism business operators in the region and are available to provide 1:1 support.
We invite you to share your current experiences so we can inform government of the evolving situation. Feel free to email Recovery@TOTABC.com with any questions or concerns.
Resources
Border Measures for Air Travel Infographic
The Government of Canada and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have developed an air travel infographic to assist travellers with a better understanding of what is required when both arriving and departing the airport. Through direction from government, airport officials will be conducting COVID-19 testing for all fully vaccinated passengers arriving from an international destination at YVR with the exception for those coming directly from the US. This will be in addition to a number of existing travel requirements already in place at airports. The arrivals test is paid for by the Government of Canada.
The Government of Canada and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have developed an air travel infographic to assist travellers with a better understanding of what is required when both arriving and departing the airport.
Through direction from government, airport officials will be conducting COVID-19 testing for all fully vaccinated passengers arriving from an international destination at YVR with the exception for those coming directly from the US. This will be in addition to a number of existing travel requirements already in place at airports. The arrivals test is paid for by the Government of Canada.
Key points include:
To depart YVR and any Canadian airport, travellers must be fully vaccinated. Passengers must be able to prove vaccination status and their documentation will be verified by the airline at check-in. For Canadians, the best documentation is the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination, with limited exemptions for religious or medical reasons.
Each destination has its own set of entry requirements. Passengers are required to understand and prepare for the entry requirements of their destination before travelling from Canada. Starting Dec. 6th, everyone travelling to the US must show a negative COVID-19 test taken within a day of boarding their flight or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 day.
When passengers return to Canada, they must complete ArriveCAN. This includes entering negative COVID-19 test information and a quarantine plan – and pre-registering for the arrivals test. Everyone will need to quarantine until test results are received, typically within 24 to 72 hours.
For passengers connecting through the airport, they will be subject to COVID-19 testing at YVR before continuing onward to their next destination. After taking the test, passengers can carry on to their final destination to quarantine while they await test results.
Note: Fully vaccinated Canadians who depart and re-enter the country within 72 hours of leaving are exempt from providing a pre-entry test result. It is recommended that travellers pre-register for the COVID-19 testing in advance to avoid long delays upon arrival at YVR.