News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Resource Roundup | Advocacy, Funding, and Training Opportunities
A roundup of resources for tourism businesses, including opportunities to share your experience, apply for support funds, and train employees.
Sunset from atop Battle Bluff, Thompson Valley
Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
The TOTA team is here to help with the challenges your business is facing. Through TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program you can access the following complimentary supports:
1:1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor
Expert Business Mentorship with an Okanagan College business professor
Mental Health Support resource list of guides and training from the Canadian Mental Health Association
As well, we will continue to share resources to help you build resiliency, including the resources below, which includes opportunities to share your experience, receive support funds, and train employees.
TOTA: Voice Your Concerns
The tourism industry must continue to convey real time feedback that explains the actual state of tourism relative to what might be considered recovery.
Organizations like TOTA, TIABC, TIAC, and many others will use this information to further advocate for the needs of the industry, particularly for additional government assistance through the course of the pandemic.
Please take a few minutes to complete any surveys relevant to your interests to help dispel the misconception that business is as usual for the tourism industry.
We invite you to share any challenges your business is facing so we can compile information on the evolving situation and share it with the appropriate parties, such as:
What challenges is your business currently experiencing?
How is this impacting your business?
What would help to improve the situation?
Feel free to share your current experiences at any time through the form at TOTABC.org/recovery or by emailing Recovery@TOTABC.com.
Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) continues to work closely with the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, working to establish a COVID Tourism and Events Business & Employee Survival Program, in order to provide qualified and limited financial support to tourism and events businesses with significant revenue losses from September 2021 to May 2022.
How You Can Help
Engage with your local MPs/Candidates this summer – whether it’s a meeting, email, phone call, when they come knocking on your door, or a letter. Find your local Member of Parliament.
Download and share the key message guidelines
Send a letter to your local Member of Parliament. It is already written, you simply need to press send on HardestHit.ca.
Spread the word on social media
Keep TIAC in the loop - how did it go? Who did you meet with? What kind of reception did you receive? Use the Advocacy Campaign dashboard to report your meetings and share comments.
Restaurants Canada: Restaurant Survival Coalition
Restaurants Canada is requesting your help to create and inform the messaging that is shared with the Province of BC and provide a clearer picture of what businesses are experiencing here in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Tourism businesses can participate in the Restaurant Survival Coalition by submitting a video story to help amplify voices in the foodservice community, including sharing how the pandemic has impacted life and business.
Restaurant Canada wants to know:
How many days has dining been shut down or reduced?
How many staff did your business employ before the pandemic and how have they been impacted by this crisis?
How has your business and employees benefited from the federal rent and wage subsidies?
Restaurant Canada's Restaurant Survival Coalition will share these videos on social media to help shine a light on the support that restaurants continue to need as they recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Stories will be leveraged in discussions with the government to advocate for continued sector-specific support.
Propel Tourism and Hospitality Student Work Placement & Wage Subsidy Program
Tourism HR Canada announced the launch of a federally funded Student Work Placement Program, Propel, offering paid work-integrated learning opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Propel offers employers a wage subsidy of up to 75% of a qualifying student’s wages, to a maximum of $7,500. Students enrolled at a recognized post-secondary institution can apply for a paid position to fulfil the co-op or internship component of their program.
Jobs and Growth Fund in Western Canada
The Jobs and Growth Fund provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is investing $217 million to help job creators and the organizations that support them to future-proof their businesses, build resiliency, and prepare for growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness and creating jobs in every corner of the country.
Eligible companies could receive interest-free repayable contributions for up to 50% for businesses, 90% for non-profits, and 100% for Indigenous clients.
Free Digital Marketing Skills Training Program
The Alacrity Canada Digital Marketing Bootcamp is a virtual skills-training program valued at $6,000 per seat and offered to eligible B.C. small and medium-sized businesses at no cost by the Province of B.C. The eight-week course covers 40 key topics offered by 10 expert mentors to provide a foundation of digital marketing, search-engine optimization (SEO), paid advertising, analytics, content marketing, and other skills.
go2HR Scripts: Responding to Difficult Guest Situations During a Pandemic
go2HR has developed a document for frontline staff to review in order to prepare for various scenarios which workers could encounter in their workplace and suggested scripts on how to respond to challenging interactions.
