TOTA Board Retreat 2021/22

TOTA Board of Directors (Michael J. Ballingall, CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews, Meira LaRose, Bev DeSantis, Monica Seys, Sandra Oldfield, Dale Sivucha, Don Brogan, Andrea McFadden, and Gordon Fitzpatrick) with Canada Olympic Committee guests speakers Tricia Smith and Andrea Shaw at Predator Ridge Resort for the TOTA Board Retreat.

TOTA’s Board of Directors came together this week for the 2021/22 annual Board Retreat at Predator Ridge Resort. This was the first in person board meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions began in March 2020.

Several industry leaders shared insights on the State of the Tourism Industry including:

• Scott Fraser, Chair and Richard Porges, CEO, Destination BC

• Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Association of BC

• Ingrid Jarrett, CEO, BC Hotel Association

• Brenda Baptiste, Chair, Indigenous Tourism BC

• Geoff Ritchie, Senior Manager, Airport Development, Kelowna International Airport

• Kelly Galaski, Managing Director, Symphony Tourism Services (a TOTA subsidiary)

TOTA board members also learned more about the BC 2030 Olympic bid from Tricia Smith, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Andrea Shaw, Vice President of Sponsorship, Sales and Marketing for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

Through a simplified International Olympics Committee process, limited competition for 2030, and existing infrastructure from the Vancouver Olympics in 2021, the COC is working on a bid for the BC 2030 Olympics.

If deemed feasible the goal is to develop a regional footprint for the games which will expand beyond the footprint of 2010 in an effort to bring the Games to more places in the Province including the Thompson Okanagan. The event would lead to economic opportunity, tourism growth, and cultural enrichment, providing an opportunity for Indigenous reconciliation, access and inclusion, sports events, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

The COC Project Team has commenced work on the Feasibility Phase and is engaging with partners to develop a plan.

On behalf of the TOTA Board of Directors, thank you to the guest speakers and to the Predator Ridge Resort team for the exceptional service, venue, and health and safety protocols.

Honorarium for George Hanson

On behalf of the association, a Student Bursary was presented to Okanagan College as an Honorarium in memory of George Hanson. George was the founder and owner of Seven Stones Winery in the Similkameen Valley, a past TOTA board director, a board director of Symphony Tourism Services (a TOTA subsidiary), and leader and advocate of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry for many years. George passed away in February 2021 and is greatly missed.

Carbon Prices On the Rise: How and Why to Measure the Carbon Footprint of Your Hotel or Tourism Business

Image: Chun Lee

Contributed by Angela Nagy, GreenStep Solutions

With the re-election of a Liberal minority government in Canada, carbon pricing, which is supported by a wide range of academic, public sector, energy executives, and other business leaders, is here to stay and it's on the rise. Measuring and reporting on your carbon footprint is just the beginning, and is something that you should plan to do on an annual cycle. If you want to better understand the risks and opportunities that come with an increasing price on carbon, read on for the break down of the how and why of measuring your corporate carbon footprint.

Since 2019, every jurisdiction in Canada has had a price on carbon pollution, and currently the federal price for carbon is set at $30 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). In 2022, this price will increase to $50 per tonne, and by 2030 it will reach $170 per tonne of CO2e.

Measuring your carbon footprint is actually not that complicated, and similar to financial accounting standards, greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting standards exist. Most tourism related businesses will follow the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard published by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). This is the international accounting tool most widely used by global government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage GHG emissions.

Based on these standards, there are five key steps to measuring your carbon footprint:

• Step 1. Determine Your Organizational and Operational Boundary

• Step 2. Determine Your Reporting Year and Base Year

• Step 3. Selecting Emissions Sources that Apply to Your Organization

• Step 4. Identify Data You Need to Collect and How to Track it Over Time

• Step 5. Report

Next Steps: Reduce and Repeat

Measuring and reporting on your carbon footprint is just the beginning, and is something that you should plan to do on an annual cycle.

Barrel Signage Program - Oliver Tourism Association

Oliver Tourism Association (OTA) has launched a Wine Barrel Signage program to highlight Oliver’s agricultural tourism experiences and bring attention to local businesses.

Partners within the Town of Oliver and RDOS Area C can highlight their businesses with a beautiful wine barrel sign that will inspire both travellers and residents as part of a greater community revitalization project.

OTA-member wineries donate barrels to help make Oliver’s downtown core look like Canada’s Wine Capital. Oliver businesses pay a one-time fee to produce their signs with a logo laser etching.

