TRAXX Zero Emission Electric Bus - Free Kelowna Tours on Thursday, September 16

TRAXX Coachlines recently purchased a 100% electric, zero emissions bus for their fleet, then broke a world record for the longest run with the highest climb of an electric bus when they drove the bus from Kamloops to Vancouver.

TRAXX is planning to break their own record on Thursday, when they drive the bus from Vancouver to Kelowna via the Summit and Connector.

They have reached out to TOTA to try and get as many people as possible to experience this zero emissions bus and help them test it on different tour lengths through Kelowna.

TRAXX invites tourism industry professionals to experience a 1.5 hour trip on the MCI J4500 Zero Emission Electric Bus throughout Kelowna on Thursday, September 16. The route around Kelowna has been designed to choose some of the most scenic roads and views.

Tours begin at 9:30 a.m, 11:30 a.m, and 1:30 p.m, starting and ending at the Kelowna Visitor Centre.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP by clicking on this link: Kelowna, TRAXX Electric Ride Invitation.

About TRAXX Coachlines

TRAXX has offices in Kelowna, Kamloops, Delta, Edmonton, Airdrie and Calgary, with a fleet of 240 Coaches in the fleet. TRAXX provides transportation for many tour groups, sports teams and special events in the Thompson Okanagan region and beyond.

TRAXX Electric Bus in the Media

• TRAXX electric bus sets world record by driving from Kamloops to Vancouver on a single charge - Drive Tesla Canada

• Zero-emission electric motor coach could set Guinness record with trip from Kamloops to Vancouver | iNFOnews

• Electric motor coach test run to set record in Vancouver - Vancouver Is Awesome

• Electric bus to smash its own world record on Vancouver-to-Kelowna trip | KamloopsNow

• It’s electric — bus company successfully travels from Kamloops to Delta on a single charge | Kamloops This Week

Workplace Vaccination Policy: What Employers Need to Know | go2HR

go2HR has compiled a comprehensive suite of resources to help employers better understand the issues of workplace vaccination policies and to help them decide on an option that would work best for them.

One of the most critical issue facing employers today is the vaccination status of staff. Currently there is no provincial mandate for mandatory vaccination of staff outside of the health care setting. It is up to the individual business to decide on their own policy.

How can an employer navigate this situation while balancing health & safety, human rights, privacy and other related legal requirements? While certainly challenging, it is not impossible.

Phase Two of KVR Repairs Begin

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC), will be commencing Phase Two of trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) trail between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Glenfir Station (above Naramata) on Monday September 13, 2021. The improvements will include capping the repaired subbase with a 3/4” minus aggregate to create a rideable trail tread and repair any drainage issues. This process is expected to be completed within a month. The public is asked to respect all crews, barriers, equipment and all posted signage for your personal and workers safety.

Trail after Phase One Completion

The first phase of the trail repair was completed in early summer of 2021. The improvements included brushing, grading, and raising the tread (trail surface) in certain areas that saw annual flooding along the approximately 16km section of the trail. Locations were identified by a professional Geotechnical Engineer and the project was done using heavy machinery.

Pre Work Condition of the Trail

Pre Work Condition of the Trail

TOTA is pleased to continue undertaking this work to create a better KVR experience. We would like to acknowledge the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure (CERIP) program funding, received through the Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development to enable TOTA to contribute to this project and implement these changes along the trail. We also appreciate the work that many have undertaken to improve the trail over the past many months, including the RDOS, RSTBC, Chute Lake Lodge and others.

B.C. Proof of Vaccination Requirements Now in Effect & Industry Resources

The new BC COVID-19 vaccine requirement rules take effect today, Monday, September 13, meaning some events, services and businesses are required to check a person's proof of vaccination for service and access to their venue or space. This applies to all people born in 2009 or earlier (12+).

As of September 13, one dose of vaccine will be required for entry to noted settings. From September 13-26th people will also be able to use the vaccination records they received at B.C. vaccine clinics or pharmacies as valid proof of vaccination.

The BC Vaccine Card includes a secure, individualized QR code and image showing either “vaccinated” or “partially vaccinated.” Businesses can scan the QR code using the BC Vaccine Card Verifier App, available on the Google and Apple app stores or do a visual verification. After verifying proof of vaccination, you must also review government photo ID by matching the name listed on the proof of vaccination with the person.