Examples:
Guest is not wearing a mask when required
Guest does not sanitize hands upon entry
Guest inquiries about employee vaccination status
Guest or employee shows signs of being unwell
Export Navigator
Exporting allows tourism businesses to expand beyond local markets. Export Navigator offers many resources, including a free course about the export process and how to grow business beyond B.C.
Register for Free Online Course
Export Navigator’s community-based advisors provide support and ongoing guidance to help tourism businesses grow outside of B.C.
Advisors offer:
An export readiness assessment
A business readiness assessment
Market entry strategy support
Market tools and information
Streamlined service connections to support services
Emergency Support Fund for Canada’s Live Music Sector
Funding is available to support Canada’s live music sector. The purpose of this program is to help Canadian live music companies and organizations operating in Canada facing financial pressures due to public health directives in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic. This program targets Canadian-owned companies and organizations specializing in live music, including live music venues, booking agents, concert promoters, festivals, artist managers, artist-entrepreneurs, and service companies.
Budget 2021 includes $25 million for Canada’s live music sector. The purpose of this program is to help Canadian live music companies and organizations operating in Canada who are facing financial pressures due to public health directives in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
The majority of companies and organizations targeted by this program are not regular beneficiaries of the Canada Music Fund (CMF); emergency funding for these types of companies and organizations is a recognition of the essential nature of the live music sector in achieving the objectives of the program. Thus, the temporary financial support will allow companies and organizations in Canada’s live music sector to continue to exist during and beyond the pandemic and ultimately to continue i) to produce and promote a diversity of Canadian music in a world of choice ii) to be competitive at home and abroad and iii) to contribute to Canada’s creative economy.
Funding will be allocated based on eligible revenues from each applicant’s last completed fiscal year prior to the pandemic.
Funding is subject to availability of funds and submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
The deadline to apply is September 2, 2021.
Who Can Apply?
This program targets Canadian-owned companies and organizations specializing in live music. This includes live music venues, booking agents, concert promoters, festivals, artist managers, artist-entrepreneurs, and service companies. To be eligible, companies must play an essential role in the Canadian live music sector and in the development of Canadian artists.
Advocacy Efforts: Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) continues to work closely with the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, working to establish a COVID Tourism and Events Business & Employee Survival Program, in order to provide qualified and limited financial support to tourism and events businesses with significant revenue losses from September 2021 to May 2022. Tourism businesses can get involved by sharing key messages with local MPs, and community and social networks.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) continues to work closely with the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, working to establish a COVID Tourism and Events Business & Employee Survival Program, in order to provide qualified and limited financial support to tourism and events businesses with significant revenue losses from September 2021 to May 2022.
How You Can Help
Engage with your local MPs/Candidates this summer – whether it’s a meeting, email, phone call, when they come knocking on your door, or a letter. Find your local Member of Parliament.
Download and share the key message guidelines
Send a letter to your local Member of Parliament. It is already written, you simply need to press send on HardestHit.ca.
Spread the word on social media
Keep TIAC in the loop - how did it go? Who did you meet with? What kind of reception did you receive? Use the Advocacy Campaign dashboard to report your meetings and share comments.
Tourism Business Builders Online Resources
Tourism HR Canada team has launched Tourism Business Builders, an online learning program developed specifically for tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs. This “how-to” resource contains nine comprehensive modules on business fundamentals and dozens of practical tools, including Excel templates and PDF worksheets, available free until September 1, 2021.
Tourism HR Canada team has launched the Tourism Business Builders online program, developed specifically for tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs. This much-anticipated update moves the renowned program to a fully online offering, allowing for 24/7 access on the organization’s Emerit.ca learning platform and the flexibility to quickly add content.
Businesses who have been the most adversely impacted by COVID are not only looking at recovery, but in many cases a complete restart to their operations. This presents opportunities to re-assess priorities, including product and service offerings, audiences, financing, and marketing.
Now these same businesses can access this brand new “how-to” resource, which contains nine comprehensive modules on business fundamentals and dozens of practical tools, including Excel templates and PDF worksheets…all FREE for a limited time.
Tourism Business Builders will retail for $199.00, but as part of Tourism HR Canada’s recovery strategy, the organization will offer it free of charge until September 1, 2021, to assist tourism business owners, operators, and prospective entrepreneurs.
