News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Apply for Student Interns through Various Programs
BCIT's 2022 Tourism Management Internship Program students will be looking for Internship opportunities in late March 2022. Submit your Internship Application request form by January 10, 2022. The internship runs for 8 weeks from March 28, 2022, to May 20, 2022. Students can work evenings, weekends, and any day of the week except Mondays, as they must be at school on this day. Any questions, contact David Tikkanen, Program Head, Tourism Management, David_Tikkanen@bcit.ca
Over 100 Capilano University (CapU) Tourism Management students will be looking for work placements from May – September 2022. Many of the students can move into full-time positions at the end of their summer placement as they will graduate. The Cap U Work Integrated Learning team for the School of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation will be conducting an online Information Lunch and Learn session on January 18, 2022, 12:30 – 1 pm. For additional information, contact tourism@capilanou.ca.
Immigration Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) has been providing various support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers, and learn all they need to know about starting their new lives in Canada. Through dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners, ISSofBC provides settlement, education, and employment services to over 20,000 clients every year. There are approximately 20+ graduating students who recently completed the Global Tourism Diploma Program looking for full and/or part-time employment in Tourism & Hospitality. Some are available to start working immediately. Contact Shelina Spilchen, Case Manager – Skills Training for Tourism, for more information: shelina.spilchen@issbc.org
Originally published by go2HR
BCIT's 2022 Tourism Management Internship Program students will be looking for Internship opportunities in late March 2022. Submit your Internship Application request form by January 10, 2022. The internship runs for 8 weeks from March 28, 2022, to May 20, 2022. Students can work evenings, weekends, and any day of the week except Mondays, as they must be at school on this day. Any questions, contact David Tikkanen, Program Head, Tourism Management, David_Tikkanen@bcit.ca
Over 100 Capilano University (CapU) Tourism Management students will be looking for work placements from May – September 2022. Many of the students can move into full-time positions at the end of their summer placement as they will graduate. The Cap U Work Integrated Learning team for the School of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation will be conducting an online Information Lunch and Learn session on January 18, 2022, 12:30 – 1 pm. For additional information, contact tourism@capilanou.ca.
Immigration Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) has been providing various support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers, and learn all they need to know about starting their new lives in Canada. Through dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners, ISSofBC provides settlement, education, and employment services to over 20,000 clients every year. There are approximately 20+ graduating students who recently completed the Global Tourism Diploma Program looking for full and/or part-time employment in Tourism & Hospitality. Some are available to start working immediately. Contact Shelina Spilchen, Case Manager – Skills Training for Tourism, for more information: shelina.spilchen@issbc.org
Canada's Tourism Minister Suggests Industry May Have to Rely on Domestic Travel Until Fall
The tourism and hospitality sector has been among those most severely affected by the pandemic. An article published by CBC News on December 27, 2021, explained that the federal minister responsible for the industry, Hon. Randy Boissonnault, said the return of international travellers could still be a long way off due to the uncertainty over the persisting Omicron variant.
In Canada, domestic travellers account for 78% of tourism spending. But international visitors spend an average of $1,047 per trip, while domestic vacationers spend less than a quarter of that.
The sector has contracted by more than 50% over the course of the pandemic, falling from a $105 billion-a-year industry before the pandemic to one worth about $53 billion now. That's a drop of 40% in domestic spending and 8% in spending by international visitors.
Industry stakeholders like TIABC's national counterparts, TIAC, say that the sector faces three significant challenges over the next year such as:
To simply survive until visitors return
The impact of ongoing restrictions on travel
A labour shortage brought on by the pandemic
Industry insiders say that the labour shortage is not being driven solely by slack short-term demand that will correct itself once borders reopen — that it represents a permanent move away from the sector by key workers.
The industry wants the federal government to make adjustments to the temporary foreign worker program and immigration streams to fill the demand for key workers in the sector. Stakeholders say they have to fix the damage done to the reputation of the industry as a result of the pandemic in order to attract new workers.
Originally published by TIABC on January 4, 2022
The tourism and hospitality sector has been among those most severely affected by the pandemic. An article published by CBC News on December 27, 2021, explained that the federal minister responsible for the industry, Hon. Randy Boissonnault, said the return of international travellers could still be a long way off due to the uncertainty over the persisting Omicron variant.
