International Travel Advisory Update

As of December 15, the federal government has reintroduced the advisory warning travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, to avoid non-essential travel internationally due to the rapidly circulating Omicron COVID-19 variant. The advisory will remain in place for at least four weeks and then be re-evaluated.

The government is also going to further expand its on-arrival testing and isolation rule which so far is only being randomly applied to air travellers. The government has said it will be made universal to all air travellers outside of the United States, but hasn’t said when that will happen.

View Press Conference →

Updates & Resources: Floods and Road Closures

On November 17, 2021, the B.C. government declared a provincial state of emergency to mitigate impacts on transportation networks and movement of essential goods and supplies, and to support the provincewide response and recovery from the widespread damage caused by severe flooding and landslides in British Columbia.

TOTA Crisis Response

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the floods and landslides. Thank you to the first responders and the many people assisting others through this situation.

TOTA will continue to share the official announcements on the TOTA News Centre, resources in the section below, and the Thompson Okanagan Know Before You Go page.

TOTA employs a Crisis Management Coordinator, who regularly engages with Emergency Management BC, to closely monitor the region and work with impacted communities, tourism businesses, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders.

As well, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program advisors continue to support tourism business operators in the region and are available to provide 1:1 support.

We invite you to share your current experiences so we can inform government of the evolving situation. Feel free to email Recovery@TOTABC.com with any questions or concerns.

Resources

B.C. Fairs, Festivals, Events Benefit from Recovery Funding

People throughout B.C. will be able to enjoy more arts, culture, sports and community occasions as the Province supports more than 680 events, including 131 in the Thompson Okanagan region.

The Government of B.C. is providing nearly $30 million through one-time grants to eligible event organizers to support their efforts to resume safely. Grant amounts for each event are as much as 20% of the total event budget, for a maximum of $250,000.

Recipients demonstrated the economic and social benefits to the community and strong local or regional support. Eligible expenses include operational costs, health and safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages, and promotion.

Thompson Okanagan events that have received the Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund grant include:

• Interior Provincial Exhibition - agricultural exhibition and fair in Armstrong - Armstrong

• Canada Rock Fest - Music Festival - Grand Forks

• Bass Coast Festival - Merritt

• Merritt Rockin' River Fest - Merritt

• IRONMAN Canada - Penticton - Penticton

• Salmon Arm ROOTS and BLUES Festival - Salmon Arm

• The BC Bike Race - Penticton

• Rock The Lake - Kelowna

• SilverStar Bike Fest - Silver Star Resort

• Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games - Vernon

• Spartan Race Kelowna at Big White Ski Resort - Kelowna

• Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan - Penticton

• 2022 Canada 55+ Games - Kamloops

• AltiTunes at Big White Ski Resort - Kelowna

• Snowbombing - Sun Peaks

• 41st Annual Kamloops Powwow - Kamloops

• Kamloops Legacy Wheelchair Tennis Tournament - Kamloops

• 2022 Welcome to Paradise Para Snowboard World Cup - Kelowna

• Kelowna Pride Festival 2021 - Kelowna

• Peak Pride - Kelowna, Vernon

• Okanagan Trestles Tour - Penticton

• And many more

Applications for the Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund grant were accepted from Aug. 27 to Oct. 1, 2021, for events that were scheduled between July 1, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2022. Recipients were selected based on the eligibility criteria.

View full list of recipients

Border Measures for Air Travel Infographic

The Government of Canada and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have developed an air travel infographic to assist travellers with a better understanding of what is required when both arriving and departing the airport.

Through direction from government, airport officials will be conducting COVID-19 testing for all fully vaccinated passengers arriving from an international destination at YVR with the exception for those coming directly from the US. This will be in addition to a number of existing travel requirements already in place at airports. The arrivals test is paid for by the Government of Canada.

Key points include:

• To depart YVR and any Canadian airport, travellers must be fully vaccinated. Passengers must be able to prove vaccination status and their documentation will be verified by the airline at check-in. For Canadians, the best documentation is the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination, with limited exemptions for religious or medical reasons.

• Each destination has its own set of entry requirements. Passengers are required to understand and prepare for the entry requirements of their destination before travelling from Canada. Starting Dec. 6th, everyone travelling to the US must show a negative COVID-19 test taken within a day of boarding their flight or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 day.

• When passengers return to Canada, they must complete ArriveCAN. This includes entering negative COVID-19 test information and a quarantine plan – and pre-registering for the arrivals test. Everyone will need to quarantine until test results are received, typically within 24 to 72 hours.