Tourism businesses need support now more than ever, and this special offer adds to Tourism HR Canada’s recovery efforts. These include the free suite of resources available at TourismRecovery.ca and the free Emerit online occupational training offered earlier in the pandemic (with over 5,000 courses accessed).
Tourism Business Builders contains comprehensive online modules that cover such core topics as:
Creating Your Product
Financial Management
Staffing Matters
Marketing
The Customer
Managing Operations
As self-directed resources, these modules will help business owners/operators to review and revamp current planning and management practices. Entrepreneurs looking to launch a new tourism operation can work through the series to prepare a solid business plan and learn how to successfully run a tourism business—from start-up planning to day-to-day operations.
Used in conjunction with TourismRecovery.ca and Emerit.ca training for numerous tourism and hospitality occupations, owners/operators can build a strong business recovery and reengagement plan that covers all the basics needed to steer towards success.
Voice Your Concerns
We invite Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses to share any challenges so we can compile information on the evolving situation and share it with the appropriate parties.
The tourism industry must continue to convey real time feedback that explains the actual state of tourism relative to what might be considered recovery.
Organizations like TOTA, TIABC, TIAC, and many others will use this information to further advocate for the needs of the industry, particularly for additional government assistance through the course of the pandemic.
Please take a few minutes to complete any surveys relevant to your interests to help dispel the misconception that business is as usual for the tourism industry.
We invite Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses to share any challenges so we can compile information on the evolving situation and share it with the appropriate parties, such as:
What challenges is your business currently experiencing?
How is this impacting your business?
What would help to improve the situation?
Feel free to share your current experiences at any time through the form at TOTABC.org/recovery or by emailing Recovery@TOTABC.com.
FortisBC Rebates Available for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Businesses
You may be eligible for a FortisBC rebate. Learn more about the variety of rebates available and contact TOTA’s Energy Analyst for more information.
Are you planning to purchase or upgrade lighting, HVAC equipment (boilers, furnaces, heaters, heat pumps, rooftop units, etc), or other business appliances? Have you purchased or installed any of these within the last 365 days? You might be eligible for FortisBC rebates if you are a FortisBC electricity or natural gas customer and meet their requirements for energy-efficient equipment.
Some of the FortisBC rebates that are available:
If you are a tourism business operating in the Thompson Okanagan and would like to find out if you are eligible, book a free appointment with our Energy Analyst to learn more.
Free Digital Marketing Skills Training Program: Applications Open
The Alacrity Canada Digital Marketing Bootcamp is a virtual skills-training program valued at $6,000 per seat and offered to eligible B.C. small and medium-sized businesses at no cost by the Province of B.C. The eight-week course covers 40 key topics offered by 10 expert mentors to provide a foundation of digital marketing, search-engine optimization (SEO), paid advertising, analytics, content marketing, and other skills.
The Alacrity Canada Digital Marketing Bootcamp is a virtual skills-training program valued at $6,000 per seat and offered to eligible B.C. small and medium-sized businesses at no cost by the Province of B.C. The eight-week course covers 40 key topics offered by 10 expert mentors to provide a foundation of digital marketing, search-engine optimization (SEO), paid advertising, analytics, content marketing, and other skills.
Eligibility:
A BC resident or residents own the business;
The business’s sole or primary operations are located in BC;
The business is currently operating;
The business is registered in BC;
The business employs less than 149 BC residents
New Employer Toolkit: COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace
go2HR has prepared an employer toolkit with practical information, up-to-date resources, and downloadable tools to help answer questions related to COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace. The toolkit includes an overview of BC employment legislation, legal and mental health articles to help support employee mental health, information to help employers consider vaccination policy and sample employee policies.
go2HR has prepared an employer toolkit with practical information, up-to-date resources, and downloadable tools to help answer questions related to COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace. The toolkit includes an overview of BC employment legislation, legal and mental health articles to help support employee mental health, information to help employers consider vaccination policy and sample employee policies.