In Canada, domestic travellers account for 78% of tourism spending. But international visitors spend an average of $1,047 per trip, while domestic vacationers spend less than a quarter of that.
The sector has contracted by more than 50% over the course of the pandemic, falling from a $105 billion-a-year industry before the pandemic to one worth about $53 billion now. That's a drop of 40% in domestic spending and 8% in spending by international visitors.
Industry stakeholders like TIABC's national counterparts, TIAC, say that the sector faces three significant challenges over the next year such as:
To simply survive until visitors return
The impact of ongoing restrictions on travel
A labour shortage brought on by the pandemic
Industry insiders say that the labour shortage is not being driven solely by slack short-term demand that will correct itself once borders reopen — that it represents a permanent move away from the sector by key workers.
The industry wants the federal government to make adjustments to the temporary foreign worker program and immigration streams to fill the demand for key workers in the sector. Stakeholders say they have to fix the damage done to the reputation of the industry as a result of the pandemic in order to attract new workers.
Officials Warn B.C. Businesses Must Prepare to Have One-third of Staff Absent Due to Omicron
B.C. health officials warned on January 4 that many BC businesses could soon be dealing with additional staffing shortages due to the rapid spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.
With unprecedented levels of transmission occurring in communities, PHO Dr. Bonnie Henry urged business owners to start putting together contingency plans so they can keep operating if a significant number of employees are forced to call in sick.
Case numbers have repeatedly broken all-time records in recent weeks to the point that officials estimate actual transmission could be up to five times higher given that testing capacity is at maximum levels.
Dr. Henry said the government is not imposing any more COVID-19 restrictions yet, only urging businesses to prepare themselves for potential disruptions.
B.C. health officials warned on January 4 that many BC businesses could soon be dealing with additional staffing shortages due to the rapid spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.
With unprecedented levels of transmission occurring in communities, PHO Dr. Bonnie Henry urged business owners to start putting together contingency plans so they can keep operating if a significant number of employees are forced to call in sick.
Case numbers have repeatedly broken all-time records in recent weeks to the point that officials estimate actual transmission could be up to five times higher given that testing capacity is at maximum levels.
Dr. Henry said the government is not imposing any more COVID-19 restrictions yet, only urging businesses to prepare themselves for potential disruptions.
Food Delivery Fee Cap Extended
The B.C. government has announced that the temporary food delivery cap, which was set to expire at midnight on December 31st has now been extended until December 31st, 2022.
The cap limits the total fees delivery companies can charge food establishments, helping restaurants to continue to operate and build their own recovery while serving their communities.
The cap limits fees charged to restaurants from food delivery companies at 15%. An additional cap of 5% will also be extended for other related fees associated with use of the service, such as online ordering and processing fees.
This measure also prohibits delivery companies from reducing compensation for their drivers or retaining staff gratuity, making sure employees will continue to be paid their regular wages.
Small-delivery service businesses that serve less than 500 restaurants will continue to be exempt from the order.
The B.C. government has announced that the temporary food delivery cap, which was set to expire at midnight on December 31st has now been extended until December 31st, 2022.
The cap limits the total fees delivery companies can charge food establishments, helping restaurants to continue to operate and build their own recovery while serving their communities.
The cap limits fees charged to restaurants from food delivery companies at 15%. An additional cap of 5% will also be extended for other related fees associated with use of the service, such as online ordering and processing fees.
This measure also prohibits delivery companies from reducing compensation for their drivers or retaining staff gratuity, making sure employees will continue to be paid their regular wages.
Small-delivery service businesses that serve less than 500 restaurants will continue to be exempt from the order.
Nominations Open for Hotel Association of Canada Awards of Excellence – Submit by January 30, 2022
Nominations for the Hotel Association of Canada’s (HAC) annual Awards of Excellence are now open. This program proudly recognizes HAC Members that have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership, and tireless commitment to Canada’s lodging industry.
Each year HAC Awards of Excellence winners represent some of the finest examples of professionalism, quality, and perfection. The award categories honour the following efforts
Humanitarian Efforts
Human Resources
Green Key Environment
Aspiring Hotelier
Awards will be presented at a special evening event on March 2nd, 2022 in conjunction with HAC’s Annual Conference.
