Skip to main content

May 5, 2022

Letter to MLA Kevin Falcon

Letter from Tourism Industry Association of BC

Advocacy

Dear Kevin,

On behalf of the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC), congratulations on your election as MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena. Returning to the legislature to officially lead the opposition will undoubtedly help draw further attention to the issues that matter to British Columbians and to your constituents, as well as to stakeholders of the tourism and hospitality sector.

As we mentioned in our letter to you in February after you took over as leader of the BC Liberals, we still have an enormous task in front of us to rebuild British Columbia’s visitor economy following the devastating impacts of the pandemic. However, if afforded the right conditions, policies, tools, and support, we also have a tremendous opportunity to reshape our sector into a top economic driver once again, with a key role to play in areas such as reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and other important priorities.

While we certainly expect you as leader and your colleagues in opposition to hold government to account on matters that impact the tourism industry and other sectors, we also very much believe that strong cross-party relationships and a willingness to work with all members of the legislature is critical to achieving our sector-specific and collective objectives in the aforementioned priority areas, as well as addressing the outstanding issues yet to be resolved.

Kevin, we are keen to meet with you at your earliest convenience to share the challenges of our industry, but more importantly, to learn of your broader goals for the province and your vision for how tourism can contribute to the well-being of British Columbia now and in the years ahead.

Again, congratulations on your election. We look forward to connecting with you very soon.

Best Regards,

Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC 778-953-0620

JJ Belanger
Chair, TIABC Board of Directors 250-266-6457

More Advocacy

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! 🏔️🌲
BECOME A TIABC MEMBER: Your Membership is Important to Us! 🤝 

We strongly encourage you to consider membership or renew your membership with TIABC to support our important advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire visitor economy.

TIABC continues to identify your concerns, raise your voice, champion your needs, and push for support and programs while encouraging policy changes at both the provincial and federal level.

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 experienced a personal behind-the-scenes tour of Vancouver International Airport this week with YVR's Manager of Government Relations, Erin Wiskar, to gain a better understanding of airport operations, including the nerve centre where the airport manages security, traffic and emergency situations among other tasks.