Additional Resources:
Share Your Feedback on the Need for Government Support With the Federal Government
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is reaching out for your help to build the tourism case for continued and ongoing support and relief through a 5 minute survey. Your input is extremely important to their advocacy work, and to the messaging that is relayed to government officials. As we move into a potential fall election, they want to hear from you, now more than ever, on the state of the industry, what you need to move forward, and what you believe should be TIAC’s priorities.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is reaching out for your help to build the tourism case for continued and ongoing support and relief through a 5 minute survey. Your input is extremely important to their advocacy work, and to the messaging that is relayed to government officials. As we move into a potential fall election, they want to hear from you, now more than ever, on the state of the industry, what you need to move forward, and what you believe should be TIAC’s priorities.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) Received $2 Million in Funding From Destination Canada
As part of a long-term partnership, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is excited to announce a new investment from Destination Canada of $2 million in funding and $950,000 of in-kind support, in an effort to stabilize the Indigenous tourism sector. The funding ensures ITAC can move forward with their new sales and marketing campaign, entitled The Original Original, promoting Indigenous tourism operators from coast to coast to coast and helping to rebuild the Indigenous tourism industry, which was disproportionately devastated by the pandemic.
As part of a long-term partnership, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is excited to announce a new investment from Destination Canada of $2 million in funding and $950,000 of in-kind support, in an effort to stabilize the Indigenous tourism sector.
The funding ensures ITAC can move forward with their new sales and marketing campaign, entitled The Original Original, promoting Indigenous tourism operators from coast to coast to coast and helping to rebuild the Indigenous tourism industry, which was disproportionately devastated by the pandemic.
CRIS Adaptive Rentals Launches New Adaptive Bike & Pop Up Rentals in BC Parks
CRIS Adaptive debuted the newest addition to the fleet of rental equipment, the Hase Bike, a modular adaptive bike that gives clients significant options for supported and independent riding. CRIS is the first adaptive service provider in the Interior of BC to put a Hase system into service. As well, CRIS is offering a mobile rental program for accessible recreation equipment in various BC Parks. The schedule for rental "pop ups" is available on AdaptiveRentals.ca.
CRIS Adaptive debuted the newest addition to the fleet of rental equipment, the Hase Bike, in Kekuli Bay Provincial Park. This is the first of a series of equipment to be purchased through the StrongerBC Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI). CRIS received the grant in order to facilitate outdoor adventures for all, to promote inclusion and accessibility while supporting the tourism industry.
CRIS is the first adaptive service provider in the Interior of BC to put a Hase system into service. The Hase is a modular adaptive bike that gives clients significant options for supported and independent riding.
The debut of the bike was paired with the debut of the BC Parks/CRIS mobile rental program. CRIS has partnered with BC Parks to offer a mobile rental program for accessible recreation equipment. The schedule for rental "pop ups" is available on AdaptiveRentals.ca
Canada USA Border Reopening Resources
Starting Monday, August 9, Canada plans to allow entry to American citizens and permanent residents to Canada for non-essential travel. View the key resources and messaging for the tourism industry.
Starting Monday, August 9, Canada plans to allow entry to American citizens and permanent residents who are currently residing in the US and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel. This preliminary step allows for the Government of Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7.
Subject to limited exceptions, all travellers must use ArriveCAN (app or web portal) to submit their travel information. If they are eligible to enter Canada and meet specific criteria, fully vaccinated travellers will not have to quarantine upon arrival.
Helpful Canada USA Border Resources:
Destination BC Messaging Guide for BC's Tourism Industry and travellers from the United States.
This is an evolving situation which may require frequent updates.
go2HR Baby Boomer Employment Toolkit
The go2HR Baby Boomer Tool Kit aims to help BC tourism and hospitality operators to create strategies to diversify workforce demographics to lessen the impact of current and emerging labour shortages. It contains information and tools that will help your business leverage this currently under-utilized and growing labour pool: the “baby boomer” generation.
The go2HR Baby Boomer Tool Kit aims to help BC tourism and hospitality operators to create strategies to diversify workforce demographics to lessen the impact of current and emerging labour shortages. It contains information and tools that will help your business leverage this currently under-utilized and growing labour pool: the “baby boomer” generation.
The Baby Boomer Tool Kit Includes:
The business case and benefits of hiring baby boomers
BC employer success stories
Checklists & resources
Tips on marketing jobs to baby boomers
How to manage multigenerational workplaces
Buy BC Partnership Program
Buy BC provides cost-shared funding and a recognizable Buy BC logo to help B.C.’s agri-food and seafood sector market their products and increase sales within B.C. Businesses can apply to use the Buy BC logo and promotions for a wide range of agriculture, food, and beverage products.
