News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
2021 Sustainable Project of The Year Award Winner - Monte Creek Winery
Monte Creek Winery has been awarded the 2021 Sustainable Project of the Year Award! This summer Monte Creek Winery took on the responsibility of the endangered BC Badger Fundraiser Campaign. One of the core values at Monte Creek Winery is sustainability.
Monte Creek Winery was selected as the 2021 Sustainable Project of the Year Award Winner!
This summer, Monte Creek Winery ran a fundraising and awareness campaign around BC badgers. The species is red listed endangered in BC and the winery learned that the leading cause of their death is highway kills on HWY 1 between Kamloops and Prtichard, the stretch of highway the borders part of the winery's property. With fewer than 350 badgers left in BC, Monte Creek Winery took action with realizing their responsibility to advocate for BC badgers. The winery sold post cards, badges, and accepted donations to support the BC Badger Society and the BC Wildlife Park. They also posted content on social media and their website to bring awareness to the need for conservation.
Endangered Badger Conservation Fundraiser Highlights
Two commissioned abstract paintings created by BC Wildlife Park’s resident BC badger Bloom, were auctioned off
All proceeds raised from the postcard and button sales were donated to Badgers in BC, a badger conservation group
Additional donations and partial proceeds were donated to Bloom’s upkeep
Fundraiser Number Breakdown
The total fundraised amount was $905.50
The two paintings were sold for a total of $730.00
25 donations were made
75 buttons were sold
15 postcards were sold
“Sustainability is one of the core values at Monte Creek Winery. The team believes in and practices regenerative agriculture, a practice that includes the rehabilitation and conservation of the ecosystem. BC badger conservation is important to us at Monte Creek Winery as the stretch of Highway 1 outside of our winery between Lafarge and Pritchard is reportedly the worst in the province for badger mortality. Since we found out, we have been actively working towards reducing badger mortality rates. Our team was pleasantly surprised with the response and the support for the campaign. We know there is a long way to go to stabilize the badger population, but we are looking forward to continuing campaigns in the future and also working closely with the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure as well as the Manager of the Wildlife Program to make badger travel safer.”
-Ashley Demedeiros
Photo: Whiskey & Wine
Differentiate Your Hotel with Google’s Eco-labels
Google eco-labels is a tool that hotels can share information about their good practices and provides the option to publicise the environmental and ecological seals they hold. Learn how to add Google ecolabels to your Google Business Profile. Visitors will see those who have been recognised for their environmental and sustainable efforts will include the green label "Eco-certified" in their profile, accompanied by a leaf icon.
When being a tourist it is important to ensure that your actions are as respectful as possible, not only to the environment, but also the local population of the destination and its cultural and heritages resources.
At Biosphere they are aware that through their Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle methodology, they manage to involve all stakeholders with a sustainable lifestyle; called the Biosphere circle, where the commitment of destinations to sustainability is also assumed by their companies and clients, tourists, and citizens.
Google Ecolabels
Google’s new functionality ‘eco-labels’ is a tool that many are already talking about, hotels can share information about their good practices, including the option to publicize the environmental and ecological seals they hold. Such as Green Key or ISO 14001, sustainability labels such as Earth Check, as well as certifications that accredit business alignment with the sustainability of the United Nations (Agenda 2030). With Biosphere being the only sustainability certification tool capable of addressing the 17 SDGs in a comprehensive manner.
This is a great opportunity to add to your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), the “Google Travel” section. The Google ecolabels are currently only available to hotels. Those that have been recognized for their environmental and sustainable efforts will include the green label "Eco-certified" in their profile, accompanied by a leaf icon. Thus, by clicking on this label visitors will access all the information about the environmental and sustainable efforts that the hotel has included in its profile.
Steps to activate your eco-label on your Google profile:
In order to activate this icon on your profile, you must have a badge / certification that is recognised by Google. If you already have an accreditation from one of these certifiers, log in to Google and start reporting all the information about your sustainability efforts.
Go to your Google Business Profile
Select the "Information" tab and go to the "Hotel Attributes" field
Inside you will find the "Sustainability and Eco-certifications" section where you can communicate all your good practices.
Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting to Plan Recovery
The annual Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers (CCTM) meeting was held on January 20, 2022 to provide a forum for federal, provincial, and territorial tourism ministers to agree on common objectives to pursue. They also reaffirmed the need for continued collaboration and support for the sector through the pandemic and towards recovery. Throughout the meeting, the ministers discussed the current context and the main challenges affecting the recovery of the tourism sector, both in the short and long term, including uncertainty surrounding the trajectory of the pandemic, the level of tourism demand, workforce challenges, and destination development.
Congratulations to the Hon. Melanie Mark on being appointed as co-chair of the committee, along with federal Tourism Minister Randy Boissonnault.
The annual Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers meeting (CCTM) was held on January 20, 2022 to provide a forum for federal, provincial, and territorial tourism ministers to agree on common objectives to pursue. They also reaffirmed the need for continued collaboration and support for the sector through the pandemic and towards recovery.
Throughout the meeting, the ministers discussed the current context and the main challenges affecting the recovery of the tourism sector, both in the short and long term, including uncertainty surrounding the trajectory of the pandemic, the level of tourism demand, workforce challenges, and destination development.
Ministers also agreed to establish a collaborative work plan consisting of three key elements in short order:
collaborating to address the challenges posed by workforce shortages;
addressing access to destinations; and
promoting economic growth for the entire tourism sector, specifically sustainable tourism, events, and Indigenous experiences.
Ministers will review progress on this work plan throughout 2022.
Congratulations to the Hon. Melanie Mark on being appointed as co-chair of the committee, along with federal Tourism Minister Randy Boissonnault.
“Tourism is vital to our country, communities, economy, and the people whose livelihoods depend on its continued success. We recognize the ongoing challenges faced by the tourism sector and are committed to our collective recovery and future growth by working and paddling together. I am honoured to serve in my new role as co-chair of the Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers, so we can champion tourism recovery in every postal code in our country.”
-Melanie Mark, British Columbia Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
New Order Requires Employers to Re-Activate COVID-19 Safety Plans | Order Now Available
On January 7, 2022, B.C.’s provincial health officer verbally announced an order requiring employers to re-activate their COVID-19 safety plans. This new order replaces the previous requirement for employers to have communicable disease prevention plans and does not have an expiration date.
go2HR is offering a complimentary COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service to B.C.’s tourism and hospitality employers.
Register for Safety Plan Review →
For other templates, signage, guidelines, and business support visit:
On January 7, 2022, B.C.’s provincial health officer verbally announced an order requiring employers to re-activate their COVID-19 safety plans. This new order replaces the previous requirement for employers to have communicable disease prevention plans and does not have an expiration date.
The order requires COVID-19 Safety Plans to incorporate some expanded and new controls, including:
Indoor common area protocols to prevent workers from congregating
face coverings used in indoor common areas
lunch area/break room protocols
Policies to support workers who have symptoms of a communicable disease
to avoid the workplace
when symptoms present in the workplace
work from home options
self-isolation and monitoring
Measures to promote hand hygiene
handwashing and sanitizing
Measures to keep the workplace environment safe
cleaning and sanitizing
ventilation and air circulation
Measures to support workers receiving vaccinations for COVID-19
Your new and improved COVID-19 Safety Plan must be communicated and maintained by:
Posting a copy of the COVID-19 safety plan on your website for staff, visitors, and the public to view.
Providing a copy of the COVID-19 safety plan to a health officer or WorkSafeBC officer upon request.
Reviewing and updating the plan periodically to ensure adequate prevention measures are being followed, according to WorkSafeBC requirements and the current COVID-19 public health situation.
go2HR’s COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service and Resources
go2HR is offering a complimentary COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service to B.C.’s tourism and hospitality employers.
Register for Safety Plan Review →
If you have questions about these COVID-19 control measures or how to update your COVID-19 safety plan, health and safety experts are available to assist. Contact go2HR at 604-633-9787 or safety@go2hr.ca.
Additional Resources
For other templates, signage, guidelines, and business support visit:
Vancouver Wine Consumers Planning Return to the Okanagan in 2022
Quini captures consumer opinion about important product concerns or industry issues. In a wine tasting in Vancouver this past December, Quini gauged consumer interest in visiting the Okanagan Valley in 2022, drinker general opinion of Okanagan wines, and B.C. wine brand awareness and recall.