Google Adds Carbon Emissions Data to Flight Search Results

Google is now showing carbon emissions estimates for nearly every flight included in Google Flight search results. When searching for flights, users can see an estimate of emissions for flights and specific seats, and compare these emissions to average emissions for that flight route. The results can also be sorted to bring the greenest flights to the top.

These emissions estimates are flight-specific as well as seat-specific. For instance, newer aircraft are generally less polluting than older aircraft, and emissions increase for premium economy and first-class seats because they take up more space and account for a larger share of total emissions.

The news follows another climate-friendly travel initiative introduced by Google in the past month – badges that identify sustainable hotels.

BC Parks Plans to Invest $21.5 Million in Outdoor Recreation over the Next Three Years

More than 3.1 million campers stayed in provincial parks during the 2021 camping season, and more than 260,000 reservations were made on Discover Camping – the highest volume on record.

With parks seeing increasingly busy seasons, BC Parks plans to invest $21.5 million over the next three years to expand and enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation, including new campsites, trails and upgrades to facilities.

In the Thompson Okanagan, Sun-Oka Provincial Park in Summerland is proposed to have trails reconstructed and paved to improve accessibility.

Big White Top 5 Ski Resorts in Canada: Readers' Choice Awards 2021 | Condé Nast Traveler

Big White Ski Resort has been voted the best ski resort in the province and the second best ski resort in Canada by readers of a major US Travel Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler.

“As one of the few Canadian family-owned and -operated resorts in Canada, this award speaks volumes to the commitment our team has to providing a stellar resort experience,” said Peter Plimmer, Big White president and CEO, in a news release.

Alberta’s Lake Louise was voted number one and Whistler-Blackcomb took the number three spot on the list.

Condé Nast Traveler has a print readership of five million a month – not to mention 16 million unique users on its digital platforms. For 34 years, the magazine has released its “Readers’ Choice Awards,” surveying hundreds of thousands of readers from across the world on their favourite hotels, spas, cities, and, of course, resorts.

"Be Open to More" DBC Fall Campaign on Global TV

Destination BC’s(DBC) Be Open to More fall campaign continues to reach BC residents in new ways to spark curiosity and encourage travel beyond the usual this season. In the latest campaign tactics, DBC partnered with Global TV to get BC residents excited about experiencing something new through editorial and sponsored segments highlighting unique fall experiences.

Tune in Saturdays in October to catch Where We Live, hosted by weather anchor Kasia Bodurka, which will showcase communities around BC through photos and stories submitted by viewers. And don’t miss Travel Best Bets with travel expert Claire Newell on October 17 and 31 for a series of seasonal trip ideas, like taking in iconic landmarks in BC’s cities, steering your way through vibrant fall colours on a road trip through the Kootenay Rockies, and savouring fall flavours and local fare in the Thompson Okanagan.

Minister's Statement on September Labour Force Survey Results

The Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, issued a statement on October 8th regarding the release of Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey for September 2021. Highlights of the statement include:

• B.C. is leading Canada’s economic recovery, with 12,300 jobs added last month.

• B.C. continues to lead all provinces since the onset of the pandemic with a job recovery rate of 101.5%.

• B.C.’s unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country at 5.9%.

• The job recovery rate has been strong across the province, with the Thompson-Okanagan at 106.8%, the Cariboo at 104.6%, Vancouver Island at 104.1%, the Kootenays at 102.3%, Lower Mainland at 102%, Vancouver at 101.3% and North Coast-Nechako at 100.7%.

Pledge to Measure - AccessibleEmployers.ca

Tourism businesses can download the President Group’s "Make it Count: Measuring for Disability Inclusion in Your Workplace", a practical guide for employers seeking to measure the rate of disability in their businesses.

The guide draws on real-world experiences of BC employers to explore common barriers, lessons learned, and innovative solutions.

Businesses can download the guide for free, or request a mailed copy.

Webinar: Supporting Employee Mental Health During Difficult Times

When employees struggle to manage difficult guests or personal situations outside of work, it can negatively impact their mental health in the workplace. As a manager, responding to employee concerns in a crisis can be very challenging. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to support them.

Join the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, go2HR, and the Canadian Mental Health Association for a free 45 minute webinar about how tourism business managers can support employees in difficult times.

This webinar will include practical information and resources on:

• How to support employees when faced with difficult guest situations

• How to respond when an employee approaches you in crisis

• When to bring in additional help

• The importance of offering choices to employees as they cope

The webinar will conclude with 15 minutes for Q&A.

