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Destination BC Bulletin 26: COVID-19
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Tourism Task Force Update
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On September 18, the BC Government appointed 11 business and industry leaders to a Tourism Task Force, focused on identifying actions to help support BC’s tourism businesses and workers impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic and put the sector on a path to sustainable recovery and growth.
Government has allocated $50 million to implement actions that arise from the task force’s final report, due on December 31, 2020. Recommendations will focus on strategies and actions to help address short-term challenges through the 2021 tourism season, while also considering what changes could be made to enhance British Columbia’s long-term competitiveness.
Tourism Task Force members met regularly in October to gather information to help inform their deliberations. This included assessing BC’s competitive position prior to COVID-19 and reviewing estimates of the pandemic’s impact on the sector over the short term. In 2018, British Columbia’s tourism sector was outpacing growth in the provincial economy, with increasing revenues, employment, wages and number of visitors. As we all know, BC’s visitor economy has been hit hard by the pandemic, and Destination BC estimated in May 2020 that the province’s $21.5 billion annual tourism industry could see a reduction down to $6.7 billion in 2020.
The Task Force also sought to gain an understanding of how countries and regions have approached their support of tourism. Jurisdictions around the world have taken varying approaches to dealing with the fallout of the pandemic on their visitor economies, with different strategies for helping the many businesses and workers who rely on it for their livelihoods. Members also analyzed existing research and information compiled from industry groups and sector associations throughout the pandemic, to identify any gaps that remain in supports provided to date by the BC and Canadian governments.
The Tourism Task Force will now focus on engaging with select stakeholders that broadly represent key sectors of the industry in a series of focused roundtable discussions through November. Task Force members recognize how deeply the tourism sector has been impacted and the urgent need for support, and that is why the Task Force will prioritize roundtable discussions on topics where they have specifically identified a need for further information. Task Force members, including Destination BC Interim President and CEO Richard Porges, are committed to keeping industry informed as their work progresses towards the final report in December.
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2020/21 Ski Campaign Articles
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Our ski campaign has launched in the BC market, showcasing how skiers can discover—and rediscover— ski resorts in their own backyard. New editorial content was developed for HelloBC.com, in collaboration with industry partners, with key messages for this season in mind: Skiing in British Columbia promises wide-open spaces, room to move, exhilaration, fresh air (and even fresher powder), and a chance to connect with people in your bubble. In addition, we have developed content that offers practical advice for planning a ski trip this season, recognizing that things will look and feel a bit different this year.
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HelloBC’s Skiing and Snowboarding page includes written articles as part of the Ski Campaign. Photo: Sun Peaks Resort.
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Team BC Attends International Media Marketplace and Overseas Training Sessions, Virtually
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Destination BC’s Australian team attended International Media Marketplace (IMM) on October 21-22, held virtually for the first time. Australian and New Zealand journalists met for two days of 15 minute business-to-business appointments with destination marketing organizations and hotels. Additionally, Destination BC’s German team participated in Destination Canada’s ongoing travel agent training program delivering BC destination training to Canada Specialists (CSPs) in Germany.
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IMM is the travel industry’s only global media networking event connecting journalists and PR professionals.
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Destination BC will schedule a facilitator to deliver the webinar, free of charge, to your stakeholders and provide you with all the resources you need to promote the event in your corporate channels.
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Digital Marketing Webinars on Request
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Are you a DMO, sector or other tourism organization in British Columbia? If so, you can book one of these free introductory digital marketing webinars for your community, members or stakeholders. Destination BC will provide you with the content, a facilitator, the webinar platform, and promotional resources to help you schedule and promote these webinars. All sessions are 60-minutes long and designed as an introduction to the subject.
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Destination BC Tourism Industry Calls Return November 5
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As we collectively continue to navigate COVID-19, we are restarting our Tourism Industry Calls to share the latest developments on BC tourism impacts, pertinent program updates, marketing plans and partnership opportunities. Email [email protected] to be added to the call invite. Those who were previously registered will receive an invite shortly. You can view previous calls or access resources on our COVID-19 Hub, here.
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Please make sure you have the Zoom app installed on your PC or phone and register in advance of the webinar.
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Is Your Business Open? Visitors Want To Know
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As we continue to cautiously encourage local travel in British Columbia, it is vital that we–Destination BC, DMOs, and BC residents–have an accurate picture of which businesses are currently open or temporarily closed–and we need your help. Learn how to update your TripAdvisor and HelloBC listing, here.
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Manage your business listings through TripAdvisor and HelloBC to let you guests know if you are open. Photo: Salmon fishing with Suncoast Charters in Prince Rupert.
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New applications for the program must be in by November 30, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. PST.
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2020/21 Co-operative Marketing Partnerships Program
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The updated program guidelines for the 2021/22 fiscal year are now available. New applications must be in by November 30, 2020 at 4:30 pm PST. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions at the end of January 2021.
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Last Call to Apply for the Tourism Marketing Committee
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We're seeking five representatives to join our Tourism Marketing Committee for three-year terms beginning January 1, 2021, from the following tourism regions:
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One representative from Thompson Okanagan;
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One representative from Kootenay Rockies;
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One representative from Northern British Columbia; and
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Two representatives from Vancouver, Coast & Mountains.
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Apply by Friday, October 30, 2020 at 12PM.
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Canada Emergency Business Account now open to businesses using personal banking accounts
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The Government of Canada is providing continued support to small business owners and entrepreneurs to help them adapt and position their businesses for recovery. As of October 26, 2020, the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) is available to businesses that have been operating out of a non-business banking account.