For passengers connecting through the airport, they will be subject to COVID-19 testing at YVR before continuing onward to their next destination. After taking the test, passengers can carry on to their final destination to quarantine while they await test results.

Note: Fully vaccinated Canadians who depart and re-enter the country within 72 hours of leaving are exempt from providing a pre-entry test result. It is recommended that travellers pre-register for the COVID-19 testing in advance to avoid long delays upon arrival at YVR.

The Forum Virtual Program for Women Entrepreneurs in Tourism | Apply by January 6 for January 2022 Sessions

The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region, managed by Destination BC, is collaborating with The Forum, a B.C.-based charity for women entrepreneurs, to create a tourism program tailored specifically for women-led businesses and entrepreneurs.

This free two-day virtual program will provide expertise and resources to support women in tourism, delivered by The Forum and other subject matters experts on January 13 and 20, 2022.

Applications will be accepted until January 6, 2022 or until all available spots have been filled.

New Resources for Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace

The workplace can play an important part in promoting positive mental health and supporting people when they are going through a tough time.

The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Chapter (CMHA BC) and go2HR have partnered on a new initiative to raise the awareness of mental health and wellness in the tourism and hospitality industry.

The most recent Safety Talk introduces the topic of Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace, including videos and print outs on what it is, why it matters, risks to mental health at work, and tips for wellness.

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Call for Presentations: BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference | Submission Deadline: Dec 17, 2021

Tourism stakeholders are invited to submit a proposal for a presentation at the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference taking place in Richmond, B.C. from March 9 – 11, 2022. The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference is brought to you by the Tourism Industry Association of BC and the BC Hotel Association.

The theme of the 2022 conference is Kickstarting the Comeback. Hundreds of tourism owner/operators, hoteliers, destination marketing and management professionals, educators, government representatives, industry sectors, and other stakeholders representing all regions of British Columbia will gather together to learn, tackle issues, forge new relationships, and work toward resiliency in the face of one of the hardest years in our sector's history. The conference is seeking presentations on success stories, resiliency, new research and best practices, creative projects and initiatives, and bold ideas that will help kickstart the comeback of B.C.’s tourism industry. A limited number of submissions will be chosen to present during the conference.

The deadline to submit a proposal for presentation is December 17, 2021.

Attend registration will open in early 2022.

Create a Profile on the BC Marketplace by Small Business BC

The BC Marketplace helps small businesses to connect with new customers, especially BC-based audiences. Businesses in every industry are welcome to create a listing, which helps to builds online presence and provides marketing exposure.

Creating a listing is quick, simple, and free. Simply complete the intake form and your businesses will be listed within two business days. You can edit and change your account as much as you like, including updating offers. The Small Business BC team can provide further support if needed.

For businesses with a website, the BC Marketplace will provide relevant site links, helping to boost online presence. For businesses not currently online, the BC Marketplace offers space to create a digital footprint, making it easier for customers to discover them.

Background

Created by Small Business BC to support small businesses through the impacts of COVID, the BC Marketplace is made possible with the support of the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.

The BC Marketplace aims to simplify the “shop local” experience by making it easy for BC residents to discover small businesses across the province. At the same time, the marketplace offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to increase their visibility and gain new customers.

The BC Marketplace highlights regional markets to help local residents discover the diversity of small businesses, right in their backyard.

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Men’s Journal Lists Best Ski Resorts in Canada to Visit This Season, Including Sun Peaks , Big White, and SilverStar

Sun Peaks , Big White, and SilverStar

Men's Journal published a list of the best ski resorts in Canada and listed three Thompson Okanagan destinations: Sun Peaks Resort at #2, Big White Ski Resort at #3, and SilverStar Mountain Resort as #4.

Excerpts from the article:

2. Sun Peaks Resort

"Tucked deep in interior B.C., Sun Peaks Resort will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this winter. It’s Canada’s second-largest ski area, with 4,270 acres of skiable terrain, two alpine bowls, 138 runs, and 13 lifts. New activities here this season include Sun Peaks Backcountry Tours and avalanche training courses—plus public skating at a new Sun Peaks Centre featuring an NHL-sized ice rink."

3. Big White Ski Resort

"This family-friendly destination boasts Canada’s largest ski-in/ski-out resort village. With an annual average snowfall of 25 feet, this mountain is covered in dry, Okanagan Champagne Powder. There are 119 designated runs, 16 lifts, and 2,765 acres of skiable terrain. All lift tickets of three days or more include a flex day off—and online lift tickets are 25% off."

