News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Tips for Onboarding New Staff | go2HR
go2HR has put together a guide for employee onboarding.
The value of properly onboarding new employees shouldn’t be underestimated. The time is an investment to have and retain well-trained employees. Given the current labour shortage, it just makes good business sense to nurture your relationship with your newest employees. go2HR has some great tips for helping you onboard new staff.
go2HR has put together a guide for employee onboarding.
The value of properly onboarding new employees shouldn’t be underestimated. The time is an investment to have and retain well-trained employees. Given the current labour shortage, it just makes good business sense to nurture your relationship with your newest employees. go2HR has some great tips for helping you onboard new staff.
Showcase Your Travel Package on Destination Canada Portal
Last year, Destination Canada launched a travel packages portal, where tour operators can upload travel packages to the Destination Canada consumer website.
The portal provides tour operators access to an engaged audience, which has resulted in conversions and bookings to destinations across the country. Since its launch in June 2021, the website has received more than 2.6M page views and generated over 230k leads to tour operators. Today, there is now a portal available for the US market.
If you have a travel package that you would like to share with domestic and US travellers, contact traveltrade@destinationcanada.com.
Last year, Destination Canada launched a travel packages portal, where tour operators can upload travel packages to the Destination Canada consumer website.
The portal provides tour operators access to an engaged audience, which has resulted in conversions and bookings to destinations across the country. Since its launch in June 2021, the website has received more than 2.6M page views and generated over 230k leads to tour operators. Today, there is now a portal available for the US market.
If you have a travel package that you would like to share with domestic and US travellers, contact traveltrade@destinationcanada.com.
Wines of BC Quarterly Report - Jan - March 2022
Wines of British Columbia has released its Q4 report, which is also a summary of the fiscal year for the organization. The 21 page report outlines the strategic goals, objectives, and results of three key areas of concentration from April 2021 through to March 2022.
Wines of British Columbia has just released its Q4 report, which is also a summary of the fiscal year for the organization.
The 21 page report outlines the strategic goals, objectives, and results of three key areas of concentration from April 2021 through to March 2022.
Employer Toolkit: Attract and Integrate Internationally Trained Employees in South Okanagan Similkameen
Skilled immigrants can help businesses access new customers and international markets, enrich organizational culture, and spark innovation.
South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services (SOICS) created an Employer Toolkit to help employers Attract and Integrate Internationally Trained Employees in South Okanagan-Similkameen. The toolkit contains resources to help with navigating the complex system of accessing various streams of immigrants, attracting immigrants to your workplace, and helping them and your business succeed together by creating welcoming environments.
Skilled immigrants can help businesses access new customers and international markets, enrich organizational culture, and spark innovation.
South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services (SOICS) created an Employer Toolkit to help employers Attract and Integrate Internationally Trained Employees in South Okanagan-Similkameen. The toolkit contains resources to help with navigating the complex system of accessing various streams of immigrants, attracting immigrants to your workplace, and helping them and your business succeed together by creating welcoming environments.
Employer Toolkit: Sustaining the Black Lives Matter Movement in the Workplace
The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) has prepared a toolkit to address the increasing demand for guidance on how employers can support Black employees by sustaining the ideals behind the Black Lives Matter movement.
Employers can benefit from creating an inclusive workplace by:
Becoming a workplace of choice that attracts and retains talent.
Increasing productivity and create a greater impact (e.g. produce more revenue and/or social outcomes aligned with the organization’s vision).
Attracting business and markets from previously unexplored segments of the population.
The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) has prepared a toolkit to address the increasing demand for guidance on how employers can support Black employees by sustaining the ideals behind the Black Lives Matter movement.
Employers can benefit from creating an inclusive workplace by:
Becoming a workplace of choice that attracts and retains talent.
Increasing productivity and create a greater impact (e.g. produce more revenue and/or social outcomes aligned with the organization’s vision).
Attracting business and markets from previously unexplored segments of the population.
Training & Wage Subsidies for Environmental Jobs | ECO Canada
The Environmental Employability Pathway program is an employment readiness program which aims to help all youth (age 15 to 30) to navigate through the labour market and to successfully transition into sustained employment. Small and medium sized businesses can receive up to $15,000 in wage funding for their next hire. Applications for 2022 are open.
The Environmental Employability Pathway program is an employment readiness program which aims to help all youth (age 15 to 30) to navigate through the labour market and to successfully transition into sustained employment.
Small and medium sized businesses can receive up to $15,000 in wage funding for their next hire. Applications for 2022 are open.
Toolkit for Developing a Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion has created a toolkit for developing a diversity and inclusion strategy. The purpose of a strategy document is to briefly explain the rationale or reason organizations need to invest resources in a goal or initiative, and to provide more explicit direction on how to achieve that goal.
