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Feb 3, 2023

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – February 10th, 2023

TIABC

CEO MESSAGE

Ever since my teen years I’ve dreamed of owning and operating a coastal marina in Southwestern BC. Aside from my love of the ocean, I like boats of all shapes and sizes, not to mention the interesting characters that own them. At various BC marinas over the years I’ve exchanged plenty of stories with seafarers from all parts of the globe, most of whom consider their vessels to be their most prized possession.

It’s been said that the happiest days in a sailor’s life is the day they buy their boat and the day they sell it. As a boater myself, I beg to differ although admit that owning one is not for the faint of heart. Aside from the original purchase price, one must factor in moorage or storage, insurance, gas, repairs, maintenance, equipment, and myriad other unforeseen expenses to keep a boat afloat. No question there is something to the adage that a boat is a hole in the water in which to pour money.

Conversely, judging by the large crowds and boats/equipment sold at the annual Vancouver International Boat Show (VIBS), which returned to BC Place Stadium last weekend for the first time since 2020, mariners remain enthused about their preferred recreation activity regardless of cost. I too was there to see the latest in floating luxury and practicality, all the while stoking my dream to be on or near the water every day for the rest of my life.

In conjunction with the VIBS, I attended Boating BC’s (BBC) annual general meeting joining boat retailers and suppliers, marina operators and others connected to the industry to hear about the state of the sector and BBC’s priorities. I learned that while there are still many days of smooth sailing ahead, there are also some rough seas on the horizon to prepare for.

For example, climate change is leading to the degradation of many marinas (particularly older ones) as more fierce storms and high tides cause damage to docks, floats, boats, and the foreshore. In fact, moorage in general is becoming harder to find, let alone securing foreshore leases for marinas and docks. Supply chain issues remain a concern. Trying to source parts has been difficult for many dealers, marine repair shops, and private owners.

The federal government’s new 10% luxury tax on boats over $250,000 has put a significant dent in sales. I know what you may be thinking…no one should feel sorry for anyone that can afford a vessel that costs over a quarter million dollars. At the same time, the industry contends that the tax has hurt manufacturers, distributors, retailers, suppliers, and others connected to the marine sector including tourism operators. The fact is thousands of BC residents depend on recreational boating and those with high disposable incomes for their own livelihoods.

In the context of issues…under the guise of TIABC, Boating BC is part of a group of members and stakeholders that is collaborating to respond to and provide recommendations on the Coastal Marine Strategy Policy Intentions Paper that was released by the Province and First Nations in December 2022. The six outcomes and 30 policy intentions proposed aim to lay out a plan for addressing priorities for coastal marine ecosystem health and community well-being.

While the paper is a good start and the outcomes and intentions are solid, there are other policy concerns and actions that need to be considered as part of the final Coastal Marine Strategy that the boating, fishing, whale watching, shipping, and cruise sectors will document and submit to the province by the end of March. A copy of the intentions paper can be found HERE.

So far this year my boat hasn’t cost me anything other than time spent occasionally sweeping snow off the cover. Although it sits idle in my driveway for now, it’s a daily reminder of better days ahead on the water enjoying BC’s majestic coast or the many magnificent lakes, rivers, resorts, and marinas around the province, not to mention meeting and swapping stories with other boating enthusiasts.

Walt Judas,
CEO, TIABC

Related Posts

TIABC CEO Walt Judas with Tourism Abbotsford’s Barb Roberts & Clare Seeley, as well as VCM’s Chad Wetsch on a site visit to a land-based Tilapia fish farm owned and operated by the Sumas First Nation who are expanding their Fraser Valley holdings with ambitious plans to bolster Abbotsford’s tourism infrastructure and experiences.
As he does regularly, TIABC CEO Walt Judas recently presented to tourism students and faculty at @westerncommunitycollege's (WCC) Surrey campus, focussing on industry issues and TIABC's advocacy priorities. Walt also serves on WCC's Program Advisory Committee (PAC), as well as the PACs of @capilanou and @myvcc.
🍽️ What an incredible farm-to-table experience! Backyard Farm Proprietor and Chef Chris Van Hooydonk welcomed TOTA's Board of Directors and guests Walt Judas, Richard Porges (DBC CEO) and Scott Fraser (DBC Chair) for a memorable meal in Osoyoos this week.

