News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Reminder: Employer Reimbursement Program for Paid Sick Leave
This is a reminder of the extended submission window for employers seeking reimbursement for employee claims for COVID-19 related sick leave taken between May 20th and December 31st, 2021.
The reimbursement program intake is open and will close on February 11th at 4:00 pm PST.
Please submit all eligible claims for reimbursement for employee COVID-19 related sick leave taken up to and including December 31st in order to access the reimbursement program.
Employers that already have a sick pay benefit program for their employees are not eligible to receive reimbursement.
For an employer to apply for reimbursement, they must do so through their Online WorkSafeBC account profile. If the employer is not already registered with WorkSafeBC and does not have an online account with WorkSafeBC, they can visit WorkSafeBC.
This is a reminder of the extended submission window for employers seeking reimbursement for employee claims for COVID-19 related sick leave taken between May 20th and December 31st, 2021.
The reimbursement program intake is open and will close on February 11th at 4:00 pm PST.
Please submit all eligible claims for reimbursement for employee COVID-19 related sick leave taken up to and including December 31st in order to access the reimbursement program.
Employers that already have a sick pay benefit program for their employees are not eligible to receive reimbursement.
For an employer to apply for reimbursement, they must do so through their Online WorkSafeBC account profile. If the employer is not already registered with WorkSafeBC and does not have an online account with WorkSafeBC, they can visit WorkSafeBC.
Skift Megatrends 2022 Report
Skift has published a forecast of the top trends that will define the travel industry in 2022. It provides an optimistic outlook for recovery of international travel by 2024. Other key trends revolve around community, ruralization, mobility and climate.
Skift has published a forecast of the top trends that will define the travel industry in 2022. It provides an optimistic outlook for recovery of international travel by 2024. Other key trends revolve around community, ruralization, mobility and climate.
Global Survey on Perspectives of Service Delivery & Traveller Priorities Report | Tourism HR Canada
Tourism HR Canada released a report that provides insight to the current perspectives of the service delivery in Canada and how the travel and tourism industry should prepare itself for the future. The report concluded that, as the visitor economy gradually recovers from the COVID crisis, addressing service disruptions will need to be balanced against safety and price sensitivity.
Tourism HR Canada released a report that provides insight to the current perspectives of the service delivery in Canada and how the travel and tourism industry should prepare itself for the future.
The report concluded that, as the visitor economy gradually recovers from the COVID crisis, addressing service disruptions will need to be balanced against safety and price sensitivity.
The following is a summary of the findings:
While many developed destinations consider themselves to be at the tail end of the COVID 19 pandemic, with vaccine rollouts now well underway, the disruption to the value chain as a whole is far from over.
According to current projections, the tourism industry in Canada is not expected to recover to 2019 levels until 2025.
With this challenge in mind, tourism businesses will need to prioritize and allocate their resources effectively to ensure they are able to develop their products and services to adapt to the new normal while still delivering quality in line with what travellers value.
Broadly speaking, the overall visitor experience remains the most important concern for international travellers in selecting a destination to travel to (unsurprisingly as this encompasses a range of factors).
Quality service is second only to the overall visitor experience in this regard and thus will be of paramount importance in destination recovery efforts.
Quality of service is particularly valuable to the lucrative Chinese market to which international destinations will have to appeal to thrive in the new global travel market in the years to come.
However, health and safety concerns (particularly in Britain and Australia) and price and affordability are also major concerns. Price and affordability is somewhat prioritized across destinations and this is likely driven by post COVID price sensitivity among travellers.
In terms of the impact of service disruption on destination selection, Canada performs well relative to other destinations, with travellers reporting relatively low impact particularly in the USA, South Korea, France and Germany.
China, however, is an exception to this, placing Canada as being most impacted by potential service disruption in terms of destination selection. China is also one of the few countries to consider service disruption in Canada more serious than at home.
Service Provider: Everything Podcasts
Everything Podcasts, part of Pattison Media, is a full-service podcast production company. They help brands evolve and expand their media strategy into the audio space with a custom podcast series.
Everything Podcasts works with brands, organizations, and companies to create powerful content creative, promotional support, production services, marketing, sales representation, research, and access to the fastest-growing media platform in the world, podcasting.