The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion has created a toolkit for developing a diversity and inclusion strategy. The purpose of a strategy document is to briefly explain the rationale or reason organizations need to invest resources in a goal or initiative, and to provide more explicit direction on how to achieve that goal.
New Report Tracks Americans’ Perception and Demand for Travel to Canada
As international travel resumes, American travellers will be key to driving revenue recovery for Canadian tourism businesses. Destination Canada is tracking Americans’ travel demand for Canada and sentiment towards travel to Canada to provide our industry with a better understanding of the trends and behaviours we are seeing in this key market. Destination Canada's first edition of the new report, US Sentiment for Travel to Canada, was published recently and the included metrics will continue to be tracked on a monthly basis moving forward.
As international travel resumes, American travellers will be key to driving revenue recovery for Canadian tourism businesses. Destination Canada is tracking Americans’ travel demand for Canada and sentiment towards travel to Canada to provide our industry with a better understanding of the trends and behaviours we are seeing in this key market. Destination Canada's first edition of the new report, US Sentiment for Travel to Canada, was published recently and the included metrics will continue to be tracked on a monthly basis moving forward.
Grow Your Business Online with Canada Digital Adoption Program & Grants
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) provides support to help get your business online, give your e-commerce presence a boost, or help digitalize your business's operations. CDAP provides funding and support to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians.
There are two streams:
Grow Your Business Online: Micro-grant and access to e-commerce advisors to help you go digital and take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.
Boost Your Business Technology: Grant to help you develop a digital plan and funded work placements to help with your digital transformation.
Which grant is your business eligible for?
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) provides support to help get your business online, give your e-commerce presence a boost, or help digitalize your business's operations. CDAP provides funding and support to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians.
There are two streams:
Grow Your Business Online: Micro-grant and access to e-commerce advisors to help you go digital and take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.
Boost Your Business Technology: Grant to help you develop a digital plan and funded work placements to help with your digital transformation.
Which grant is your business eligible for?
Canadian Tourism Labour Market Snapshot - March 2022
The latest report on the Canadian Tourism Labour Market has been released and reflects the status of employment in the sector for the month of March 2022. Overall, tourism employment experienced an uptick as the sector builds momentum toward recovery in the coming months; however, growth is hindered by employment losses in the accommodations industry and a higher than anticipated unemployment rate in transportation. When considering the robust tourism labour force pre-pandemic (2,117,700 workers in March 2019), it is clear that labour shortages remain across the country and throughout the tourism industries. Through other indicators such as the tourism unemployment rate which held strong in March, there is hope that momentum is building toward sector recovery.
The latest report on the Canadian Tourism Labour Market has been released and reflects the status of employment in the sector for the month of March 2022.
Overall, tourism employment experienced an uptick as the sector builds momentum toward recovery in the coming months; however, growth is hindered by employment losses in the accommodations industry and a higher than anticipated unemployment rate in transportation.
When considering the robust tourism labour force pre-pandemic (2,117,700 workers in March 2019), it is clear that labour shortages remain across the country and throughout the tourism industries. Through other indicators such as the tourism unemployment rate which held strong in March, there is hope that momentum is building toward sector recovery.
Reminder: Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) - Apply by May 7
While the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) expires on May 7, 2022, the government will accept retroactive applications.
Intended to support recovery for businesses to hire employees or increase work hours of existing employees, the CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
Programs Eligibility Requirements:
The CRHP provides up to 50% wage subsidies for new employees or for existing employees who are working increased hours or earn a higher wage. Eligible employers must have a revenue loss of more than 10% to qualify.
The CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
Eligible employers can access either the CRHP or the THRP, but not both during the same period.
Eligible employers, who had an active payroll account as of March 2020 can access the CRHP.
The THRP subsidies require a minimum period-over-period revenue loss of at least 40% and some employers no longer meet the 40% revenue loss requirement to qualify for the THRP.
Unlike the THRP, applications to the CRHP can be made retroactively up to 180 days after the end of a period.
Applications to the CRHP are made through the same system as the THRP.
While the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) expires on May 7, 2022, the government will accept retroactive applications.
Intended to support recovery for businesses to hire employees or increase work hours of existing employees, the CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
A Reminder of the Programs Eligibility Requirements:
The CRHP provides up to 50% wage subsidies for new employees or for existing employees who are working increased hours or earn a higher wage. Eligible employers must have a revenue loss of more than 10% to qualify.
The CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
Eligible employers can access either the CRHP or the THRP, but not both during the same period.
Eligible employers, who had an active payroll account as of March 2020 can access the CRHP.
The THRP subsidies require a minimum period-over-period revenue loss of at least 40% and some employers no longer meet the 40% revenue loss requirement to qualify for the THRP.
Unlike the THRP, applications to the CRHP can be made retroactively up to 180 days after the end of a period.
Applications to the CRHP are made through the same system as the THRP.
Human Resources Industry Toolkit - go2HR
The go2HR team developed an industry toolkit with employer HR resources for the coming season. The toolkit has downloadable and customizable resources that can help in the following areas of HR:
Recruitment
Onboarding
On the Job
Departure
From recruitment best practices to sample interview questions, including templates to manage employee performance, this HR Toolkit is a great resource whether you are hiring your first employee and not sure where to start, or you are an experienced manager looking to update current HR practices, policies, or procedures.
The go2HR team developed an industry toolkit with employer HR resources for the coming season. The toolkit has downloadable and customizable resources that can help in the following areas of HR:
Recruitment
Onboarding
On the Job
Departure
From recruitment best practices to sample interview questions, including templates to manage employee performance, this HR Toolkit is a great resource whether you are hiring your first employee and not sure where to start, or you are an experienced manager looking to update current HR practices, policies, or procedures.
go2HR Guide to Employment Help for Ukrainians
go2HR has prepared a guide to help BC tourism and hospitality employers who are keen to assist Ukrainian newcomers through employment, for those who are interested, but not sure if they can or how to start.
go2HR has prepared a guide to help BC tourism and hospitality employers who are keen to assist Ukrainian newcomers through employment, for those who are interested, but not sure if they can or how to start.
Hire Global Tourism Diploma Graduates
Immigration Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) provides support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers, and learn all they need to know about living in Canada. ISSofBC provides settlement, education, and employment services to over 20,000 clients every year. Approximately 20 students who recently completed the Global Tourism Diploma Program are looking for full and/or part-time employment in the industry, and many are available to start working immediately. For more information, contact Shelina Spilchen, Case Manager – Skills Training for Tourism at shelina.spilchen@issbc.org.
Immigration Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) provides support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers, and learn all they need to know about living in Canada. ISSofBC provides settlement, education, and employment services to over 20,000 clients every year.
Approximately 20 students who recently completed the Global Tourism Diploma Program are looking for full and/or part-time employment in the industry, and many are available to start working immediately.
For more information, contact Shelina Spilchen, Case Manager – Skills Training for Tourism at shelina.spilchen@issbc.org.
Tourism Events Program Applications Open Until May 31
The Province of BC has restarted the Tourism Events Program accepting applications until May 31, 2022. While historically an annual program, it was paused in spring 2020 due to pandemic restrictions and guidelines limiting gatherings. The Tourism Events Program (the program) provides funding for up to 10% of the total event budget up to a maximum of $250,000 per event (minimum of $10,000). Funds can also cover a range of marketing expenses. Eligible events are those that are in B.C. between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, accessible to the public, and are generally sporting, arts, or cultural events.
The Province of BC has restarted the Tourism Events Program accepting applications until May 31, 2022. While historically an annual program, it was paused in spring 2020 due to pandemic restrictions and guidelines limiting gatherings.
The Tourism Events Program (the program) provides funding for up to 10% of the total event budget up to a maximum of $250,000 per event (minimum of $10,000). Funds can also cover a range of marketing expenses.
Eligible events are those that are in B.C. between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, accessible to the public, and are generally sporting, arts, or cultural events.
Canadian Tourism Labour Market Snapshot - March 2022
The latest report on the Canadian Tourism Labour Market has been released and reflects the status of employment in the sector for the month of March 2022.
Overall, tourism employment experienced an uptick as the sector builds momentum toward recovery in the coming months; however, growth is hindered by employment losses in the accommodations industry and a higher than anticipated unemployment rate in transportation.
When considering the robust tourism labour force pre-pandemic (2,117,700 workers in March 2019), it is clear that labour shortages remain across the country and throughout the tourism industries. Through other indicators such as the tourism unemployment rate which held strong in March, there is hope that momentum is building toward sector recovery.
The latest report on the Canadian Tourism Labour Market has been released and reflects the status of employment in the sector for the month of March 2022.
Overall, tourism employment experienced an uptick as the sector builds momentum toward recovery in the coming months; however, growth is hindered by employment losses in the accommodations industry and a higher than anticipated unemployment rate in transportation.
When considering the robust tourism labour force pre-pandemic (2,117,700 workers in March 2019), it is clear that labour shortages remain across the country and throughout the tourism industries. Through other indicators such as the tourism unemployment rate which held strong in March, there is hope that momentum is building toward sector recovery.
go2HR Employee Training Programs
go2HR offers several online and free/affordable training opportunities to support training and development of the BC tourism industry and to create safe and successful workplaces.
