COVID-19 UPDATE & GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

• Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry has extended her order that suspends all events and social gatherings to reduce COVID-19 transmission. The order is in effect until January 8, 2021.
• To stimulate local spending, the BC Government is providing a one-time recovery benefit to eligible residents.
  • $1,000 for eligible families and single parents with a net income of up to $125,000. Reduced benefit amount for eligible families and single parents with a net income of up to $175,000. $500 for eligible individuals with a net income of up to $62,500. Reduced benefit amount for eligible individuals with a net income of up to $87,500
  • Online applications can be submitted starting on Friday, December 18^th. For more information, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/recovery-benefit
• Dr. Bonnie Henry laid out the province’s immunization plan for the COVID-19 vaccine. The province is expecting to immunize 400,000 people in the province by the end of March.

GVBOT Virtual Event: COVID-19 Government measures for business and individuals 

As we move through this pandemic, the federal government has announced new programs and changes to funding that assist businesses and individuals. 
Join the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's panellists as they break down how you can utilize these programs to keep your business running and find success as we move forward and hopefully soon see the end of the pandemic. 

$30+GST for non-members; Free for GVBOT members.

INDUSTRY RESEARCH

YTD Overnight Visitors to Vancouver

Despite the pandemic, Vancouver welcomed over 1.9 million domestic visitors between Jan-Sep of this year. This includes over one million overnight visitors from within BC. However, this represents a decline of -69% in destination visitors compared to the same time period last year. 

TOURISM VANCOUVER NEWS

Visitor Centre Update

To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, BC’s public health officials are strongly discouraging travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province. The Tourism Vancouver Visitor Centre at 200 Burrard Street will remain temporarily closed and will re-open after the existing travel advisory is lifted. The Visitor Experience team will continue to provide virtual support services via email, phone, LiveChat and Facebook messenger. The non-peak season hours of operation will stay in effect: Monday to Friday 9:00am – 3:30pm. To reach a team member at the Visitor Centre, please email or call: visitvancouver@tourismvancouver.com or 604.683.2000.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

GVBOT Virtual Event: COVID-19 pandemic highlights Port of Vancouver's vital role in Canada's supply chain

As Canada and the Lower Mainland grapple with the on-going health and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Port of Vancouver is proving a powerful and resilient economic force, locally and nationally. Throughout the pandemic, the port system has remained open and Canada's trade has continued to flow, connecting Canadians and Canadian businesses to essential goods and international markets.
Join Robin Silvester, Port Authority President and Chief Executive Officer, for his 12th annual "State of the Port" address to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. Robin will talk about how, amidst the turbulence of 2020, port industries have proved a cornerstone of the economy, locally and nationally—and about opportunities to build on that strength.

$30+GST for non-members; Free for GVBOT members.

Meetings & Conventions – A Fresh Perspective on Engagement

Association Forum – Honors Gala
December 14, 2020 / 4pm – 6pm CST | Virtual
Association Forum’s 2020 Honors Awards program will provide accolades and recognition to three outstanding association professionals and at least one supplier partner member of Association Forum for their outstanding achievements in advancing the association management profession. DJ and virtual dance party before and after awards! 
Lacy Hawley and Jackie Kavcak will be attending virtually on behalf of Tourism Vancouver. 

SITE Texas  - Annual Holiday Party
December 15, 2020 / 3:00PM – 4:30PM CST | Virtual
We won't be gathering face-to-face this year, but we will be broadcasting live from Hotel Vin in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas! You are invited to join us virtually, from the comfort of your home or office, for some holiday fun and cheer!
So please join us as we celebrate the most wonderful time of year with music, games, raffles, and more!
Owen Chiu will be attending on behalf of Tourism Vancouver. 

Association Forum – Holiday Showcase
December 15 & 16, 2020 / Day 1: 12pm – 5pm CST ; Day 2: 8am – 3pm CST | Virtual
For the last 32 years, Holiday Showcase has been a celebration of the Chicagoland association community. In a year like no other, Holiday Showcase remains the best way to connect association communities from across the country. In a brand-new, two-day virtual experience, we’ve designed a program to help you make 2021 a success.  
Lacy Hawley will be attending and running a virtual tradeshow booth on behalf of Tourism Vancouver. 

PCMA Capital Chapter – Virtual Lunch & Learn Series
Back to the Future: Forecasting What’s Next in our Industry
December 17,12 noon – 1pm CST | Virtual
In an effort to round out the 2020 industry roller coaster ride, this year’s final Virtual Lunch and Learn as a way to reflect on what we’ve learned and how we foresee 2021 evolving. This session will be an open dialogue about forecasting and budgeting for next year albeit, virtual, hybrid or hopefully in-person events. 
Jackie Kavcak will be attending on Tourism Vancouver’s behalf.