Chris's culinary philosophy focuses on utilizing the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to create unique, tailored menus for each visit. With a commitment to true hospitality, the experience is marked by attentive service and a passion for showcasing the beauty of the South Okanagan.

Also pictured, Destination Osoyoos Executive Director Kelley Glazer, TOTA CEO Ellen Walker Matthews, and TOTA's Jane Parece. 

A huge thank you to Chris for providing such a delightful culinary experience! 🌿
🎉 Highlights from the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference in Victoria! 🌟

Close to 450 tourism industry professionals convened in Victoria last week for the annual 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference, hosted by TIABC. Industry leaders representing businesses, sector associations, regional and community destination management organizations, First Nations, federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as non-government organizations gathered for the two-day event. 

Anchored by the conference theme - Shaping Our Future Together - the outstanding program provided both a knowledge and skills track via plenary sessions and workshops. Here are just a few highlights:

▪️ Opening keynote speaker Shaun Boothe shared a unique and emotional celebration of some of the world's most influential cultural icons. His energy and messages set the stage for the entire event.

▪️ Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport kicked off the conference by welcoming delegates and sharing her own personal story of working in BC's tourism industry.

▪️ Plenary Remarks by Hon. Soraya Martinez Ferrada: Insights from the Minister of Tourism and Economic Development Agency of Canada highlighted the industry's significance.

▪️TIABC CEO Walt Judas engaged in a compelling conversation with Premier David Eby whose remarks underscored the vital role of the tourism industry in British Columbia, earning him a standing ovation.

▪️ Opening Reception at the Royal BC Museum

A big thank you to all our sponsors for making this event possible! 🙌
Join us in celebrating the remarkable winners of the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Awards Gala presented by @indigenoustourismbc! 🎉✨ 

Ten awards were given out to recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality sector. These awards showcased the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers this past year.

The winners of the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Awards are:

Business Woman of the Year Award - Sponsored by Prince of Whales
⭐ Winner: Ingrid Jarrett, @bchotelassociation 

Community Contribution & Impact - Sponsored by Tourism Richmond
⭐Winner: @princeofwhaleswhalewatching 

DMO Professional Excellence - Sponsored by BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS)
⭐Winner: @visitrichmondbc 

Employees First - Sponsored by go2HR
⭐Winner: @golfbc 

Inclusive and Accessible Tourism Experience - Sponsored by Destination BC
⭐Winner: Vancouver Aquarium

Indigenous Operator or Experience | Sponsored by Indigenous Tourism BC and Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
⭐Winner: @homalcotours

Innovation | Sponsored by Tourism Innovation Lab
⭐Winner: @tourismnewwest 

Remarkable Experience | Sponsored by BC Destination Management Organization Association (BCDMOA)
⭐Winner: @nimmobayresort

Sector Association Excellence Award | Sponsored by Acera Insurance
⭐Winner: Sport Fishing Institute of BC

Sustainability Excellence | Sponsored by Nanaimo Airport
⭐Winner: @40knotswinery 

📸 @arkitekcreative
Insightful session at the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference with post-secondary educators discussing collaboration with the tourism sector! 🌍 📚 

Post-secondary educators Patrick Brouder (TRU), Farhad Moghimehfa (VIU), Dennis Innes (VCC), Jamie Noakes (TRU), Jason Johnston (TRU), Moira Mcdonald (Royal Roads), Michael Lever (FDU), Jarrett Bachman (FDU), Sarah-Joy Kallos (CapU) and Natasha Mrkic-Subotic (CapU), presented at a lunchtime session on how their post-secondary sections can and do work with the tourism sector.