Indigenous Tourism Infrastructure Survey

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) partnered with iTOTEM Analytics to assess the economic and societal benefits of investment in Indigenous tourism infrastructure. This survey is asking Indigenous tourism operators from across Canada to participate and provide information about their operations.

Aligned with the ITAC’s strategic recovery plan and vision for the industry, the results from the initiative will be invaluable for ITAC’s advocacy efforts as they push for increased investment and program supports to be made available to Indigenous tourism operators between 2022-2024.

The insights will help inform the action plan by highlighting how our industry has sustainably thrived in the past and help us understand the adjustments needed to get back on track.

BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 - Session Recordings Now Available

On November 3 and 4, TOTA co-hosted the 2021 BCRTS Tourism Summit with the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). 

The conference was filled with inspiring moments and key insights to reimagine the future of tourism. The virtual format allowed us to connect with over 900 delegates from British Columbia, Canada, and over 60 other countries.

As a virtual event, many aspects will live on beyond the days of the Summit and can be accessed until December 5, 2021.

You can still register, free of charge, to access the session recordings and downloadable resources. Feel free share this opportunity with others in your organization and network.

How to Access Session Recordings and Resources

1. Go to BCTourismSummit.com

2. Click Register and complete the form

3. Click "Login" in the top right corner and enter the email address you registered with. No password is required.

4. Click the building to enter the virtual lobby.

5. In the top navigation bar, click "Auditorium."

6. Scroll to the session and click "Play."

Session Recordings

This year's summit featured over 40 speakers in 9 sessions. Thank you to the speakers and panelists for sharing their expertise and insights in the following sessions:

• GSTC Destination Management Workshop 1 - Measuring Carbon Emissions

• GSTC Destination Management Workshop 2 - Engagement with the Private Sector

• GSTC Destination Management Workshop 3: Natural Areas and Visitor Management

• Panel: Shaping the Future of Tourism

• Panel: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Tourism

• Panel: Tourism Operators Creating a Positive Net Impact

• Panel: Truth, then Reconciliation

• Panel: Access for All

• Session: How to Imagine a Regenerative Future for Tourism - Cultivating the mindset, creativity and process to enact change

The recordings are now available and can be viewed any time over the next 30 days (see details above).

Exhibition Hall Videos & Downloads

The virtual booths will remain in the Exhibition Hall for the next 30 days, with links, videos, and downloadable resources at your fingertips. The booth chat will not be monitored but feel free to reach out to exhibitors by email.

Globox™ Raffle Tickets to Support Wildfire Relief for Indigenous Communities

Glohaven Community Hub is holding a raffle featuring Globox™ gift boxes. Proceeds will be donated to support wildfire relief for Thompson Okanagan Indigenous communities through the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society.

The remaining Globox™ prizes are:

• Eldorado Resort Experience VIP Globox™

• Sicamous Houseboats Experience Family Fun Globox™

• Spirit Ridge Resort Experience Indigenous Globox™

• Summerland Resort Experience Remarkably Loved Globox™

• SilverStar Experience Family Fun Globox™

Important Dates

• 2nd Early Bird Draw: November 24 at 1 PM - Globox™ #5

• Main Draw: December 15 at 12 PM - Globoxes™ #1 - 4

Support for B.C. Tourism Businesses

If your company is facing challenges in British Columbia due to COVID-19 or other difficulties, you can access many free resources through the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, another initiative of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS).

Visit TourismResiliency.ca to register for a one-on-one meeting with a regional advisor and access support programs, educational webinars, research reports, resources, and more. 

Thank You to the Event Sponsors

This event would not have been possible without all of our amazing sponsors. As such, we would like to extend a big thank you to GreenStep, WebAdvisors, Navigator Multimedia, FortisBC, Toni Lepore, StratIS Group, Community Futures BC, TELUS, Air Canada, and YLW Kelowna International Airport.

Lastly, a special thank you to GiGn and The Gary Cable Project for hosting the virtual concert!