It seems like the majority of consumers who go wine tasting in the Okanagan leave with a positive impression and most will also plan to return at some point.
Quini captures consumer opinion about important product concerns or industry issues. In a wine tasting in Vancouver this past December, Quini gauged consumer interest in visiting the Okanagan Valley in 2022, drinker general opinion of Okanagan wines, and B.C. wine brand awareness and recall.
It seems like the majority of consumers who go wine tasting in the Okanagan leave with a positive impression and most will also plan to return at some point.
Supports Expanded for Flood-affected Residents
People receiving Emergency Support Services due to this fall’s flooding will receive personalized supports delivered by the Canadian Red Cross, the provincial government announced. Starting on Feb. 1 the federal and provincial governments will provide customized recovery support that includes interim housing and basic needs assistance. A Red Cross case manager will help households access assistance from existing government programs and develop a plan for recovery that can access additional funds to repair or rebuild their primary residences or to relocate to a new community. The Red Cross is reaching out to those currently receiving Emergency Support Services and those who have indicated they would like to discuss recovery supports.
People receiving Emergency Support Services due to this fall’s flooding will receive personalized supports delivered by the Canadian Red Cross, the provincial government announced.
Starting on Feb. 1 the federal and provincial governments will provide customized recovery support that includes interim housing and basic needs assistance. A Red Cross case manager will help households access assistance from existing government programs and develop a plan for recovery that can access additional funds to repair or rebuild their primary residences or to relocate to a new community.
The Red Cross is reaching out to those currently receiving Emergency Support Services and those who have indicated they would like to discuss recovery supports.
Submit a In Memoriam Tribute for BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference by Feb 11, 2022
Over recent years, many have experienced the pain that comes with loss as we've been forced to say goodbye to some of our most beloved colleagues and industry friends. The absence has been felt across our sector, and due to restrictions on gatherings and events caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have not been able to celebrate their lives and achievements as we once would have.
This year's BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference will be paying respects through an "In Memoriam" slideshow tribute that honours all of those who have passed since we last met in person. We need your help to ensure that each of our industry friends are included.
Please send submissions to info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com by Friday, February 11.
In your submissions, please detail the individual's:
First and last name
Title and company from their latest role
An image or headshot
Over recent years, many have experienced the pain that comes with loss as we've been forced to say goodbye to some of our most beloved colleagues and industry friends. The absence has been felt across our sector, and due to restrictions on gatherings and events caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have not been able to celebrate their lives and achievements as we once would have.
This year's BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference will be paying respects through an "In Memoriam" slideshow tribute that honours all of those who have passed since we last met in person. We need your help to ensure that each of our industry friends are included.
How to Submit:
Please send direct submissions to info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com by Friday, February 11.
In your submissions, please detail the individual's:
First and last name
Title and company from their latest role
An image or headshot
Shuswap and Kelowna Listed in Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Travel Destinations Around the World
The Tourism Sentiment Index has released a report, Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Destinations Around the World for 2021. For the first time ever, destinations around the world have been ranked to uncover those that are truly most loved, according to the Tourism Sentiment Score. To produce the rankings, Tourism Sentiment Index conducted a study of a massive volume of online data – more than 1.6 billion online conversations and content pieces publicly available about 21,330 global destinations.
In the Thompson Okanagan, the following destinations were in the Top 100:
96. Kelowna
99. Shuswap
Congratulations to Kelowna and the Shuswap for earning some of the world's most positive feedback and content in 2021.
The Tourism Sentiment Index has released a report, Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Destinations Around the World for 2021.
For the first time ever, destinations around the world have been ranked to uncover those that are truly most loved, according to the Tourism Sentiment Score. To produce the rankings, Tourism Sentiment Index conducted a study of a massive volume of online data – more than 1.6 billion online conversations and content pieces publicly available about 21,330 global destinations.
In the Thompson Okanagan, the following destinations were in the Top 100:
96. Kelowna
99. Shuswap
Congratulations to Kelowna and the Shuswap for earning some of the world's most positive feedback and content in 2021.
Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Announces Glenn Mandziuk as new CEO – Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
Last week, Glenn Mandziuk, former President and CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), was announced as the new CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance based in London, England.
Glenn Mandziuk, former President and CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), has been announced as the new CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance based in London, England.
“Building a sustainable and responsible tourism destination was foundational to the work undertaken by Glenn during his tenure at TOTA and this new role is in perfect alignment for his vision and passion in this area,” said Michael J. Ballingall, TOTA Board Chair. "On behalf of the board and our team at TOTA, we extend our congratulations to Glenn on this new role and wish him every success going forward."
About Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
The organization was originally founded in 1992 as the International Hotels Environment Initiative and part of the Prince of Wales Charities group with His Royal Highness as President.
Following a rapid period of growth, the organization became an independent charity and united under the name Sustainable Hospitality Alliance in 2020.
Members are made up of representatives from the global hotel industry, including 35,000 properties and 14 leading hotel companies, representing 30% of the world's hotel rooms or approximately 5.5 million rooms.
Addressing issues related to human rights, youth employment, climate action, and water stewardship, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is taking collective action and responsibility on behalf of the tourism industry to ensure destinations and communities are supported now and into the future.
Fuelling 2050: The Road Forward
The Conference Board of Canada has released an Impact Paper, Fuelling 2050: The Road Forward, about Canada’s aspirations for net-zero GHG emissions and an achievable pathway for the transportation sector.
The Conference Board of Canada has released an Impact Paper, Fuelling 2050: The Road Forward, about Canada’s aspirations for net-zero GHG emissions and an achievable pathway for the transportation sector.
Document Highlights
Getting to net zero requires decoupling emissions from economic growth and the energy use it embodies. For the transportation sector, this challenge is daunting.
Canada’s transportation sector accounts for about 29 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, half of which come from passenger cars and other light-duty vehicles.
By 2050, Canada’s transportation energy mix will still be dominated by oil and gas, but their share will drop by about a third from today’s 90 per cent. The magnitude of that drop will depend on new liquid fuels, gas, and electricity technologies, and consumer behaviour changes.
This transition goes beyond switching to electric. It means reimagining urban spaces, increasing mobility options, supporting public transit, and investing in urban planning.
An achievable pathway should be viewed through a sustainability lens—including realistic costing of impacts; support for Canadians’ social fabric and standard of living; and climate change objectives that are economically and scientifically sound.
Kelowna Mill Site Community Engagement
Over the past two years, Tolko has been engaged in the safe and orderly decommissioning work for the Kelowna Mill Site and, more recently, joined in preliminary discussions with the City of Kelowna regarding redevelopment of the property and the opportunity to work with the community to create the vision and plan that will guide that process.
The City of Kelowna is launching a public process for the North End Plan. At the same time, the Mill Site Planning Team will undertake a separate community planning process to create the Mill Site Redevelopment Plan. This process will be integrated with the community’s vision and aspirations for the North End.
The planning team is looking for community input to inspire the vision and objectives for the conceptual design of the site. The community is invited to contribute to crafting a vision for this new neighbourhood an interactive virtual workshop to help us envision the mill site.
There are currently three workshop dates to choose from:
Saturday, February 5, 10am-12pm
Tuesday, February 8, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Thursday, February 10, 10am-12pm
Over the past two years, Tolko has been engaged in the safe and orderly decommissioning work for the Kelowna Mill Site and, more recently, joined in preliminary discussions with the City of Kelowna regarding redevelopment of the property and the opportunity to work with the community to create the vision and plan that will guide that process.
The City of Kelowna is launching a public process for the North End Plan. At the same time, the Mill Site Planning Team will undertake a separate community planning process to create the Mill Site Redevelopment Plan. This process will be integrated with the community’s vision and aspirations for the North End.
Get Involved
Redevelopment of the Kelowna Mill Site area presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transition a large, industrial property to a new, master-planned, destination waterfront neighbourhood adjacent to the downtown core. The site could also benefit the local tourism industry.
The planning team is looking for community input to inspire the vision and objectives for the conceptual design of the site. The community is invited to contribute to crafting a vision for this new neighbourhood an interactive virtual workshop to help us envision the mill site.