Proof of vaccination will also be required for people visiting from outside of B.C. using a provincially/territorially recognized official record alongside valid government photo ID. Visitors from outside of Canada are required to show the record of vaccination they used to enter Canada and their passport. 

Proof of Vaccination Resources for Businesses

Get Your BC Vaccine Card and save a copy. It's recommended to save a digital copy to your phone or tablet by taking a screenshot, saving it to a photo album or downloads folder, and arranging the app on the home screen so it can easily be accessed.

B.C. has provided information for businesses at gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard-businesses. The page includes requirement details, step by step guides, print-ready posters, and a BC Vaccine Card Guide for Businesses. 

Destination BC has put together a comprehensive communication toolkit with key messaging, information, resources and FAQ's for BC's tourism industry as it relates to proof of vaccination requirements, found on the on the Messaging & Toolkit page.

go2HR has compiled a comprehensive suite of resources and Vaccinations in the Workplace Toolkit to help employers understand vaccination policies and options available, including examples of BC employer policies and templates.

Tourism Votes: Canadian Election Resources for Tourism Businesses

TIAC has developed a number of tools to assist you in getting involved on behalf of the visitor economy at TourismVotes.ca. While TIAC continues to meet with key decision makers and candidates in Ottawa and across the country, which is an extremely important part of advocacy, it is equally important for industry to make an effort to meet with their local candidates from all parties. Local constituents are able to provide their candidates with a more specific community perspective on issues related to tourism industry local impact.

Ensure you are registered by visiting Elections.ca. Remember you can register to vote by mail, you can vote at advanced polls, or you can choose to vote on election day, September 20, 2021.

Canada Welcomes Back International Travellers

As of September 7, 2021, the federal government says foreign travellers who are fully vaccinated will be free to come to Canada as long as they are asymptomatic, have received either two doses of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of accepted vaccines at least 14 days before entering the country and meet other pre-entry requirements.

Before boarding, anyone at least five years of age and up — even if they are fully vaccinated — will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test that was taken within 72 hours before boarding a plane. Antigen tests don’t count.

They will also have to upload their proof of vaccination into the ArriveCAN app either in English or in French before takeoff or they will not be allowed to board.

The new rules exempt travellers from the mandatory 14-day quarantine once they have touched down in Canada, but selected foreign nationals may be subject to testing upon arrival.

Nobody partially vaccinated will be exempt from the new travel restrictions, and neither will travellers who have received one dose and recovered from COVID-19.

New Measures for Fully Vaccinated International Travellers to Canada

Fully vaccinated foreign nationals are now eligible to enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) reasons such as tourism; however, these individuals must:

• Be fully vaccinated: a traveller must have received, and show proof of, the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

• Have a valid pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test result taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled flight or their arrival at the land border crossing, or a previous positive test result taken between 14 and 180 days before departure to Canada. Antigen tests, often called “rapid tests” are not accepted;

• Be asymptomatic; submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN (App or website), including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan; be admissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and, take a test on arrival, if selected.

Click View Government of Canada Website to review the new rules.

Survey on Francophone Tourism + Free Toolkit for Francophone Tourism | Survey closes September 19

The Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité (RDÉE Canada) and its members have initiated a study that will focus on the evolution of the Francophone and bilingual tourism offer in Canada almost 15 months after the beginning of the pandemic. The study will focus on tourism businesses located outside of Quebec that offer services to a Francophone clientele.

The results of the survey will allow RDÉE Canada to establish a general data report on the situation of tourism businesses after the COVID crisis in order to target their needs to better help them prepare to welcome visitors from the French-speaking markets of Quebec, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Eastern Europe.

All questionnaire respondents will receive a free kit for Francophone tourism in Canada. This kit will be produced in the coming year and will provide the knowledge and information required to guide your initiatives in the main Francophone markets.

Share Your Feedback

Tourism businesses that offer or wish to offer services to French-speaking customers are invited to share the current situation and industry needs to welcome French-speaking visitors by answering this short survey, available in both languages.

