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

Please Join Us! | 2025 BC Tourism Industry Conference

Planning for the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Conference has already begun, and you are encouraged to “Save the Date” for this must attend conference. The conference will be held at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre from March 5 - 7, 2025.

Stay tuned for updates on registration, conference schedule, travel & accommodation, sponsor opportunities, and programming. More information will be shared on our conference website at bctourismconference.ca shortly.

We look forward to seeing you in Vancouver next year!
Postcards from BC 

Wish you were here at Shuswap Lake with Chris Lewis, Director of Destination Development at Tourism Kelowna and TIABC Director. 🌊🏞️
TIABC CEO Walt Judas joined Skal Vancouver President Stephen Chen, Director Randy Vannater, and Accent Inns founder Terry Farmer (pictured in gold jacket) at the Vancouver chapter's 70th anniversary gala and President's dinner this week.

Skal Vancouver hosts regular networking events to provide an opportunity for tourism professionals to come together, engage in meaningful conversations, and build lasting connections within the industry.

With more than 300 Skal clubs and 12,000 members in 84 countries, Skal is the only professional organization promoting global tourism and friendship, uniting all sectors of the tourism industry.
Postcards from BC

Wish you were here from TIABC CEO Walt Judas at Christina Lake! 🌲🌅
New Episode | Episode #28 - Anthony Everett

Meet Anthony Everett, ICD.D, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer, 4VI Group as he discusses his career path, his work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners and operators are facing in the province today with TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas .

TIABC's Voice of Tourism podcast feature interviews with some of the most respected professionals in the tourism industry. You can listen to the Voice of Tourism podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Check us out on Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Deezer, Podcast Addict and Podchaser. Or listen through the link below.

Listen through link in bio 👆
Postcards from BC

Wish you were here from Minister Popham at the Whistler Skybridge! 🌉✨