The nomination deadline is January 30, 2022
Nominations for the Hotel Association of Canada’s (HAC) annual Awards of Excellence are now open. This program proudly recognizes HAC Members that have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership, and tireless commitment to Canada’s lodging industry.
Each year HAC Awards of Excellence winners represent some of the finest examples of professionalism, quality, and perfection. The award categories honour the following efforts
Humanitarian Efforts
Human Resources
Green Key Environment
Aspiring Hotelier
Awards will be presented at a special evening event on March 2nd, 2022 in conjunction with HAC’s Annual Conference.
The nomination deadline is January 30, 2022
Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB)
The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) gives temporary income support to employed and self-employed people who cannot work due to a COVID-19 lockdown.
The CWLB is only available when a COVID-19 lockdown order is designated for a province or region.
Those eligible for the CWLB, can receive $300 ($270 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period and apply for any weeks their region is eligible between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.
The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) gives temporary income support to employed and self-employed people who cannot work due to a COVID-19 lockdown.
The CWLB is only available when a COVID-19 lockdown order is designated for a province or region.
Those eligible for the CWLB, can receive $300 ($270 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period and apply for any weeks their region is eligible between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.
Local Lockdown Program for Non-Tourism Organizations
The new Local Lockdown Program is a way non-tourism and hospitality businesses, charities, and non-profits affected by a qualifying public health restriction can be eligible for wage and rent support through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP).
The new Local Lockdown Program is a way non-tourism and hospitality businesses, charities, and non-profits affected by a qualifying public health restriction can be eligible for wage and rent support through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP).
Coquihalla Hwy Set to Reopen for Commercial Traffic on December 20, 2021
The Coquihalla Highway (Hwy. 5) is set to reopen on by end of day December 20, well ahead of the previously announced timeline. The reopening of Highway 5 will allow the province to remove the essential designation from Highway 3 and 99.
The reopening will be for commercial vehicles and inter-city buses only with reduced speeds in place to ensure driver safety. When the Coquihalla reopens to essential traffic, it will not be the same highway as before and travel will take longer, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure advised.
Government has also advised against travel as normal at this time, citing road conditions and rising COVID-19 cases.
The plan is as follows:
Monday, December 20: Highway 5 – will reopen to commercial traffic.
Monday, December 20: Highway 99 – the essential travel restriction from the junction of Highway 99 and Lillooet River Road to the BC Hydro Seton Lake Campsite access in Lillooet is expected to be lifted. The vehicle weight restriction of no more than 14,500 kg will remain.
Tuesday, December 21: Highway 3 – the essential travel restriction between the junction of Highways 5 and 3 in Hope to the west entrance to Princeton from Highway 3 will be removed 24 hours after Highway 5 opens.
While the work is ongoing to repair the damage done, people can still travel to connect with family and enjoy winter recreation by driving an alternate route, taking a bus, or flying.
Travellers are reminded to visit the DriveBC website for updates on BC road conditions and advisories.
As announced by Transportation Minister Rob Fleming on December 15, the Coquihalla Highway (Hwy. 5) is set to reopen on Monday, December 20, which is well ahead of the previously announced timeline. The reopening of Highway 5 will allow the province to remove the essential designation from Highway 3 and 99.
The reopening, will happen by the end of the day, however, will be for commercial vehicles and inter-city buses only with reduced speeds in place to ensure driver safety. When the Coquihalla reopens to essential traffic, it will not be the same highway as before and travel will take longer, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure advises.
Government has also advised against travel as normal at this time, citing road conditions and rising COVID-19 cases.
The plan is as follows:
Monday, December 20: Highway 5 – will reopen to commercial traffic.
Monday, December 20: Highway 99 – the essential travel restriction from the junction of Highway 99 and Lillooet River Road to the BC Hydro Seton Lake Campsite access in Lillooet is expected to be lifted. The vehicle weight restriction of no more than 14,500 kg will remain.
Tuesday, December 21: Highway 3 – the essential travel restriction between the junction of Highways 5 and 3 in Hope to the west entrance to Princeton from Highway 3 will be removed 24 hours after Highway 5 opens.
While the work is ongoing to repair the damage done, people can still travel to connect with family and enjoy winter recreation by driving an alternate route, taking a bus, or flying.
Travellers are reminded to visit the DriveBC website for updates on BC road conditions and advisories.