The most fundamental challenge brands face in the “attention economy” is: how do you capture people’s attention? By telling stories. 93% of Podcast listeners listen to all or most of each episode!
Everything Podcasts, part of Pattison Media, is a full-service podcast production company. They help brands evolve and expand their media strategy into the audio space with a custom podcast series.
Everything Podcasts works with brands, organizations, and companies to create powerful content creative, promotional support, production services, marketing, sales representation, research, and access to the fastest-growing media platform in the world, podcasting.
The most fundamental challenge brands face in the “attention economy” is: how do you capture people’s attention? By telling stories. 93% of Podcast listeners listen to all or most of each episode!
B.C. COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant | Apply by February 28, 2022
The Province of B.C. has introduced the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant aimed at assisting B.C. businesses that were mandated to temporarily shut down through public health orders because of the surge in COVID-19 cases under the December 22, 2021 and/or January 18, 2022 Provincial Health Officer orders.
The COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant is extended and supports doubled for eligible businesses that have been ordered to remain temporarily closed through public health measures until February 16, 2022.
Apply by February 28, 2022.
The Province of B.C. has introduced the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant aimed at assisting B.C. businesses that were mandated to temporarily shut down through public health orders because of the surge in COVID-19 cases under the December 22, 2021 and/or January 18, 2022 Provincial Health Officer orders.
The Province extended the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant and doubled supports for eligible businesses that have been ordered to remain temporarily closed through public health measures until February 16, 2022.
Businesses ordered fully closed include:
gyms, fitness and adult dance centres
bars, lounges and nightclubs
event venues that can no longer hold events
The fund will provide relief grants of between $1,000 and $10,000 to help affected businesses alleviate some financial pressures and help with expenses including rent, employee wages, insurance, maintenance, and utilities.
The funding amount for each business is based how many B.C. employees or contracted staff they had at the time of closure.
This $10-million provincial program complements existing federal government programs, including the recently expanded Local Lockdown Program and the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit.
Apply by February 28, 2022.
Businesses can email questions to: covid@smallbusinessbc.ca
New Order Requires Employers to Re-Activate COVID-19 Safety Plans | Order Now Available
On January 7, 2022, B.C.’s provincial health officer verbally announced an order requiring employers to re-activate their COVID-19 safety plans. This new order replaces the previous requirement for employers to have communicable disease prevention plans and does not have an expiration date.
go2HR is offering a complimentary COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service to B.C.’s tourism and hospitality employers.
Register for Safety Plan Review →
For other templates, signage, guidelines, and business support visit:
On January 7, 2022, B.C.’s provincial health officer verbally announced an order requiring employers to re-activate their COVID-19 safety plans. This new order replaces the previous requirement for employers to have communicable disease prevention plans and does not have an expiration date.
The order requires COVID-19 Safety Plans to incorporate some expanded and new controls, including:
Indoor common area protocols to prevent workers from congregating
face coverings used in indoor common areas
lunch area/break room protocols
Policies to support workers who have symptoms of a communicable disease
to avoid the workplace
when symptoms present in the workplace
work from home options
self-isolation and monitoring
Measures to promote hand hygiene
handwashing and sanitizing
Measures to keep the workplace environment safe
cleaning and sanitizing
ventilation and air circulation
Measures to support workers receiving vaccinations for COVID-19
Your new and improved COVID-19 Safety Plan must be communicated and maintained by:
Posting a copy of the COVID-19 safety plan on your website for staff, visitors, and the public to view.
Providing a copy of the COVID-19 safety plan to a health officer or WorkSafeBC officer upon request.
Reviewing and updating the plan periodically to ensure adequate prevention measures are being followed, according to WorkSafeBC requirements and the current COVID-19 public health situation.
go2HR’s COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service and Resources
go2HR is offering a complimentary COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service to B.C.’s tourism and hospitality employers.
Register for Safety Plan Review →
If you have questions about these COVID-19 control measures or how to update your COVID-19 safety plan, health and safety experts are available to assist. Contact go2HR at 604-633-9787 or safety@go2hr.ca.
Additional Resources
For other templates, signage, guidelines, and business support visit:
Vancouver Wine Consumers Planning Return to the Okanagan in 2022
Quini captures consumer opinion about important product concerns or industry issues. In a wine tasting in Vancouver this past December, Quini gauged consumer interest in visiting the Okanagan Valley in 2022, drinker general opinion of Okanagan wines, and B.C. wine brand awareness and recall.
It seems like the majority of consumers who go wine tasting in the Okanagan leave with a positive impression and most will also plan to return at some point.
Quini captures consumer opinion about important product concerns or industry issues. In a wine tasting in Vancouver this past December, Quini gauged consumer interest in visiting the Okanagan Valley in 2022, drinker general opinion of Okanagan wines, and B.C. wine brand awareness and recall.
It seems like the majority of consumers who go wine tasting in the Okanagan leave with a positive impression and most will also plan to return at some point.
Supports Expanded for Flood-affected Residents
People receiving Emergency Support Services due to this fall’s flooding will receive personalized supports delivered by the Canadian Red Cross, the provincial government announced. Starting on Feb. 1 the federal and provincial governments will provide customized recovery support that includes interim housing and basic needs assistance. A Red Cross case manager will help households access assistance from existing government programs and develop a plan for recovery that can access additional funds to repair or rebuild their primary residences or to relocate to a new community. The Red Cross is reaching out to those currently receiving Emergency Support Services and those who have indicated they would like to discuss recovery supports.
People receiving Emergency Support Services due to this fall’s flooding will receive personalized supports delivered by the Canadian Red Cross, the provincial government announced.
Starting on Feb. 1 the federal and provincial governments will provide customized recovery support that includes interim housing and basic needs assistance. A Red Cross case manager will help households access assistance from existing government programs and develop a plan for recovery that can access additional funds to repair or rebuild their primary residences or to relocate to a new community.
The Red Cross is reaching out to those currently receiving Emergency Support Services and those who have indicated they would like to discuss recovery supports.
Fuelling 2050: The Road Forward
The Conference Board of Canada has released an Impact Paper, Fuelling 2050: The Road Forward, about Canada’s aspirations for net-zero GHG emissions and an achievable pathway for the transportation sector.
The Conference Board of Canada has released an Impact Paper, Fuelling 2050: The Road Forward, about Canada’s aspirations for net-zero GHG emissions and an achievable pathway for the transportation sector.
Document Highlights
Getting to net zero requires decoupling emissions from economic growth and the energy use it embodies. For the transportation sector, this challenge is daunting.
Canada’s transportation sector accounts for about 29 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, half of which come from passenger cars and other light-duty vehicles.
By 2050, Canada’s transportation energy mix will still be dominated by oil and gas, but their share will drop by about a third from today’s 90 per cent. The magnitude of that drop will depend on new liquid fuels, gas, and electricity technologies, and consumer behaviour changes.
This transition goes beyond switching to electric. It means reimagining urban spaces, increasing mobility options, supporting public transit, and investing in urban planning.
An achievable pathway should be viewed through a sustainability lens—including realistic costing of impacts; support for Canadians’ social fabric and standard of living; and climate change objectives that are economically and scientifically sound.
DBC Messaging Guidance for B.C. Tourism Industry | Updated January 18, 2022
Destination BC has updated its Special Edition: Emergency Response to the BC Storm Messaging Guidance document which outlines key messaging, information, and resources for BC’s tourism industry. It includes guidance for Regional and Community/City Destination Marketing Organisations, Sector Associations, and Tourism Businesses. Please refer to the messaging guide for information on how you can support your community, residents, visitors, and each other during this difficult time. Messaging will continue to be updated as the situation evolves.
Destination BC has updated the Messaging Guidance for B.C. Tourism Industry: How to Travel in B.C. this Winter.
The document provides key messaging, information and infographics, and resources for B.C.’s tourism industry as it relates to travel to and within B.C. this Winter. Topics include travel routes, trip planning, transportation, visitor servicing, health protocols, entry requirements, and proof of vaccination requirements for various activities and businesses. The document will be updated as needed, as the situation evolves.
