News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Glohaven Community Hub Announces Indigenous Globox™ Campaign with Shop First Nations & Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Glohaven Community Hub, Shop First Nations, and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) are collaborating on the Indigenous Globox™ Campaign, an Indigenous gift box featuring authentically local First Nations products and experiences from the Nlaka’pamux, Syilx Okanagan, and Secwepemc in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Glohaven Community Hub (Glohaven.com), a socially impactful eCommerce platform that makes it easier for people to explore, shop, and support local economies in a more sustainable way, has announced a collaboration with Shop First Nations (SFN) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA). In recognition of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the organizations are co-creating an Indigenous gift box platform that will feature authentically local First Nations products and experiences from the Nlaka’pamux, Syilx Okanagan, and Secwepemc.
Through the Indigenous Globox™ Campaign, Glohaven and Shop First Nations will work with tourism partners like TOTA to develop, promote, and distribute a specially curated gift box that will showcase the creations of local Indigenous artisans, crafters, and experience providers in the Thompson Okanagan region.
The Indigenous Globox™ contains several Indigenous products from the Thompson Okanagan region, including:
Cover art by Syilx artist Janine Lott;
Angie’s N8ive Beading Orange Shirt Day pin and hoop earrings;
Moose Hide Campaign pins;
LIVN GIVN art card;
Stickers from Shop First Nations and North Okanagan Apparel;
Calling My Spirit Back book by Elaine Alec;
Okanagan Select Smoked Salmon made with organic Maple Roch syrup;
Glohaven Community Hub recycled plastic tote bag;
Up The Hill At Loakin’s Chocolate and Roses Lotion Bar, Birch Bath Salts, and a 2-pack of Rose Petal Blend Tea.
The Beginnings of the Globox™
In 2021, TOTA and Glohaven Community Hub connected and discovered a shared goal to support the many small and medium size tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region. TOTA and Glohaven worked together to create the Globox™, a tourism gift box showcasing a variety of locally curated products and experiences from Thompson Okanagan businesses. Each Globox™ proudly features at least one Indigenous product or experience as well as a product or experience from a Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Company.
“TOTA appreciates our ongoing relationship with Glohaven and working together with their team to help bring awareness to Indigenous Tourism experiences and products within the region,” said TOTA CEO, Ellen Walker-Matthews. “It has also provided a tremendous opportunity to elevate the many Biosphere Committed Companies we work with throughout the Thompson Okanagan.”
Growing Indigenous Tourism & Economic Reconciliation through the Indigenous Globox™
“Indigenous tourism was the fastest growing sector in the Canadian tourism industry prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Glohaven CEO, Michael Benedek. “With leisure and business travel grinding to a halt during the pandemic, many tourism businesses - especially those owned by Indigenous entrepreneurs - have been severely impacted by significant losses of revenue and livelihoods.”
“The goal of the Indigenous Globox Campaign is to amplify the voices of Indigenous owned businesses and provide consumers with the opportunity to demonstrate economic reconciliation by consciously shopping for and supporting the unique products and experiences of Indigenous creators,” said Shop First Nations President, Rob Schulz.
TOTA, Glohaven, and Shop First Nations recognize the power of working together to leverage each other's unique skills and resources to support Indigenous businesses with innovative, creative, and tangible sales and marketing solutions. Furthermore, this campaign contributes to the recognition of the Thompson Okanagan region as a sustainable Indigenous tourism destination.
Show Your Support for Indigenous Owned Businesses in the Thompson Okanagan
You can show your support for Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses based in the Thompson Okanagan by:
Purchasing an Indigenous Globox™ at www.Globox.Market/products/Indigenous-Globox™
Learning about and supporting Indigenous businesses and artists, like Syilx artist Janine Lott, creator of the Indigenous Globox™ cover art - watch the Glohaven video about Janine's work to learn more.
Visiting TOTA’s Indigenous Tourism webpage.
Taking a photo of your favourite Indigenous product or business in the Thompson Okanagan, then posting your photo to social media with these tags: #GlohavenCommunityHub #ShopFirstNations #IndigenousBC #IndigenousBusiness #ThompsonOkanagan #ExploreBC
About Glohaven Community Hub
Glohaven is a socially impactful eCommerce platform that offers a greater sense of community and connection to 'local' in the online world.