Key Links
New COVID-19 Measures Introduced in B.C. for Holiday Season
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry delivered an announcement that included revised orders aimed to address the rising COVID-19 cases. This order takes effect on Monday, December 20, 2021, and will be extended through to January 31, 2022.
Highlights of the extended measures include:
limiting indoor, personal gatherings, including in rental and vacation properties to the household/residents plus 10 individuals or one additional household maximum if all are aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated;
requiring the BC Vaccine Card for organized events of all sizes and ensuring the QR code is scanned at events;
seating requirements and restricting movement between tables at food and liquor-serving premises, and reinforcing the need to wear masks when not seated;
limiting venues of 1,000 individuals or more to 50% of the seated capacity with reinforced masking requirements and scanning of the BC Vaccine Card QR code;
pausing all sports tournaments while the order is in effect; and
all New Year’s Eve organized gatherings and events will be restricted to being seated-only events, with no mingling or dancing allowed.
In addition to the provincial health orders, British Columbians are also reminded to follow the travel advisories issued by both the federal and provincial governments this week that include avoiding all travel if not fully vaccinated and to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry delivered an announcement that included revised orders aimed to address the rising COVID-19 cases. This order takes effect on Monday, December 20, 2021, and will be extended through to January 31, 2022.
Highlights of the extended measures include:
limiting indoor, personal gatherings, including in rental and vacation properties to the household/residents plus 10 individuals or one additional household maximum if all are aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated;
requiring the BC Vaccine Card for organized events of all sizes and ensuring the QR code is scanned at events;
seating requirements and restricting movement between tables at food and liquor-serving premises, and reinforcing the need to wear masks when not seated;
limiting venues of 1,000 individuals or more to 50% of the seated capacity with reinforced masking requirements and scanning of the BC Vaccine Card QR code;
pausing all sports tournaments while the order is in effect; and
all New Year’s Eve organized gatherings and events will be restricted to being seated-only events, with no mingling or dancing allowed.
In addition to the provincial health orders, British Columbians are also reminded to follow the travel advisories issued by both the federal and provincial governments this week that include avoiding all travel if not fully vaccinated and to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada.
Les Dames d’Escoffier Scholarship Program - Apply by January 31, 2022
Women in B.C. with a desire for training in the culinary, beverage, or hospitality fields are invited to apply for Les Dames d’Escoffier BC Scholarship Program to receive partial funds to an educational institution/course of their choice.
All scholarships are awarded based on merit, ability, commitment, and passion, and may range in value anywhere between $1,000 – $2,000 depending on funds available, program requirements and approved applicants.
Apply by January 31, 2022. Scholarships will be awarded in March 2022.
Women in B.C. with a desire for training in the culinary, beverage, or hospitality fields are invited to apply for Les Dames d’Escoffier BC Scholarship Program to receive partial funds to an educational institution/course of their choice.
All scholarships are awarded based on merit, ability, commitment, and passion, and may range in value anywhere between $1,000 – $2,000 depending on funds available, program requirements and approved applicants.
Apply by January 31, 2022. Scholarships will be awarded in March 2022.
BC Hospitality Foundation Holiday 50/50 Tickets on Sale NOW!
Support the B.C. hospitality and tourism community by purchasing tickets to the Holiday 50/50 Lottery benefiting the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF).
This licensed lottery is being promoted ONLY to the local hospitality and tourism community, so someone in or related to industry will be the big winner!
Funds will support industry workers in a time of need.
Ticket Package Options:
5 for $10
20 for $20
150 for $40
Holiday Shopping with the BC Hospitality Foundation
The BCHF receives funds from a variety of corporate initiatives initiated by friends and colleagues in the hospitality industry, including partial proceeds from product sales. By purchasing these products, you can support the supporters and help boost the BC economy at the same time!
Support the B.C. hospitality and tourism community by purchasing tickets to the Holiday 50/50 Lottery benefiting the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF).
This licensed lottery is being promoted ONLY to the local hospitality and tourism community, so someone in or related to industry will be the big winner!
Funds will support industry workers in a time of need.
Ticket Package Options:
5 for $10
20 for $20
150 for $40
Holiday Shopping with the BC Hospitality Foundation
The BCHF receives funds from a variety of corporate initiatives initiated by friends and colleagues in the hospitality industry, including partial proceeds from product sales. By purchasing these products, you can support the supporters and help boost the BC economy at the same time!
