News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
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.
Create a Profile on the BC Marketplace by Small Business BC
The BC Marketplace helps small businesses to connect with new customers, especially BC-based audiences. Businesses in every industry are welcome to create a free listing, which helps to builds online presence and provides marketing exposure. Created by Small Business BC to support small businesses, the BC Marketplace is made possible with the support of the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.
The BC Marketplace helps small businesses to connect with new customers, especially BC-based audiences. Businesses in every industry are welcome to create a listing, which helps to builds online presence and provides marketing exposure.
Creating a listing is quick, simple, and free. Simply complete the intake form and your businesses will be listed within two business days. You can edit and change your account as much as you like, including updating offers. The Small Business BC team can provide further support if needed.
For businesses with a website, the BC Marketplace will provide relevant site links, helping to boost online presence. For businesses not currently online, the BC Marketplace offers space to create a digital footprint, making it easier for customers to discover them.
Background
Created by Small Business BC to support small businesses through the impacts of COVID, the BC Marketplace is made possible with the support of the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.
The BC Marketplace aims to simplify the “shop local” experience by making it easy for BC residents to discover small businesses across the province. At the same time, the marketplace offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to increase their visibility and gain new customers.
The BC Marketplace highlights regional markets to help local residents discover the diversity of small businesses, right in their backyard.
Men’s Journal Lists Best Ski Resorts in Canada to Visit This Season, Including Sun Peaks , Big White, and SilverStar
Men's Journal published a list of the best ski resorts in Canada and listed three Thompson Okanagan destinations: Sun Peaks Resort at #2, Big White Ski Resort at #3, and SilverStar Mountain Resort as #4. Congratulations to the resorts for earning this national recognition!
Sun Peaks , Big White, and SilverStar
Men's Journal published a list of the best ski resorts in Canada and listed three Thompson Okanagan destinations: Sun Peaks Resort at #2, Big White Ski Resort at #3, and SilverStar Mountain Resort as #4.
Excerpts from the article:
2. Sun Peaks Resort
"Tucked deep in interior B.C., Sun Peaks Resort will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this winter. It’s Canada’s second-largest ski area, with 4,270 acres of skiable terrain, two alpine bowls, 138 runs, and 13 lifts. New activities here this season include Sun Peaks Backcountry Tours and avalanche training courses—plus public skating at a new Sun Peaks Centre featuring an NHL-sized ice rink."
3. Big White Ski Resort
"This family-friendly destination boasts Canada’s largest ski-in/ski-out resort village. With an annual average snowfall of 25 feet, this mountain is covered in dry, Okanagan Champagne Powder. There are 119 designated runs, 16 lifts, and 2,765 acres of skiable terrain. All lift tickets of three days or more include a flex day off—and online lift tickets are 25% off."
4. Silverstar Mountain Resort
"Silverstar boasts great powder, a festive mid-mountain ski village with ski-in/ski-out access, and Canada’s first all-inclusive lift ticket. There are four distinct mountain faces with 3,282 skiable acres. The mountain offers 132 runs, 12 lifts, and, on its backside, more 1,900 acres of black and double black diamond runs. Nordic skiers can head to the 60 miles of trails. The nearby Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre has a 2.5-mile lit track for night skiing, lift access to upper trails, and two certified biathlon ranges."
BC Meetings & Events Industry PHO Distinction for Business Events
The BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group has successfully received a distinction for business events in the latest provincial health order. This is relevant because now business events are allowed as standing events. Networking, receptions, and mingling are all acceptable. Holiday parties associated with businesses are considered “business events.”
This distinction in the health orders is a big step in the right direction.
Submitted to TIABC by Joanne Burns Millar, BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group
Originally published in TIABC Dec 7 Email Newsletter
"Since March 2021, when the BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group submitted its COVID-19 Safe Restart Plan to the BC Government and the Public Health Officer (PHO), the working group has been actively engaged with industry and government working toward a recognized distinction for business events from public and social gatherings.
Alongside advocacy efforts from the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA), the working group has been in regular discussions with the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery & Innovation (JERI), and the PHO, bringing awareness to the importance and rationale for such distinction.
Following a pivotal discussion last week with Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Brian Emerson, chaired by Tourism Minister Melanie Mark, the working group was successful in receiving the distinction for business events in the latest provincial health order.
Here are some key relevant points extracted from the order.
Business Events are allowed to have standing events. Networking, receptions, mingling are all acceptable. Holiday parties associated with businesses are considered “business events”.
Events such as wedding receptions, funerals, theatrical and musical events, concerts must be seated.
The health order separates the meaning of inside events into A & B categories:
A. "inside event” means (a) a gathering of more than 50 participants in an inside place for one of the following purposes: (i) a form of entertainment involving a performance such as a theatrical production, a concert, a symphony performance, a choral performance, any other type or musical performance or a dance performance; (ii) business, but limited to a lecture or presentation; (iii) a wedding reception; (iv) a funeral reception not held at a funeral home, (v) a sponsored or ticketed party at which there is musical entertainment, other than for the purpose of providing background sound;
B. a gathering of more than 50 participants in an inside place for one of the following purposes (i) a business purpose not described in (a), and including a conference, convention, commercial trade fair or workshop or home show; (ii) gambling; (iii) recreational education or classes, including arts, crafts, music, photography, culture, or travel education or classes (c) a gathering of any number of participants in an inside place for the purpose of an adult sports activity, an adult exercise or fitness activity or class, or an adult dance class; (d) a sports event in an inside place; (e) a program for children or youth in an inside place; (f) a worship service in an inside place.