Tourism Kelowna Earns Platinum Certification through the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Program

After four years of dedicated commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism practices, Tourism Kelowna has earned a Platinum Certification through the Sustainable Tourism Program offered by GreenStep.

The achievement recognizes Tourism Kelowna’s commitment to sustainable initiatives that align with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key practices include solar panels added to the roof of the Kelowna Visitor Centre, and work with the Biosphere program alongside over 30 tourism businesses in the community.

Key practices that align with several SDGs and have supported Tourism Kelowna in achieving the Platinum category of the certification include:

Solar Panels

Recently, 30 solar panels were added to the roof of the Kelowna Visitor Centre, for a total of 50. The original 20 panels generated approximately 10% of the energy required for the building, and now about 26% of the building’s energy needs will be generated through this clean and renewable source. 

One Tree Planted

As of April 1, 2021, every online or in-person purchase of retail products from the Kelowna Visitor Centre results in one tree being planted in British Columbia. To date, nearly 5000 trees have been planted, contributing to environmental sustainability in our province. 

Water Bottle Filling Station

Since it was built, the Kelowna Visitor Centre has offered water-bottle filling stations, and since measurements began in September of 2020, the stations have saved over 2200 plastic water bottles.

Biosphere Commitment Program

Tourism Kelowna has been committed to the TOTA Biosphere Commitment Program program for four years and has worked with over 30 tourism businesses in our community to join, too. This sustainable tourism system aligns with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to balance social, cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Achieving this rating demonstrates the actionable commitment that Tourism Kelowna has made by benchmarking against the highest set of standards and best practices.

More than $1 Million Dollars has been Given to Hospitality and Tourism Workers – BC Hospitality Foundation

BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) has donated over $1 million to hospitality and tourism workers since it was founded in 2006. The organization provides support to workers facing financial crisis resulting from health conditions experienced by themselves or their family members, with beneficiaries including restaurant chefs and servers, hotel workers, delivery drivers, brewmasters and winemakers, and other industry members.

BCHF is the hospitality industry’s charity, supporting and inspiring those who serve you every day. Help is given to those who most need it, often in their most difficult hour. As people cope with stressful medical situations and the extraordinary costs arising from them, the foundation is alongside to support them and their families.

The foundation provides financial support beyond conventional medical plans, EI, or other insurance or benefit plans and are often the first glimmer of hope for members of the hospitality community.

Australia to Ease International Border Restrictions from November

Australia has announced it will reopen its international borders in November for states with at least 80 percent of the population vaccinated.

Commercial flights out of the country will resume for vaccinated travellers, with service to destinations including Canada and the US. In addition, fully vaccinated Australians arriving home will be able to quarantine at their house for a week, instead of paying thousands of dollars to quarantine in a hotel for two weeks.

First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative Accepting Applications

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers are accepting new applications for the First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI).

The program helps neighbouring First Nations and municipalities develop and implement long-term planning for community economic development initiatives and land use, while building respectful and sustainable government-to-government partnerships.

This intake will welcome eight First Nation-municipal partnerships across Canada, with a new regional approach starting in BC and Quebec.

Note that the program is now offering two streams: a three-year standard participation and a two-year accelerated option. Both will start in December 2021.

Neighbouring First Nations and municipal governments are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline: October 22, 2021.

Webinar Recording & Follow Up Video: The Art of Communication in Challenging Times

Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 9:00 AM 10:00 AM

In times of frequent change and crisis, clear communication is an essential soft skill tourism professionals and leaders. With limited staff and resources, every interaction is an opportunity to establish, build, and maintain relationships with guests and team members.

Fortunately, communications is a soft skill that can be a developed as a foundation of success. By understanding expectations and responding decisively, we can avoid disappointment and instead connect in a meaningful way.

Join the BC Tourism Resiliency Network and John Singleton, Okanagan College Expert Business Mentor, for a free 45 minute webinar on The Art of Communication Through Challenging Times. Learn how to develop communications skills for yourself and your team members, in order to minimize conflict and instead capitalize on interactions to build relationships.

John will share insights for tourism professionals, including:

• How people communicate in different ways

• How to develop soft skills

• How to enhance communication with guests and colleagues

The webinar will conclude with 15 minutes for Q&A.

Innovator Skills Initiative Offers Tech Businesses Funding to Hire Employees from Underrepresented Groups

The Innovator Skills Initiative, supported by the Province of BC and Innovate BC, is offering BC businesses up to $10,000 to hire new employees from underrepresented groups. The program was designed to help minority groups enter the tech sector in BC, while supporting businesses facing skills shortages.

