TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – October 27, 2023

CEO MESSAGE

I play pool every Wednesday night with a close friend I’ve known for over 50 years. He’s a lifelong bachelor in his early 80’s that lives on his own in a big house filled with old stuff. Because he plans to downsize at some point in the near future, I always ask him what he’s gotten rid of since we last saw each other.

One day he told me he threw out all his old trophies, which inspired me to pull a box of my old trophies from the crawl space to either put on display or get rid of. I had awards for hockey, soccer, golf, fishing, and even an ugly, two-foot high statue for finishing second in an Aardvark race during halftime at a BC Lions game. Most of the prizes held no special meaning so I kept a couple and gave the others away via Facebook Marketplace.

Although I wilfully disposed of junk others might treasure, I’m mindful that many awards, trophies, certificates, and honours are valued as a tangible acknowledgement of a significant achievement or milestone. Case in point, I’ve heard from many recipients of a BC Tourism Industry Award how special it is to be recognized by their peers for the outstanding work they do.

As you are aware, each year at the BC Tourism Industry Conference (BCTIC – March 6-7/24 – Victoria), our gala awards ceremony honours the best of the best in the tourism and hospitality sector with awards in several categories including Indigenous Tourism Operator of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, Remarkable Experiences, DMO Professional Excellence, Sustainability, Access and Inclusion, Innovation, and Community Contribution. Occasionally we also include a Lifetime Achievement Award to an individual that has made an extraordinary impact on the tourism industry in British Columbia over many years.

Earlier this week, the BCTIC Program Committee affirmed the aforementioned categories as we get set to launch the nominations process for the coveted BC Tourism Industry awards. We may also be introducing an additional award category to recognize even more industry leaders. Stay tuned.

For many years the annual awards gala during the conference has been hosted by Indigenous Tourism BC. Each honoured recipient receives a custom-made Indigenous artifact, carving, or art work that can be proudly displayed in the office or at home. It’s a keepsake to be proud of and held onto.

During the nominations process, we typically receive dozens of submissions to evaluate and ultimately determine award recipients. Regardless of who wins, I find it so inspiring to see the depth and breadth of the amazing work being done by many incredible individuals, organizations and tourism companies throughout BC. Suffice it to say, judging is an extremely difficult task taken on by a committee comprised of award sponsors and other stakeholders.

Watch for the BC Tourism Industry Awards nomination form in the near future and please respond accordingly. Also, stay tuned as more details, including registration, for next year’s BCTIC are released over the next few weeks.

I’ve inherited a few things that my buddy chose to get rid of but nothing that sits on a display shelf and collects dust. Some stuff I’ve passed along while other items such as a crokinole game I’ve kept and will pull out for when we’re both too old to hold a pool cue with a steady hand.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC