Skip to main content

Feb 24, 2022

Letter to Minister Mark Re: Sport

Letter from Tourism Industry Association of BC

Advocacy

Dear Minister Mark,

It was good to see you in Victoria on Budget Day. I’m glad we had a chance to connect, albeit briefly at the Helijet terminal.

You mentioned that one of your big priorities this year revolves around sport. Yesterday I met with my Policy Committee to discuss TIABC’s proposed policy vis-à-vis the hosting of major sporting events to build/rebuild, among other things, BC’s visitor economy.

The consensus was that while in each case due diligence must be done in the form of a cost-benefit analysis and other scrutiny, the advantages of hosting major sporting events generally outweigh any drawbacks. Along with overall economic impact, the Policy Committee discussed benefits such as job creation, venue utilization, community pride, destination brand building, media attention, marketing opportunities, pre and post meetings and test events, off-season business prospects, inspiring youth, creating social legacies, and using major sporting events as a forum for reconciliation.

As we develop our formal position, please know that TIABC is excited about the prospect of hosting the Invictus Games, FIFA World Cup, and the 2030 Winter Olympics in British Columbia. Recognizing that we’ve still got a lot of work to do to secure one or more of these prestigious events, we nonetheless want to offer our support and gratitude for your efforts. Please let us know if or how we can help.

Thank you Minister. I look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks at the BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference.

Best Regards,

Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC

More Advocacy

Walt Judas spoke with TIABC Director Mike Retasket, former Chief of the Bonaparte First Nation, for his perspective on what this day means to Indigenous peoples and what it should signify to everyone else. 

What does National Truth & Reconciliation Day mean to you? 
 
Mike said: Orange Shirt Day or National Day For Truth and Reconciliation makes me realize there is so much work to do. So many things have happened to the Indian people there needs to be accountability. Who is it that needs to do the reconciling here? Reconciliation will require land, water, medicine, ceremony, language, culture, heritage, values and restitution. There are outstanding issues that will need to be addressed before truth and reconciliation hits the ground. It is this groundwork that requires commitments from government that can be measured so we ensure moving forward together.

#trw2023  #NDTR
🛫 Exciting News in the World of Travel! 🌎

TIABC CEO Walt Judas with the partners behind Airble, a new BC-based charter flight and tour app that allows customers to book on-demand and customized flight experiences for business or pleasure to hundreds of destinations.✈️🌟

(from left to right):
🔹 Saeed Golzar
🔹 Walt Judas
🔹 Sarvar Minwalla
🔹 Kevin Adlparvar

#Airble #TravelInnovation #NextGenTravel #BCtourism #BC
TIABC CEO Walt Judas with Hon. josie_osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation, along with @guideoutfittersassociationofbc's Scott Ellis and @cariboochilcotincoast's Amy Thacker at the Vancouver Cabinet office following a productive discussion on ways the tourism industry can more effectively work with government to achieve mutual benefits for both the visitor economy and resource extraction industries such as mining.
Your support matters to us! 🤝

Meet Will Harding, Founder of Travel Local and proud member of TIABC. Hear why his business recently became a member of TIABC and why he encourages other businesses and organizations to consider a membership.

Your support and engagement is vital to ensuring businesses, DMO’s and sectors are united and speaking with one voice on issues that impact BC’s tourism industry.

Join TIABC today through link in bio. 👆
TIABC CEO Walt Judas with Hon. josie_osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation, at the Fully Charged Live Canada exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre. 🙌
🚁 Weekend vibes: TIABC CEO Walt Judas joined a heli-hiking tour in the Cariboo Mountains near Valemount with pilot Nadia and fellow adventure enthusiasts. A thrilling experience in BC's stunning landscapes! 🏔️🌲