Newly Launched Destination Canada Marketing Campaigns Capture US and Domestic Opportunities

As border measures ease, Destination Canada is focused on driving revenue back into tourism businesses across the country. It is expected US visitors to Canada will lead recovery efforts with over 5 million visitors to Canada expected in 2022, contributing $4 billion to Canadian businesses, destinations and communities.

The US Campaign comes to life through the “Refresh Your View” concept, leaning into American travellers’ need for self-enrichment. The campaign puts Canada’s most iconic destinations at the forefront to reclaim interest and consideration for Canada, and to expand American travellers' knowledge of the wealth of experiences available in the regions surrounding these icons.

Learn More →

E-Petition Opposing Escalator Excise Tax on Alcohol

The escalator excise tax is an automatic increase in taxes on wine, beer, cider, and spirits as of April 1, 2022. This increase will add costs to retailers, hospitality businesses, and consumers at a time when prices are already increasing due to inflation, labour costs, supply chain issues, and more.

Federal Member of Parliament Tracy Gray (Kelowna-Lake Country), launched an e-petition calling upon the Government of Canada to freeze the automatic escalator excise tax increase.

Freezing this tax increase will help limit retail price increases by offsetting the rising costs and supply chain disruptions facing beverage alcohol producers across Canada.

Sign the Petition →

Visit TOTA & go2HR at TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo & Job Fair

TOTA and go2HR team members will be at the TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo & Job Fair on Saturday, April 9, ready to meet with attendees.

Come say hello to our team members and learn about programs available to support tourism businesses and professionals, such as:

• TOTA marketing programs

• Biosphere Commitment Program

• Hospitality Professional Program by TOTA and Okanagan College

• Accessible & Inclusive Tourism

• Indigenous Tourism

• Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre

• go2HR employer and job seeker supports and industry training programs, including the go2HR Job Board

This FREE tourism event will give you a unique opportunity to meet with local tourism businesses and learn more about The Remarkable Unique Experiences that keep visitors coming back to Penticton year after year. Discover new adventures and reacquaint yourself with all of the amazing activities, attractions, accommodations, restaurants, wineries, breweries, cideries, events and so much more happening in and around Penticton.

This is also a great opportunity to bring your resume and find the perfect summer job, volunteer opportunity, or a career in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Attendees can enter to win a variety of prizes. The TOTA prizes are:

• Sustainable Travel Box from Okanagan Valley Vagabonds, curated with eco-conscious travel items.

• Two bracelets from Jewels of HOPE, which supports vulnerable women in the Okanagan to gather in a safe place to learn artisanal bracelet making skills that help them transition to further employment and educational opportunities.

Learn More & Register →

Small Business BC Awards Thompson Okanagan Finalists | Attend the Free Virtual Awards Gala on April 28

The Small Business BC Awards finalists have been selected and winners will be announced at the Virtual Awards Presentation on April 28, 2022.

Register for a FREE ticket and secure your place to celebrate the best of BC’s small business community.

Thompson Okanagan Finalists

Business Impact Award

Friendly Composting Inc.

Kamloops

Friendly Composting provides weekly compost pick up and local product delivery in beautiful, Kamloops BC. Founders Katie Forsyth and Claire McLoughlin are on a mission to  make it simple for you to make an impact and choose LOCAL!

Learn More →

Premier's Peoples Choice

Afrofusion

Kamloops

Afrofusion is a black-owned business that provides tasty African and western cuisine to the people of Kamloops and beyond. To the founders, Afrofusion is more than just food; it is a feeling and a representation of hopes, dreams, perseverance, and community service.

Learn More →

View Finalists →

More Recovery Support Coming for BC's Arts & Culture Sector

More than $12.4 million in one-time funding to the BC Arts Council will offer support to BC artists and organizations as the Province continues to build back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

From this funding, the BC Arts Council will distribute $7.9 million in resiliency supplements to more than 300 organizations currently receiving operating assistance. The average grant amount is $25,000.

Additionally, BC Arts Council has allocated $4.5 million to top up the Arts Impact Grant program, which closed its intake in January 2022. The next intake of this program is anticipated for winter 2023.

Funding is available to organizations and collectives with an arts and culture mandate or a dedicated arts and culture program. Grants are available to non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and community organizations.

