News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
New Special Event Permit Online Application System
Effective September 21, all current and previous SEP applicants must use the new application portal hosted by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). People and organizations needing a special event permit (SEP) to serve liquor at events like community festivals, family gatherings and private functions can now apply through a new online portal developed to speed up application processing.
New Special Event Permit Online Application System
Effective September 21, all current and previous SEP applicants must use the new application portal hosted by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).
People and organizations needing a special event permit (SEP) to serve liquor at events like community festivals, family gatherings and private functions can now apply through a new online portal developed to speed up application processing.
Applications are no longer accepted through the previous portal hosted by the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB).
What you need to know:
Applicants will be able to apply for a SEP, pay fees, and get their permit online through the LCRB's liquor and cannabis licensing portal.
The new LCRB SEP application system has several login options to ensure system access and authentication. Applicants will need to login with either a Business BCeID, BC Mobile Card (BC Services Card on their mobile device), or a Basic BCeID. Businesses should allow one to two weeks for processing time if they are setting up a new Business BCeID.
Additional information about SEPs and how to login to the system will be available on the LCRB website.
Applicants who have an approved, unpaid SEP as of September 21st must pay for and download their permits within the old LDB online system before it is decommissioned on October 4th.
Applicants with applications still under review as of today will be notified of the outcome of their application from the lDB system soon thereafter and must pay for and download their permits using the old LDB online system before October 4th.
If you have questions about SEP, please contact the LCRB’s SEP support team toll free at 1-855-999-7656 or by email at LCRB.SEP@gov.bc.ca.
Destination BC Learning Centre
Destination BC hosts a Learning Centre that provides access to free resources and tools, best practices, workshops, and training programs for BC’s tourism industry. New content is added regularly for tourism businesses to grow their skills in eight subject areas: digital marketing, experience development, social media marketing, travel trade & travel media, applying insights, safety & emergency preparedness, accessible tourism, and the Super, Natural British Columbia® brand.
Destination BC hosts a Learning Centre that provides access to free resources and tools, best practices, workshops, and training programs for BC’s tourism industry.
New content is added regularly for tourism businesses to grow their skills in eight subject areas: digital marketing, experience development, social media marketing, travel trade & travel media, applying insights, safety & emergency preparedness, accessible tourism, and the Super, Natural British Columbia® brand.
Here is some recent content that may be of interest:
Q Biz Magazine | New LGBTQ+ Canadian Business Magazine
Q Biz Canada is a recently launched magazine dedicated to promoting LGBT+ businesses, as well as offering advice and stories from LGBT+ business owners about their experiences.
Q Biz Canada is a magazine dedicated to promoting LGBT+ businesses as well as offering advice and stories from LGBT+ business owners about their experiences.
As a national publication, the magazine shares stories from across Canada. Whether you’re a business owner, looking to start your own business or about to start your career you’ll find something to relate to.
There are so many great success stories that have not been told that inspire and connect us all. Linking LGBT+ groups from around the country.
It is estimated that there are 140,000 LGBT+ owned businesses in Canada with an annual buying power of $90 billion – numbers that will surely keep growing.
The first issue featured First-Class Travel.
Accessibility Projects Grant 2021 - Deadline: October 2, 2021
Disability Alliance BC announced a Call for Proposals for projects that promote greater accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities in BC communities. Funding of $10,000 to $40,000 per project will be disbursed to a maximum of $450,000 for BC-based not-for-profit organizations that operate primarily for community benefit and whose services are open to the public and not restricted to the organization’s membership. Proposals are due by October 2, 2021.
Disability Alliance BC announced a Call for Proposals (CFP) for projects that promote greater accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities in BC communities. Funding of $10,000 to $40,000 per project will be disbursed to a maximum of $450,000 for BC-based not-for-profit organizations that operate primarily for community benefit and whose services are open to the public and not restricted to the organization’s membership.
Proposals are due by October 2nd, 2021 and funding for successful projects will be disbursed in early 2022.
Please review the Call for Proposals (CFP), Application Form, and accompanying documents for complete details about eligible projects.
