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Sep 16, 2022

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – September 16th, 2022

TIABC

CEO Message

I wonder if the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) picked this week for their conference to coincide with the Whistler Beer Festival (WBF)? I’d like to think it was strategic on their part to help attract the maximum number of delegates.

Regardless, the conference drew hundreds of civic officials, mayors, and councillors (many of whom are in re-election mode) to discuss and debate myriad resolutions put forward by UBCM members that will help influence the health and welfare of communities around the province.

Aside from participating in a workshop on the BC aviation sector, I had the opportunity to meet with multiple elected officials to discuss the needs of the tourism industry as we continue to rebound from the effects of the pandemic. It was also a chance for me to listen to presentations by several political leaders on their hopes, plans, and goals for the province in the years ahead.

In her annual presentation to delegates, outgoing UBCM President Laurey-Anne Roodenburg of Quesnel said that among the biggest priorities communities need to tackle in the coming years are housing shortages, aging or inadequate infrastructure, and social unrest within society in general.

The Green Party’s Sonia Furstenau talked about expectations every resident has around a better future for their community, appealing to provincial and federal decision-makers for more support for new hospitals, schools, and housing, as well as tackling labour shortages and the drug crisis, among other priorities.

Liberal Party leader Kevin Falcon spoke of similar issues and the need for all parties and communities to collaborate on solutions. Falcon stressed that problems aren’t necessarily solved by how much money government spends, but actual results from the work that’s being done. He stressed his party’s mandate is about keeping people safe and alive, and making it affordable for people to live in BC.

In the final plenary session, outgoing Premier John Horgan spoke of the extraordinary times British Columbians have experienced in recent years citing the pandemic, heat dome, atmospheric river, tainted drug supply, among other unexpected crises. He too emphasized the need for government to continue to provide the services that residents need, and for elected officials of all stripes and levels to work together to solve the ongoing challenges.

None of what delegates heard was necessarily new and there was much more to each speech to be sure. However, what I didn’t anticipate was an underlying tone to many conversations I had personally with delegates or heard during the conference that adds a layer of complexity to the job that politicians have been called to.

Public unrest, civil disobedience, physical or personal attacks, threats, animosity, anger, and constant vitriol through avenues like social media seem to be par for the course in society these days and have led to a very scary and uncomfortable operating environment for many politicians in BC.

Even so, when Municipal Affairs Minister Nathan Cullen asked delegates who planned to run for office again to stand, the majority of the room was on its feet…an encouraging sign that there are still committed and brave folks willing to serve their communities in spite of increasing incidents and concern over their personal safety. Minister Cullen also commended UBCM for its conference theme, Value of One, Power of Many that reinforces the collective strength of those who serve in local government around the province.

As I alluded to earlier, I had an opportunity to speak with several cabinet ministers, as well as Premier Horgan, and to an individual, they were bullish on our sector and keen to work with TIABC and our partners to help the tourism industry rebuild in a more sustainable and impactful way for the benefit of residents and communities throughout British Columbia.

A shout-out to the Resort Municipality of Whistler and to UBCM for hosting and staging an excellent conference. It’s now time for me to shift gears and spend some of my discretionary funds on supporting local businesses…perhaps at the WBF where I’m sure to connect with other fellow delegates throughout the weekend.

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.