4. Silverstar Mountain Resort

"Silverstar boasts great powder, a festive mid-mountain ski village with ski-in/ski-out access, and Canada’s first all-inclusive lift ticket. There are four distinct mountain faces with 3,282 skiable acres. The mountain offers 132 runs, 12 lifts, and, on its backside, more 1,900 acres of black and double black diamond runs. Nordic skiers can head to the 60 miles of trails. The nearby Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre has a 2.5-mile lit track for night skiing, lift access to upper trails, and two certified biathlon ranges."

BC Meetings & Events Industry PHO Distinction for Business Events

Submitted to TIABC by Joanne Burns Millar, BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group

Originally published in TIABC Dec 7 Email Newsletter

"Since March 2021, when the BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group submitted its COVID-19 Safe Restart Plan to the BC Government and the Public Health Officer (PHO), the working group has been actively engaged with industry and government working toward a recognized distinction for business events from public and social gatherings.

Alongside advocacy efforts from the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA), the working group has been in regular discussions with the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery & Innovation (JERI), and the PHO, bringing awareness to the importance and rationale for such distinction.

Following a pivotal discussion last week with Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Brian Emerson, chaired by Tourism Minister Melanie Mark, the working group was successful in receiving the distinction for business events in the latest provincial health order.

Here are some key relevant points extracted from the order.

1. Business Events are allowed to have standing events. Networking, receptions, mingling are all acceptable. Holiday parties associated with businesses are considered “business events”.

2. Events such as wedding receptions, funerals, theatrical and musical events, concerts must be seated.

3. The health order separates the meaning of inside events into A & B categories:

A. "inside event” means (a) a gathering of more than 50 participants in an inside place for one of the following purposes: (i) a form of entertainment involving a performance such as a theatrical production, a concert, a symphony performance, a choral performance, any other type or musical performance or a dance performance; (ii) business, but limited to a lecture or presentation; (iii) a wedding reception; (iv) a funeral reception not held at a funeral home, (v) a sponsored or ticketed party at which there is musical entertainment, other than for the purpose of providing background sound;

B. a gathering of more than 50 participants in an inside place for one of the following purposes (i) a business purpose not described in (a), and including a conference, convention, commercial trade fair or workshop or home show; (ii) gambling; (iii) recreational education or classes, including arts, crafts, music, photography, culture, or travel education or classes (c) a gathering of any number of participants in an inside place for the purpose of an adult sports activity, an adult exercise or fitness activity or class, or an adult dance class; (d) a sports event in an inside place; (e) a program for children or youth in an inside place; (f) a worship service in an inside place.

This indicates that only events in category “A” must be seated events. Category “B” events are legally able to be standing events.

1. A person must not permit a place to be used for or must not organize an inside event with a purpose described in paragraph (a) (Category A) of the definition of an “inside event” unless the event is held as a seated inside event.

2. A person must not permit a place to be used for or must not organize an inside event as a standing event, if the purpose of the event is described in paragraph (a) (Category A) of the definition of “inside event”

A note on dancing: There is still no dancing allowed unless it is a performance. There have been conversations and advocacy around this issue, however, it is not expected that restriction to be lifted in the near future. Things are still in a tenuous place and while they had hoped that all restrictions would be lifted by now, the PHO is not ready to remove this one.

While progress for the sector has moved more slowly than we need to begin a measurable recovery, this distinction in the health orders is a big step in the right direction."

Tourism Industry Association of Canada announces MOU with Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) have agreed to formalize their partnership through a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU). This represents a concrete collaboration between the national Indigenous tourism organization and the national advocacy organization for the tourism industry in Canada.

The primary goal of this MOU is to work collaboratively and coordinate efforts to provide leadership, advocacy and engagement opportunities, supporting the recovery of the Indigenous tourism sector in Canada. ITAC and TIAC will work together to share and develop knowledge, complementary expertise, and market intelligence.

TIAC encourages the development of tourism in Canada and serves as the national private-sector advocate for the tourism industry. Responsible for representing tourism interests at the national level, TIAC contributes advocacy work supporting policies, programs, and activities that will benefit the tourism sector’s growth and development nationally.

BC Increased Employment Incentive

The B.C. Increased Employment Incentive is a one-time refundable tax credit for employers. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2021.

The Increased Employment Incentive allows employers to apply for a one-time tax credit. The credit is 15% of the amount that the employer’s total eligible remuneration for all eligible employees in the qualifying period exceeds the employer’s total eligible remuneration for all eligible employees in the base period.

The base period is from July 1 to September 30, 2020.