This indicates that only events in category “A” must be seated events. Category “B” events are legally able to be standing events.
A person must not permit a place to be used for or must not organize an inside event with a purpose described in paragraph (a) (Category A) of the definition of an “inside event” unless the event is held as a seated inside event.
A person must not permit a place to be used for or must not organize an inside event as a standing event, if the purpose of the event is described in paragraph (a) (Category A) of the definition of “inside event”
A note on dancing: There is still no dancing allowed unless it is a performance. There have been conversations and advocacy around this issue, however, it is not expected that restriction to be lifted in the near future. Things are still in a tenuous place and while they had hoped that all restrictions would be lifted by now, the PHO is not ready to remove this one.
While progress for the sector has moved more slowly than we need to begin a measurable recovery, this distinction in the health orders is a big step in the right direction."
Tourism Industry Association of Canada announces MOU with Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) have agreed to formalize their partnership through a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU). This represents a concrete collaboration between these two national organizations. The MOU is to work collaboratively and coordinate efforts to provide leadership, advocacy and engagement opportunities, supporting the recovery of the Indigenous tourism sector in Canada. ITAC and TIAC will work together to share and develop knowledge, complementary expertise, and market intelligence.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) have agreed to formalize their partnership through a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU). This represents a concrete collaboration between the national Indigenous tourism organization and the national advocacy organization for the tourism industry in Canada.
The primary goal of this MOU is to work collaboratively and coordinate efforts to provide leadership, advocacy and engagement opportunities, supporting the recovery of the Indigenous tourism sector in Canada. ITAC and TIAC will work together to share and develop knowledge, complementary expertise, and market intelligence.
TIAC encourages the development of tourism in Canada and serves as the national private-sector advocate for the tourism industry. Responsible for representing tourism interests at the national level, TIAC contributes advocacy work supporting policies, programs, and activities that will benefit the tourism sector’s growth and development nationally.
BC Increased Employment Incentive
Applications for the B.C. Increased Employment Incentive must be received by December 31st.
The BC Increased Employment Incentive is a one-time refundable tax credit for employers which encouraged the creation of new jobs for BC workers or increases in payroll for existing low or middle-income employees in the last quarter ending December 31st.
The tax credit is calculated at 15% of the amount that the employer’s eligible remuneration for the last quarter exceeds the employer’s eligible remuneration for the quarter ending September 30th, 2020.
The B.C. Increased Employment Incentive is a one-time refundable tax credit for employers. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2021.
The Increased Employment Incentive allows employers to apply for a one-time tax credit. The credit is 15% of the amount that the employer’s total eligible remuneration for all eligible employees in the qualifying period exceeds the employer’s total eligible remuneration for all eligible employees in the base period.
The base period is from July 1 to September 30, 2020.
The qualifying period is from October 1 to December 31, 2020.
All employers are eligible for the credit if they:
Increased their eligible remuneration for the qualifying period compared to the base period
Had a permanent establishment in B.C. for the qualifying period, even if they didn’t begin to have a permanent establishment in B.C. until after September 30, 2020
Accommodator Workforce Survey - Closed December 9, 2021
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) is seeking accommodators to voice opinions for a critical survey that will help inform advocacy surrounding the workforce file.
The survey addresses the following key themes:
Hiring and recruitment
Upskilling and education
Employee pay
Additional employee benefits and incentives
BCHA needs as many operators as possible to complete this survey and thank you for taking the time you take to complete it. Please note: individual and business information will be kept confidential.
The survey closes Thursday, December 9.
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) is seeking accommodators to voice opinions for a critical survey that will help inform advocacy surrounding the workforce file.
The survey addresses the following key themes:
Hiring and recruitment
Upskilling and education
Employee pay
Additional employee benefits and incentives
BCHA needs as many operators as possible to complete this survey and thank you for taking the time you take to complete it. Individual and business information will be kept confidential.
The survey closes Thursday, December 9.
BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards | Nominations Open Until January 14, 2022
The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards are presented by BCHA and TIABC to recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality industry. These Awards recognize the province’s most exceptional products, services, experiences, and people who exhibit the utmost standard of excellence.
If you know a business, organization, or individual deserving of a nomination, submit your nomination before January 14, 2022.
The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards are presented by BCHA and TIABC to recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality industry. These Awards recognize the province’s most exceptional products, services, experiences, and people who exhibit the utmost standard of excellence.
Award nominations are now open! Awards will be presented in the following eight categories:
Indigenous Operator
Sustainability
Employees First
Business Woman of The Year
Hotelier of The Year
Innovation
Community Contribution & Impact
Professional Excellence
Finalists will be announced in February, and the official recipients will be awarded at the Awards Gala evening during the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference on Thursday, March 10, 2022, held at the Richmond Conference Centre.
If you know a business, organization, or individual deserving of a nomination, submit your nomination before January 14, 2022.
Silent Auction
The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Silent Auction will be held in conjunction with the 2022 Conference and Awards Gala. If you are interested in donating an item, contact info@bctourismandhospitalityconference.com.