Get Youth Working Program | Funding Available for Re-Hiring and Preventing Layoffs
The Get Youth Working Program offers eligible employers in B.C. a negotiated Wage Subsidy as an incentive to hire eligible youth age 17 to 29. The business must employ youth for a minimum of 3 months with preference given to long-term positions over 6 months
At any time during the recruiting process (before signing an agreement), businesses can complete and submit a 5-minute online application. If program criteria is met, an agreement can be signed, and payment disbursed at the end of the work experience period.
There's also a free job board. To post a job, complete an application to gain access and post your position.
The Get Youth Working Program offers eligible employers in B.C. a negotiated Wage Subsidy as an incentive to hire eligible youth age 17 to 29. The business must employ youth for a minimum of 3 months with preference given to long-term positions over 6 months
At any time during the recruiting process (before signing an agreement), businesses can complete and submit a 5-minute online application. If program criteria is met, an agreement can be signed, and payment disbursed at the end of the work experience period.
There's also a free job board. To post a job, complete an application to gain access and post your position.
COVID-19 What to Do | BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has guidance for what to do in various scenarios if someone has COVID or has been in contact with COVID. As of January 2022, the guidance is:
If tested positive:
If fully vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 5 days since the start of symptoms. Wear a mask even in settings where a mask isn’t required and avoid higher risk settings, such as long term care facilities and gatherings, for another 5 days after ending isolation.
If unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 10 days since the start of symptoms.
If not better after the 5 or 10 days, keep self-isolating until feeling better and fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
If you feel worse, call 8-1-1 or your medical care provider.
Public health will let you know if you need to self-isolate for more than 10 days.
If you tested negative:
Self-isolate until symptoms improve and you feel well enough to return to regular activities.
If there's a fever, stay home until the fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
Close contacts: If you were identified as a close contact and need to self-isolate, you still need to complete your self-isolation.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has guidance for what to do in various scenarios if someone has COVID or has been in contact with COVID.
As of January 2022, the guidance is:
If tested positive:
If fully vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 5 days since the start of symptoms. Wear a mask even in settings where a mask isn’t required and avoid higher risk settings, such as long term care facilities and gatherings, for another 5 days after ending isolation.
If unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 10 days since the start of symptoms.
If not better after the 5 or 10 days, keep self-isolating until feeling better and fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
If you feel worse, call 8-1-1 or your medical care provider.
Public health will let you know if you need to self-isolate for more than 10 days.
If you tested negative:
Self-isolate until symptoms improve and you feel well enough to return to regular activities.
If there's a fever, stay home until the fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
Close contacts: If you were identified as a close contact and need to self-isolate, you still need to complete your self-isolation.
Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund | Apply by February 14, 2022
The Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund is a response to the Tourism Task Force’s recommendation to provide relief from fixed costs like property taxes, BC Hydro fees, and Crown tenure and park permit fees.
One-time grants to offset certain fixed costs are available for:
Large accommodation providers
Tourism-based commercial recreation businesses operating on Crown land or in BC Parks
The Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund is a response to the Tourism Task Force’s recommendation to provide relief from fixed costs like property taxes, BC Hydro fees, and Crown tenure and park permit fees.
One-time grants to offset certain fixed costs are available for:
Large accommodation providers
Tourism-based commercial recreation businesses operating on Crown land or in BC Parks
To be eligible for this grant, businesses must:
Be majority-owned by one or more B.C. residents
Not owe any tax payments from before the 2020 tax year
Not have permanently ceased operations
Businesses that are seasonal or temporarily closed are eligible
Funding will be awarded in 3 streams:
Property tax relief for large accommodation providers
BC Hydro cost relief for Indigenous-owned large accommodation providers operating on reserve
Relief of fees for rent under Land Act Tenures or Park Use Permits for tourism-based commercial recreation operators
Tourism Relief Fund
The Tourism Relief Fund supports tourism businesses, non-profits, and organizations to adapt operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate future growth.
UPDATE: Indigenous sole proprietors are now eligible under the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) with costs qualified on a retroactive basis up to twelve months prior to the receipt of a project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021.