The qualifying period is from October 1 to December 31, 2020.

All employers are eligible for the credit if they:

• Increased their eligible remuneration for the qualifying period compared to the base period

• Had a permanent establishment in B.C. for the qualifying period, even if they didn’t begin to have a permanent establishment in B.C. until after September 30, 2020

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Accommodator Workforce Survey - Closed December 9, 2021

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) is seeking accommodators to voice opinions for a critical survey that will help inform advocacy surrounding the workforce file.

The survey addresses the following key themes:

1. Hiring and recruitment

2. Upskilling and education

3. Employee pay

4. Additional employee benefits and incentives 

BCHA needs as many operators as possible to complete this survey and thank you for taking the time you take to complete it. Individual and business information will be kept confidential.

The survey closes Thursday, December 9.

BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards | Nominations Open Until January 14, 2022

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards are presented by BCHA and TIABC to recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality industry. These Awards recognize the province’s most exceptional products, services, experiences, and people who exhibit the utmost standard of excellence.

Award nominations are now open! Awards will be presented in the following eight categories:

• Indigenous Operator

• Sustainability

• Employees First

• Business Woman of The Year

• Hotelier of The Year

• Innovation

• Community Contribution & Impact

• Professional Excellence

Learn more about each award →

Finalists will be announced in February, and the official recipients will be awarded at the Awards Gala evening during the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference on Thursday, March 10, 2022, held at the Richmond Conference Centre.

If you know a business, organization, or individual deserving of a nomination, submit your nomination before January 14, 2022.

Submit a Nomination →

Silent Auction

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Silent Auction will be held in conjunction with the 2022 Conference and Awards Gala. If you are interested in donating an item, contact info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com.

Arts Impact Grant Now Available: Apply by January 20, 2022

Arts and culture groups throughout B.C. can now apply for the Arts Impact Grant to receive as much as $30,000. This adaptable grant is available through the BC Arts Council in response to feedback from arts and culture groups. It provides greater flexibility for organizations as they prioritize how to use the funding.

All non-profit organizations with an arts and culture mandate, and Indigenous governments and community organizations offering dedicated arts and culture programming, are eligible to apply.

The application deadline is Jan. 20, 2022.

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Canada introduces additional measures to address COVID-19 Omicron variant of concern

On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization classified B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern called Omicron. Since then it has been found in a number of countries and regions, including the confirmation of several travel-related cases in Canada.

Canada announced additional border measures to reduce the risk of the importation and transmission of COVID-19 and its variants in Canada related to international travel.

Effective tomorrow, foreign nationals who have been in any of these countries within the previous 14 days will not be permitted entry into Canada:

• Botswana

• Egypt;

• Eswatini;

• Lesotho;

• Malawi;

• Mozambique;

• Namibia;

• Nigeria;

• South Africa; and

• Zimbabwe.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people with status under the Indian Act, regardless of their vaccination status or having had a previous history of testing positive for COVID-19, who have been in any of these 10 countries in the previous 14 days, will be subject to enhanced pre-entry and arrival testing, screening, and quarantine measures.

Moving forward, border testing surveillance will be adjusted based on the latest available evidence to further reduce the risk of importation of this variant. In the coming days, all fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air from departure points other than the United States will be subject to arrival testing. Fully vaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine while they await the results of their arrival test.

Unvaccinated travellers, with right of entry to Canada, will continue to be tested on arrival and day 8 and quarantine for 14 days. However, those arriving by air will now be required to stay in a designated quarantine facility or other suitable location while they await the result of their on arrival test.

The Government of Canada will continue to assess the evolving situation, monitor case data, and adjust border measures as required.

New Destination Canada Report Identifies Top Drivers & Recovery Trends for Tourism Sector

Destination Canada released a new report, Tourism’s Big Shift: Key Trends Shaping the Future of Canada’s Tourism Industry. The report identifies the key trends that will have the greatest impact on the travel and tourism industry in Canada in the next one to three years and beyond.

With more than 20 months of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, some of the potential long-term effects are becoming clearer while others are still emerging. Developing a collective understanding of these changes in the tourism industry and in consumer behaviours, as well as their potential implications, is key to the industry’s recovery. This new analysis of trends will help Destination Canada, and the wider tourism industry, adjust strategic areas of focus, mitigate risk, and maximize market opportunities helping our sector emerge stronger and more resilient.

For industry partners, tourism businesses and operators across the country, this trends analysis will also help inform their strategies and understand the key immediate changes anticipated as well as, the longer-term implications.