On one side of the platform, Glohaven provides tourism organizations and their stakeholders with direct-to-consumer sales, marketing, and distribution channels that generate and retain more revenue, representation, and control on a local level.
On the other side of the platform, Glohaven.com is an eCommerce marketplace that makes it easier for people to explore, shop, and support local economies in a more sustainable way.
About Shop First Nations
Shop First Nations (SFN) is an Indigenous-owned digital platform seeking to enable Reconciliation through impactful consumer purchasing, e-commerce and digital marketing, and education initiatives. SFN’s mission is to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses by encouraging consumers to invest in Indigenous goods and services, and supporting such businesses in the digital economy while honoring the Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action.
Follow SFN on Instagram, Facebook, or by joining the Facebook group for supporting Indigenous businesses in BC.
About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination BC and the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. It is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.
The Thompson Okanagan region lies on the traditional territory of the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc peoples.
Learn more on the industry website, TOTABC.org and the traveller website, ThompsonOkanagan.com.
For more information, contact:
Angela Case
Chief Creative Officer, Glohaven Community Hub
Email: Angela@Glohaven.com
Phone: 1.250.307.9227
Shop Local BC - BC Chamber of Commerce
Funded by the Government of Canada and delivered through provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, the Shop Local initiative provides grants for programs and campaigns that encourage Canadians to shop local to help businesses navigate through and beyond the pandemic.
The federal government is investing $33 million in the initiative across Canada, of which project funds of $5 million are earmarked for British Columbia.
Funded by the Government of Canada and delivered through provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, the Shop Local initiative provides grants for programs and campaigns that encourage Canadians to shop local to help businesses navigate through and beyond the pandemic.
The federal government is investing $33 million in the initiative across Canada, of which project funds of $5 million are earmarked for British Columbia.
The BC Chamber of Commerce will deliver the Shop Local initiative in BC, ensuring that the program is inclusive, and funds are distributed equitably across the following seven economic development regions:
• Central-Cariboo
• Kootenay
• Mainland/Southwest
• North Coast/Nechako
• Northeast
• Thompson-Okanagan
• Vancouver Island/Coast
Key program dates:
The Shop Local BC program will launch November 1, 2021.
Applications will be received and assessed on a first-come-first-served basis through December 10, 2021.
Funds will be disbursed on an ongoing basis through December 10, 2021, and no later than December 31, 2021.
Successful applicants will receive:
80% of the funds requested through December 10, 2021, and no later than December 31, 2021
20% of the funds requested following submission of a satisfactory post-campaign report
Chamber of Commerce will report the outcomes of the Shop Local BC initiative to the federal government by March 31, 2022.
There will be two information webinars during which the presenters will walk through the application process, including the steps to submit an application via the Shop Local BC portal.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 9:30am to 10:30am PDT. Register here.
Friday, October 29, 2021 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm PDT. Register here.
The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit
The Government of Canada is proposing to introduce legislation for the new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, which would provide income support to workers whose employment is interrupted by specific government-imposed public health lockdown scenarios and who are unable to work due to such restrictions.
The Government of Canada is proposing to introduce legislation for the new Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, which would provide income support to workers whose employment is interrupted by specific government-imposed public health lockdown scenarios and who are unable to work due to such restrictions.
The new benefit would be:
$300 a week.
Strictly available to workers whose work interruption is a direct result of a government-imposed public health lockdown.
Available until May 7, 2022, with retroactive application to October 24, 2021 should the situation warrant it.
Accessible for the entire duration of a government-imposed public health lockdown (up until May 7, 2022).
Available to workers who are ineligible for Employment Insurance (EI) and those who are eligible for EI, as long as they are not paid benefits through EI for the same period.
Individuals whose loss of income or employment is due to their refusal to adhere to a vaccine mandate would not be able to access the benefit.
Further details on this proposed benefit will be released in the coming weeks.
CCOHS: Pandemic Planning: Reopening for Business
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is hosting an e-Course on Pandemic Planning: Reopening for Business. This course will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and is being offered for free.
Upon completion of the course, attendees will:
Understand how coronavirus spreads and the symptoms of COVID-19
Know employer and worker duties in a COVID-19 return to business plan
Be able to describe the role of hazard identification and risk control
Know what measures are used to control the virus, including how to safely clean and disinfect surfaces
Understand how to safely manage the workplace and prepare workers for a return
Understand the impacts on mental health
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is hosting an e-Course on Pandemic Planning: Reopening for Business. This course will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and is being offered for free.
