COVID-19 UPDATE & GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

• The CERB program will be extended another four weeks and then transitioned to a revised EI program. The changes will come into effect on September 27 and will be in place for one year, with three additional programs proposed for those who do not qualify for EI. For more information, click here.
• The provincial government has enacted new measures where organizers can be fined up to $2000 for hosting an event with more than 50 guests, for not keeping a contact list, or for hosting more than five people in a vacation accommodation. 

BUSINESS OPERATIONS RECOVERY CHECK-IN SURVEY

The Metro Vancouver Tourism and Hospitality Response and Recovery Task Force is collecting data in order to better understand the operation status, reopening timeline, and preparedness of businesses and attractions impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. Your input will be greatly beneficial to us as we continue to shape recovery efforts and advocate for funding and assistance programs. Please take a moment to complete the survey before it closes on Friday, August 28^th.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR TIABC'S TOURISM RECOVERY STIMULUS PACKAGE 

The Tourism Industry Association of BC has presented the BC Government with a recovery stimulus proposal that would see the government allocate $680 million from its $1.5 billion recovery package as an initial investment to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the BC visitor economy and its workforce.

Our sector has been working tirelessly to get through this crisis together and we know we need government support to keep businesses alive. As part of the tourism industry, we hope that you will personalize your own letter and reach out to your local MLA to affirm your support and solidarity of TIABC’s ask or share these recent news stories that highlight our sector’s need on your social channels to help spread the word.

• Opinion: Tourism businesses can’t weather this crisis alone, sector urgently needs targeted government aid
• C. tourism: A so-so summer for some regions, a dire one for others

 TIABC has provided a letter template that you can adapt and personalize.

KEY MESSAGES:

• Metro Vancouver is the gateway to the rest of the province for tourism and the single largest and most popular tourist destination in BC contributing $14.4 billion to the economy supporting 105,000 full time jobs
• Support TIABC’s ask to allocate $680 million from its upcoming $1.5 billion recovery package as an initial investment to save the B.C. tourism sector that is on the brink of disaster
• Tourism is one of B.C.’s most significant industry sectors:
• $2.4 billion in taxes for the Province
• We ask you to champion our tourism industry and TIABC’s recovery stimulus package proposal in collaboration with your government colleagues.

TOURISM VANCOUVER NEWS

Tourism Vancouver Partners with TransLink for a #VancouverComeBack on Transit

To celebrate the launch of the collaboration, select transit stations, attractions and restaurants will be giving away a limited number of co-branded #VancouverComeBack Travel Safe Packs that will include a mask, hand sanitizer, and transit passes until the end of September. B.C. residents will want to follow @Inside_Vancouver for an Instagram photo-sharing contest to win a getaway in Vancouver!

Virtual Workshop Recording: Meetings & Conventions Update

Thank you to those who attended yesterday's member webinar. The session covered:

   - Tourism Vancouver Meetings & Conventions team priorities in the short to longterm
   - Status of current work related to business on the books, re-booking results and new business
   - Canada and International market update
   - US market update
   - Status of Meetings & Conventions industry partnerships and programs, all markets
   - Sales activities taking place (virtual and potential in-person for Q4) - potential member participation opportunities 

INDUSTRY NEWS

BCHA & TIABC Webinar: Hospitality & Tourism Industry Update

BCHA and TIABC will be hosting a webinar and open forum to outline the key issues and provide a reality check on the tourism and hospitality industry, our key messages, and ways we can coordinate and work together towards recovery.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020
1:00PM - 2:00PM PDT

Please complete the registration form below and a Zoom link will be sent to you with meeting details the day prior to the webinar.