Dear Members,

This holiday season, I would like to express my gratitude for our community and the tireless work done to restore resident and visitor confidence in our industry. Through these uncertain times, our membership has adapted to changing landscapes to continue to deliver exceptional visitor experiences. 2020 has been a year like no other, the impact on our businesses has been significant and each one of you have stepped up and are playing an important role in the path to recovery for our sector. 

No matter what form your celebrations take this year, I hope you can reflect on the year and all that we have learned.  We are proud of the tourism community and how we have navigated this difficult year together reflects that at our core, our industry is resilient and is made better through partnerships. While there are challenging times ahead of us, I know that together, we will rise to the occasion. The good news of forthcoming COVID vaccines sparks great optimism, and I look forward to welcoming back visitors to our destination in 2021 with you.

Wishing each of you a happy and safe new year and a well-deserved break with your loved ones!

Happy holidays,

Marion Harper Treskin
Board Chair, Tourism Vancouver

A HOLIDAY MESSAGE TO MEMBERS FROM TOURISM VANCOUVER'S CEO, ROYCE CHWIN

Click image to view the video message

COVID-19 UPDATE & GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

• The Provincial Tourism Task Force presented its final report to the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, Honourable Melanie Mark, last Wednesday, December 9th. The report listed a series of recommendations to support tourism businesses and maintain confidence in travellers and communities. The committee also held targeted consultations with industry through stakeholder roundtables and received presentations from 12 tourism experts, including representatives from Tourism Vancouver. 

• The federal government has extended the Canada-U.S border closure until January 21, 2021.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS

New Years Eve Alternative Events Submission

As we work towards New Years, our social team is looking for COVID-friendly and PHO-compliant events to feature in a blog post. If you have any physical or virtual events or other NYE offerings, please email Chelsea, Digital Marketing Specialist: cwebster@tourismvancouver.com.

INDUSTRY NEWS

BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group (BCMEIWG) UPDATE #3 – Safe Restart Proposal to the Provincial Health Office

The BCMEIWG continues to work on behalf of our industry in order to help restart our very important economic sector.

Please see the attached letter for the most up to date information on communication plans and strategy in working with the provincial government.

If you would like any additional information please contact:
Joanne Burns Millar, CEO - Pacific Destination Services (PDS)
Dave Gazley, VP, Meetings & Conventions Sales – Tourism Vancouver

Read full Update

BUSINESS RESOURCES

DVBIA Safety Resources

• How to help prevent theft-from-autos and ensure that your gifts safe and sound.
• Top seven preventative tips to deter shoplifting this season for downtown retail shops.
• Safety strategies for downtown businesses with VPD Constable Chris Woods.
• De-escalating conflict with Vancouver Coastal Health.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

GVBOT Virtual Event: Economic Outlook Forum
The 32nd Annual Economic Outlook Forum will provide our region's business leaders with a detailed and insightful look at the road to economic recovery in the year ahead. 

GVBOT Members:
1 session only:  $50 + GST
2 session bundle:  $75 + GST

Non-members
1 session only:  $100 + GST
2 session bundle:  $150 + GST

Day 1, January 19: The CEO perspective
Day 2, January 21: Geopolitical outlook

Event Recording: Destination Canada's 20th Annual Public Meeting
On December 2, Destination Canada held its 20th Annual Public Meeting (APM) virtually.  
The APM provided an opportunity to reflect on the past year and the realities of the state of our industry, how Destination Canada has responded and their new strategy to support the recovery of our sector and to build a more resilient future for our industry.  
The focus at Destination Canada is to position Canada to win, to give Canada’s tourism industry the best possible chance of success in the new global marketplace that emerges.

Meetings & Conventions – A Fresh Perspective on Engagement