Destination BC Renews Funding for Over 100 Community Visitor Centres

Destination BC is supporting the valuable contribution of BC’s network of community-based Visitor Centres, by renewing its three-year commitment to base funding throughout the province. In addition, Destination BC is increasing the minimum level of base funding to $15,000, for those currently receiving $10,000 to $12,500 per year.

There are 129 community-owned Visitor Centres throughout British Columbia that are members of Destination BC’s Visitor Services Network Program. They each play a pivotal role in providing accurate and timely travel information to those looking to explore communities, locate accommodation, visit attractions, and participate in tourism activities in British Columbia. In a typical year, community Visitor Centres, collectively serve over 2.9 million visitors at their physical locations, over the phone, and via email and other digital channels.

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, community Visitor Centres were instrumental in communicating Provincial Health Orders and health and safety protocols, supporting local businesses, and boosting local economies. During recent wildfire activity, community Visitor Centres supported evacuees and travelers by sharing on-the-ground safety and travel information.

This three-year commitment will support long-term business planning, increase stability, encourage innovation, and provide for the increasing hard costs of providing visitor services in communities across BC. In 2021/22, $2.105 million has been allocated to this vital tourism support program through the Province of BC.

View 31 Thompson Okanagan Visitor Centres

The Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. & Canada: 2021 Readers' Choice Awards | Condé Nast Traveler

Once again, one of the most prestigious travel magazines in the world has awarded Big White Ski Resort as the best in British Columbia, rating #12 in North America and Whistler #15.

The Condé Nast article says its rankings, "reflect the kinds of places you longed to visit when you couldn’t travel and the ones you returned to first once you could. These ski resorts were picked by the readers as the best in North America for their trails, lifts, and après-ski spots." According to the article, "all listings featured in this story were independently selected by our readers."

Big White Ski Resort is described as Canada’s largest full ski-in/ski-out village located just 45 minutes from Kelowna International Airport, and features all the amenities skiers are looking for.

The number 1 resort voted by readers went to Deer Valley, Utah.

Climate Hackathon - Accelerate Okanagan

On Thursday, November 25th, Accelerate Okanagan will be hosting the Zero Waste Valley Climate Hackathon. Community members are invited to attend and will explore innovative solutions and business models around the vision of eliminating waste from the Okanagan Valley.

Climate change has proven to be an unpredictable disruptor to both individuals and businesses alike. That’s why we need to have critical conversations and take action for the health of our climate. The world has never needed as much creativity and innovation as it does now — nor as much collaboration across industry, academia, and all levels of government.

Flair Adding New Routes from YLW in Spring 2022 | Kelowna International Airport

Starting May 16, 2022 Flair will have three flights a week to both Vancouver and Victoria from YLW, Kelowna International Airport. Flair’s Spring 2022 schedule will expand from twelve aircraft to sixteen, delivering 33% schedule growth.

Flair is adding new 737 MAX aircraft as it strives to achieve the lowest cost per seat mile of any Canadian airline. The aircraft deliver fuel savings and reduce the airline’s CO2 emissions by 14%. Lower per passenger emissions are a vital step in lowering Flair’s carbon footprint as it works to become Canada’s greenest and most sustainable airline.

All routes and schedule details can be viewed at flyflair.com

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service

Now more than ever, the Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian businesses grow with confidence by connecting them with funding and support programs, international opportunities, and a network of trade commissioners in over 160 cities worldwide.

Get Help Exporting:

• Funding and support - Apply for financial support, or take part in programs that help innovative firms and under-represented groups.

• Trade missions and events - Join a trade mission or event and connect with the right people to grow your business.

• Export guides and statistics - Access guides and information about what you need to do business in international markets.

Know Your Markets:

• Country and sector information - Research your next target market. Access up-to-date information and reports on markets and sectors abroad.

• Tariffs, sanctions and export controls - Plan for the tariffs, sanctions, and export and import controls that you may encounter when exporting abroad.

• Canada’s trade agreements - Take advantage of Canada’s free trade and foreign investment agreements.

The Trade Commissioner Service website provides additional information on funding & support, trade missions & events, export guides & statistics and more. Follow the button bellow to gain access to these valuable tools and guides.