As businesses and workplaces across Canada reopen their doors for workers and customers, it’s important to understand that the coronavirus will still be circulating so new infections are possible. Returning to the workplace will not be the same as before the COVID-19 pandemic began. This awareness course outlines common steps that can be taken to safely reopen during COVID-19. This course will help you prepare and put controls in place to help protect workers and customers and minimize the impact of the pandemic.
Upon completion of the course, attendees will:
Understand how coronavirus spreads and the symptoms of COVID-19
Know employer and worker duties in a COVID-19 return to business plan
Be able to describe the role of hazard identification and risk control
Know what measures are used to control the virus, including how to safely clean and disinfect surfaces
Understand how to safely manage the workplace and prepare workers for a return
Understand the impacts on mental health
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes information on:
Support for individuals
Support for businesses
Support for sectors
Support for communities
Other measures
Completed measures
The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes information on:
Support for individuals
Support for businesses
Support for sectors
Support for communities
Other measures
Completed measures
Organizations Buying and Selling Personal Protective Equipment During COVID-19: Overview
The Government of Canada is mobilizing industry to provide medical supplies, and providing information on personal protective equipment in relation to COVID-19, including expedited access and how to get authorization to sell PPE.
The Government of Canada website has been updated with resources to outline the steps of this endeavor.
The Government of Canada is mobilizing industry to provide medical supplies, and providing information on personal protective equipment in relation to COVID-19, including expedited access and how to get authorization to sell PPE.
The Government of Canada website has been updated with resources to outline the steps of this endeavor.
Information for Sellers:
Explore provincial and territorial opportunities to list your supplies. Access additional resources to connect with potential buyers.
Explore how your business can get on provincial or territorial supply lists
Matching supply and demand
and more
Information for Buyers:
Finding personal protective equipment
Consumer guidance
Considerations when buying PPE
Community Resources
and more
Check out the Government of Canada website to learn more.
Canadian Business Resilience - Canadian Chamber of Commerce
As the Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) campaign has wrapped up, the information on the support programs, the toolkits and the important resources to help businesses manage their operations throughout the pandemic and plan their recovery are now available on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce website.
As the Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) campaign is wrapped up, the information on the support programs, the toolkits and the important resources to help businesses manage their operations throughout the pandemic and plan their recovery are now available on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce website.
Resources:
B.C. Tourism and Hospitality Employee Survey
Participate in the B.C. Tourism and Hospitality Labour Market Information Employee survey and enter into a draw for prizes valued at $1,500.
This survey is targeted at people who currently work in the B.C. tourism and hospitality industry or have worked in the industry within the last three years.
Participate in the B.C. Tourism and Hospitality Labour Market Information Employee survey and enter into a draw for prizes valued at $1,500.
This survey is targeted at people who currently work in the B.C. tourism and hospitality industry or have worked in the industry within the last three years. That could include jobs in:
Accommodation (e.g., hotels, motels, lodges, resorts, campgrounds, etc.)
Amusement, gambling and recreation (e.g., parks, ski hills, casinos)
Performing arts (e.g., theatres and spectator sports)
Heritage institutions (e.g., heritage attractions, public art galleries, museums)
Passenger transportation (e.g., air, water, and rail or sightseeing)
Tour and travel arrangement and reservation services
The questions are designed to learn more about your experiences working in the tourism and hospitality industry, the challenges you face, and your future plans with respect to continuing to work in the industry.
Free Flu Shots Available As a Precaution
The Province of BC is making flu shots free for anyone older than six months. This year, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it makes good public health sense to get vaccinated for the flu. Last year, the province provided free flu vaccinations to high-risk groups, but this is the first time the shot is free for all aged six months old and older.
The Province of BC is making flu shots free for anyone older than six months. This year, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it makes good public health sense to get vaccinated for the flu.
Last year, the province provided free flu vaccinations to high-risk groups, but this is the first time the shot is free for all aged six months old and older.
BC Hospitality Foundation 50/50
The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce that tickets for its online 50/50 raffle are now on sale. The raffle will start with a $1000 jackpot and will increase with every ticket purchased above and beyond until sales close on November 15, 2021.