The Tourism Relief Fund supports tourism businesses, non-profits, and organizations to adapt operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate future growth. With a budget of $500 million over two years (ending March 31, 2023), including $50 million specifically dedicated to Indigenous tourism initiatives, and $15 million for national initiatives, this fund will position Canada to be a destination of choice when domestic and international travel is once again safe by:
empowering tourism operators to create new or enhance existing tourism experiences and products to attract more local and domestic visitors
helping the sector reposition itself to welcome international visitors by offering the best Canadian tourism experiences we have to offer the world
Tourism Relief Fund projects will focus on:
Product development: For example, projects that enhance tourism experiences; help tourism businesses adapt to the “new normal” and modernize their offerings; and, encourage the adoption of more environmentally sustainable and inclusive practices.
Destination development: For example, projects that position communities to take advantage of post-pandemic opportunities through strategic planning for medium- to long-term investments, as well as supporting destination development prospects in line with objectives set out in the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
Applications will be accepted and funded on a continuous intake basis over the next two years or until such a time as the allocated funding is fully distributed.
CanExport SMEs Program Accepting Applications for 2022 Projects
To help small- and medium-sized tourism businesses prepare for international markets, the CanExport SMEs program is accepting new applications for projects starting after April 1, 2022.
For-profit businesses with $100,000 to $100 million in annual revenue can receive funding up to 50 percent of eligible costs, or between $10,000 and $50,000 per project. The program includes search engine optimization, translation and virtual trade events, and support costs tied to online advertising on social media platforms, online marketplaces and search engines.
To help small- and medium-sized tourism businesses prepare for international markets, the CanExport SMEs program is accepting new applications for projects starting after April 1, 2022.
For-profit businesses with $100,000 to $100 million in annual revenue can receive funding up to 50 percent of eligible costs, or between $10,000 and $50,000 per project. The program includes search engine optimization, translation and virtual trade events, and support costs tied to online advertising on social media platforms, online marketplaces and search engines.
Destination BC’s Content Marketing Series, Featuring "How To Use a Content Calendar"
Content planning is critical to the success of executing your marketing plan. If you have several digital platforms to manage, use this content calendar template to keep on track.
Content planning is critical to the success of executing your marketing plan. If you have several digital platforms to manage, use this content calendar template to keep on track.
WORTH Mentorship Program | Register by January 31
The WORTH (Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality) Mentorship Program matches mentees with an experienced leader as a mentor for a 6-month period between February and July, 2022.
Mentors and mentees both benefit from improved communication skills, growing their personal network, increased industry & job satisfaction, and the opportunity to learn from someone else. In this program they will also leverage peer-mentoring for all registered in the various events and workshops to further grow your network. In addition to the mentorship, the program includes 2-3 networking events and 2-3 development workshops.
The WORTH (Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality) Mentorship Program matches mentees with an experienced leader as a mentor for a 6-month period between February and July, 2022.
Mentors and mentees both benefit from improved communication skills, growing their personal network, increased industry & job satisfaction, and the opportunity to learn from someone else. In this program they will also leverage peer-mentoring for all registered in the various events and workshops to further grow your network.
In addition to the mentorship, the program includes 2-3 networking events and 2-3 development workshops.
Registration closes January 31, 2022
2022 Drivers License ID Checking Guides Now Available from ABLE BC
The 2022 North American ID Checking Guide Book and 14th Edition International ID Checking Guide Book are now available to order through the ABLE BC office.
The ID Checking Guide Books help you and your staff make accurate, on-the-spot verification of driver's licenses and ID cards - your best protection against ID fraud. These books also help ensure you are kept updated on the latest versions of all ID formats.
The North American Guide has been updated for 2022. The International Guide has not been updated since 2021 but is valid through 2022.
Place your order for the ID Checking Guide Book by Friday, January 21, 2022 to access the group buying discount.
The 2022 North American ID Checking Guide Book and 14th Edition International ID Checking Guide Book are now available to order through the ABLE BC office.
The ID Checking Guide Books help you and your staff make accurate, on-the-spot verification of driver's licenses and ID cards - your best protection against ID fraud. These books also help ensure you are kept updated on the latest versions of all ID formats.
The North American Guide has been updated for 2022. The International Guide has not been updated since 2021 but is valid through 2022.
Place your order for the ID Checking Guide Book by Friday, January 21, 2022 to access the group buying discount.
For more information on the ID Checking Guide Books, including pricing, download the FAQ produced by ABLE BC.
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.