Survey closes September 19, 2021

Service Provider Feature: Integral Hospitality - Outsourced Staffing and Cleaning / Facility Services

Integral Hospitality, a BCHA premier partner, have assisted a number of hotels throughout B.C. with outsourced housekeeping services.

For example, Integral was able to help a BCHA member by supplying two housekeepers to an Okanagan property within 24 hours.

Outsourced housekeeping means employing a third party to look after your housekeeping needs, from delivering trained staff to providing the equipment and cleaning products. A true test of a good outsourced staffing supplier is one that is proficient at moving their model around based on your needs. This means only providing equipment if you need it. It means tailoring staffing based on your needs so whether you are looking for a full suite of housekeeping staff or just temp staff during busier periods, the right third party can help.

Benefits

• Management Prioritization: Outsourcing allows managers to focus on driving occupancy and the guest experience.

• Cost Savings: Significant savings, increased operational cash flow, and higher profits result from outsourcing recurring employee related expenses, staff training and sourcing supplies. Additionally, come tax season there are incremental savings due to reduced payroll taxes.

• Flexibility: Draw from a network of staff to coordinate scheduling during peak times and lulls.

For services, tourism businesses can contact sales@integralservicesgroup.com, (604)-260-7073, or request a quote from the website.

BC Tourism & Hospitality Labour Market Information - Employment Tracker | go2HR

The Employment Tracker reports on monthly changes in employment in the BC Tourism and Hospitality industry. The Tracker draws primarily from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), a monthly household survey conducted by Statistics Canada. The LFS is the most timely source of data on the labour market across Canada.

go2HR receives LFS tables generated by Qatalyst Research Group via Statistics Canada's Real Time Remote Access (RTRA) Program that follows the Tourism Satellite Account’s definition of tourism. This data enables go2HR to track changes in employment and major trends in the Tourism and Hospitality industry in BC and monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism and Hospitality industry.

Reminder: Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) and Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

Canadian employers who continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to apply for one of the two subsidies to cover part of employee wages.

The Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) support wages you pay through different phases of your economic recovery. Each claim period, eligible employers can claim either CRHP or CEWS, whichever is higher.

BC Vaccine Card: Preparing for the Proof of Vaccination Requirement, Beginning September 13

Starting Monday, September 13, 2021, British Columbians - and visitors to B.C. - will need proof of vaccination to access some events, services, and businesses.

The Province of B.C. announced details on how businesses can check for proof of vaccination with the new BC Vaccine Card, a digital or printed document that shows the stage of the cardholder's COVID-19 vaccine progress. This will help increase vaccinations, while protecting people in these settings, keeping businesses open and allowing events to take place.

Once verified, a person will be able to save a digital copy to their mobile device or print a hard copy to present along with their government-issued photo identification when entering designated businesses and events.

People can get their BC Vaccine Card online at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html. People without access to a computer and printer can get their card by calling 1 833 838-2323 at the Get Vaccinated call centre and get their printed copy mailed to them or visit a Service BC Centre.

The BC Vaccine Card will include a secure, individualized QR code and image showing either “vaccinated” or “partially vaccinated.” Businesses can either scan the QR code using a QR reader like a smartphone or tablet or visually verify the person’s proof of vaccination. A BC Vaccine Card Verifier App will be released in the Google and Apple app stores closer to September 13 for businesses that choose to scan the QR code.

This new requirement is being implemented through orders from the provincial health officer. Individuals will show proof of vaccination alongside one piece of government-issued photo identification for people 19+. People 12 to 18 years do not need to show identification.

Business Resources & Guidance

Information for businesses, including step-by-step instructions can be found at  gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard-businesses. The page includes requirement details, step by step guides, print ready posters, and a BC Vaccine Card guide for businesses. Businesses and event operators will be provided with a suite of communications tools, including posters, a question-and-answer document, and a list of approved proofs of vaccination from other jurisdictions to guide them on how to check a vaccine card.

Destination BC has provided a Messaging Guidance for BC's Tourism Industry: Proof of Vaccination Card on the Messaging & Toolkit page.