In short, in the next couple of years, travel and tourism will be more local and domestic, focusing principally on leisure travellers, facing increased competition, adapting to a digitalized society and continuously evolving.

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Adjustments to Canada’s Border Measures

A reminder that effective November 30, 2021, fully vaccinated individuals with right of entry to Canada who depart and re-enter the country within 72 hours of leaving Canada will not have to present a pre-entry molecular test.

This exemption is only for trips originating in Canada taken by fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents or individuals registered under the Indian Act, who depart and re-enter by land or by air and can demonstrate that they have been away from Canada for less than 72 hours. This exemption extends to accompanying children under 12, and individuals with medical conflicts to vaccination.

Also effective November 30, Canada will expand the list of COVID-19 vaccines that travellers can receive to be considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of travel to Canada. The list will include Sinopharm, Sinovac and COVAXIN, matching the World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing.

The Government of Canada also recently announced that as of January 15th, 2022, certain groups of travellers, who are currently exempt from entry requirements, will only be allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada.

Starting November 30, vaccination will be required for travel within and out of Canada. A valid COVID-19 molecular test will no longer be accepted as an alternative to vaccination unless travellers are eligible for one of the limited exemptions, such as a medical inability to be vaccinated. Travellers should contact their airline or railway company to obtain the necessary form and submit it in accordance with their carrier's approval process.

Quick Links and Resources:

• Travellers should check if they are eligible to enter Canada and meet all entry requirements before heading to the border. In addition, some provinces and territories may have their own entry restrictions in place. Check and follow both the federal and any provincial or territorial restrictions and requirements before travelling.

• All travellers, regardless of how long they were away from Canada, continue to be required to submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website), including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan prior to arriving in Canada.

• For trips out of the country longer than 72 hours, all travellers eligible to enter Canada must complete the mandatory pre-entry molecular COVID-19 test. Antigen tests are not accepted.

Mandatory Vaccination to Board Planes and Trains

Unvaccinated travellers over the age of 12 won't be able to board a plane or passenger train in Canada as of November 30, 2021, and a negative COVID-19 test will no longer serve as a substitute for most people.

The policy came into effect on October 30th, but the federal government allowed a short transition period for unvaccinated travellers who could board as long as they provided a negative molecular COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before their trip.

The stringent new requirement comes into effect as Canada reacts to the emergence of the new, highly mutated omicron variant of the coronavirus. The discovery of the new variant has prompted border closures and heavier screening in Canada and abroad over fears it could prove more transmissible. The risk related to the omicron variant is very high, according to the World Health Organization, but there is still a lot public health officials and scientists do not know about it.

While anyone coming into Canada or boarding a plane or train inside the country must be vaccinated, there are currently no quarantine measures in place except for people who have recently transited through southern Africa.

While many airlines have so far been doing random spot checks to ensure travellers are vaccinated, Air Canada and WestJet have confirmed they will ask for proof from everyone boarding in Canada as of today.

Canada to Reinstate Testing for Foreign Air Travel

Canada is reviewing its vaccine booster strategy, adding new countries to the list of nations subjected to federal travel restrictions, and is imposing new testing requirements on all air travellers coming from outside of Canada with the exception of the US, due to concerns over the Omicron variant.

Federal ministers and public health officials announced these three new steps today during an update on the latest measures Canada is taking in response to the variant of concern.

The new testing requirements mean that all air travellers coming from outside Canada, with the exception of the United States, will now need to be tested at the airport when they land in Canada.

Those who are vaccinated will have to isolate until they get a negative result, and those who are unvaccinated will continue to have to isolate for the full 14 days and test on day one and day eight of their quarantine.

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said Canada is preparing for a “possible extension” of this policy to include the United States and the land borders if the situation evolves to the point that re-imposing further restrictions on Canada’s borders is warranted.

While it remains unclear just how transmissible and severe infection by the variant B.1.1.529 might be, Duclos said given that Omicron is highly mutated, the federal government is asking the National Advisory Committee on Immunization to quickly provide an update on its directives on the use of COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

The policy bans the entry into Canada of all foreign nationals who travelled to these countries in the last 14 days. Canadians, permanent residents as well as all those who have the right to return to Canada will still be able to return home but will face new measures upon arrival.

Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and BC all have detected cases of the variant, though health officials across the country are doing targeted testing of people who have travelled from the southern African countries subjected to the ban.

These moves respond to emerging questions over Canada’s Omicron response, though federal officials said today to expect the situation and federal policies to continue to evolve.