News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Project Learning Tree Canada Funding for Employers
Project Learning Tree Canada offers a 50% or 80% wage match with up to $32,000 CAD in reimbursements, to employers hiring youth aged 15-30 into Green Jobs.
A Green Job is one that supports nature-based solutions for a more sustainable planet. Green tourism jobs are typically involved in, but not limited to, jobs in parks, recreation, and interpretation. See examples of Green Jobs.
Eligibility
Communities, businesses, and non-profits.
Must be a new job—the funding must be used to help your organization hire more youth than normal.
Project Learning Tree Canada offers a 50% or 80% wage match with up to $32,000 CAD in reimbursements, to employers hiring youth aged 15-30 into Green Jobs.
A Green Job is one that supports nature-based solutions for a more sustainable planet. Green tourism jobs are typically involved in, but not limited to, jobs in parks, recreation, and interpretation. See examples of Green Jobs.
Indigenous communities, businesses, and non-profits are also eligible.
Eligibility
Green Jobs are considered positions that support nature-based solutions for a more sustainable planet.
The job must be a new job—the funding must be used to help your organization hire more youth than normal.
The work experience must last between 2-20 weeks (some exceptions apply).
Work experience must take place in Canada.
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).