Dine Around Interior BC | Registration Open for January 19 - February 10, 2022 Event

Impact Events and the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association (BCRFA), are once again teaming up to organize Dine Around & Sip, Savour & Save Interior BC, a popular food festival with over 50 of the best restaurants offering set three-course menus at deliciously low prices.

Participating restaurants offer three course menus at set prices, $20, $30, $40, $50 or $60 per person (excludes beverages, tax, service) giving locals and visitors the chance to channel their inner foodie, try new menu items or a new restaurant. It’s the perfect time to find new customers, generate repeat business, and grow your bottom line.

Registration is now open for Restaurants & Hotels. Register by November 30 to receive early bird pricing of $220 and save $125.

All restaurants must be a member in good standing of the BC Restaurant & Food Services Association (BCRFA) to participate in the program. Current members can register at no charge.

Participating Areas:

• Okanagan-Similkameen (all communities)

• Thompson-Nicola (Kamloops, Merritt & surrounding towns)

• Kootenays (Nelson, Trail, Cranbrook, Kimberly, Fernie)

• Prince George

Restaurants in a hotel can offer a promo winter rate alongside a Dine Around menu for two.

BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 - Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Our event would not have been possible without all of our amazing sponsors.  As such we would like to extend a big thank you to:

TELUS

Air Canada

YLW International Airport

GreenStep

Web Advisors

FortisBC

Navigator Multimedia

Stratis

Toni Lepore CPA CGA CFP

Community Futures BC

BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 Day 1

The BCRTS Tourism Summit starts tomorrow on Wednesday, November 3, followed by more virtual sessions on Thursday, November 4. We're looking forward to seeing you as we come together as a tourism community to Reimagine the Future of Tourism with the five regions of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Day 1 Agenda - Wednesday, November 3

All times listed in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)

• 8:00 AM: Exhibition Hall Opens

• 9:00 AM: Indigenous Welcome & BCRTS Tourism Summit Opening Ceremony

• 10:00 - 10:50 AM: GSTC Destination Management Workshop 1: Measuring Carbon Emissions

• 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: GSTC Destination Management Workshop 2 - Engagement with the Private Sector

• 1:15 - 2:30 PM: Panel: Shaping the Future of Tourism - Rebuilding the BC and Canadian Visitor Economy

• 2:30 - 3:30 PM: Panel: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Tourism

• 3:40 - 4:40 PM: Panel: Tourism Operators Creating a Positive Net Impact

• 4:40 - 5:00 PM: Day 1 Closing Remarks

• 5:30 PM: Virtual Concert: The Gary Cable Project

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Summit Overview

BCRTS Tourism Summit Virtual Concert Featuring The Gary Cable Project

Wednesday, November 3 at 5:30 PM PDT

The Gary Cable Project is a 9-piece Pop/Rock band, comprised of all-star musicians who have performed and recorded with the likes of legends from Michael Bublé to Bryan Adams. Join us for a trip back to the ‘Golden Age’ of Pop and Rock!

The virtual concert is hosted on GiGn, an easy to use, high-quality, live streaming platform designed specifically to transfer most of the revenue earned to the artists themselves. You can watch the show on any device (smart phone, tablet, computer, smart TV, etc.) as long as you are connected to the internet.

Creating a GiGn account enables you to engage with the artist and attendees during the concert. There's also an option to tip the artists to support their work.

To create an account, go to the GiGn event page and click Sign In, then Create New Account Here.

The virtual concert can be accessed through the Auditorium Day 1 Agenda OR directly through the GiGn event page. 

International Flights Resume at YLW

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) announced that it will regain its international status for flights to and from Kelowna effective November 30. 

“Although our international status will be reinstated Nov. 30, it will take some time to have international flights operating again out of YLW. Some airlines have had to push back previously scheduled routes until 2022, due to the uncertainty of timing of YLW’s international status,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “We are thrilled to be able to once again connect passengers internationally and welcome visitors to our region, and are working closely with airlines to have these routes in place as soon as possible.”

