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Welcome to TIABC – Tourism Industry Association of BC

A Step Backwards

TIABC RESPONDS TO NEW VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR MEXICAN VISITORS

IMPENDING LAND ACT AMENDMENTS

YOUR INPUT IS VITAL

The Province of BC has undertaken a consultation process on impending Land Act Amendments to enable agreements with Indigenous Governing Bodies to share decision-making about public land use.

Public engagement is open until March 31st!

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

TIABC Voice of Tourism Podcast

TIABC’s podcasts have been developed to provide TIABC members and stakeholders with insightful content and a unique perspective on BC’s tourism industry.

The TIABC’s Voice of Tourism features CEO Walt Judas, interviewing some of the most respected professionals in the tourism industry.

#BCTourismCounts

WEEKLY INDUSTRY UPDATE

About TIABC

The Tourism Industry Association of BC advocates for the interests of British Columbia’s $22.3 billion visitor economy (normalized year).

Membership

Through your membership, you will part of a strong, collective voice while helping to support TIABC’s advocacy efforts.

Advocacy

TIABC leverages advocacy as a tool to achieve sustainable tourism solutions by identifying the key issues from our industry.

Policy

Guided by the TIABC Policy Committee, policies have been developed to advise, direct and help reframe tourism development.

The Voice of the BC Tourism Industry

TIABC’s Vision is for the tourism industry to be recognized as one of British Columbia’s leading and sustainable industries. As the primary advocate for BC’s visitor economy, TIABC unites operators, sectors, DMOs, government and residents to support and be passionate about making this province a great place for tourism.

200+
Current TIABC Members
12%
of British Columbians are Employed in Tourism
300,000
People employed in BC tourism
19,748
BC Tourism-related businesses

Advocacy & Policies

As the Voice of Tourism for British Columbia’s 19,300 businesses and 300,000+ employees, we present our list of advocacy activities on our efforts to date with the caveat that our job is far from over.

TIABC One Minute Monitor

Recent Poll Results

84%

Support the new legislation

16%

Do not support the new legislation

How it works

As necessary, TIABC Releases an Industry Survey. See below to participate in this week’s poll.

Receive our newsletter for the full results

Poll: Government Legislation on Short-Term Rentals

1). Do you support the province’s new legislation on short-term rentals?

The Value of Tourism

In January, 2022 TIABC launched The Value of Tourism (VoT) initiative. This project was designed to increase the understanding of tourism as a powerful engine for economic, cultural, and social well-being, and to secure cross-government support for tourism investments by describing how tourism benefits every community and region in British Columbia.

This project was also designed to increase interest in tourism as a career choice, as well as provide insight into how tourism can be a catalyst for addressing major issues and opportunities such as climate change, sustainability, reconciliation, workforce, among other priorities.

TIABC Partners and Sponsors

TIABC has forged mutually beneficial industry partners and sponsorship to ensure our organization maximizes the available resources that are critical to supporting BC’s visitor economy. Our partners valuable contributions support TIABC’s mission and play a critical role in supporting initiatives that are dedicated to improving the quality and competitiveness of BC’s tourism sector.

Upcoming Industry Events

Industry events provide an opportunity share knowledge, network with colleagues, connect with key decision-makers, and showcase our industry successes. Here is a look at some of the upcoming industry events.

Communication

As our province embarks on the road to recovery, TIABC strives to ensure you are well-informed with up-to-date information on our ongoing efforts to communicate with our sector stakeholders and government agencies on your behalf.

TIABC Members

Through your membership, you will part of a strong, collective voice while helping to support TIABC’s advocacy efforts, policy development, programs, and activities that benefit the sector’s sustainability, development and growth.

🍽️ 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.
🌟 Today at the BC Tourism Industry Conference in Victoria: TIABC CEO Walt Judas engaged in a compelling conversation with Premier David Eby. Premier Eby's remarks underscored the vital role of the tourism industry in British Columbia, earning him a standing ovation. 👏
🌟 TIABC CEO Walt Judas, along with TIABC Director Michael J. Ballinghall of Big White Ski Resort with Federal Tourism Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada who spoke on day two of the BC Tourism Industry Conference in Victoria. 🎤