Buy BC provides cost-shared funding and a recognizable Buy BC logo to help B.C.’s agri-food and seafood sector market their products and increase sales within B.C. Buy BC promotes a wide range of agriculture, food and beverage products. Look for the Buy BC symbol at your local grocery stores and farmers’ markets to enjoy and explore local products and support B.C. farmers, producers and our economy.
Buy BC Logo Licensing: Buy BC logo licensing provides industry with the opportunity to apply for authorization to use the Logo through an Authorized Use Agreement or Consent to Use Form.
Buy BC Cost-Shared Funding: Once an applicant has been approved for a Buy BC logo license, they can apply for funding to help them undertake sector and/or product specific Buy BC marketing and promotional activities across the province.
Additional Measures for Central Okanagan Communities Amid COVID-19 Surge
On August 6, Interior Health announced additional COVID-19 measures for the Central Okanagan communities of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Peachland, and Lake Country.
On August 6, British Columbia announced additional measures for the Central Okanagan region, effective immediately. Restrictions on events and gatherings will begin on August 9.
The restrictions apply to the communities of:
Kelowna
West Kelowna
Westbank First Nation
Peachland
Lake Country
The new measures have been introduced because 56% of active cases are in Interior Health Authority, with the vast majority in the Central Okanagan region. A significant majority of cases are among unvaccinated individuals and individuals who have only received a single dose.
Due to the continued rise of COVID-19 cases, and the introduction of the Delta variant, new measures include:
Travel and Accommodation
Vacation rentals and accommodations (houses/houseboats included) will be limited to 5 people plus occupants
Recommendation against non-essential travel to and from the Central Okanagan
Personal gatherings
Outdoor personal gatherings limited to 50 people
Indoor personal gatherings limited to groups of five people from one other households
Organized gatherings
Indoor/outdoor gatherings limited to 50 people with COVID safety plan in place
Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs, Casinos
Nightclubs and bars will be closed
Restaurants will be limited to groups of up to 6 people (not restricted to own household)
Liquor service limited until 10pm
Casinos will remain operational under current guidelines but must comply with restaurant guidance
Exercise Facilities
Indoor low intensity exercise will continue with capacity limits
Indoor high intensity exercise will be suspended
Masks
Mask mandate will continue to be in place for all indoor public places and is enforceable by by-law officers in the Central Okanagan
Events Taking Place This Weekend:
As mentioned restrictions on gatherings and events will take place on Monday, August 9. Should you have an event planned for this weekend, organizers should ensure they have safety plans in place and keep a list of individuals who attended these events. Unimmunized people are strongly encouraged not attend these events; other attendees should wear masks and stay seated.
Encouraging Vaccinations:
The single most important action we can all do to protect our industry, community, and ourselves is to receive both vaccine doses and encourage others to do the same. To encourage residents of British Columbia to become fully vaccinated, the government of BC has taken the following measures:
Community events, vax vans and mobile clinics in dozens of communities in B.C. available by walk-in or pre-scheduling. Search by community to find a drop-in event near you. Events are organized by each health authority. Interior Health is the primary health authority for the Thompson Okanagan region.
People who live in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country and on Westbank First Nations lands (Central Okanagan Local Health Area) can get their second dose 28 days after dose 1, opposed to 48 days.
Gradual refocus of vaccine efforts from mass clinics onto programs targeting the hard to reach people where the need is greatest. A full list of Vax for BC events happening throughout the province is available online: gov.bc.ca/vaxforbc
Additional Recommendations for Operators:
In addition to encouraging others to receive the vaccine, it is important that operators take the following steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19:
Ensure that cleaning and sanitization protocols are being held to the highest standards
That you encourage staff to stay home from work and receive a COVID-19 test should they be feeling ill
That you continue to ensure your communicable disease plan is being followed
Consider also ensuring that heightened safety measures (such as masks) are being implemented
Tourism Industry Key Messaging
Health and safety continues to be the top priority. Public health leaders are putting additional recommendations in place to protect us all.
Residents and visitors are asked to follow the public health measures set by the province, communities, and individual businesses to protect people, businesses, and the economy from the continued spread of COVID-19.
Businesses are facing challenges like never before. Visitors are reminded to be kind, patient, and supportive of businesses and employees.
Business Support
The TOTA team is here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program tourism companies can access the following free supports:
1:1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor
Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to share challenges faced by your business
TOTA will continue to advocate to government. Through this time, let's support each other, stay safe, and continue on the #Journey2Immunity.