New Service Helps Companies Quickly Resolve Urgent Export Issues
Exporter Solutions is a new service from Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service that provides Canadian companies with personalized support to help resolve urgent export issues within one business day. Companies can access expert insights, guidance, and contacts in Canada and abroad to help them export.
Article author: Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) / Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
Published: August 13, 2021
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by Global Affairs Canada, 2021.
Exporter Solutions is a new service from Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service that provides Canadian companies with personalized support to help resolve urgent export issues within one business day. This free service also offers access to self‑serve and find the relevant information, services and programs Canadian businesses may require to avoid potential problems by referring them to the right place to get the right help.
Export performance is critical to restarting Canada’s economy amidst the COVID‑19 pandemic. Now, companies can access urgent support to troubleshoot export‑related situations and avoid costly issues. Through access to expert insights, guidance, and contacts at home and abroad, they will be able to continue selling their goods and services to the world.
“Exporter Solutions is here to help businesses navigate urgent international business situations,” says Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. “As the world economy emerges from the pandemic, the TCS is in a privileged position to help Canadian businesses grow and succeed in international markets through its funding and support programs and an on‑the‑ground network in more than 160 cities worldwide.”
Canadian businesses have seen major disruptions to well‑established patterns of trade as a result of the COVID‑19 crisis, Ng comments. Firms looking to establish or re‑establish trade often fear going abroad because of the risks. Many don’t know where to start or where to turn for advice on issues such as economic volatility, political uncertainty and intellectual property rights. She says Exporter Solutions can help companies discover and mitigate potential mistakes, save time and money, find the right partner and de‑risk their efforts.
Through Exporter Solutions, Canada’s trade commissioners will work closely with companies to help them troubleshoot, providing free country-specific expert advice and connections with local contacts to work through export-related situations. Companies can also self‑serve by visiting the website to find information on avoiding common problems faced by exporters.
Trade commissioners can help assess the situation a business is facing and provide guidance. Depending on the issue, the TCS can connect the company with a local partner or expert to help resolve the problem. Some concerns may require more in‑depth involvement by the Government of Canada, such as engagement with foreign agencies to identify broader or longer‑term solutions.
According to a recent survey, businesses that used the TCS services in 2019‑2020 agreed that the advice they received helped them make more informed decisions:
to explore or expand operations abroad (83%)
find contacts who they would not have found otherwise (81%)
gain access to intelligence that would be difficult to obtain without the TCS (80%)
Also, 72% of the businesses surveyed agreed that the TCS helped them avoid delays and costly mistakes.
Okanagan Reconnect 5-Week Podcast Series | Tasting Room Radio
With the assistance and support of TOTA, on Aug 3, 2021, Terry David Mulligan of Tasting Room Radio headed back to the Okanagan to reconnect with winery owners, winemakers,nd chefs in the Okanagan Valley and create a 5-week podcast series.
With the assistance and support of TOTA, on Aug 3, 2021, Terry David Mulligan of Tasting Room Radio headed back to the Okanagan to reconnect with winery owners, winemakers, and chefs in the Okanagan Valley and create a 5-week podcast series.
Featured companies include:
Rickard and Jill Richardson Branby – Sperling Vineyards
Jay Drysdale – Co-Founder and Winemaker Bella Wines
Master of Wine Marcus Ansems – Co-Founder and Winemaker Daydreamer Wines
Exec Chef Ned Bell and Sommelier Emily Walker
Penelope and Dylan Roche – co-founders / winemakers of Roche Wines
Kathy Malone – Chief Winemaker Hillside Winery
Mark Filatow - Executive chef and Sommelier Waterfront Wines Restaurant
David Patterson – GM and Winemaker at Tantalus Vineyards
Jason Parkes - Founder of The Hatch Wines
Grayson Riordan, Mikayla Jones, Graham Dell – Manager Black Swift/Manager The Hatch/CFO
Ellen Walker-Mathews – new CEO of TOTA
Jeff Hundertmark – Chef Winemaker of Mt Boucherie and Rust Wine Co
Christine Coletta, Matt Dumayne and Duncan Billing – Founder of Okanagan Crush Pad and Haywire Wines/OCP Winemaker and Director of Viticulture
Message from TOTA Board Chair
TOTA Board Chair Michael J. Ballingall reflects on the year and the new season, as well as TOTA’s new agreement and relationship with Destination BC. This past week many tourism leaders met in person in Vancouver while many others took part in integrated planning sessions on multiple days of virtual meetings. Everyone is committed to working together to rebuild and rethink how we move forward and bring the Super. Natural. British Columbia experience to our guests in even better ways, for years to come.