There are currently three workshop dates to choose from:
Saturday, February 5, 10am-12pm
Tuesday, February 8, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Thursday, February 10, 10am-12pm
Can't make any of those times? There will be many more opportunities to engage throughout the Mill Site Area Redevelopment Plan process.
Nominate a Business for Small Business BC Awards | Closes Feb 28, 2022
The annual Small Business BC Awards present an opportunity to showcase owners of small businesses and validate their efforts, highlighting the impact they make in our lives.
Nominations and voting for the 2022 SBBC Awards are open until February 28, 2022.
Winners and finalists split a prize pool of $15,000. Taking part is easy - nominate your business, or a business you love for a Small Business BC Award today!
The annual Small Business BC Awards present an opportunity to showcase owners of small businesses and validate their efforts, highlighting the impact they make in our lives.
Nominations and voting for the 2022 SBBC Awards are open until February 28, 2022.
There are two categories this year:
The Business Impact Award; goes to the business owner(s) that are truly making a difference. - Awarded to the Top 3
Premier’s People’s Choice Award; presented to a BC-based small business that can demonstrate they have the unwavering and loyal support of their community. - One winner
Note: Winners and finalists split a prize pool of $15,000. Taking part is easy - nominate your business, or a business you love for a Small Business BC Award today!
DBC Messaging Guidance for B.C. Tourism Industry | Updated January 18, 2022
Destination BC has updated its Special Edition: Emergency Response to the BC Storm Messaging Guidance document which outlines key messaging, information, and resources for BC’s tourism industry. It includes guidance for Regional and Community/City Destination Marketing Organisations, Sector Associations, and Tourism Businesses. Please refer to the messaging guide for information on how you can support your community, residents, visitors, and each other during this difficult time. Messaging will continue to be updated as the situation evolves.
Destination BC has updated the Messaging Guidance for B.C. Tourism Industry: How to Travel in B.C. this Winter.
The document provides key messaging, information and infographics, and resources for B.C.’s tourism industry as it relates to travel to and within B.C. this Winter. Topics include travel routes, trip planning, transportation, visitor servicing, health protocols, entry requirements, and proof of vaccination requirements for various activities and businesses. The document will be updated as needed, as the situation evolves.
ITBC Seeking Indigenous Knowledge Keepers
ITBC is looking for Indigenous Knowledge Keepers to add to a list of reliable resources to share with partners and for invitations to participate in a variety of upcoming projects.
Indigenous Knowledge Keepers are invited to apply, including Elders, language speakers, storytellers, dancers, singers, drummers, land tour guides, artists, or plant medicine enthusiasts.
The main benefit of involvement is increased global exposure for Indigenous tourism operation. ITBC will also provide an honorarium based on the type of involvement.
If your business and/or community works with an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, please share this opportunity with them.
ITBC is looking for Indigenous Knowledge Keepers to add to a list of reliable resources to share with partners and for invitations to participate in a variety of upcoming projects.
Indigenous Knowledge Keepers are invited to apply, including Elders, language speakers, storytellers, dancers, singers, drummers, land tour guides, artists, or plant medicine enthusiasts.
The main benefit of involvement is increased global exposure for Indigenous tourism operation. ITBC will also provide an honorarium based on the type of involvement.
If your business and/or community works with an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, please share this opportunity with them.
UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2022 Report Underscores the Importance of Tourism for Economic Recovery
The United Nations (UN) has released the 2022 World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) Report. According to the report, the global economic recovery is facing significant headwinds amid new waves of COVID-19 infections, persistent labour market challenges, lingering supply-chain challenges, and rising inflationary pressures.
Tourism recovery is expected to drive growth in every world region. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The sudden halt in international tourism caused by the pandemic has emphasized the sector’s importance to both national economies and individual livelihoods. The flagship UN report makes use of UNWTO data and analysis to assess the cost of declining tourism and illustrates just how important restarting tourism will be in 2022 and beyond.”
Further analysing the sector’s role in economic recovery, the UN report notes that many destinations, in particular tourism-dependent countries, will need to diversify their tourism throughout 2022 and beyond.