Quick Links:

• BC Gov News Release - BC Vaccine Card Details

• BC Press Conference Recording - September 7

• BC Vaccine Card Slidedeck

• To learn more about the vaccine card and how to access yours, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html

Additional Details 

Timeline

The use of the BC Vaccine Card will be phased in to allow people extra time to transition to their new cards. As of Sept. 13, 2021, one dose of vaccine will be required for entry to these settings. From Sept. 13-26, 2021, people will also be able to use the vaccination records they received at B.C. vaccine clinics or pharmacies as valid proof of vaccination. Starting Sept. 27, 2021, only the BC Vaccine Card will be accepted for people vaccinated in B.C.

By Oct. 24, 2021, entry to these settings will require people to be fully vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The requirement will be time limited through to Jan. 31, 2022, subject to possible extension.

In areas where community transmission is increased significantly or where there are outbreaks, the requirements to be fully vaccinated to access these events and activities may be required earlier at the direction of a local medical health officer.

Settings where proof of vaccination will be required:

• indoor ticketed sporting events

• indoor concerts, theatre, dance and symphony events

• licensed restaurants, and those offering table service (indoor and outdoor dining)

• pubs, bars and lounges (indoor and outdoor dining)

• night clubs, casinos, movie theatres

• fitness centres/gyms/adult sports (indoor)

• indoor group exercise activities

• organized indoor events with 50 or more people (e.g., wedding receptions, organized parties, conferences, workshops)

• discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities

Accommodation: Accommodations have not been identified as a setting where proof of vaccination is required; however, many properties have amenities or services that will require proof of vaccination to use. The BC Hotel Association has provided guidance for accommodators on setting a Proof of Vaccination policy.

Winery tastings/samplings: Wine Growers of BC confirmed with Provincial Health that if guests are seated and separate from the retail shop, proof of vaccination is required. However, if not seated and within the retail shop, proof of vaccination is not required.

Employees: Businesses should not request to see an employee’s proof of vaccination as part of the BC Vaccine Card program unless the employee is attending as a customer. Businesses or institutions may choose to adopt their own vaccination policies for their employees but are responsible for doing their own due diligence.

Proof of Vaccination for Visitors to B.C.

Proof of vaccination will also be required for people visiting from outside of B.C. using a provincially/territorially recognized official record alongside valid government photo ID.

For individuals visiting from outside of Canada, they will be required to show the record of vaccination they use to enter Canada and their passport.

Enforcement

Tickets can be issued to individuals, owners/operators of locations and event organizers for violations of the PHO orders.

Depending on the violation, individuals could be subject to a $230 or $575 violation ticket. Owners, operators, and event organizers could be subject to a $2300 violation ticket.

Enforcement is at the discretion of enforcement officers, including police, liquor and cannabis inspectors, gambling investigators, and conservation officers.

Business Support & Advocacy

Need help making sense of how the new BC Vaccine Card impacts your business? The Tourism Resiliency Program is here to support you, at no cost. Thompson Okanagan tourism companies can connect with TOTA in the following ways:

- Schedule a 1:1 Business Support Meeting with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor to receive personalized support.

- Submit a Voice Your Concerns form so TOTA can share the impacts on the tourism industry with government.

- Email Recovery@TOTABC.com with any questions or concerns.

Schedule an Introduction to Sustainable Tourism Presentation

TOTA’s Destination Stewardship team offers virtual presentations to share how tourism businesses can work towards sustainable tourism through TOTA's Biosphere Commitment Program.

In the presentation, learn more about:

• How to become a Biosphere Committed Company

• How to participate in the Eco Efficiency Program

• How to use the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform

• Exclusive training opportunities & other benefits

• How businesses can take the Thompson Okanagan Regional Pledge

• Biosphere Awards and how to earn recognition for your commitment to sustainable tourism

Apply for DER3 Digital Resiliency Free Program Before September 14

Innovate BC's DER3, or Digital Economy: Rapid Response + Resiliency program, provides free advisory services and mentorship to B.C. businesses outside of the Lower Mainland. The DER3 program helps businesses expand or create their digital presence.

Register for this great opportunity before program intake ends on September 14.

Get matched with a local business coach ready to help you build an action plan to get online, at no cost and no obligation. 

COVID-19 has created a new normal. New norms, new restrictions, and your business needs to keep running. Businesses like yours are fundamental to BC’s economy. 

