Skip to main content

Jan 28, 2021

TIABC support letter re: Abbotsford International Airshow proposal for a “drive-in” event

Advocacy

Re: Modified Abbotsford International Airshow

Dear Dr. Henry,

As the voice of tourism for British Columbia, we are writing to express our support for a modified, safe, COVID-friendly Abbotsford International Airshow (AIA) in August 2021.

As you are aware, British Columbia’s visitor economy has been decimated by government imposed and necessary travel restrictions that have virtually shut down multiple tourism subsectors such as meetings, conferences and special events like the AIA since March of last year. Aside from significant economic impacts on employees, businesses and communities, the lack of events or social gatherings has had a profound effect on the mental health and well-being of residents throughout the province.

Given current and prolonged limitations on the movement of people and gatherings, the need and desire for social activities, including entertainment, has never been greater. To that end, many communities dependent on events and tourism are not only looking for innovative opportunities to host locals and visitors in safe and secure settings but do so by respectfully and diligently abiding by provincial health and safety protocols and orders.

From the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia’s (TIABC) perspective, AIA’s ‘drive-in airshow’ proposal is a brilliant example of meeting government health and safety objectives while delivering benefits to locals, visitors, the City of Abbotsford, the region and province. AIA’s in-depth work on health and safety protocols, event logistics, operations and other measures to protect guests is commendable and could be used as a template for similar events for the duration of the pandemic.

TIABC strongly encourages the PHO and Province to thoroughly review AIA’s proposal, consult with organizers and the community on necessary adjustments, and ultimately approve the 2021 Abbotsford International Airshow soon to allow preparations for this exciting event to begin in short order.

Dr. Henry, thank you for your consideration. More importantly, thank you for all you are doing to keep British Columbians and visitors safe during this most trying time.

Sincerely,

Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
wjudas@tiabc.ca
778-953-0620

CC: Hon. Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport
Neilane Mayhew, Deputy Minister, Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport
Salman Azam, Assistant Deputy Minister, Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport
Jim Reith, President – Abbotsford International Airshow
Craig Nichols, Executive Director – Tourism Abbotsford

More Advocacy

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation During the last week of each September, Canada observes National Truth and Reconciliation Week, culminating on September 30th with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). Tourism businesses and organizations can advance reconciliation by promoting understanding, respect, and meaningful engagement with Indigenous cultures by collaborating with Indigenous communities to accurately represent their history, traditions, and cultures in tourism experiences, supporting Indigenous-owned businesses and promoting employment opportunities, educating visitors and staff about the history and current issues facing Indigenous peoples, establishing a long-term partnership with communities, and highlighting and promoting Indigenous-led experiences. September 30th also coincides with Orange Shirt Day and goes far beyond simply wearing orange in solidarity - it is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) encourages everyone to look for an event in your area and "step forward as an active witness to ensure, through thorough and honest education, that this never happens again." TIABC encourages all British Columbians to wear orange on September 30th and honour the thousands of survivors of residential schools. By taking these steps, we can all contribute to understanding, healing, and a more equitable relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Postcards from BC 📬 Wish you were here from Kat Craats, Marketing Manager for Wildplay Element Parks, in Squamish! 🌲🧗‍♀️
At a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade breakfast meeting, TIABC CEO Walt Judas met up with Rocky Mountaineer President & CEO Tristan Armstrong, as well as VIA Rail President & CEO Mario Peloquin who outlined his railway's 2030 strategy aimed at increasing passenger rail service across Canada. Within the next five years, VIA Rail will update much of its fleet with new equipment to replace railcars that are up to 77 years old. While the federal government has invested some $3 billion in VIA Rail over the past five years, it pales in comparison to Europe's $87 billion and $69 billion the United States is investing in rail service and infrastructure in the coming years. VIA Rail onboards and delivers a combined 30,000 passengers annually in British Columbia with targets to increase the numbers, particularly as new railcars come into service.
BC TIC 2025 Sponsorship Opportunities Our sponsors are critical to what makes the BC Tourism Industry Conference a consistent success. Aside from helping to offset the costs of staging this event, sponsors deliver benefits to delegates that help grow their businesses, as well as BC’s visitor economy as a whole. If your company is keen to connect with tourism leaders and stakeholders throughout British Columbia and Canada, we encourage you to partner with us for the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Conference. If you have a unique sponsorship idea that you would like to explore, please contact us. We offer the flexibility to customize packages to meet your unique business objectives. Packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Vancouver. Contact us at: info@bctourismconference.ca
2024 TIABC Election Toolkit Just in time for the 2024 provincial election campaign that is about to begin, TIABC has produced a valuable toolkit for your use. The toolkit provides a wealth of resources to better inform you of the current political landscape, what the implications for tourism may be, and how to engage with politicians and candidates. The election toolkit also addresses the value of tourism to British Columbia and informs on what the tourism and hospitality priorities are. The comprehensive toolkit expands on these areas by providing recommended questions to ask candidates, for example: "How does your party view tourism as an industry and government priority relative to other sectors of British Columbia’s economy?" Please download the 2024 TIABC Election Toolkit below, share it with your members and your stakeholders, educate on the value of tourism and inform candidates on today's issues facing our sector. Feel free to send TIABC additional questions that can be added. Download the toolkit through link in bio! 👆
Postcards from BC 📬 Wish you were here from Joe Baker, Dean of Okanagan College School of Business, at Okanagan Stables in Lake Country.