Michael J. Ballingall TOTA Board Chair and Richard Porges, Destination BC CEO
September... In many ways this month always feels more like the new year than January. As school at every level begins again and the busy days of summer come to an end, life begins to have a renewed energy and momentum. We turn a new page, reevaluate priorities, set goals, and make plans for the months ahead. In business, regardless of what quarter you're in, September takes on the spirit of "Q1".
This September, TOTA, together with our regional partners, have embarked on a new agreement and relationship with Destination BC. This key relationship is coming together at a critical time for the tourism industry. Never before has it been more important that we work together in collaboration at every level to get through the challenges that lay before us, while building a long term vision and strategy to move tourism successfully through the next decade.
This past week many tourism leaders met in person in Vancouver while many others took part in integrated planning sessions on multiple days of virtual meetings. Everyone is committed to working together to rebuild and rethink how we move forward and bring the Super. Natural. British Columbia experience to our guests in even better ways, for years to come.
On behalf of myself, the TOTA board, and the team, I would like to recognize Richard Porges, recently appointed CEO of Destination BC, and the entire Destination BC team for their efforts in facilitating these recent meetings. These discussions fostered a spirit of cooperation, collaboration, and transparency. They set the stage toward creating a resilient tourism industry for the future for all of British Columbia's tourism companies, residents, and visitors.
- Michael J. Ballingall, TOTA Board Chair
Online Learning Day | BC Tourism Resiliency Network
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) is hosting an Online Learning Day to deliver high-profile, high-value thought leadership that will inspire and guide tourism operators to improve product and business acumen, while addressing key challenges and solving real problems.
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) is hosting an Online Learning Day to deliver high-profile, high-value thought leadership that will inspire and guide tourism operators to improve product and business acumen, while addressing key challenges and solving real problems.
Session #1: Employee Recruitment & Retention During a Pandemic – Practical Tips for Tourism & Hospitality Employers
Speaker: Ginger Bruner, go2HR
Time: 8:45-9:30 am PST
The COVID-19 pandemic is not only impacting how businesses operate, it is also influencing the expectations and needs of job seekers and employees. Understanding these changes is important for tourism employers to be able to adjust their recruitment and retention practices to attract and retain top talent.
Session #2: Reputation Management
Speaker: Deirdre Campbell, Beattie Tartan
Time: 10:00-10:45 am PST
Understand the steps tourism and hospitality businesses should take to build and maintain a trusted brand image during a global crisis. While an initial instinct will be to remain quiet until things blow over or a better understanding of what the future looks like becomes clear – the opposite is true. Now is the time to communicate more than ever, keep your brand top of mind and deal with the tough issues head on. Authenticity and transparency are key factors to retain guests and visitors and attract new ones.
Session #3: Creating a Path Forward
Speaker: Theresa Ito, Blue Mountain Solutions
Time: 11:00 am-1:00 pm PST
Using the experience and lessons learned over the last year and a half, this enlightening workshop will help you rethink the opportunities within your business. With a group of like-minded professionals, we will look at strategies for taking you and your businesses successfully through this difficult time
Special Presentation: Return to Travel
Speaker: Heather Greenwood Davis, Storyteller
Time: 1:00-1:20 pm PST
Join storyteller and award-winning writer, Heather Greenwood Davis, for this informative and inspiring talk about the return to travel. Heather will share what she’s seen as both a domestic and international traveller and what it – along with the time spent in the pandemic – has taught her to expect from the future of travel.
These offerings are free to BC tourism businesses registered in a tourism resiliency program. Any tourism business can still register in the BC Tourism Resiliency Network in order to participate in this online learning.