View Announcement →

Submit Your TESA Application

ABLE BC has been hard at work advocating with the province to extend the TESA deadline, while also engaging with municipalities across BC to reduce red tape and cut fees associated with patio applications. In response to a joint letter, ABLE has begun to receive positive feedback from some municipalities and are confident that they will review and update patio application processes.

Key recommendations include:

• Extend current patio programs without implementing new restrictions or fees;

• Streamline approvals to ensure those small businesses who have been safely and successfully operating patios may continue to do so;

• Increase flexibility for patio types and sizes as well as the number of patios allowed;

• Increase the space use of existing patios or picnic areas to allow chairs to be spread out to meet distancing requirements;

• Allow pop-up outdoor dining and manufacturer sampling spaces;

• Allow and increase the use of parklets and public space for dining;

• Allow any increase in patio, picnic area or outdoor space being considered a continuation of an establishment’s existing approved alcohol service area or manufacturers’ sampling area to provide samples and not require additional endorsements or authorizations; and

• Coordinate with any relevant bodies—such as the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, Fire Department, etc.—to reduce red tape and speed approval timelines wherever possible.

While work is being done to have the TESA deadline extended, we strongly encourage you to get your application in now. To apply you will need:

• An updated floor plan that clearly shows the structural change

• These plans generally require an occupancy load

If you are a Liquor Primary or Manufacturer licensee, your structural change application will be sent to your local government for their comments.

Learn More →

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Job Opportunity: Director of Partnerships, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

ITAC is hiring for a Director of Partnerships to join its growing team. Reporting to the president and CEO, this position is responsible for supporting relationships, partnerships, as well as developing and implementing programs across Canada to establish and grow regional Indigenous tourism associations.

The Director of Partnerships will oversee corporate communications, internal market research, international projects, and memberships. The Director of Partnerships will also work with and support the Executive Management team, including the president and CEO, as it relates to partnerships.

Learn More →

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SDGs

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitization
• SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy
• SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, & Infrastructure
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
• SDG 18: Indigenous Reconciliation

Jobs for Ukraine: Connect with Ukrainian Refugees Seeking Employment

Ukrainians are coming to Canada to escape the crisis in their country. When they arrive, many will look for a job. The Government of Canada has created a dedicated job bank to help connect Ukrainian refugees with employment opportunities. Accommodators looking to fill job vacancies can create a profile and post available employment opportunities.

Learn More →

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Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Releases Third Edition of Nations, an Indigenous Lifestyle Magazine

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is pleased to announce the release of the third edition of Nations, ITAC’s annual Indigenous lifestyle magazine celebrating 140 export-ready Indigenous tourism experiences from coast to coast to coast. This year’s edition features stories in categories such as wildlife, nature and adventure; culture and heritage; Indigenous culinary; and accommodations and relaxation.

This year’s edition of Nations includes individual features of Indigenous storytellers and artisans and explores exciting topics such as how to see the northern lights with an Indigenous eye; shared traditions and storied history; Indigenous wildlife tours and safaris; and sustainability in Indigenous tourism. The online version of this magazine includes enhanced content where readers can further engage with stories by clicking the “Explore Further Online” icons throughout the magazine.

Turning a corner from COVID-19, Indigenous tourism businesses are ready to welcome visitors back. Nationally, ITAC believes a full recovery of the Indigenous tourism industry is possible by 2025-26 and continues to leverage strong domestic and global demand for exceptional, export-ready Indigenous tourism experiences.

Download a copy of the Nations, an Indigenous Lifestyle Magazine →

HeliCat Canada Unveils Unique Carbon Offset Strategy A Wildlife & Environment Research Fund Project

HeliCat Canada and its member organizations have taken proactive steps towards sustainability, continually pushing innovation in efficient and renewable energy use wherever possible. Understanding the realities of Heli and Cat-ski operations, carbon offsets are an essential tool for HeliCat members and guests to compensate for emissions that currently cannot be eliminate through other means.

The purpose of the HeliCat Canada carbon offset strategy is to provide a simple, industry-specific manual that guides the Canadian HeliCat industry, member operations and guests to effectively navigate the carbon offset world, use carbon offsets to achieve net zero GHG emissions, and achieve other sustainable targets.

Read the Full Strategy →

Reminder: Canada Digital Adoption Program Grants & Loans to Improve Your Online Presence

The Government of Canada has launched the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) realize their full potential by adopting digital technologies.