The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce that tickets for its online 50/50 raffle are now on sale. The raffle will start with a $1000 jackpot and will increase with every ticket purchased above and beyond until sales close on November 15, 2021.
The initiative is a fundraiser for the BCHF, which is the only charity of its kind in Canada, with a mission of supporting hospitality and tourism workers in need.
Tickets for the raffle will be:
5 for $10
20 for $20
150 for $40
Please support the hospitality and tourism sector by purchasing tickets. Funds raised by the event will be used by the BCHF to support industry workers facing financial crisis due to a serious health condition experienced by themselves or a family member. The registered charity also administers a scholarship program that fosters the development of the next generation of hospitality industry workers and leaders.
Camper's Code - Take the Pledge and Please Camp Responsibly
In 2020, the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition recognized the need to build awareness around appropriate camping behavior. A Campers Code Marketing Committee was formed, which outlined ways to educate the public on behaving responsibly while camping in BC’s front and back country. In May 2021, the coalition implemented a digital marketing campaign for the launch of the new Camper’s Responsibility Code, with the goal of driving awareness and compliance to people camping in BC this year.
In 2020, the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition recognized the need to build awareness around appropriate camping behavior. A Campers Code Marketing Committee was formed, which outlined ways to educate the public on behaving responsibly while camping in BC’s front and back country. In May 2021, the coalition implemented a digital marketing campaign for the launch of the new Camper’s Responsibility Code, with the goal of driving awareness and compliance to people camping in BC this year.
The Camper’s Code Has 9 Rules that Are Really Easy to Follow. When All Campers Follow Them, These Good Things Happen:
Camping continues to be enjoyable for all
Nature remains pristine and beautiful
People camping in the same area become friends
Animals stay wild and free
Wilderness Tourism Association Launches #BELLYUP Campaign
On October 18, the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC (WTA) launched the #bellyup campaign, which campaign makes the link between the fate of the wild Pacific salmon and BC's tourism industry. The campaign also calls for the removal of the open-net fish factories that are contributing to the serious decline of wild salmon stocks. #BELLYUP
On October 18, the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC (WTA) launched the #bellyup campaign, which campaign makes the link between the fate of the wild Pacific salmon and BC's tourism industry. The campaign also calls for the removal of the open-net fish factories that are contributing to the serious decline of wild salmon stocks.
If you believe that the future of BC's tourism economy depends on the health of wild salmon and the ecosystem they support, you can get involved and support the WTA in this campaign. They are making the point that the economic impact of the loss of our destination brand Super, Natural British Columbia through the degradation of our environment will have a far greater negative impact on the provincial economy than the removal of the 60+ active fish farms and the 1,200 jobs that they support.
Ways to go #BELLYUP
Flip your profile pictures upside down
Post an upside-down picture
Film and publish your own #BELLYUP video
Like, share, and repost #BELLYUP content.
Tag @johnhorgan4bc @ravikahlonnorthdelta and @melaniejmark in your own #BELLYUP posts.
On September 29th, WTA CEO Scott Benton, former Premier Gordon Campbell, and consultant Lisa Stevens were guests on TIABC's Wednesday Webinar series with the topic "If BC's Wild Salmon Go - We All Go". The presentation focused on how the extinction of BC's wild salmon would impact BC's Super, Natural brand and tourism businesses. They also introduced the new campaign aimed at connecting the fate of the wild salmon to BC's tourism economy. You can view the webinar in it's entirety in the link below.
BC Ski Promotion Debuts in Germany with SKI KANADA
Destination BC has partnered with online magazine SKI KANADA to promote BC ski product to German consumers. The online campaign, which is hosted on SKI-KANADA.net and will be promoted to the publication’s extensive audience via e-newsletter, includes a prizing component to increase traffic to the landing page while boosting signups for partner e-newsletters.
The prize draw will run until April 15, 2022, with the winner scooping up a BC heli-skiing trip courtesy of Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing Resort. The activity will be cross promoted on SKI-USA.net.
Destination BC has partnered with online magazine SKI KANADA to promote BC ski product to German consumers. The online campaign, which is hosted on SKI-KANADA.net and will be promoted to the publication’s extensive audience via e-newsletter, includes a prizing component to increase traffic to the landing page while boosting signups for partner e-newsletters.
The prize draw will run until April 15, 2022, with the winner scooping up a BC heli-skiing trip courtesy of Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing Resort. The activity will be cross promoted on SKI-USA.net.
