BCRTS Tourism Summit Brings Industry Together to Create a Stronger, More Resilient, and Inclusive Future

The BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 will provide an opportunity for the sector to come together as a tourism community, learn from the challenges of the past two years, and think differently about how to co-create a more vibrant and resilient tourism industry in BC.

Reimagining the Future of Tourism: Rebuild, Reframe and Rethink is the theme of the joint virtual Summit, taking place November 3rd and 4th, 2021. The no-cost event for tourism businesses is a collaboration between the five regional destination management organizations of the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The event will feature more than 40 tourism experts who will share their global, regional, and local expertise. 

The BCRTS and its five regional associations have a decades-long relationships with tourism operators who are represented in Northern BC, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, the Thompson Okanagan, the Kootenay Rockies, and Vancouver Island. For much of the past two years, a large part of their focus has been on supporting businesses manage their way through the pandemic – while also collaborating to stage events such as this that are aimed at creating an even stronger tourism industry in this province.

“As we create a path forward, we have both an opportunity and a duty to address issues of climate change and the environmental impacts of our industry - as individual businesses, communities and regions,” said BCRTS Chair Anthony Everett. “We have an opportunity to support and celebrate Indigenous cultures through tourism and take steps to demonstrate our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. And, as we chart a future course, we must remain cognizant of how tourism impacts residents in our communities.”

Marsha Walden (President and CEO of Destination Canada), Walt Judas (CEO of Tourism Industry Association of BC), and Richard Porges (CEO of Destination BC) will speak to Shaping the Future of Tourism and how their organizations are charting a path forward.

Other panel discussions will include: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Tourism which emphasizes how to foster a visitor economy that represents a wide variety of individuals at all levels; Tourism Operators Creating a Positive Net Impact which will focus on innovative programs and approaches that BC operators have adopted to create a better tomorrow; Truth, then Reconciliation, exploring how storytelling and truth telling in tourism can support Canadians and visitors alike to gain a better understanding of Indigenous history and move towards authentic reconciliation; and, Access for All, will emphasize the need to create opportunities for people of all abilities, both within the sector and as guests.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council will also facilitate a series of workshops where participants will learn how tourism-related emissions can be measured effectively and be taken into consideration when planning tourist activities; how destination management organizations can better engage the private sector and drive sustainability certification; and learn about strategies for visitor management in natural areas.

About the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat: The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) is a collaboration between five regional destination management organizations (Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern British Columbia Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Tourism Vancouver Island) representing more than 8,000 tourism businesses and organizations.

About the Global Sustainable Tourism Council: The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria, global standards for sustainable travel and tourism; as well as providing international accreditation for sustainable tourism Certification Bodies.

Tourism HR Canada: Report on Where to Find Workers

The pandemic has been exceptionally hard on the tourism industry and its workers. Over 880,000 individuals lost their jobs in the first two months. Although employment never fell that low again, every time employment began to increase, another wave of COVID-19 necessitated another round of restrictions and further losses of employment.

The labour shortage that plagues the BC Tourism and Hospitality industry is part of a larger national trend dramatically impacting the industry.

To gain a more national perspective on this trend Tourism HR has published a number of resources to keep you updated, and provide information on where you can find workers.

Resources:

• Tourism HR Canada’s recent report on where we can find workers

• BC Tourism and Hospitality Employment Tracker

Destination BC Launches Winter Campaign

After nearly two years out of market in line with COVID-19 health orders and recommendations, Destination BC launched its BC ski campaign into Washington and California.

To help build back awareness for the myriad ski experiences that await families and thrill-seekers alike in all corners of the province, Destination BC is focusing its efforts on travellers from Washington and California, who have historically represented a large portion of US ski visitation to BC.

New this winter, Destination BC is also partnering with Destination Canada, Travel Alberta and Tourism Quebec on a pilot initiative to drive Canada winter and ski awareness in key US states. For BC, the campaign will double-down on ski experience marketing efforts into Washington and California, supported by Destination Canada funding and the ongoing partnership with BC ski co-op partners.