Announced in Budget 2021, the $4 billion program is an investment of $1.4 billion in grants and advisory services to SMEs from the Government of Canada and up to $2.6 billion in loans from the Business Development Bank of Canada to help businesses cover the costs of implementing new digital technologies.

The program provides funding and expertise to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians.

Businesses will be able to apply for two different kinds of support through the CDAP:

• Stream 1: Grow Your Business Online, will help SMEs take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.

• Stream 2: Boost Your Business Technology, will help businesses with the development and implementation of digital adoption strategies.

Learn More & Apply →

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Tourism Leadership Essentials 7-Week Program | Applications Open Until April 8

April 12 – May 26, 2022

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 PM - 8 PM

Application Deadline: April 8, 2022

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is partnering with Okanagan College to offer the Tourism Leadership Essentials Program for Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals, free of charge through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, part of the BC Tourism Resiliency Network.

The seven-part series consists of 2-hour online workshops, twice a week for seven weeks with Okanagan College tourism professors. Each part focuses on specific leadership skills required in today’s multi-faceted workplaces.

Participants will discover their leadership style, develop management skills, learn about teams, engagement, communication, conflict resolution, and goal setting.

The program is meant to develop skills for both aspiring leaders and seasoned veterans, with insights and tangible strategies that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Availability is limited. While priority will be given to professionals currently employed in the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, other professionals may be eligible.

Application Details

Applications are now closed. If you wish to be informed of future leadership training opportunities, complete the following form:

Schedule & Topics

Each week of the Tourism Leadership Essentials Program will include two instructor-led virtual sessions, plus two hours of independent work covering the followings topics:

Week 1: April 12 & 14 | Leading Workplace Teams

Learn about the skills and tools effective leaders require, how personal values impact leadership, as well as how to develop realistic visions, manage change and promote innovation.

Week 2: April 19 & 21 | Engaging Your Workforce

A highly engaged workforce results in less turnover, better customer service and increased profits. Gain strategies for engaging and motivating employees to foster new ideas and identify solutions in the workplace. Learn about motivation, teamwork, and the stages of teamwork.

Week 3: April 26 & 28 | Communicating Beyond the Basics

Communication is a key component in successful workplaces. Learn how to build respectful and productive relationships with staff and customers. Learn how you communicate, the challenges in communicating effectively, and how to improve your listening skills. Develop a methodology to plan for change.

Week 4: May 3 & 5 | Managing Conflict

Conflicts arise in all workplaces and it’s up to leaders to manage them. Response to conflict defines the result. See the connections between responses and actions and then identify shifts to build better relationships. Gain strategies for dealing with difficult people, having difficult conversations, and providing meaningful feedback.

Week 5: May 10 & 12 | Goal Setting and Time Management

Gain a methodology to tie all objectives and aspirations into a planned approach, matched with resources and timelines to meet goals. Learn how to use time effectively to keep feeling motivated and prevent feelings of overwhelm. The planning and goal setting strategies provided in this course ensure time invested results in solid and measurable results.

Week 6: May 17 & 19 | Change Management

Change is inevitable and not always easy. Learn to lead during times of change by gaining knowledge, skills and strategies that lead to successful change management. Explore reasons for change and factors that influence this process, as well as the impact of change on innovation.

Week 7: May 24 & 26 | Coaching & Developing Employees

Coaching employees builds stronger relationships between managers and their team members. Through coaching, employees are supported in developing the skills they require to reach organizational goals and strategic objectives. This course provides learners with strategies they can use to ensure their employees are engaged in their own personal growth resulting in a positive impact on the organization.

2022 Big Splash Raffle by Sport Fishing Institute of BC | Early bird: May 20. Grand prize: July 1

The Sport Fishing Institute of BC is having their BIG Spring Raffle. Get the chance to win a trip to the Langara Fishing Lodge in Haida Gwaii, or even to Newton Cove Resort.

Early Bird Prize draws on May 20th and Grand prize and Trip Draws will be made on July 1.

Tickets: $20

Learn More & Purchase →

Destination BC Restarts International Marketing with $6.7M Global Campaign

As travel resumes around the world, Destination BC is competitively vying for international visitors with its launch of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘢 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 – 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧: an extensive $6.7M marketing campaign designed to drive emotional urgency and encourage travel to BC in 2022 and into 2023 from key international and domestic long-haul markets: UK & Australia, California, Ontario, and Washington.