Winter Travel Toolkit for B.C. Tourism Industry | Updated December 16, 2021
B.C.’s tourism associations have developed a toolkit to guide operators in advising the public to plan travel in British Columbia this winter, with the unique challenges caused by the 2021 floods and road closures. Operators can share this document, include the information in their communications, and provide links on their website.
British Columbians have faced unprecedented challenges from severe weather and flooding that have impacted the normal ability to travel between the Lower Mainland and the rest of the province.
While the work is ongoing to repair the damage done, we can still travel to connect with family and enjoy winter recreation if we plan ahead and prepare for situations that can shift rapidly. Many of us are eager to travel and see family and friends this winter.
This toolkit is designed as a guide for operators with the information needed by the public to plan travel in British Columbia this winter. Operators can share this document, include the information in their communications, and provide links on their website.
People can get from the Lower Mainland to the Interior by driving via Highway 99 as of Dec 20, via Highway 3 as of Dec 21, and via the United States. They can also take advantage of the lower rates and extra capacity a number of airlines have added, or travel via existing commercial bus operators.
Situations can evolve rapidly, and we’ll do our best to keep everyone informed by updating this toolkit and the links to critical information that should reflect changes to travel information.
Commemorate Canada Re-opening Fund | Apply by January 10, 2022
The Reopening Fund is a one-year funding initiative through the Celebration and Commemoration Program to support initiatives that will:
increase opportunities for Canadians to participate in various commemorative activities and celebrations to mark Canada’s emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic; or
build a sense of pride and belonging to Canada by holding celebratory and commemorative activities that recognize people and achievements in the response to COVID-19 ; and / or
support the revival of local economies through in-person events.
Canadian not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations with non-commercial projects, educational institutions, and government institutions are eligible to apply.
The deadline to apply is January 10, 2022.
The Reopening Fund is a one-year funding initiative through the Celebration and Commemoration Program to support initiatives that will:
increase opportunities for Canadians to participate in various commemorative activities and celebrations to mark Canada’s emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic; or
build a sense of pride and belonging to Canada by holding celebratory and commemorative activities that recognize people and achievements in the response to COVID-19 ; and / or
support the revival of local economies through in-person events.
Who Can Apply?
Canadian not-for-profit organizations
Canadian for-profit organizations where proposed projects are non-commercial in nature
Canadian educational institutions
Canadian provincial/territorial, municipal governments, Indigenous governments (or equivalent authority) or other municipal, provincial or territorial institutions.
Eligible Projects
To be eligible for funding from the Celebration and Commemoration Reopening Fund, your project must:
be free of charge (no admission fees or donation required for entry)
be open to the general public and promoted as such
support the revival of local economies after the hardship of the pandemic
commemorate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, either as a general theme or by specifically honouring first responders, front-line workers, communities, pay tribute to lives lost or
provide an opportunity for Canadians impacted by COVID-19 to share their stories, experiences and contributions during the course of the pandemic in Canada
The deadline to apply is January 10, 2022.
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.
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.
Updates & Resources: Floods and Road Closures
TOTA will continue to share the official announcements on the TOTA News Centre and the Thompson Okanagan Know Before You Go page. Read on for information about resources to support residents and businesses.
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, such as the Interior Provincial Exhibition in Armstrong, Canada Rock Fest in Grand Forks, Bass Coast Festival and Merritt Rockin' River Fest in Merritt, IRONMAN Canada in Penticton, Salmon Arm ROOTS and BLUES Festival, The BC Bike Race in Penticton, Rock The Lake in Kelowna, SilverStar Bike Fest, Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games, Spartan Race Kelowna and AltiTunes at Big White Ski Resort, Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan in Penticton, the 2022 Canada 55+ Games in Kamloops, Snowbombing at Sun Peaks, and more.
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.
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.
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
Women in tourism can apply for a free virtual program tailored specifically for women-led tourism business managers and entrepreneurs. Developed by The Forum and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains, the program will provide expertise and resources to support women in tourism January 13 and 20, 2022.
Applications will be accepted until January 6 or until all available spots have been filled.
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 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.
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.
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 theme of the 2022 conference is Kickstarting the Comeback. 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.
Attendee registration will open in early 2022.
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.