Tourism Kelowna Participates in 10 Million Acts of Kindness Movement
After a difficult year, Tourism Kelowna wanted to spread a little joy among the amazing people that make up the industry and personally thank them for the great service they provide by participating in the 10 Million Acts of Kindness initiative. Launched in Kelowna in the summer of 2021, this social movement project was aimed at inspiring kindness within the community and beyond. Over 10 days in September, the Tourism Kelowna team hand-delivered over 100 hundred gift bags to front-line staff of Tourism Kelowna stakeholders. The gift bags included a thank you note, local products, Love for Kelowna stickers, and a card that not only explained the initiative but also encouraged them to pay it forward with their own act of kindness.
After a difficult year, Tourism Kelowna wanted to spread a little joy among the amazing people that make up the industry and personally thank them for the great service they provide.
That's where 10 Million Acts of Kindness came into play. Launched in Kelowna in the summer of 2021 by local entrepreneur, Crystal Flaman, this social movement project was aimed at inspiring kindness within the community and beyond. Small acts of kindness can go a long way and the movement's aim is to create a ripple effect in the world that can change people's lives.
Over 10 days in September, the Tourism Kelowna team hand-delivered over 100 hundred gift bags to front-line staff of Tourism Kelowna stakeholders, including coffee shops, art galleries, hotels, wineries, restaurants, and many more. The gift bags included a thank you note, local products, Love for Kelowna stickers, and a card that not only explained the initiative but also encouraged them to pay it forward with their own act of kindness.
Tourism Kelowna hopes this will create a ripple effect in the tourism and hospitality community - feel free to join the movement by doing something to bring smiles and warm hearts in your community.
Small acts such as helping someone in need, leaving a positive review for a local business, sending a note of gratitude, or paying it forward can go a long way. #10millionactsofkindness.
Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency | BC Chamber of Commerce
The BC Chamber of Commerce has launched the pan-provincial Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency, a live resource to support businesses across the province as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic on their road to recovery as set out in BC’s Restart Plan.
The BC Chamber of Commerce has launched the pan-provincial Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency, a live resource to support businesses across the province as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic on their road to recovery as set out in BC’s Restart Plan..
The Resource Guide for Small Business Resiliency will help businesses address workforce and workplace planning and related operational challenges caused by COVID-19.
Resources outlined in the guide tackle all aspects of pandemic recovery including:
Health & Safety
Government programming
Sector-specific initiatives
Legal and regulatory requirements
How to reopen, maintain, pivot, or expand your business; and
Additional small business tools
Download the guide today to help your business navigate the broad mix of available resources in a clear and efficient way. Follow these steps on the road to recovery.
Tourism Insurance Survey - Close September 24
The issue of rising insurance premiums in the tourism industry continues to be a concern, including commercial insurance access, premium increase, and limited liability coverage. Insurance is a fundamental element in the industry’s ability to build back stronger post pandemic.
TIABC and TIAC are collecting feedback from the tourism industry to support advocacy efforts. Please complete the survey by September 24.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Provincial and Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA) that includes TIABC, have formed a task force on the issue of rising insurance premiums in the tourism industry.
We are continuing to hear from operators concerned with commercial insurance access, premium increase, and limited liability coverage. Insurance is a fundamental element in the industry’s ability to build back stronger post pandemic.
To help with TIABC's advocacy work on this issue, please complete this survey by September 24.
We also request that you share the survey link with others who have concerns to ensure as robust a response as possible. Thank you for your time and input.
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce Launches Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) has announced the new national Rainbow Registered accreditation program to help consumers and prospective employees to more easily identify LGBT+ friendly businesses across Canada. Business can complete the program in one week, at which point businesses will be able to promote themselves as a Rainbow Registered organization, access CGLCC member benefits, and be included in the Rainbow Registered business directory for consumers.
For a limited time, the first-year sign-up fee is waived for all applicants.
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) has announced the new national Rainbow Registered accreditation program. The accreditation will help consumers and prospective employees to more easily identify LGBT+ friendly businesses across Canada. It will also help businesses of all industries and sizes, demonstrate their commitment and consistent efforts to provide a welcome and accepting experience through progressive policies and practices.
The Rainbow Registered program is a way for companies to affirm their position on LGBT+ rights and make it clear what their stance is.” said Darrell Schuurman, Chief Executive Officer of the LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. “It’s no longer enough to talk about inclusivity. Canadian consumers and employees are now demanding clear actionable steps that show a business’s values align with their own.”