Participants are matched with a business coach help you:  

• Identify key steps to get online

• Share resources and tools you can use to solve your business needs

• Access content to build your team's digital skills

Big White Offers Free Scenic Chairlift Rides for Front Line & Essential Service Workers

In celebration of Labour Day and British Columbia’s front line workers and first responders, Big White Ski Resort is offering a complimentary scenic chairlift ride ticket and 50% off MOO-Lix ice cream at The Globe Café & Tapas Bar in the village all weekend (from Thursday, September 2 to Monday, September 6).

Frontline workers and first responders include:

1. Any staff member that works for Interior Health or a private health care provider

2. Any staff member that is a first responder – such as firefighter, police, ambulance, bylaw, forest protection, or conservation officer

3. Front line workers including pharmacy, grocery, delivery, hotel/motel, restaurant, community support, teachers, and/or childcare providers

4. Essential workers listed here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/family-and-social-supports/covid-19/list_of_essential_services.pdf

Workers can take the day off and simply present an ID or paystub at the ticket window in the Big White Village Centre Mall.

Everyone is welcomed to take part and enjoy Big White’s summer activities, which conclude for the season this weekend while they prepare for the winter season, beginning in November.

New Biosphere Committed Member - August

We are pleased to welcome Manteo at Eldorado Resort to the Biosphere Commitment Program!

Manteo at Eldorado Resort features 102 guest rooms, suites & villas on the shores of Okanagan Lake. At Manteo, they believe it is their duty to set the precedent for sustainability practices through their leadership in the tourism industry.

The team is constantly seeking new ways to enrich the local community by creating a safe and healthy environment for all, with an emphasis on diversity and equality. Manteo is proud to take part in environmental initiatives such as Adopt-A-Stream, Neighbourhood Clean-Ups, Bike to Work Week, and the eradication of invasive species, replacing them with native plants.

Giving back and fostering a strong sense of community is extremely important to Manteo. They focus on farm-to-table dining, partnering with local vendors and organizations, as well as raising funds for local charities.

Learn more about Manteo at Eldorado Resort.

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The Ripple Effect

A recent episode of the podcast How to Save a Planet explored whether individual actions matter at all or whether big, systemic changes and policies are the only thing keeping Earth from burning up. While we recommend listening to the entire episode, there are a few points worth highlighting, especially if you’re still trying to wrap your head around the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.

The climate crisis really hinges on a few key sectors, including energy, food and agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing and industry. One eliminated plastic bag or one less car ride might not make a dent but cumulatively, the ripple effect of these actions have the capacity to build a wave.

The Ripple Effect

In 2018, Greta Thunberg started sitting outside the Swedish Parliament during her school days, trying to get government officials to recognize and take meaningful action on the climate crisis. One by one, other students started to join her and before too long, she was a leading voice in the climate movement.

Greta Thunberg addressed the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference and spoke at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit. Many have heard about her and her commitment to push for real, systemic change. While Thunberg has her fair share of critics, dozens of world leaders have praised her efforts and support her work. What matters most is the fact that she is an individual who inspired a few other individuals who each inspired other individuals in turn. Thunberg represents a single drop in an ocean, who created ripples which have gone on to create waves.

It’s not individual actions that matter, necessarily, but collective action does. When enough people are able to encourage others to change their behaviour in some way and take action, then a groundswell of individuals can make a real and measurable difference.

Take Action

The ripple effect is real and it matters. What is most important to realize about the ripple effect is that action is required. The IPCC report is not only a reminder of the dire situation we find ourselves in but also an invitation to remember that small actions taken by individuals and within companies matter — but only if real action exists and is visible and shared with others.

Key Actions Tourism Stakeholders Can Take To Create A Ripple:

• Model responsible travel behaviour: People look toward you for insight on how to act and behave when they travel. Model the behaviour you want others to adopt.

• Share your climate action with others: Let others know what you’re doing to mitigate your carbon footprint.

• Normalize talking about the climate crisis: We should not normalize the climate crisis but we must normalize talking about it. On tours, in destinations, and during travel experiences, we can not just brush off extreme weather as an “unseasonably hot summer”.