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Federal Govenment announces extended measures for cruise ships and pleasure craft in Canada
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The Federal Government has announced the extension of measures pertaining to cruise ships and pleasure craft until February 28, 2021. Cruise ships with overnight accommodations carrying more than 100 people continue to be prohibited from operating in Canadian waters.
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Our Learning Centre provides access to resources and tools, best practices, workshops, and training programs for BC’s tourism industry.
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COVID-19 Research Roundup
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Read our latest Research Roundup report, which rounds up relevant research and articles each week related to the travel and tourism industry and COVID-19—compiled on October 26. In this issue, BC residents remain stable in sentiments towards travel and welcoming visitors.
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Over $14 million has been contributed by the Federal Government, RBC, and Canada United partners to support recovery efforts due to COVID-19.
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Government of Canada Funds Small Business Grants for COVID-19 Relief
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The Federal Government has invested $12 million into the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund, making grants of up to $5,000 available to small businesses to cover the costs of personal protective equipment, make physical modifications to their businesses to meet local health and safety requirements, and enhance their digital or e-commerce capabilities. It’s administered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce but available to businesses across the country.
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BC Chamber Network Launches Building Resilience to Thrive Program
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The Building Resilience to Thrive program, powered by the BC Chamber of Commerce network and UVIC’s Gustavson School of Business, has launched to businesses across the province. Offered as a COVID-19 recovery certificate, the 6-week program, delivered by award-winning professors Dr. Mark Colgate and Prof. Brian Leacock, will be presented to three cohorts between November and March 2021. The program will offer relief to businesses, helping to mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by teaching them how to adapt their business models, re-engage customers, and adjust workplace cultures.
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Building Resilience to Thrive will equip SMEs with the tools needed to strive, build, and create in their COVID-19 recovery effort, and as they remodel for a competitive future.
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233 tourism businesses will receive grants in Phase 6.
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Final Round of Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada’s COVID-19 Stimulus Development Fund Announced
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The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has allocated the final round of COVID-19 Stimulus Development Fund grants from the program. This round, Phase 6, will see 233 Indigenous tourism operators receive much needed financial support to help recover and build resiliency against the devastating effects of COVID-19 on the industry. With grants of up to $25,000 per applicant, this phase totals $5.659M in non-repayable contributions awarded to a mix of export, market-and visitor-ready Indigenous businesses across Canada.
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Swoop Airlines Connects Toronto Pearson to Abbotsford and Kelowna Airports
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Swoop Airlines is connecting Toronto with BC airports, with direct service. Toronto and Abbotsford will operate up to six times weekly, with service every day except Saturday. Toronto and Kelowna will operate up to four times weekly with service on Monday, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
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The airline's scheduled winter service from Toronto Pearson International Airport includes direct flights to Kelowna, Abbotsford, Halifax and Edmonton. .
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Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Industry Forum Announced: December 2
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The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region (VCM) Annual Industry Forum will be held virtually, via Zoom, on Wednesday, December 2. VCM tourism partners and stakeholders are encouraged to register to hear the latest from Destination BC, including marketing and destination development work that is taking place in the region, and updates from some of our key industry partners: The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), and go2HR. A Zoom link will be sent to registered attendees prior to the Forum. Learn more about the VCM region, managed under Destination BC, here.
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YVR Seeking Input on COVID-19 Rapid Testing Pilot
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YVR is working with WestJet and UBC to design and implement a study to enable a real-time, voluntary rapid testing pilot at the airport. As part of this study, they want to hear from you on your willingness to undergo free, voluntary testing, your comfort level with testing and your overall thoughts on what would make you want to participate.
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Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Hosts Tourism & Hospitality in a Time of COVID Session
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The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) will host a virtual session to discuss the economic rebound of British Columbia and the key role of tourism and hospitality. The keynote speaker and panellists will discuss the short- and long-term measures, programs and priorities that will help tourism-reliant businesses survive today and transform our region for the future.
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Greater Victoria is open for business
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Destination Greater Victoria has launched a new video to showcase that they are open for business! It was created to highlight the efforts local businesses have made to keep Victoria a safe destination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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VIA Rail Announces a Gradual Service Resumption in Western Canada
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VIA Rail Canada has announced the gradual return to service in Western Canada by providing intercity transportation between Winnipeg and Vancouver as of Friday, December 11, 2020. After a very thorough evaluation of its health and safety protocols, including physical distancing measures, enhanced air ventilation systems, and improved measures for passenger access and the protection of its employees, one weekly round-trip will thus be offered on this portion of the Canadian route.
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Upcoming Free Tourism HR Canada Webinars for Tourism Recovery
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Hosted by Tourism HR Canada, this upcoming webinar on November 10th will cover building strategic community partnerships, and how to harness resources to create a destination that is ready and willing to accept visitors. The session will include tips on building consumer confidence that will help bolster the efforts made by tourism businesses to be safe and welcoming. Additional webinars in the series continue into December 2020.
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Tourism Industry Association of Canada to Host Virtual Congress
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The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is hosting their annual Tourism Congress, but this year it is virtual, and free. It takes place on November 17 and 18, 2020.
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Destination BC COVID-19 Communications
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Here's how to stay connected on the latest from Destination BC:
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If you have questions that can't be answered through the various resources on our website and official channels, please send them to [email protected] and we will work to address them.
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