Kekuli Cafe Opening New Location in Kamloops
Kekuli Cafe is adding a third location in Kamloops, across from the Royal Inland Hospital.. The other two fast-casual Indigenous eateries are in Westbank and Merritt, as well as a food truck.
Kekuli Cafe is adding a third location in Kamloops. The other two fast-casual Indigenous eateries are in Westbank and Merritt, as well as a food truck. The new spot will be located across from the Royal Inland Hospital.
39 Forestry Projects Protect and Enhance B.C.’s Recreational Values
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) released a 2021 Summer Accomplishments Update featuring 39 forest enhancement projects which are protecting and enhancing important recreational values from campsites and hiking trails to ski resorts and heritage sites. 12 projects were completed in the Thompson Okanagan region, including Sicamous, Silver Star Mountain, Kelowna, Westbank, Lake Country, Peachland, Summerland, Baldy Mountain Resort, Big White, Midway, and Greenwood.
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) released a 2021 Summer Accomplishments Update featuring 39 forest enhancement projects which are protecting and enhancing important recreational values from campsites and hiking trails to ski resorts and heritage sites.
“Earlier this spring, our team was reviewing the 269 projects FESBC has funded since inception, and we noted a number of the projects throughout the province had a secondary benefit to them – protecting and enhancing recreational values,” said Steve Kozuki, RPF, executive director FESBC. “The primary purposes of FESBC projects range from mitigating wildfire risk and enhancing wildlife habitat to improving the recovery of wood fibre and replanting forests. At the same time, FESBC projects often deliver additional co-benefits such as climate change mitigation, job creation, Indigenous peoples’ participation in the forest economy, as well as protecting and enhancing forest recreation.”
Of FESBC’s 269 projects, 39 were identified to protect or enhance one or more recreational values. 12 projects were completed in the Thompson Okanagan region, including Sicamous, Silver Star Mountain, Kelowna, Westbank, Lake Country, Peachland, Summerland, Baldy Mountain Resort, Big White, Midway, and Greenwood.
“When you live in a community where there’s only one road in and out, you can see the devastation a fire can have on a community, it’s nerve racking,” said Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice president of Big White Ski Resort Ltd. “We are proud of the work that was done, the results, and the safety assurances it brings. This action speaks for itself. We feel protected.”
Since inception, FESBC has empowered local people who want to do local projects that contribute to the achievement of our climate change goals and enhance B.C.’s forests through wildfire risk mitigation, accelerated ecological recovery after wildfires, wildlife habitat enhancement, and increased utilization of forest fibre.
FESBC Board Chair Jim Snetsinger is proud of the efforts of the FESBC team and the many First Nations, community forest leaders, local governments, and industry partners who carried out this exceptional work.
“With support from the governments of B.C. and Canada, FESBC has enabled others to do this remarkable work to enhance our forests, generating immense social, economic, and environmental benefits,” said Snetsinger. “When British Columbians enhance our forests, we are bequeathing an inheritance to our children and grandchildren: cleaner air, fewer greenhouse gases, better timber supply, higher quality wildlife habitat, safer communities, and protecting important recreational assets we all value and enjoy.”
Destination BC Welcomes New Board Chair and Two New Board Members
Destination BC has welcomed three new members to their Board of Directors: Scott Fraser, Lori Simcox, and Manoj Jasra.
Destination BC is pleased to welcome three new members to the Board of Directors:
Scott Fraser, Board Chair, recently retired from the BC Provincial government as MLA and Member of Cabinet and Executive Council, representing Mid-Island Pacific Rim. Scott previously served as Mayor of the District of Tofino, President of the Tofino Bed and Breakfast Association, Director on the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Director on the Clayoquot Sound Central Region Board. In 2019, he introduced the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as Minister of Indigenous Relations.
Lori Simcox, Board Member, is CEO of SPAL General Constructors Inc., owned by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, which manages partnerships in the construction industry.
Manoj Jasra, Board Member, is Chief Marketing & Digital Officer at Northland Properties Group, whose assets span hotels, restaurants, resorts, sports and construction in Canada and internationally.
Congratulations to Scott, Lori, and Manoj and thank you for supporting BC’s tourism industry.