Through Destination Canada’s Our Winter is Deeper campaign, Destination BC will leverage the creative concept ‘Two Deep’, which tells the story of Canada’s favourite skiing couple, Stan Rey & Kelsey Serwa, as they set off on a road trip to explore BC’s most iconic ski destinations.

Starting December 1st, creative will be transitioned to a new ‘Go Deeper’ concept for the remainder of the campaign. The shift will target passionate skiers with an adventurous spirit, showcasing BC ski destinations as the ideal place for discovering new terrain, fresh powder, and vibrant ski towns.

City of Vernon Transfers Copyright to Legendary Ogopogo to B.C. Indigenous Nations

The legal rights to the legendary creature residing in Okanagan Lake have been transferred to the Okanagan Nation Alliance, who say Ogopogo has always been part of their spiritual teachings. Council members in the Okanagan city of Vernon voted unanimously to transfer the Ogopogo copyright it has held for 65 years.

For $1, council voted to assign and transfer to the Okanagan Nation Alliance all copyright, title, interest and property including trademark rights arising from the commercial and non-commercial use of the Ogopogo name.

Ogopogo means ‘spirit of the lake’ in the alliance’s Syilx language. Tourism Kelowna says on its website that stories about a lake creature date back thousands of years to area Indigenous Peoples who spoke of N’ha-a-itk, the spirit of the lake.

DBC Learning Centre: Is Your Business Digitally Ready?

The Tourism Industry has been radically transformed by new digital technology, online platforms, and business systems that have shaped marketing, customer service, and business operations. Each innovation presents an opportunity for your business to build customer relationships, drive revenue growth, and improve business operations.

Destination BC has created a digital readiness checklist that will help businesses and organizations determine if they are benefitting from this transformation.

Rail Trail Donation from Pedego Oyama

Pedego Oyama owners Sheila and Murray give back to the Okanagan Rail Trail each year. At the end of their rental season, they present a cheque to District of Lake Country for Okanagan Rail Trail maintenance.

The $3,875.00 cheque was presented on Wednesday, October 13.

Pedego Oyama is a sales / rentals and Service shop of Pedego Ebikes operating in Lake Country at the Gatzke Farm Market. Situated between Kalamalka Lake and Wood Lake – the Pedego Oyama location offers a great jump on point to access the Okanagan Rail Trail.

Qualtrics Survey to Support the BC Hospitality Foundation | Qualtrics Experience Management

UBC Sauder School of Business has chosen the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) as one of the charities for their students to work on a case study assignment.

Three different teams of students will create sponsorship packages for the BCHF tailored to promote the foundation and provide value to corporations when sponsoring any of their activities.

The survey will be open until October 21st and will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Information will go directly to the students.

For comments or questions, please contact Dana@danalee.biz.

Big Thinking for Small Business Plan Updated | BC Chamber of Commerce

The BC Chamber of Commerce recently released its updated Big Thinking for Small Business, a bold plan to grow British Columbia’s economy by focusing on three pillars: inclusivity, innovation, and competitiveness.

Updated from the previous year’s Economic Recovery Submission, the Big Thinking for Small Business plan underpins the pan-provincial priorities as set out by the BC Chamber of Commerce to guide the province through continued recovery efforts.

To support the removal of economic barriers and to help pave the way for small- and medium-sized businesses to thrive once again, emphasis is placed on the critical need for action to address the skilled labour shortage and housing affordability.

The Big Thinking for Small Business plan outlines concise policies which will help inform the advocacy efforts of the BC Chamber of Commerce for the year ahead.

2021 BCHA & TIABC Annual General Meeting - TIABC AGM Election Update

TIABC and the BCHA invite you to join them, along with keynote speakers, at their respective Annual General Meetings, both taking place in Kamloops on Wednesday, November 17th, 2021.

Election updates:

For the 2021-2023 term, TIABC was seeking a total of five candidates. These Nominations closed on Friday, October 1.