Rainbow Registered Sets The Bar for Corporate LGBT+ Inclusivity
The program sets a rigorous set of standards that companies must meet before earning the Rainbow Registered mark and the benefits that go along with it. The standards focus on four key areas including policies and practices, training, commitment to inclusive leadership and a culture of inclusivity. The program starts by encouraging businesses to look inwards, examining how they are operating and doing business, finding areas that may be perpetuating unconscious bias, then working closely with CGLCC to forge a path forward to becoming more inclusive.
For a limited time, the first-year sign-up fee is waived for all applicants. Pricing starts at $299 + tax for small businesses and scales to match company size.
It takes less than a week to complete the program, at which point businesses will be able to promote themselves as a Rainbow Registered organization, access CGLCC member benefits, and be included in the Rainbow Registered business directory for consumers.
Companies interested in applying to the rainbow registered program can get started today by completing the first step, a self-assessment found at www.rainbowregistered.ca.
Consumers interested in learning which organizations are accredited can find the business directory at www.rainbowregistered.ca.
Connecting Employers to Immigrant Talent | Immigrant Employment Council of BC
As countries vie for the brightest and the best, BC businesses and industries must work together to take bold, decisive steps to close the skills and labour gap – and immigrants are part of the solution. The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IECBC) offers BC employers cost-effective and workable solutions to gain a competitive advantage in today’s global talent marketplace.
As countries vie for the brightest and the best, BC businesses and industries must work together to take bold, decisive steps to close the skills and labour gap – and immigrants are part of the solution. The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IECBC) offers BC employers cost-effective and workable solutions to gain a competitive advantage in today’s global talent marketplace, including:
MentorConnect
Learn about our program that brings together skilled immigrants and established professionals in occupation-specific mentoring relationships.
FAST
Find out how this free, comprehensive set of online tools and resources helps skilled immigrants become better prepared for work in Canada, and connects employers with internationally trained workers.
BC JobConnect
BC JobConnect is a customized online tool connecting BC employers to job-ready newcomers. This easy-to-use website provides a platform for job-seekers to showcase their skills, education and work experience, and present their profiles and resumes to BC employers looking for workers. Services offered to both the employers and the job-seekers are free.
ASCEND
ASCEND’s self-paced online modules develop newcomers’ employment skills. This minimizes the burden of onboarding while ensuring new hires stay engaged and supported. An innovative and interactive blended learning program focusing on cultivating skilled newcomers’ essential workplace competencies (interpersonal, communication and soft skills). ASCEND uses a strengths-based approach that integrates online and face to face learning to support the employment readiness of newcomers and help BC employers recruit, hire, and integrate immigrant talent.
Register as a Certificate of Recognition (COR) Internal Auditor to Save Up to 10% on WorkSafeBC Premiums
go2HR offers the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program, a certification and incentive program that rewards tourism employers who go above and beyond the legal requirements of the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Registering your business with the Certificate of Recognition (COR) Program makes a strong statement as an employer about how much you value you workers while providing you with up to 10% off of your base WorkSafeBC premiums.
go2HR offers the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program, a certification and incentive program that rewards tourism employers who go above and beyond the legal requirements of the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Registering your business with the Certificate of Recognition (COR) Program makes a strong statement as an employer about how much you value you workers while providing you with up to 10% off of your base WorkSafeBC premiums.
The COR program is available to large employers with 20 or more full-time equivalent employees. Fewer than 20 employees? Check out the Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (SECOR) program here.
Join go2HR’s next COR virtual training session to learn all about the COR program. You’ll learn what it takes to become an auditor, details of the COR program, speak with other registered employers, and gain important occupational health and safety knowledge.
The go2HR website has a wealth of information about the COR program, including an overview of the program, a detailed overview of the audit process, a self-assessment guide, and a health and safety toolkit to help your business achieve COR certification.
TasteFull Excursions Wins 2021 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award
TasteFull Excursions has been recognized as a 2021 Travellers’ Choice Award winner by Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor awards celebrate businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to both locals and visitors from around the globe, having earned great traveller reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year was, TasteFull Excursions stood out by continuously providing service excellence for their guests.