The Initiative goal is to increase diversity in the tech sector and help B.C.-based businesses fill talent shortages and grow. The program provides grants to employers that are hiring for tech or tech-related roles.

Employers will offer valuable paid work experience to prepare individuals for ongoing employment.  

 Employers can receive:

• A maximum of one grant of up to $10,000 per candidate per company to supplement a new employee’s salary

• Up to 10 grants for 10 different employees per year

Innovate BC will provide employers with links to resources to support them in recruiting, retaining, and developing employees who self-identify as under-represented.

Innovator Skills Initiative funding is available to employers through Innovate BC’s program as well as through partner programs including:

• Mitacs’ Accelerate and Business Strategy Internships

• Information and Communications Technology Council’s (ICTC) Work-Integrated Learning Digital program

Key Dates of Note

Application deadline: March 11, 2022

• Earliest hire date: June 1, 2021

• Latest hire start date: March 15, 2022

• Latest work placement end date: July 15, 2022

Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Federally Regulated Transportation Employees and Travellers

On October 6, the federal government announced that anyone departing from Canadian airports, or taking VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will need to be fully vaccinated to travel, as of October 30.

Travellers who are in the process of being vaccinated can temporarily show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel, but that transition period will end November 30.

Employees in the federally regulated air, rail and marine transportation sectors will also need to be fully vaccinated.

Transport Canada will use its specific regulatory and oversight authorities related to operations of federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation service providers to ensure that the transportation system and these workplaces are safe through vaccination mandates. Each organization will be required to implement a rigorous policy, which must:

• Include a provision for employee attestation/declaration of their vaccination status;

• Include a description of consequences for employees who do not comply or who falsify information; and

• Meet standards consistent with the approach taken by the Government of Canada for the Core Public Administration.

After a short phase-in period, each organization is required to guarantee employees are fully vaccinated or they will be unable to work.

go2HR - COVID-19 Rapid Testing in the Workplace | Resource Guide Updated

go2HR has released an updated COVID-19 Rapid Testing in the Workplace guide. Though access to COVID-19 rapid test kits is becoming increasingly available across Canada, individuals authorized to administer rapid tests differs from one jurisdiction to the next and program eligibility will vary.

Employers are encouraged to ensure that they are aware and follow the required regulations of their province or territory. Tourism and hospitality employers who are considering rapid testing as an option for employees in their workplaces should be aware that doing so requires time, resources and careful consideration in order to ensure that they understand and follow provincial regulations.

Depending on each organization’s situation it may not be an appropriate or cost-effective solution for every employer. This resource guide contains practical information and links to help employers identify and access COVID19 Rapid Response screening tests and program support options.

The information within this document is accurate as of October 6 and publishing will be revised as additional programs and/or information becomes available.

PST Refund Extension Saves Businesses More Money

A StrongerBC program that offers PST rebates on select machinery and equipment will be extended for an additional six months, allowing businesses to further reduce costs and make new investments to adapt to operational changes necessitated by the global pandemic.

The rebate period has been extended by six months. You have until March 31, 2022 to pay PST on qualifying items. All rebate applications must be received by September 30, 2022. Businesses will have until March 31, 2022 to purchase qualifying items, including tools, furniture, computers, software, and zero-emission vehicles and charging equipment.

The rebate acts similar to a refund but is separate from the existing PST Refund process. Under this temporary program, corporations can apply to receive an amount equal to the PST they paid between September 17, 2020 and March 31, 2022 on qualifying machinery and equipment. PST invoiced before the deadline but paid after March 31, 2022 does not qualify for the rebate.

Proof of Vaccination for B.C. Public Service to Increase Workplace Confidence, Stop Spread

The B.C. government is supporting the effort to increase vaccination rates throughout the province by making COVID-19 vaccination a requirement for B.C. public service employees.

The BC Public Service Agency, in consultation with the provincial health officer, will require its 30,000 employees to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 22, 2021.

As more employees return to their regular workplaces later in the fall, this provides an additional and reassuring layer of protection for workers who are continuing the vital work of serving British Columbians.

Public service employees working in core government or ministries will be required to provide proof of full vaccination using the BC Vaccine Card.

The effective date gives employees who are not yet fully vaccinated the time they need to comply. Details of accommodations that will be made for the few people who are unable to be vaccinated will be released by early November.

To date, more than 80% of British Columbians have been fully vaccinated.