Based on the nominations, the election will be in two categories with the following candidates seeking a Director position:

Business Category: (in alphabetical order)

• Ian MacPhee - Prince of Whales Whale Watching

• Sandra Oldfield - Elysian Projects

• Stephen Pearce - The Gaining Edge

• John Wilson - The Wilson Group

DMO Category: (in alphabetical order)

• Beverley DeSantis - Tourism Kamloops

• Chris Lewis - Tourism Kelowna

Returning to the TIABC Board of Directors are:

• Michael J. Ballingall - Big White Ski Resort

• Brenda Baptiste - Indigenous Tourism BC

TIABC's AGM will be held in-person on Wednesday, November 17th @ 1pm at the Delta Hotel in Kamloops where members in good-standing are eligible to vote. Members unable to attend in person will be able to attend virtually via Zoom.

Columbia Shuswap Regional District | Hiring Team Leader, Tourism and Film Position

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), with its office located in Salmon Arm, is inviting applications for the exempt position of Team Leader, Tourism and Film.

This is a mid-level management position reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer. The Team Leader, Tourism and Film is responsible for the development and implementation of the Strategic Marketing Plan for Shuswap Tourism, as well as overseeing and coordinating Columbia Shuswap Film Commission activities in their respective regions.

Activities include marketing campaigns, digital strategies development and execution, public relations and media familiarization, collateral production, product development, market research, information sharing, and sales and advertising.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 4:00 PM (Pacific Time)

US to Reopen Canada Land Border to Vaccinated Travellers November 8th

The US is set to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated travellers by air, land or passenger ferry starting November 8th.

Air travellers will need to show proof of vaccination on arrival in the US but will still need to show a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of boarding their flight.

Non-essential travellers crossing at a land border will be required to show proof of vaccination or attest to their vaccination status upon request by a border agent, but unlike air travellers they will face no requirement to show a negative COVID-19 test.

By January, 2022 essential travellers crossing at a land border will also be required to be fully vaccinated.

A number of details are still being worked out by the US Center for Disease Control (CDC). They include the type of documentation that will be accepted to prove a traveller's vaccination status and whether travellers who received doses of two different vaccines will be considered fully vaccinated.

The Canada-U.S. border has been closed to non-essential travel since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Canada opened its border to U.S. travellers in early August.

Canada's Rules Unchanged

For now, the Government of Canada’s travel rules and restrictions remain unchanged for Canadians who are entering back into the country from the U.S.

That means that in order to get back into Canada—whether hours or days after entering the U.S.—travellers will need to negative PCR test within 72 hours of a planned entry into Canada.

For Updates Visit:

• https://www.usa.gov/covid-passports-and-travel

• https://ca.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/

ABLE Annual LRS Benchmark Survey

ABLE is conducting their third annual LRS Benchmark Survey and need your feedback.

As BC’s private liquor industry association, ABLE BC works to collect data for their membership and create an economic snapshot of the industry. They survey private liquor store members on an annual basis to help develop KPIs or benchmarks for your business.

Deadline to complete survey is October 27

Results will be shared with members and in the Quarterly Pour. Preliminary results will be presented at the BC Liquor Conference on October 25, 2021.

Last Chance to Register for Power Up! Program with Destination BC

Destination BC’s Power Up! program is now accepting applications.

The digital mentoring program will provide 75 eligible BC-based, small and medium sized tourism businesses, sole proprietors, and non-profits with tailored specialist digital support through seasoned consultants.

You can choose from a list of service areas that you deem a priority for your business. From Digital Strategy to SEO to Email Marketing and all things Social Media, the program aims to support a wide range of digital service needs.

The service costs will be directly covered through the Power Up! program up to a maximum of $5,000 per participant and will include supporting educational resources for further learning and ongoing implementation in the future.

Applications are now open, and we encourage to apply as soon as possible on Destination BC’s Learning Centre [http://www.destinationbc.ca/learning-centre/power-up/].

For more information, visit http://www.destinationbc.ca/learning-centre/power-up/ or contact Beth Sangara, Senior Project Manager for Destination BC: Email Beth.Sangara@DestinationBC.ca or Phone 778-572-1830.

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.