TasteFull Excursions Wins 2021 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award TasteFull Excursions’ Great Reviews Earn it a Coveted Place Amongst Travellers’ Favourites in Thompson Okanagan region of B.C.
TasteFull Excursions is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as a 2021 Travellers’ Choice Award winner by Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor awards celebrate businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to both locals and visitors from around the globe, having earned great traveller reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year was, TasteFull Excursions stood out by continuously providing service excellence for their guests.
About TasteFull Excursions Inc:
TasteFull Excursions is a multi-award winning tour and transportation company that was established in 2014 as the 1st tour company in Kamloops to serve the emerging Thompson Valley wine region and has since grown to provide a wide range of services in the Thompson region and beyond as the demand for their services grew.
Services include: year round tour & shuttle services – ski resort, airport, golf, wedding plus food & beverage tour/event experiences including in Kamloops, Sun Peaks, Shuswap and the Okanagan regions. Visit their website: www.tastefullexcursions.ca
Destination BC Call for Content: BC's Bounty, a Celebration of Food and Drink Inspired by the Fall Season
A new fall season has begun, and Destination BC’s consumer channels are preparing to encourage residents to continue supporting local by showing them unique ways in which communities all across the province mark this special—and delicious—time of year, in an effort to encourage shoulder season travel and bookings for locals and visitors alike.
A new fall season has begun, and Destination BC’s consumer channels are preparing to encourage residents to continue supporting local by showing them unique ways in which communities all across the province mark this special—and delicious—time of year, in an effort to encourage shoulder season travel and bookings for locals and visitors alike.
Content will feature providers and businesses that are currently open and follow current public health orders.
Here's how to help build a scrumptious image of BC this fall:
Compile content that features:
Breweries, Cideries & Distilleries
Dining & Culinary Tours
Farms & Markets
Food & Drink Events
Food, Drink & Wellness
Wineries & Wine Tours
To create:
a local food itinerary
a feature on a local proprietor in the food and drink space
a fall food guide for your community
a roundup of fall harvest events for your community
Share content with Destination BC by:
Instagram: Tag @HelloBC and @Thompson_Okanagan on Instagram and use the hashtags #ExploreBC and #ThompsonOkanagan
Email: Send content to GlobalContent@DestinationBC.ca with “BC Bounty” in the subject line
BC Vaccine Passport: New Scripts and Scenarios on How to Deal with Challenging Situations - go2HR
go2HR has developed a script page for frontline staff to refer to in situations dealing with the new vaccine passport. Their team of HR, health and safety and training experts have developed scenarios which workers could encounter in their workplace, and suggested scripts on how to respond to challenging interactions.
go2HR has developed a script page for frontline staff to refer to in situations dealing with the new vaccine passport. Their team of HR, health and safety and training experts have developed scenarios which workers could encounter in their workplace, and suggested scripts on how to respond to challenging interactions, including:
Tourism Sector Step 3 Toolkit: Proof of Vaccination Update
The Tourism Industry Association of BC, BC Hotel Association, Destination BC, BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (including Tourism Vancouver Island) and Indigenous Tourism BC are pleased to share an updated version of the Step 3 Tourism Industry Toolkit reflecting Proof of Vaccination.
The Tourism Industry Association of BC, BC Hotel Association, Destination BC, BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (including TOTA), and Indigenous Tourism BC are pleased to share an updated version of the Step 3 Tourism Industry Toolkit reflecting Proof of Vaccination.
It serves to be a quick guide for tourism operators on communications, health and safety, workforce and marketing. We hope this toolkit is helpful to you, and would be happy to hear any feedback or questions you might still have.
Joint Statement from the Tourism Sector
Continued Travel with Proof of Vaccination
Travel is part of our DNA. It gives us something to look forward to. It brings us joy to experience new places, new tastes, and new ideas. It’s the perfect antidote to recharge, connect with friends and families and create new memories. Tourism is fueled by people who are passionate about their work, their jobs are vital to local economies across British Columbia.
While vaccination records are required for specified events and licensed restaurants, and indoor mask requirements have returned, we are continuing to encourage British Columbians to safely travel across our province and to welcome our neighbours from coast to coast to coast, from the United States, and the rest of the world.
As always, we are encouraging the travelling public to know the requirements that are in place before they go, and for tourism operators to let people know ahead of time what is expected in terms of current regulations.