Fast Facts Thompson Okanagan Tourism Research Summary
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is pleased to once again present the Fast Facts Tourism Research Summary, an ongoing snapshot of the state of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, particularly as it is being impacted by COVID-19. This overview will show how things change as we move through the stages of recovery.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is pleased to once again present the Fast Facts Tourism Research Summary, an ongoing snapshot of the state of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, particularly as it is being impacted by COVID-19. This overview will show how things change as we move through the stages of recovery.
This timely data will assist tourism operators in making informed decisions, understanding industry and consumers responses, and inform business decisions.
- TOTA Research Team
Indigenous Tourism BC Labour Market Research, Indigenous Tourism Labour Strategy and a Guide to Wise HR Practices
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has released “Indigenous Tourism Labour Market Research: Roots to a Future Research Findings 2020-21”, the “BC Indigenous Tourism Strategic Plan,” and “Wise Ways: A Guide of Smart Practices to Attracting and Retaining Indigenous Talent” to support a path to build on past success and create growth for Indigenous tourism employment.
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has released “Indigenous Tourism Labour Market Research: Roots to a Future Research Findings 2020-21”, the “BC Indigenous Tourism Strategic Plan,” and “Wise Ways: A Guide of Smart Practices to Attracting and Retaining Indigenous Talent.”
This project launched in November 2019 in response to a critical labour shortage and growing demand for labour in the Indigenous and non-Indigenous tourism industry. This project is funded by the Province of British Columbia and Government of Canada through the Sector Labour Market Partnerships program.
“Indigenous Tourism is one of the fastest growing parts of the tourism sector and we want to ensure businesses have people to do the work so they can continue to grow,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Creating tools to attract, train and retain Indigenous people to obtain critically important jobs in the tourism sector can advance economic and cultural reconciliation and increased understanding for our culture and practices by visitors near and far.”
The research report shows there were 488 Indigenous tourism businesses in British Columbia in early 2020. These businesses were employing 4,248 people, with a potential of inspiring another 14,500 Indigenous people to build careers in the tourism industry. This research report, strategy and smart practice guide will support a path to build on this success and create growth for Indigenous tourism employment.
ITBC Chair Brenda Baptiste says, “We were preparing for continued growth with this project when the global COVID-19 pandemic was announced. In the footsteps of our ancestors, we shifted our focus to strategies to support Indigenous people and Indigenous tourism businesses to navigate the pandemic and devastating impacts on the tourism industry.”
The research report follows the Literature review which summarizes studies and research on the Indigenous tourism labour force (available online at https://www.indigenousbc.com/corporate/content/uploads/2020/11/REPORT-2020-ITBC-Labour-Market-Research-Literature-Review-2020-04-17-FINAL20200630.pdf). The Indigenous Tourism Labour Strategy outlines strategic approaches and partnerships, training and recruitment supports for Indigenous people, while the “Wise Ways” guide offers ideas on how to recruit and hire Indigenous staff, and build a workplace that retains Indigenous talent.
Baptiste adds, “Our industry has experienced incredible success over the past several years, and we anticipate employment returning to 2019 levels by 2024. ITBC will ensure Indigenous tourism experiences and First Nations have the capacity to grow our industry and continue to showcase our culture, history and story that make British Columbia truly unique among global tourism destinations.”
To learn more about Indigenous Tourism BC and the recent labour market research, visit www.indigenousbc.com/corporate
Research Report Highlights:
Of all Indigenous tourism businesses, the 2019 size of the workforce was roughly 4,248.
A Conference Board of Canada study for Tourism HR Canada in 2018 uncovered that 16% of Indigenous people wanted to work in tourism but could not find a job.
The Indigenous population available for work and interested in working in tourism is estimated at 14,497.
33% of Indigenous tourism employers experienced challenges recruiting workers for their business in 2019. Reasons include not being able to provide candidates with competitive salaries (41%), lack of access to appropriate housing (38%), and lack of appropriate training/educational opportunities (38%).
Those positions cited by Indigenous tourism employers as being most challenging to recruit (10+%) were linked to cook, guiding, retail sales, driver, cleaner, desk clerk, chef, and musician positions.
There are several constraints to Indigenous tourism businesses and Indigenous people that limit Indigenous business development and deter people from entering and advancing in the Indigenous tourism industry, such as Indigenous community infrastructure like internet connectivity and affordable internet, transportation, and housing.
There is a growing demographic of Indigenous people suited to careers in the tourism industry. However, there is increasing competition both within and beyond the Indigenous tourism sector.