Currently YLW is anticipating the return of the following routes in the near future:

• Alaska – Seattle – Dec. 16, 2021

• Sunwing – Varadero – January 2022

• WestJet – Phoenix, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun – January 2022

These routes are subject to change.

What passengers need to know about international flights:

• COVID testing requirements

  • When departing YLW:

    • As of Oct. 30, all passengers, 12 years of age and older, are required to be fully vaccinated in order to board domestic or international flights. For more information on this mandate, please visit travel.gc.caopen_in_new or ylw.kelowna.ca/covid-19

    • Passengers are encouraged to talk to their airline to understand what the COVID-19 testing requirements are to enter their destination country.

    • The Whitecap RSC testing facility is available for any passenger who requires a COVID-19 antigen or molecular test (PCR test) prior to travel. Passengers wishing to access this testing can do so, for a fee and by appointment only, by visiting whitecapcovidtesting.com/kelownaopen_in_new or by open_in_newcalling 604-966-3777

  • When arriving in Canada:

    • Passengers can use ArriveCAN to provide mandatory travel information before and after your entry into Canada.

  • More information about Government of Canada requirements can be found at travel.gc.ca/Travel-Covidopen_in_new

  • For more information about what to expect when travelling through YLW, visit: ylw.kelowna.ca/HealthyTravel

Expressions of Interest & Nominations for 2022 Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Advisory Council

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is requesting expressions of interest for new additions to the 2022 Advisory Council.  A position on the Advisory Council offers individuals an opportunity to contribute to the strategic vision of the COEDC.

Applicants will possess demonstrated executive level experience and in-depth knowledge of one or more primary business sectors in the Central Okanagan, detailing any specialized areas of expertise (commerce, finance, law, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, aerospace, agriculture, tourism, etc.). All expressions of interest will be considered, however, priority for 2022 will be considered to individuals in the Agriculture/Viticulture, Cleantech/Environmental, Small Business/Tourism, Health, and Construction & Development sectors.

Applications close Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

Please submit your resume or a summary of your business background in addition to your contact information (mailing address, phone number and email) to sandra.ballan-brown@rdco.com.

The Commission is funded by and accountable to the elected board of the Regional District of Central Okanagan representing Central Okanagan Electoral Areas West and East, City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, City of West Kelowna, and  Westbank First Nation.

The COEDC’s Advisory Council is a conduit of information and ideas between business, community leaders and government. Made up of 40+ influential industry leaders, community shapers and elected officials, the council meets monthly to share information and work together towards sustainable economic growth.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Commission Advisory Council Chair, Terry Edwards, to clarify any questions you may have. 

The Advisory Council’s role includes:

• Attend Advisory Council meetings and communicate economic development opportunities of the region,

• Review and make recommendation(s) on the RDCO EDC programming,

• Communicate the RDCO EDC activity reporting to member’s organizations.

Commitment of Time

• Ten board meetings annually (1.5 hours per meeting starting at 7:30am, usually the 4th Thursday of each month except July and August). Meetings are held at the Regional District of Central Okanagan offices, although are currently being held virtually until further notice,

• Occasional presentations in relationship to market intelligence in the sector you represent

Term

Board members appointed for a term of two years commencing January 1st, 2022, with the option of serving up to two terms

TIAC 2030 International Business Model Industry Questionnaire Survey

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is working to research and collaboratively design a strategy to attract more international visitors and business to Canada. This strategy needs to be responsive to its changing environment, instill confidence in the industry, look to a future where Canadian tourism is flourishing, and strengthen our advocacy efforts.

Everyone’s unique perspective is valued, and opinions on the future of collective international business development efforts are important to the tourism sector as a whole.

Please take the time to complete this 5-question online survey before the end of day on November 4. You will have the opportunity to have your name entered into a random draw taking place on November 8 for one in-person ticket to the 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress being held from November 30th – December 1st, valued at $795-$995.

BC Building Code Accessibility

The Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing and the Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility are working to update the BC Building Code to make new buildings more accessible.