As the tourism sector continues to opens its doors, there’s a growing demand for workers and opportunities for British Columbians looking for jobs to be a part one of the province’s most important sectors. There is an incredible variety of work with options to suit a wide range of skills.
- Joint statement of: Brenda Baptiste, Chair, Indigenous Tourism BC; Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC; Ingrid Jarrett, President and CEO of the BC Hotel Association; Anthony Everett, Chair of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat; and Richard Porges, President and CEO of Destination BC.
The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) Seeking Board Nominations by October 2
The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors. All nominations for director positions therefore, must be received on or before October 2, 2021.
The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors.
For the 2021-2023 term, TIABC is seeking a total of five (5) candidates:
From the DMO category one (1) is required for a two-year term. One board member is seeking re-election.
From the Sector Association category sector two (2) are required for a two-year term. Two board members are seeking re-election.
From the Business Membership category two (2) are required for a two-year term. Two board members are seeking re-election.
As per the bylaws, the Tourism Industry Association of BC requests that all nominations from members be received 45 days prior to the Annual General Meeting. All nominations for director positions therefore, must be received on or before October 2, 2021 at 5:00 pm.
The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) advocates on behalf of the 19,300+ tourism businesses and 161,000 employees that work in every community and region of our province for the interests of British Columbia’s $22 billion+ visitor economy (2019). As a not-for-profit tourism industry association, TIABC works collaboratively with its members – private sector tourism businesses, industry associations and destination marketing organizations – to ensure the best working environment for a competitive tourism industry.
To receive the TIABC Board Nomination Form, or If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Deborah Kulchiski (Manager, Special Projects, TIABC) at deborah@tiabc.ca
Interior Health Updated COVID-19 Orders Related to Events
Interior Health has updated COVID-19 regional medical health officer orders to make it possible for larger events to go ahead in the Interior, as long as participants show proof of full vaccination.
Interior Health is updating COVID-19 regional medical health officer orders to make it possible for larger events to go ahead in the Interior, as long as participants show proof of full vaccination.
With the introduction of the BC Vaccine Card, an update has been made to the Interior region Gatherings and Events Order:
For smaller organized events, participants will be required to show proof of vaccination (minimum one dose) until Oct. 24, 2021. By Oct. 24, full vaccination (two doses) will be required. Indoor events may be held with up to 50 people, and outdoor events may be up to 100 people.
Proof of full vaccination will be required for participants at all large events, consistent with Step 3 of B.C.’s Restart Plan. This means indoor events may be held that include 50 people or 50 per cent of a venue’s capacity (whichever is greater); outdoor events may include 5,000 people or 50 per cent of a venue’s capacity (whichever is greater).
High-intensity group exercise classes in the Interior are now permitted, provided all participants and instructors are fully vaccinated with two doses. All other fitness and exercise classes require proof of a minimum of one dose of the vaccine until Oct. 24, after which time two doses will be required.
The following regional medical health officer orders remain in place across the Interior region:
Gatherings in vacation rentals are limited to five guests or one other household.
Outdoor personal gatherings (e.g., birthday parties, backyard BBQs, block parties) are limited to no more than 50 people, and indoor personal gatherings are limited to five guests or one other household.
For individuals not fully vaccinated, non-essential travel to or from the Interior remains discouraged.
In addition, the central Okanagan Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order is now lifted, and alcohol service may resume after 10 p.m. effective today. These measures will remain in place until Interior Health experiences lower cases and higher vaccination rates.
The Provincial Health Officer has issued an order mandating masks in public indoor settings. Details are located here.
The interval between first and second COVID-19 vaccine doses has decreased to 28 days for everyone. People can get vaccinated by dropping into any IH immunization clinic and are available here.
Testing continues to be available to anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. People can book an appointment online here or call 1-877-740-7747 between 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily.
People can get their first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by dropping in to any IH immunization clinic or by making an appointment.
To make an appointment, register online by visiting the provincial website at: www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/, call 1-833-838-2323, or visit a Service BC office listed here, and then book an appointment.
For a list of all Interior Health COVID-19 immunization clinics and other resources visit: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/covid-19-vaccines