The following courses may be helpful for you and your team members:
FOODSAFE Level 1 by Distance Education: Self-paced BC food safety course and certification.
BSAFE™ - BC Safety Assured For Everyone: Free front line worker foundational health and safety course
Safer Spaces - Course for Employers and Supervisors: Free online course about preventing sexual harassment in tourism and hospitality workplaces.
Foundations of Workplace Safety Course (includes WHMIS): Free workplace safety training for young or new workers in tourism, including rights and responsibilities, and common hazards.
SuperHost Customer Service Training: Affordable, relevant and quality customer service training for front-line employees, available online.
Workplace Wellness CARE Certificate: Free online training to learn to maintain mental health and care for another person experiencing a mental or emotional crisis.
go2HR offers several online and free/affordable training opportunities to support training and development of the BC tourism industry and to create safe and successful workplaces.
The following courses may be helpful for you and your team members:
FOODSAFE Level 1 by Distance Education: Self-paced BC food safety course and certification.
BSAFE™ - BC Safety Assured For Everyone: Free front line worker foundational health and safety course
Safer Spaces - Course for Employers and Supervisors: Free online course about preventing sexual harassment in tourism and hospitality workplaces.
Foundations of Workplace Safety Course (includes WHMIS): Free workplace safety training for young or new workers in tourism, including rights and responsibilities, and common hazards.
SuperHost Customer Service Training: Affordable, relevant and quality customer service training for front-line employees, available online.
Workplace Wellness CARE Certificate: Free online training to learn to maintain mental health and care for another person experiencing a mental or emotional crisis.
Apply for BC Trails Day Community Grant by May 9
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) has announced that the BC Trails Day Community Small Grants are back. With support from RC Strategies, ORCBC offers a limited number of small grants of up to $500 each to help outdoor organizations organize community-based BC Trails Day events. The funds can help pay for various expenses, including tools and gear library products, stewardship supplies, event promotion, equipment rental, and other materials needed to create a fantastic BC Trails Day event experience. The application deadline is Monday, May 9, 2022.
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) has announced that the BC Trails Day Community Small Grants are back. With support from RC Strategies, ORCBC offers a limited number of small grants of up to $500 each to help outdoor organizations organize community-based BC Trails Day events on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
The funds can help pay for various expenses, including tools and gear library products, stewardship supplies, event promotion, equipment rental, and other materials needed to create a fantastic BC Trails Day event experience.
Partnerships and collaborations between different groups is encouraged.
The application deadline is Monday, May 9, 2022.
Post a Job on the go2HR Job Board
The go2HR job board is free for tourism and hospitality employers operating in British Columbia. Post jobs and hiring events to find quality employees in Accommodation, Food and Beverage Services, Recreation and Entertainment, Transportation, and Travel Services. The go2HR Job Board receives 20,000 monthly visits from qualified candidates looking for front-line, supervisory, management or executive positions.
The go2HR job board is free for tourism and hospitality employers operating in British Columbia. Post jobs and hiring events to find quality employees in Accommodation, Food and Beverage Services, Recreation and Entertainment, Transportation, and Travel Services.
The go2HR Job Board receives 20,000 monthly visits from qualified candidates looking for front-line, supervisory, management or executive positions.
go2HR Support for Communicable Disease Prevention Plans
Recently approved WorkSafeBC legislation requires employers to implement communicable disease prevention measures in the workplace. go2HR’s health and safety professionals are available to support tourism and hospitality businesses do just that.
To make the transition to Communicable Disease Prevention Plans as easy as possible, go2HR has developed detailed resources (including a downloadable checklist) for businesses to use to help ensure you have factored in all of the key prevention measures.
Use the checklist to assess the risks in your workplace and record the steps that you are taking to protect workers.
Request a free consultation with a member of go2HR's health and safety team to discuss appropriate measures for your business and answer your questions.
Upload your completed checklist or prevention plan and go2HR will review it for you and provide tailored feedback.
Recently approved WorkSafeBC legislation requires employers to implement communicable disease prevention measures in the workplace. go2HR’s health and safety professionals are available to support tourism and hospitality businesses do just that.
To make the transition to Communicable Disease Prevention Plans as easy as possible, go2HR has developed detailed resources (including a downloadable checklist) for businesses to use to help ensure you have factored in all of the key prevention measures.
Use the checklist to assess the risks in your workplace and record the steps that you are taking to protect workers.
Request a free consultation with a member of go2HR's health and safety team to discuss appropriate measures for your business and answer your questions.
Upload your completed checklist or prevention plan and go2HR will review it for you and provide tailored feedback.