The first step invites the public, including people with disabilities, accessibility experts and advocates, code users, Treaty Nations, Indigenous partners, local governments, building owners, construction industry representatives, professional associations and education partners to provide feedback about barriers and priorities to enhance accessibility requirements in new buildings. They are asking that you complete a short survey to help with this process.

REMINDER: Revised Public Health Orders Now in Effect

Public orders for Food and Liquor Serving Premises and Gatherings and Events were updated on Monday, October 25th to reflect the restrictions that had been lifted.

Food and Liquor Serving Premises Public Order

The order is directed towards restaurants with table service, cafes, food primary or liquor primary establishments, including pubs, bars, lounges and nightclubs, liquor manufacturing facilities that have tasting rooms with seating, and private clubs.

Highlights of the public order:

• The requirement for patrons to remain seated has been removed. Patrons are also allowed to mingle and move between tables.

• However, if patrons consume food or drink on the premises, there must be sufficient seating for them, whether at a table, booth or counter. Patrons must be assigned a table, booth or counter, and shown to their seat.

• Dance floors must be closed with physical barriers or occupied with tables, unless they are being used for a dance performance.

• A patron must not dance on the premises.

• A food service establishment with a liquor license which does not have table service, and which only sells liquor for takeaway, does not have to check for proof of vaccination.

• Patrons are still required to wear a mask when standing, but can remove it to eat or drink.

Gatherings and Events Public Order:

Outside Events:

• There are no changes to the rules for outside events

• No more than 5,000 persons, or 50% of the seated capacity of a place, excluding event staff, whichever number is greater, are present.

• Participants are seated throughout the place in such a way to use all available space

Inside Events:

• Updated capacity restrictions: up to 100% of the of the seated operating capacity of a place may be used for the purpose of a seated inside event, and up to 100% of the standing operating capacity of a place may be used for the purpose of a standing inside event.

• Dance floors are closed with physical barriers or occupied with tables, unless they are being used for a dance performance.

• Participants do not dance unless they are registered participants in and attending a dance class at a dance studio or a recreation facility, or a child or youth participating in a program for children or youth.

• Patrons are still required to wear a mask when standing, but can remove it to eat or drink.

Travel and COVID-19: Province of British Columbia

The Government of Canada has created a federal COVID-19 proof of vaccination document for travel. It's the most reliable way to show proof of vaccination for travel within Canada. This proof of vaccination will now be required when travelling in Canada by air, rail or cruise ship.

The federal proof of vaccination can also be used for international travel. Before leaving, all travellers are encouraged to check the Government of Canada’s travel requirements and the requirements of the country to which they are travelling.

As with the BC Vaccine Card, the new federal proof of vaccination can be accessed through Health Gateway, the Ministry of Health’s web service, by phone or in person at most Service BC offices.

Two doses of any federally approved COVID-19 vaccines, with the second dose administered at least 14 days before travel, are required to be considered fully vaccinated. Canadians who are not fully vaccinated must complete testing requirements and mandatory quarantine when returning to Canada.

BC's Vaccine Card will continue to be used for non-essential activities in BC, including going to a restaurant or sporting event

The Government of Canada has also indicated it will allow people in BC to use the BC Vaccine Card to travel within Canada until Nov. 30, 2021, while the new federal proof of vaccination is rolled out.

Single-Serve Liquor a Go with Takeout, Delivery

BC's liquor and food primary licensees are now able to package and sell unmixed drinks for takeout or delivery with the purchase of a meal, such as a glass of wine, cider or draft beer, or an unmixed ounce of a spirit. The change responds to industry feedback from the Business Technical Advisory Panel and has the support of industry manufacturers following extensive consultation.

This additional choice for consumers builds on other measures government has approved in recent months to benefit approximately 2,000 liquor-primary and 6,000 food-primary licensees in BC. Notably, they can already sell full bottles of wine and spirits, as well as mixed drinks packaged in single servings for takeout and delivery with the purchase of a meal.

This change can also help limit health impacts associated with increased consumption as a patron has the option to buy a single serving instead of a full bottle of wine or spirits.

