Today’s announcement by Government on measures to assist residents and BC businesses is generally positive. The Province unveiled its $5 billion action plan that includes direct financial support and tax relief for individuals and businesses.
It’s important to acknowledge Minister Beare, Deputy Minister Shauna Brouwer and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture for amplifying our concerns and recommendations at both the cabinet table and to the federal government. The task of determining what, for whom and how much support is required is monumental at best and sobering at worst.
As much as Government is offering today, we’re awaiting further details and will look to work with the Province on tourism and hospitality-specific measures that Minister James alluded to as part of their overall plan.
As we’ve been communicating for several days now, tourism and hospitality has been particularly hard hit by this crisis. Business closures, layoffs or reduced services are occurring daily with no end in sight until this situation is behind us.
Virtually 24/7 senior tourism leaders representing businesses, sectors, destination management organizations, communities and government are actively working together and putting actions in place to help their members and stakeholders get through each day, not to mention the days ahead.
Over the past week, TIABC solicited input from multiple stakeholders ranging from the BC Hotel Association, ABLE BC, and the BC Destination Marketing Organization Association, to the Adventure Tourism Coalition, Craft Brewers Guild, and go2HR to develop a comprehensive list of recommendations for the Province to consider to assist BC’s visitor economy. The brief was submitted on Saturday.
While it isn’t the first or last submission on behalf of BC’s tourism and hospitality sector, it does provide Government with a good foundation on which to introduce tangible actions. Importantly, over 35 sectors supported the recommendations demonstrating the strength and unity within our industry.
As mentioned, in the coming days, TIABC will be looking to work alongside our industry colleagues with Minister Beare, Minister James and other members of Government on key tourism measures that can help BC’s visitor economy immediately and for the foreseeable future.
See TIABC’s submission here
See TIABC’s news release on today’s announcement here
Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
778-953-0620