Again drawing on UNWTO analysis, the publication shows how many destinations are developing domestic and rural tourism to help local economies in rural and depressed areas to boost job creation and protect natural resources and cultural heritage, while at the same time empowering women, youth, and indigenous peoples.
The United Nations (UN) has released the 2022 World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) Report.
According to the report, the global economic recovery is facing significant headwinds amid new waves of COVID-19 infections, persistent labour market challenges, lingering supply-chain challenges and rising inflationary pressures.
Tourism recovery is expected to drive growth in every world region.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The sudden halt in international tourism caused by the pandemic has emphasized the sector’s importance to both national economies and individual livelihoods. The flagship UN report makes use of UNWTO data and analysis to assess the cost of declining tourism and illustrates just how important restarting tourism will be in 2022 and beyond.”
Further analysing the sector’s role in economic recovery, the UN report notes that many destinations, in particular tourism-dependent countries, will need to diversify their tourism throughout 2022 and beyond.
Again drawing on UNWTO analysis, the publication shows how many destinations are developing domestic and rural tourism to help local economies in rural and depressed areas to boost job creation and protect natural resources and cultural heritage, while at the same time empowering women, youth and indigenous peoples.
YLW welcomes Lynx Air to Kelowna
Lynx Air (Lynx) will begin service for YLW Kelowna International Airport in April 2022 with non-stop service to Calgary and Vancouver twice a week on a fleet of brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft. By May, Lynx will be operating 76 flights per week and will continue to add destinations and routes in the summer.
Special launch fares are offered from $39 one-way (for a limited time).
Flights are now available for booking at FlyLynx.com →
Lynx Air (Lynx) will begin service for YLW Kelowna International Airport in April 2022 with non-stop service to Calgary and Vancouver twice a week on a fleet of brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft.
Lynx launched in November 2021 with the ultra low-cost carrier model which has revolutionized air travel across Europe and the United States by offering low fares, flexibility, and choice. The airline has selected Calgary as its headquarters. Lynx announced the launch of its booking website, with tickets going on sale for flights to the airline’s first five destinations: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Kelowna, and Winnipeg.
An affordable airline like Lynx will open doors for travellers looking to explore our beautiful region and increase travel opportunities for the Okanagan community. Special launch fares are offered from $39 one-way (limited time).
By May, Lynx will be operating 76 flights per week and will continue to add destinations and routes in the summer.
Lynx will compete directly with Flair Airlines and Swoop in the ultra-low-fare market, giving travellers three low-cost options out of Kelowna. Alaska Airlines recently announced they will be doubling the number of flights from Kelowna to Seattle starting in March 2022.
Flights are now available for booking at FlyLynx.com →
UNWTO records modest tourism increase in 2021
Global tourism experienced a four per cent upturn in 2021 when compared to the prior year, with a total of 415 million international trips made.
However, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) were still 72 per cent below the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to preliminary estimates by UNWTO. This follows on from 2020, the worst year on record for tourism, when international arrivals decreased by 73 per cent.
Europe and the Americas recorded the strongest results in 2021 compared to 2020 (up by 19 and 17 per cent respectively), but still both 63 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.
Global tourism experienced a four per cent upturn in 2021 when compared to the prior year, with a total of 415 million international trips made.
However, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) were still 72 per cent below the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to preliminary estimates by UNWTO.
This follows on from 2020, the worst year on record for tourism, when international arrivals decreased by 73 per cent.
Europe and the Americas recorded the strongest results in 2021 compared to 2020 (up by 19 and 17 per cent respectively), but still both 63 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.
Get Youth Working Program | Funding Available for Re-Hiring and Preventing Layoffs
The Get Youth Working Program offers eligible employers in B.C. a negotiated Wage Subsidy as an incentive to hire eligible youth age 17 to 29. The business must employ youth for a minimum of 3 months with preference given to long-term positions over 6 months
At any time during the recruiting process (before signing an agreement), businesses can complete and submit a 5-minute online application. If program criteria is met, an agreement can be signed, and payment disbursed at the end of the work experience period.
There's also a free job board. To post a job, complete an application to gain access and post your position.
