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Jul 22, 2022

Letter of Support for the New BC Trail Fund

Letter from Tourism Industry Association of BC

Advocacy

RE: TIABC SUPPORT FOR THE NEW BC TRAIL FUND

To Whom It May Concern:

On behalf of the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia, I am writing in support of the Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia’s proposal to establish an endowment for the BC Trail Fund.

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) is a province-wide advocacy organization that represents the interests of more than 19,000 businesses and 350,000 people working in the tourism and hospitality sector. Tourism is an integral part of BC’s character and economy. It is interwoven throughout the fabric of the province, supporting families and anchoring the culture of communities.

As you are aware, the Super, Natural BC brand is built on the incredible landscapes and waterways throughout our province. Each year, countless residents and visitors alike enjoy outdoor adventure and recreation at any one of the thousands of lakes, rivers, mountains, parks, and trails that span all regions of BC. Unfortunately, some of our natural attributes run the risk of damage due to overuse and recklessness unless we take steps to protect the environment…in this case the extensive trail system on crown land that has seen an exponential increase in usage, particularly during the pandemic.

The BC Trail Fund is very much needed by everyone who looks after trails and recreation assets in BC given that the upkeep and stewardship of our existing trails, facilities, and outdoor spaces have not benefitted from the COVID-19 recovery grants. Consequently, without ongoing and dedicated funding, deteriorating trail conditions, overcrowding, and environmental damage will continue to occur. The BC Trail Fund will help ensure that there is a long-term plan for caring for these valuable assets.

We strongly urge government to consider a grant to establish the BC Trail Fund in the interest of protecting, maintaining, and sustaining the many trails enjoyed by residents and visitors throughout British Columbia today and in the years to come.

If you have any questions about TIABC’s support for this initiative, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

Best Regards,

Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
T – 778-953-0620

More Advocacy

TIABC is pleased to release its 2022 Advocacy Report Card, which details the advocacy efforts and achievements and synopsis of some of the organization’s key initiatives last year. 

Read now through link in bio. 👆
Tourism leaders cheer on the @canucks in the Rogers Suite. 🏒👏

L-R: Destination Vancouver's Royce Chwin, TIABC's Walt Judas, Tourism Minister Lana Popham, Sport Hosting Vancouver's Michelle Collens, TIABC Director/VCC's Dennis Innes, Indigenous Tourism BC's Henry Tso.

#bctourismcounts #bctourism #tourismsector #bc #tourism #bcstrong #explorebc #hellobc
Each year, on March 8th, people around the world celebrate International Women's Day and the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Today, TIABC salutes the women on our board and staff who are so valued, respected and appreciated by colleagues throughout the entire BC tourism industry. 

⭐ Brenda Baptiste
⭐Joanne Burns-Millar
⭐Pria Flanagan
⭐Miranda Ji
⭐Deborah Kulchiski
⭐Sandra Oldfield
⭐Sandra van Steijn 
⭐Fiona Wray

Thank you for your incredible contribution to our organization and to BC’s visitor economy.

#bctourismcounts #bctourism #tourismsector #bc #tourism #bcstrong #explorebc #hellobc #internationalwomensday #womenintourism #womensday #IWD2023 #embraceequity
Over the weekend, TIABC CEO Walt Judas, Vancouver City Councillor Pete Fry, and Sport Hosting Vancouver Senior Manager Michelle Collens enjoyed watching the Canada Sevens rugby tournament at BC Place! 🏉

#bctourismcounts #bctourism #tourismsector #bc #tourism #bcstrong #explorebc #hellobc #GreenMeansGo #rugbysevens #bcplace
What a great first day at the BCTHC 👏

We had an incredible first day in Prince George gathering with industry friends and experiencing the many wonders that the incredible Northern BC region has to offer!

#BCTourismandHospitalityConference #bcthc #conference #tourism #StayBC #BCTourismCounts #BCTHC2023Tourism
TIABC CEO, Walt Judas and @bchotelassociation CEO Ingrid Jarrett attended the @pgcougars game on the eve of the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference in Prince George. 🏒

#BCTourismandHospitalityConference #bcthc #conference #tourism #StayBC #BCTourismCounts