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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

Walt Judas spoke with TIABC Director Mike Retasket, former Chief of the Bonaparte First Nation, for his perspective on what this day means to Indigenous peoples and what it should signify to everyone else. 

What does National Truth & Reconciliation Day mean to you? 
 
Mike said: Orange Shirt Day or National Day For Truth and Reconciliation makes me realize there is so much work to do. So many things have happened to the Indian people there needs to be accountability. Who is it that needs to do the reconciling here? Reconciliation will require land, water, medicine, ceremony, language, culture, heritage, values and restitution. There are outstanding issues that will need to be addressed before truth and reconciliation hits the ground. It is this groundwork that requires commitments from government that can be measured so we ensure moving forward together.

#trw2023  #NDTR
🛫 Exciting News in the World of Travel! 🌎

TIABC CEO Walt Judas with the partners behind Airble, a new BC-based charter flight and tour app that allows customers to book on-demand and customized flight experiences for business or pleasure to hundreds of destinations.✈️🌟

(from left to right):
🔹 Saeed Golzar
🔹 Walt Judas
🔹 Sarvar Minwalla
🔹 Kevin Adlparvar

#Airble #TravelInnovation #NextGenTravel #BCtourism #BC
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! 🏔️🌲