Buy BC: Eat Drink Local to Support B.C. Restaurants
This year’s Buy BC: EAT DRINK LOCAL is in full swing, with some of the province’s best-tasting ingredients spotlighted now until November 15. The campaign – a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association – features 30 days of inspirational stories about local restaurants and restaurateurs, and encourages BC residents to support local businesses while enjoy the decadent flavours of fall.
Chefs wanting to be featured can visit: https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/join-buy-bc/restaurants-chefs
This year’s Buy BC: EAT DRINK LOCAL is in full swing, with some of the province’s best-tasting ingredients spotlighted now until November 15. The campaign – a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries and the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association – features 30 days of inspirational stories about local restaurants and restaurateurs, and encourages BC residents to support local businesses while enjoy the decadent flavours of fall.
Chefs wanting to be featured can visit: https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/join-buy-bc/restaurants-chefs
Additional Information:
Find participating restaurants online, visit: https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/eat-drink-local
More information about the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association: http://www.bcrfa.com/
Sharing on social? Tag and follow @EatDrinkBuyBC and #BuyBC
New Standardized Canadian COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination for Travel
On October 21, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that a standardized Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination is now available to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon, with other provinces including BC to follow suit. The Prime Minister also noted that Canada is working with partners internationally to ensure the proof of vaccination is recognized and accepted abroad to facilitate international travel.
On October 21, Canada announced that a standardized Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination is now available to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon, with other provinces including B.C. to follow suit.
B.C.'s Ministry of Health said in a statement the province will issue the new government of Canada proof of vaccination card and it will be accessible as of Oct. 30.
Canada is working with partners internationally to ensure the proof of vaccination is recognized and accepted abroad to facilitate international travel.
The standardized proof of vaccination is issued by provinces and territories to individuals who are vaccinated and registered with their provincial or territorial health authority, and can also be used with ArriveCAN, the mobile app and website for travellers to submit mandatory information when arriving in Canada from other countries.
Residents from provinces not yet issuing the standardized proof of vaccination can use their existing provincial documentation but the government notes it is up to foreign governments to determine whether to accept it.
Updated: Proof of Vaccination Messaging Guidance & Tool Kit | Destination BC
Destination BC’s Proof of Vaccination Messaging Guide has been updated to reflect new information and industry FAQs, including details on full vaccination requirements coming into effect for BC on October 24 and where to find information on the new pan-Canadian vaccine passport for plane, train and cruise ship passengers in Canada. The Guide will continue to be updated as new information is available. Industry should refer to this latest messaging until further notice.
Destination BC’s Proof of Vaccination Messaging Guide has been updated to reflect new information and industry FAQs, including details on full vaccination requirements coming into effect for BC on October 24 and where to find information on the new pan-Canadian vaccine passport for plane, train and cruise ship passengers in Canada. The Guide will continue to be updated as new information is available. Industry should refer to this latest messaging until further notice.
This messaging is helpful for:
Regional and Community/City Destination Marketing Organisations
Sector Associations
Tourism Businesses
Destination BC will provide new information as it becomes available. If you have a question that is not answered, please email COVID19response@DestinationBC.ca and they will work with the Province to gather the information.
Targeted COVID-19 Support Measures to Create Jobs and Growth
The federal government is taking targeted action to create jobs and spur continued economic growth. New measures include:
An extension to the Canada Recovery Hiring Program until May 7, 2022, for eligible employers with revenue losses above 10 percent;
Support for businesses facing significant pandemic-related challenges through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program and Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program;
Introduction of the Canada Workers Lockdown Benefit, which provides $300 per week to eligible workers facing local lockdown between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.
With one of the most successful vaccination campaigns in the world, many businesses safely reopening, and employment now back to pre-pandemic levels, Canadians have reached a turning point in the fight against COVID-19. The government has now surpassed its target of creating a million new jobs. Canada is on the road to economic recovery—but some areas of the country and economy continue to need targeted support.
The Government of Canada is taking targeted action to create jobs and spur economic growth. This includes moving from the very broad-based support that was appropriate at the height of lockdowns to more targeted measures that will provide help where it is needed, while prudently managing government spending.
