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The Value of Tourism

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.

British Columbia’s visitor economy contributes to our high quality of life by supporting arts, cultural, sports and historical assets, festivals and events, cuisine and wine experiences, parks and recreation venues, among others. Many studies have also shown that tourism brings big international benefits through trade and investment, education and immigration.

However, tourism’s voice is often unheard by decision-makers when setting policy, developing framework for investment, or introducing major economic initiatives. Similarly, today’s graduating students do not consider tourism as a primary career choice yet the opportunities and benefits are virtually unmatched.

The COVID-19 crisis has challenged BC’s tourism industry in ways we couldn’t have imagined, just a few years ago. Before the pandemic, tourism was one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and BC was no exception. TIABC and its industry partners work diligently to strengthen our collective voice to fully capture the opportunities ahead and address the obstacles hampering industry recovery and growth. Our goal is to foster a climate that strengthens our industry and encourages investment in tourism infrastructure, products and marketing. We also strive to motivate more people to pursue a career in tourism.

🍽️ 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. 🎤