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TIABC Articles

March 2024

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – March 15, 2024

In a previous role, I worked with consultant Duane Knapp to help our organization reshape its brand. Duane is considered to be one...

March 2024

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – March 8, 2024

As the tributes and accolades poured in for Brian Mulroney from all corners of the world last week, I was reminded about my own en...

March 2024

TIABC Continues Work on STR Regulations

TIABC Continues Work on STR Regulations

In an interview with the Vancouver Sun earlier this week, TIABC CEO Walt Judas acknowle...

March 2024

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – March 1, 2024

Within a span of seven days my automatic watch stopped, a major component on the car failed, the motherboard on my laptop blew up,...

March 2024

TIABC's Voice of Tourism Podcast – Episode 20 - Gladys Atrill

Meet Gladys Atrill, Executive Director of Tourism Smithers as she joins TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas to discuss her ca...

February 2024

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – February 23, 2024

35 years ago, I made the decision to leave broadcast journalism to enter the corporate world in a communications capacity. I’ve ...

February 2024

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – February 16, 2024

During a conversation with a professional colleague from Northern BC a couple of weeks ago, the topic of weather came up. I mentio...

February 2024

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – February 9, 2024

Earlier this week I spoke with a long-time Shuswap resident whose large property was severely damaged by fire. He made some strong...

February 2024

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – February 2, 2024

Every year I receive dozens of invitations to attend or participate in conferences, workshops, summits, annual general meetings, g...

January 2024

TIABC's Voice of Tourism Podcast – Episode 19 - Cheryl MacKinnon

Meet Cheryl MacKinnon, Principal of Wellness Travel BC as she joins TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas to discuss the growth...

January 2024

TIABC Discusses Challenge of CEBA Loan Repayment

TIABC Board Chair J.J. Belanger was a guest of Gregor Craigie on CBC LISTEN and spoke about how tourism businesses are having a di...

January 2024

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – January 26, 2024

While I try not to pay much attention to American politics, one can’t help but hear about Donald Trump being heavily favoured as...

🍽️ 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. 🎤