New App Provides Remote Access to COVID-19 Resources for Workplaces - Canada.ca

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has launched a new mobile app to help make workplace health and safety resources on COVID-19 accessible to workers in Canada.

The CCOHS Safe Work app hosts the Centre’s collection of over 120 COVID-19 resources, including industry and sector-specific tip sheets, infographics, videos, and other guidance materials created to help workplaces keep their workers and customers safe.

Users can search the app by topic or type of resource, save items to their favourites list, and share videos and other resources with colleagues. Once downloaded, there is no need for an internet connection to run the app. It can be used in remote areas and manufacturing shop floors where connectivity is absent or unreliable.

Download the CCOHS Safe Work app for free.

TIABC CEO, Walt Judas: Message on Announcement of Federal Ministry of Tourism

Originally published in a TIABC Newsletter on October 29, 2021

“One of our sector’s advocacy wins in recent years was the establishment of a dedicated provincial tourism ministry. Although other related sectors make up the entire portfolio known as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, the fact that tourism is at the top of the list suggests to me that our industry is important to the province and worthy of attention. But it wasn’t always the case.

In 2001, the government of the day folded the Ministry of Small Business and Tourism into another portfolio and essentially buried it. I recall the outcry from industry leaders who viewed the move as ill-conceived and a huge step backward for our sector.

The furor died down somewhat when then-Premier Gordon Campbell told delegates at the BC Tourism Industry Conference to stop whining (I’m paraphrasing) about not having a dedicated tourism minister or ministry because HE was the defacto head of BC’s visitor economy and was personally looking out for our best interests.

Fast forward to 2010, when in a similar move, government axed Tourism BC as a crown corporation and moved it into a ministry known as Tourism, Culture & the Arts. Industry leaders again cried bloody murder for a few years. After re-emerging as a crown corporation in 2013, the new ‘Destination’ BC would ultimately report to a few different ministries and ministers before settling down under the umbrella of the Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport (TACS) ministry in 2017.

When I look back at various provincial government regimes over the last two decades and consider how the tourism portfolio has mostly bounced around between ministries and occasionally stood on its own, I’m somewhat surprised yet encouraged by the fact that despite (some might say because of) not having a stand-alone ministry within government for much of that time, the sector nonetheless performed remarkably well.

That said, the opportunities to grow and reshape our industry, recover from the pandemic to become a key economic driver once again, address societal challenges around sustainability, poverty, inclusion, and reconciliation, among other priorities can best be achieved when the tourism industry is under the oversight of a designated minister or ministry.

In other words, when given prominence as a primary sector…which in government parlance includes sufficient ministry budget and support staff, constructive policies, a seat at the cabinet table, oversight of crown agencies such as DBC and Pavco, and regular engagement with industry…our sector has a much better shot at meeting government and industry objectives (notwithstanding the current pandemic challenges) because of strong ministerial support and leadership.

The same principle applies at the federal level where multiple industry and government objectives can be accomplished under the guise of a dedicated tourism minister or ministry. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Trudeau appointed a new minister to oversee the critical tourism file instead of piling responsibilities onto another minister’s long list of priorities. From my perspective, it’s a very positive move and one that we need to capitalize on.

While I don’t know anything about Hon. Randy Boissonnault other than what I’ve read in his bio, the fact that he’s from the west and now has specific duties related to tourism and finance, bodes well for our industry’s future, especially in view of new tourism and hospitality specific support measures recently introduced that are so desperately needed for businesses to survive and rebuild.

I look forward to meeting with the new minister very soon. In the meantime, I know Hon. Melanie Mark is keen to get together with her new federal counterpart given the long list of issues and opportunities that need to be addressed vis-a-vis BC's visitor economy.

I really hope that having a dedicated federal minister overseeing tourism in Canada to complement TACS in British Columbia becomes the new norm from this point forward no matter who’s in power. We simply can't afford another giant step backward at any point during our sector's long road to recovery here at home and across Canada.”

- Walt Judas, CEO, TIABC