The Get Youth Working Program offers eligible employers in B.C. a negotiated Wage Subsidy as an incentive to hire eligible youth age 17 to 29. The business must employ youth for a minimum of 3 months with preference given to long-term positions over 6 months
At any time during the recruiting process (before signing an agreement), businesses can complete and submit a 5-minute online application. If program criteria is met, an agreement can be signed, and payment disbursed at the end of the work experience period.
There's also a free job board. To post a job, complete an application to gain access and post your position.
COVID-19 What to Do | BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has guidance for what to do in various scenarios if someone has COVID or has been in contact with COVID. As of January 2022, the guidance is:
If tested positive:
If fully vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 5 days since the start of symptoms. Wear a mask even in settings where a mask isn’t required and avoid higher risk settings, such as long term care facilities and gatherings, for another 5 days after ending isolation.
If unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 10 days since the start of symptoms.
If not better after the 5 or 10 days, keep self-isolating until feeling better and fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
If you feel worse, call 8-1-1 or your medical care provider.
Public health will let you know if you need to self-isolate for more than 10 days.
If you tested negative:
Self-isolate until symptoms improve and you feel well enough to return to regular activities.
If there's a fever, stay home until the fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
Close contacts: If you were identified as a close contact and need to self-isolate, you still need to complete your self-isolation.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has guidance for what to do in various scenarios if someone has COVID or has been in contact with COVID.
As of January 2022, the guidance is:
If tested positive:
If fully vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 5 days since the start of symptoms. Wear a mask even in settings where a mask isn’t required and avoid higher risk settings, such as long term care facilities and gatherings, for another 5 days after ending isolation.
If unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 10 days since the start of symptoms.
If not better after the 5 or 10 days, keep self-isolating until feeling better and fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
If you feel worse, call 8-1-1 or your medical care provider.
Public health will let you know if you need to self-isolate for more than 10 days.
If you tested negative:
Self-isolate until symptoms improve and you feel well enough to return to regular activities.
If there's a fever, stay home until the fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
Close contacts: If you were identified as a close contact and need to self-isolate, you still need to complete your self-isolation.
Province Extends Restrictions, Gyms Able to Reopen
The Province announced gyms and fitness centres across B.C. will be allowed to start gradually reopening as of Thursday. Other previous restrictions, including the ban on gatherings like weddings and funerals, is being extended until February 16. Bars, nightclubs, and lounges must also stay closed.
Here are the revised PHO orders:
The Province announced gyms and fitness centres across B.C. will be allowed to start gradually reopening as of Thursday.
Other previous restrictions, including the ban on gatherings like weddings and funerals, is being extended until February 16. Bars, nightclubs, and lounges must also stay closed.
Food & Liquor Serving Premises Summary (as prepared by ABLE BC):
Premises which are licensed to serve liquor, and which do not have full meal service, must be closed.
“full meal service” includes food provided by a caterer to the premises or available from a food truck located beside or on the premises, but does not include snacks, appetizers or tapas on their own.
Patrons must stay in the seat to which they are assigned, or at which they seat themselves, and must not move from table to table or mingle with patrons from other parties when not seated.
No more than 6 patrons may be seated at a table, unless the party consists of one set of parents and their minor children.
Patrons must remain seated, other than in private clubs or tasting rooms with a liquor manufacturer’s licence, except:
to to use a self- serve food or drink station, a self-serve lottery ticket dispenser, pay at a pay station, use washroom facilities, to provide assistance to another person who requires care or first aid, when leaving the premises, or
to play pool, billiards, snooker, or darts, or bowl (if there is a bowling alley on premises), with a maximum of five other persons who are in the same party as the patron and who are seated with the patron:
There must be a distance of two metres between the backs of the seats of patrons seated at adjacent tables or booths, even if members of the same party are seated at adjacent tables or booths, unless the adjacent tables or booths are separated by physical barriers.
There must be two metres between patrons seated at a counter, unless the patrons are in the same party or they are separated by physical barriers.
If there are physical barriers between tables or booths or seats at a counter, the tops and bottoms of the physical barriers must be positioned so that the physical barriers block the transmission of droplets produced by breathing, talking, coughing or sneezing between patrons who are seated at adjacent tables, booths or seats at a counter.
Patrons must not dance on the premises and dance floors must be closed with physical barriers or occupied with tables
Here are the revised PHO orders: