TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – March 28, 2025

I spend a good part of each day reading. From online news feeds and emails that arrive in my inbox by the dozens, to research reports and policies, my brain is focussed on studying and comprehending reams of material and information from sunrise to sunset. I should point out that not everything I read is interesting or gratifying but at least I’m continuously learning to stay informed and alert.

This week I’ve been pouring over more than two dozen briefs by members that will help inform TIABC’s submission to the Premier’s Task Force on Trade and Economic Security on behalf of the tourism industry. As mentioned several times in recent weeks, our sector has been given a tremendous opportunity to show how tourism can help mitigate the damage caused by the trade dispute between Canada and the United States.

While it’s relatively easy to draft a wish list of requests for consideration, it’s just as simple for the Province to dismiss the recommendations unless they tie in with ministry or government priorities. To ensure we’re collectively on the right track, I dug up the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport (TACS) latest Service Plan to identify the gaps our industry can help fill (i.e. solutions to problems), and conversely, to build on opportunities that currently exist.

From reading TACS’ Service Plan, I learned a few things worth sharing. For starters, goal number one is to ensure that British Columbia’s tourism economy is resilient and growing sustainably. To get there, the Province aims to build on previous investments in tourism infrastructure to create iconic, inspirational routes and places that will strengthen travel appeal in all regions of BC. It also intends to work with the tourism industry to leverage the opportunities provided by the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and other events to maximize the economic development and tourism impact across the province.

TACS is looking to support the work led by the ministers of Agriculture & Food, as well as Public Safety & Solicitor General, to grow the economy by supporting food and beverage producers, farmers, restaurants and the tourism sector with flexible liquor, land use, and cannabis regulations in relation to the development of innovative tourism products and unique experiences.

Another overarching goal for TACS is to continue to support a resilient tourism sector that is regenerative and adapting to climate change, which includes engaging with Indigenous Tourism BC to support Indigenous communities and businesses to create exceptional tourism experiences and economic development following the principles of self-determination.

On the destination development side, the ministry intends to administer and lead resort major project reviews under the All-Seasons Resort Policy to responsibly manage land use and solidify BC as a world-class resort destination. It also aims to continue the development and implementation of heritage policy and programs related to geographical naming, heritage conservation capacity building, historic places recognition, fossil management, and the stewardship of physical heritage resources.

Finally, TACS plans to continue to build sector resilience through emergency management planning to support visitor safety, business viability, and maintain BC’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.

Thankfully and as expected, the briefs provided by a combination of sector associations, DMOs and individual businesses speak to each one of the ministry’s priorities, as well as to other areas within government. TIABC will be advancing the submission to the Task Force for discussion and consideration in the coming days.

In the meantime, for the next two weeks my nose will be buried in compelling Michael Connelly crime novels, five of which I purchased recently to pass the time from sunrise to sunset at the beach while taking a break from reports, emails, and other work related stuff.

Adios a los colegas.

Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC