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Feb 15, 2022

Letter to Premier John Horgan

Letter from Tourism Industry Association of BC

Advocacy

Dear Premier Horgan,

Today’s news about various restrictions being lifted was both welcome and deeply appreciated by the entire tourism and hospitality industry in British Columbia.

As you referenced in your remarks during the Industry Engagement Table call this morning, our sector has been extraordinarily hard hit during the pandemic. At the same time, we recognize and very much appreciate that the Province has responded with multiple support programs and measures to help tourism-dependent communities, operators, employees and destination marketing/management organizations, while also protecting the health care system and keeping BC residents and visitors safe. No doubt it’s been a delicate balance over the last 23 months and one that your government has managed extremely well.

On behalf of TIABC and our members and stakeholders, thank you for leading our province to the point where virtually all the restrictions have been lifted save for the necessary health and safety measures such as vaccine passports and masks.

In the days ahead we look to work closely with your government on messaging vis-à-vis travel to help rebuild consumer and resident confidence that it’s okay to travel again and that BC is indeed open to all fully vaccinated visitors, including those visiting for leisure purposes, as well as business. It’s especially critical that leaders and decision-makers like yourself, Dr. Henry and your cabinet colleagues are part of the communication efforts regarding travel while at the same time emphasizing the need to respect health and safety protocols and any other necessary measures required to allow us to return to and remain at so-called ‘normal’.

Premier, it is wonderful to see you ‘back-in-the-saddle’ so to speak and looking healthy and well.
Thank you again for your strong leadership, particularly over the course of the pandemic. As mentioned, we are sincerely grateful for the Province’s support of our sector and look forward to our continued work together in the months and years ahead. Thank you also for the specific acknowledgement of the tourism industry during today’s call.

Best Regards,

Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
778-953-0620

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.