Skip to main content

Sep 23, 2022

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – September 23rd, 2022

TIABC

CEO MESSAGE

In any given year, I only pay close attention to specific dates such as family birthdays, my wedding anniversary, annual work-related deadlines, and maybe statutory holidays. Otherwise, most dates don’t resonate with me but perhaps some should.

For example, every September 27th is World Tourism Day, an observance set aside by the United Nations (UN) to promote awareness and action related to the global visitor economy. So, why should I care?

Notwithstanding that I earn a living from this vital sector, I spend most days advocating for tourism’s rightful place within the social, economic, cultural, and environmental fabric of British Columbia, and am deeply convicted of its importance to our province, country, and world.

In its Tourism Day manifesto, the UN notes that tourism employs one in every 10 people on earth and provides livelihoods to hundreds of millions more. It also serves as a first entry point to the world of work, especially for women, youth, migrant workers, and rural populations in developing and least developed countries (LDCs). Women represent a majority of the tourism sector workforce, while half of that workforce is under 25 years of age.

Moreover, in many parts of the world, the protection of biodiversity and conservation rely heavily on the tourism sector and the revenue it generates. In fact, the UN calls tourism an essential pillar of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and a catalyst for meeting goals with respect to decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, as well as life below water, among others.

As most people acknowledge, tourism allows us to experience some of the world’s cultural and natural riches and brings people closer to each other, highlighting our common humanity and understanding of diverse cultures and practices.

And as proven over the course of the pandemic, we are also a resilient sector with a bright future contingent on addressing some major challenges including, but not limited to, climate change and sustainability, reconciliation, diversity, equity and inclusion, and myriad issues at a more granular level.

Contrary to what TIABC does for Tourism Week in Canada at the end of May each year, we are not planning any major initiatives for next Tuesday given multiple pressing priorities and time constraints. At the same time, we encourage you to take some time to acknowledge fellow members, colleagues, and stakeholders for their dedication and valuable contribution to our industry and province.

Even more importantly, let’s together ponder ways we can leverage the skills, knowledge, experience, and determination we have as tourism professionals to make our communities and province a better place, and help chart a course to a brighter future for generations to come.

For the record, September 27th is now a place marker in my brain to recognize and celebrate World Tourism Day annually. Now if I could only remember when Valentine’s Day is each year.

PS: On a related note…stay tuned for a special edition of our newsletter next Thursday to recognize National Truth & Reconciliation Day, which is on September 30th.

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! 🏔️🌲