• Move beyond your climate pledge: If you’ve declared a climate emergency, it’s time to put real science-backed measurements in place and take action to cut carbon emissions from your operations and supply chains.

• Embrace radical transparency: Get real about any greenwashing you’ve been holding on to, do the hard work, and be radically transparent about your climate action with the general public. What are you committed to doing? By when and by how much? Put your goals out into the world and publicly track your commitments.

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Fairs, Festivals, and Events Recovery Fund: Apply by October 1, 2021

The Fairs, Festivals, and Events Recovery Fund provides one-time grants to event organizers to support the safe restart of events across B.C. Funds are available to cover a range of operational expenses, up to 20% of your total event budget to a maximum of $250,000 per event.

Eligible events include sport, arts, and culture events, community celebrations, agricultural fairs, rodeos, and exhibitions. Applications submitted by organizations will be required to demonstrate local or regional support and show the economic and social benefits for the community.

Organizations may submit more than one application but not for recurring instances of the same event.

Eligible expenses include operational costs, health and safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages, and promotion.

Application Timeline

The Province will begin accepting applications on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, to support B.C.-based events through the new Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund.

Applications are being accepted until Oct. 1, 2021, for eligible events that take place between July 1, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2022. Funding decisions will be communicated by November 2021.

Organizations are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

RFQ / Invitation to Apply for Research & Communications Projects at Symphony Tourism Services (a subsidiary of TOTA)

Open to Independent Contractors, Freelancers and Companies/Agencies

Application Deadline: Aug 31, 2021

Objective: To provide research insights and communications tools for the regional destination management organizations (Tourism Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association) of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS). The purpose of the projects is to help provide real-time information, timely data, communicated in a way that is useful and comprehensible by small tourism businesses that make up the tourism industry in British Columbia. The aim for our research program is to help tourism businesses adapt, survive and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and contribute to their long term resilience.

Contracts Available:

Symphony Tourism Services is looking for 2-3 contractors to provide services to fulfill three distinct, but related, projects related to research insights:

• Research Analysis & Synthesis 

• Communication Tool Design

• Presentation Design

Submission Guidelines:

Please submit a brief application to Kelly Galaski, Managing Director, Symphony Tourism Services kelly@totabc.com by August 31, 2021. 

Please highlight relevant work examples and experience. Only if available to work during the month of September, 2021. Freelancers, Companies, Agencies, Independent Contractors welcome to apply or quote on one or all of the project contracts available.

Reminder: Safe Travels Stamp Available to Display at Tourism Businesses

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the global body representing the travel and tourism sector, produced safety and hygiene protocols and guidelines for re-opening tourism that have been embraced by over 1,200 major tourism companies, in over 80 destinations around the world.

As part of the initiative, the WTTC also introduced a Safe Travels Stamp which enables travellers to recognize destinations and tourism companies that have implemented and aligned with the WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols.

British Columbia’s workplace health & safety protocols exceed the requirements of the Safe Travels initiative. Therefore, the Thompson Okanagan is recognized as a Safe Travels Destination and all B.C. tourism companies can display the Safe Travels Stamp to reassure visitors.

Tourism companies can request the use of the by completing the Safe Travel form via the link provided below

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Businesses can request the use of the Safe Travel Stamp by completing the Safe Travels - Business Request Form. Once you complete the form below, you will receive an email outlining the next steps to receive access to the Safe Travel Stamp.

 Communities, CDMO's, and Tourism Management Organizations in the Thompson Okanagan are able to utilize the Safe Travels Stamp under this agreement. Please contact us at recovery@totabc.com.

BCHA Industry Update on B.C. Proof of Vaccination Requirement

The following excerpt was originally published by the BC Hotel Association on August 26, 2021 in the response to the B.C. Proof of Vaccination Requirement announcement:

“Industry partners at Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and Destination BC (DBC) have engaged government and are working closely to detail the specifics of the order and ensure that the questions you submitted are answered in full. Furthermore, in the coming weeks we will be releasing a Toolkit for Step 4 of the reopening, and also detail Proof of Vaccination processes to clarify as much as possible for you. Our goal is to ensure that you have the tools and resources needed to operate safely and with confidence. The toolkit will be similar to ones produced for each stage of BC's reopening and will include key messages, operational steps, and added resources, among other critical information.

Our position for the Vaccination passport, is that similar to the circuit breakers, our front line employees cannot be the ones to police the public. We can however play a lead role in ensuring the communications, the understanding, and the policies are clearly communicated, and that our teams are trained as we continue to do everything we can to support a safe business environment between now and the end of the pandemic. We hear you loud and clear – the impact of the announcements without the specifics for operations/communications has once again had a devastating impact on you as business owners and operators. There's been an increase in stress due to uncertainty -- from cancelled meetings and events, which increase the fiscal hardship and liquidity concerns; to employees who are questioning the safety of the work environment without specifics around vaccinations; and once again, the need to update best practices for operating procedures.

Regarding Operations as of September 13

With the introduction of the BC Vaccination Card program, accommodators have not been identified as a setting where proof of vaccination is required; however, many properties have amenities or services that will require proof of vaccination to use. Please note, the government has no plans to mandate immunization as a condition of employment and that this decision is up to each individual business.

The following steps will help prepare accommodators for how to address new proof of vaccination measures.

• STEP 1 | CHOOSING A PoV POLICY

  • Prior to September 13th, accommodators will need to determine what their proof of vaccination policy is. While it is not essential for them to do so, accommodators can introduce their own policy.

  • The main options are outlined below.

    • OPTION 1

      • Make no vaccination requirement for either staff or guests to work or stay at the property

      • NOTE: Public spaces are mandated for masks, and therefore policies to control masks remain in place.

    • OPTION 2

      • Require that ALL employees AND guests be fully vaccinated in order to work and stay at the property

    • OPTION 3

      • Require that all guests be fully vaccinated in order to stay at the property – Employees can remain unvaccinated

    • OPTION 4

      • Require that all employees be vaccinated in order to work at the property – guests can be unvaccinated to stay at the property

  • For options 2, 3, and 4, operators will need to take action to develop and implement their chosen policies. The BCHA will be creating templates to better assist operators in this process. In the meantime, the Business Council of British Columbia and the team at Roper Greyell prepared an informative overview on the shifting public opinion and evolving legal landscape. Read the brief here.

• STEP 2 | DEVELOPING PROTOCOLS SURROUNDING PoV POLICY

  • Many of you reached out with questions on how the vaccination checks would work as you may have areas on property -- like breakfast rooms, fitness centres, meetings spaces, etc. -- that would require proof of vaccination in order to use. The BCHA is acutely aware of workforce crisis we are dealing with. It would be unreasonable to expect that workers be stationed at each point of entry, which would also create multiple points of potential confrontation for workers. The contentiousness of this program is a burden we certainly do not want our workers to bear. We will be including best practices for developing protocols and sharing it with you as soon as we have the necessary information from PHO.

  • Because of this, the BCHA is advocating that any accommodator offering services where proof of vaccination would be required, check for BC Vaccine Cards at the point of check-in, and only then. Should you wish to move forward with a vaccination mandate for guests, we also encourage PoV check at check-in; employee mandated vaccinations will need to be done internally.

• STEP 3 | COMMUNICATING ON YOUR CHANNELS

  • Clear communication to both guests and staff will be fundamental to ensuring that this transition goes smoothly. All of this information, key messages, and further details will be included in the PoV Toolkit that I mentioned is being built out and will be available to you as soon as we have the specific information from the Ministry of Health.

  • Operators will need to clearly communicate their proof of vaccination policy:

    • on their website

    • at time of online booking

    • vocalized at time of over-the-phone or in-person booking

    • in a pre-arrival email

    • with signage posted at entryways and in-front of any PoV-required setting ie. fitness centre, breakfast room, meeting space etc.

    • with OTA's and third party booking platforms

FINAL COMMENTS:

Please note, that we are committed to ensuring that our position to only check proof of vaccination at check-in is accepted by the PHO, in order to best protect businesses, our employees, as well as our guests. This approach will make the most sense operationally, and will refrain businesses from having to shut down their amenities and services. From the feedback we are receiving from you it also will grow confidence for travellers, as well as meeting and events organizers as we look to rebuild business this fall. We will keep you updated on where this advocacy work lands and will continue to keep you updated on the toolkit.”