The following changes to business support programs are being proposed:
Extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program until May 7, 2022, for eligible employers with current revenue losses above 10 per cent and increase the subsidy rate to 50 per cent. The extension would help businesses continue to hire back workers and to create the additional jobs Canada needs for a full recovery.
Deliver targeted support to businesses that are still facing significant pandemic-related challenges. Support would be available through two streams:
Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program, which would provide support through the wage and rent subsidy programs, to hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and restaurants, with a subsidy rate of up to 75 per cent.
Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program, which would provide support through the wage and rent subsidy programs, would support other businesses that have faced deep losses, with a subsidy rate of up to 50 per cent.
Applicants for these programs will use a new “two-key” eligibility system whereby they will need to demonstrate significant revenue losses over the course of 12 months of the pandemic, as well as revenue losses in the current month.
Businesses that face temporary new local lockdowns will be eligible for up to the maximum amount of the wage and rent subsidy programs, during the local lockdown, regardless of losses over the course of the pandemic.
These programs will be available until May 7, 2022, with the proposed subsidy rates available through to March 13, 2022. From March 13, 2022, to May 7, 2022, the subsidy rates will decrease by half.
Keep Momentum of Support Strong with the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses
A critical pillar of advocacy work over the past 20 months has been TIAC’s position as co-chair of the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses. This is a coalition of over 120 tourism, hotel and events businesses including TIABC who are fighting for industry-specific support. Not just businesses - but also the organizations that represent hundreds of businesses behind them.
Check out the website for current campaigns and how you can get involved.
A critical pillar of advocacy work over the past 20 months has been TIAC’s position as co-chair of the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses. This is a coalition of over 120 tourism, hotel and events businesses including TIABC who are fighting for industry-specific support. Not just businesses - but also the organizations that represent hundreds of businesses behind them.
Check out the website for current campaigns and how you can get involved.
Canada - U.S. Border Update
Building on the previous announcement regarding the Canada-U.S. land and ferry border progress, the U.S will allow travellers with mixed doses of vaccinations to cross for non-essential travel. U.S land borders with Canada and Mexico will be open to fully vaccinated tourists by November 8.
While the U.S. will not require Canadians to show negative test results to cross at land borders, returning to Canada requires a negative PCR test within 72 hours of crossing the border.
Building on the previous announcement regarding the Canada-U.S. land and ferry border progress, the U.S will allow travellers with mixed doses of vaccinations to cross for non-essential travel. U.S land borders with Canada and Mexico will be open to fully vaccinated tourists by November 8.
While the U.S. will not require Canadians to show negative test results to cross at land borders, returning to Canada requires a negative PCR test within 72 hours of crossing the border.
Invasive Species Alert - Know Your Responsibility
Most people do not realize that tourism is a major cause of invasive species spread and introduction, especially to remote natural areas. Invasive species can hitch a ride on our clothing, footwear, luggage, vehicles, boats and even our pets. Costing Canada billions of dollars every year, invasive species are also listed as the second biggest threat to biodiversity, next to habitat loss.
When COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in many parts of the province this past summer, many people started traveling again. Of course, traveling anywhere these days means taking extra precautions to not transmit any unwanted things we may carry. While COVID-19 fits into this category, it also relates to, invasive species.
Most people do not realize that tourism is a major cause of invasive species spread and introduction, especially to remote natural areas. Invasive species can hitch a ride on clothing, footwear, luggage, vehicles, boats and even pets. Costing Canada billions of dollars every year, invasive species are also listed as the second biggest threat to biodiversity, next to habitat loss.
BC is home to more species of living things than any other Canadian province, with over 70 per cent of Canada’s nesting bird and land mammal species and over 60 per cent of its plant species. This diversity makes this province “Super Natural” — but it also means it has the most to lose.
Whether travelling by air, land or boat, unwanted “hitchhikers” may be tagging along. Species like carpet burweed, burdock or thistles can easily cling to clothing, boot soles and tent pads and become established in a new, pristine area.
Enjoy the great outdoors and adopt these simple actions to protect the many native plants, animals and ecosystems that we all depend on:
Brush off all dirt and seeds from your shoes when leaving a trail or natural area.
Shake out your tent before you pack up your camp site.
Brush off any mud or seeds from your bike or ATV tires at the end of a trail.
Clean Drain and Dry your watercraft when moving between water bodies to make sure no unwanted hitchhikers get a free ride to a new lake or stream.