The campaign leverages the global brand platform, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘊 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵, first launched in 2019 and reimagined for the current landscape to inspire global audiences to tap into something bigger, awaken a deeper connection, gain a different perspective, and find themselves–in every sense of the word– within British Columbia.

With people in BC’s core markets seeking wide-open spaces, nature and wildlife, and authentic experiences now more than ever, BC is well-positioned to meet and surpass their travel wish lists.

The campaign explores BC’s healing effects through a lens of connection and reciprocity, and the notion that when we open ourselves to nature, nature will open to us—and in turn, change us for the better.

These ideas are brought to life through videos developed in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), including a poem by Haida writer, Cohen Isberg, and a video series slated for release over the coming months that features Indigenous storytellers.

Alongside the vast and rugged nature that encapsulates BC, they share Indigenous values such as interconnectedness, reciprocity, gratitude, and stewardship, aiming to inspire visitors to embody these values to enrich their experiences while travelling here.

View DBC Announcement →

Featured Article: Showcasing a Career in the Hospitality Industry

Castanet shared an excellent article about the TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo by Allison Markin. The article is an example of how employers and HR managers can showcase the benefits of working in the tourism industry to potential applicants.

It explains the type of person who would enjoy work in various tourism sectors, what they could do, and how they could become an ambassador for the region.

Learn More →

The TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo – Think Remarkable Unique Experiences – returns after a two-year absence on April 9, 2022.

Propel Student Work Placement Program with Wage Subsidy | Apply Now for Summer 2022.

Facilitated by Tourism HR Canada, Propel, a Student Work Placement Program, has been extended for an additional two years, thanks to generous funding from the Government of Canada.

The program is actively accepting applications for the upcoming summer semester.

Propel provides a direct link to early talent looking for hands-on experience and the opportunity to explore career pathways in the sector. Engaging these students will play an essential role in the immediate recovery of the visitor economy and ensure the ongoing growth of a skilled workforce.

Wage subsidies are available as follows:

• Up to 50% of wages or up to $5,000 to provide students with meaningful WIL opportunities.

• Up to 70% of wages or up to $7,000 to provide students with meaningful WIL opportunities for the following under-represented students: women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Indigenous students, persons with disabilities, visible minorities and newcomers; as well as first-year students.

Learn More & Apply →

Sample Model Consent Release for Photos & Videos | Destination BC

Interested in sharing your images or videos with Destination BC? A model release gives you legal permission to use and publish an image that includes people.

Download this sample form to ensure you stay compliant with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).

Learn More →

Safer Spaces: go2HR Free Online Sexual Harassment Workplace Training

go2HR’s newest free online training course, Safer Spaces, is designed to create sexual harassment free workplaces in the BC tourism and hospitality industry.

The online training course, designed for employers and supervisors, is live and open for registration. The Safer Spaces course is self-paced so that participants can complete the modules in a safe learning environment, without any pressure and according to their schedule.

There are 10 modules, and the course takes around three hours to complete.

Safer Spaces was designed by a team of experts convened by go2HR. The project team is united by a commitment to reduce the stigma around workplace sexual harassment and a desire to champion the topic as an integral element of workplace education and training.

Learn More & Register →

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go2HR / CMHA Free Workplace Learning Coaches Now Available

go2HR’s new Workplace Learning Coaches are ready to engage with employers.

The coaches are available at no cost and act as mental wellness “concierges” who offer personalized, one-on-one support addressing stress, burnout, isolation, uncertainty about the future, and other concerns. The coaches also work with supervisors and employers to establish a foundation of psychological safety in the workplace and create an environment that enhances connection, productivity and retention.

Funded by a grant from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, CMHA BC Division has rigorously trained the coaches.

Connect with Rachel Udy, Learning Coach →

Connect Shane Lobsinger, Learning Coach →

View More Resources →

Post-Pandemic HR Guide for Employers - Tourism HR Canada

Tourism HR Canada has put together a helpful guide to help attract and retain tourism and hospitality workers, called Now Hiring, which covers a range of essential HR practices, tips to implement, and practical checklists and forms to help tackle key issues.

Download Guide →