The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC)

12/02/2025

🎤 Speaker Spotlight: Conner Galway at the BC Tourism Industry Conference!

✨ Meet Conner Galway– Founder of Junction, an award-winning digital consulting firm based in Vancouver. Since 2010, Conner and his team have helped brands like Destination BC, The Wickaninnish Inn, Fairmont Hotels, and Travel Yukon harness the power of digital to grow their businesses.

🚀 What to Expect from Conner’s Talk:
▪️ Discover the hidden ways digital touchpoints shape real-world travel experiences.
▪️ Learn how to go beyond digital marketing to create meaningful, memorable connections with guests.
▪️ Get inspired to rethink how you connect, inspire, and serve travellers – from the first click to the final farewell.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s brightest minds!
📅 Join us at the BC Tourism Industry Conference! | https://bctourismconference.ca/

11/02/2025

📢 Press Release: TIABC and Tourism AI Network Partner to Empower BC’s Tourism Professionals with AI Training

We’re excited to announce our collaboration to launch a series of workshops designed to help BC’s tourism industry adopt cutting-edge AI tools and strategies.

✨ Highlights from the partnership:
▪️ AI Workshop Series: Practical sessions starting March 10, 2025.
▪️Tourism AI Academy Access: Free lifetime learning platform for BC tourism professionals.
▪️More workshops and resources to come!

Learn more about how this partnership is shaping the future of BC’s tourism industry.

🔗 Read the Press Release here: https://bit.ly/4175Fdn

Collaboration aims to equip BC's tourism industry members with practical AI tools and insights to help them thrive in a competitive and evolving landscape.

10/02/2025

TIABC CEO Walt Judas and Grouse Mountain Resort president & GM Mike Cameron were among the 40,000+ guests at the opening ceremonies for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 at BC Place Stadium. Founded in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex - Prince Harry - this year's Invictus Games brings together over 550 athletes from 23 countries to compete in adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball, swimming, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, wheelchair rugby, alpine skiing, snowboard, biathlon and wheelchair curling.

The week-long competition provides an opportunity for former and current military personnel to use sport as a powerful tool for rehabilitation and recovery after falling ill or being wounded or injured during or as a consequence of service. More than 100 corporate partners are supporting the games which wrap up on February 16th.

Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/4gBovxZ

08/02/2025

🌿 BC Tourism Industry Conference Speaker Highlight

Dr. Rachel Dodds is a globally known expert in sustainable and regenerative tourism. A passionate advocate and change maker for better tourism, she has advised governments, businesses, DMOs, communities and consumers across six continents over the past 30 years. This session will make you think differently and ensure you come away with new ideas.

🔗 Learn more about the conference: https://bit.ly/2HAiPWT

07/02/2025

📢 How Will Impending Cross-Border Tariffs Impact Your Business?

TIABC wants to hear from you! Despite a one-month reprieve, cross-border tariffs remain a concern for many businesses.

💬 Share your insights through our One Minute Monitor (OMM)—a quick survey designed to help us understand industry challenges, inform policy, and strengthen our advocacy efforts.

🔒 All responses are anonymous and will be reported in aggregate only.

🕒 Takes just a minute!
🔗 Take the survey now:https://bit.ly/42Eq76E

Thank you for your time and input!

06/02/2025

🏖️ Win a Two-Night Stay at Crystal Cove Beach Resort! 🌊

Your feedback matters! Complete the 2025 TIABC Membership Survey and be entered for a chance to win a two-night stay at Crystal Cove Beach Resort in Tofino—the perfect getaway!

📢 Help shape the future of BC’s tourism industry by sharing your insights on TIABC’s leadership, member value, and advocacy efforts.

🕒 Takes just 12 minutes
📅 Deadline: Friday, February 7th

🔗 Take the survey now:https://bit.ly/40n4Zin

05/02/2025

There is just one month left until we make waves at the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Conference! 🗓️ We're geared up and ready to share and learn. Are you?

03/02/2025

Swing into action and extend a warm welcome to our new member: British Columbia Golf! ⛳

British Columbia Golf is a member-based organization governed by the British Columbia Golf Association (BCGA) and is the provincial sport organization recognized by the Province of BC for the sport of golf.

The governing body of amateur golf in BC, representing more than 80,000 members at over 300 clubs across the province, British Columbia Golf provides programs and services that benefit golfers and golf facilities in the province and is also involved in national golf affairs through its affiliation with Golf Canada and the other provincial golf associations.

Learn more about British Columbia Golf here:

British Columbia Golf acknowledges and respects the many diverseIndigenous Nations in whose traditional territories golf and its operations take place

02/02/2025

TIABC CEO Walt Judas and Boating BC Association (BCC) CEO Bruce Hayne discuss several of the issues raised during BBC's annual general meeting, held in conjunction with the Vancouver International Boat Show.

Proposed measures regarding foreshore leases, private dock management, the luxury tax on new boats over $250k, mandatory life jacket wear, vessel operating restriction regulations, vessel data collection, and attracting skilled employees continue to be concerns for the marine (tourism) community.

Boating BC's Vancouver International Boat Show continues at BC Place Stadium and Granville Island until February 2nd.

Don't miss the boat! 🛥️🌊

31/01/2025

📢 2025 TIABC Membership Survey – We Want Your Feedback!

TIABC is seeking input from its members and stakeholders to assess the level of satisfaction with the leadership that TIABC provides to the tourism industry, and to gain further knowledge from your insights and responses to each section of the survey to help shape our future direction, provide more value for members, and ensure our effectiveness as advocates for BC's visitor economy.

🕒 The survey takes just 12 minutes to complete.
📅 Deadline: Friday, February 7th

🐚 Your opinion matters! Plus, survey respondents will be entered for a chance to win a two-night stay at Crystal Cove Beach Resort in Tofino.

🔗 Take the survey here: https://bit.ly/40n4Zin

30/01/2025

TIABC CEO Walt Judas was part of a panel on the Business Imperative for Sustainability at the Impact Sustainability Travel & Tourism Sustainability Conference in Victoria this week. Moderated by Destination Greater Victoria CEO Paul Nursey, the panel also included Tourism Industry Association of Canada CEO Beth Potter, Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) CEO Matt Morrison and Isabel Hill, former director of the U.S. National Travel & Tourism Office.

Among a range of topics, panellists discussed the recent shift in the North America political climate and what tourism operators need to do to both embrace measures to combat climate change while also ensuring their businesses remain viable. This year's 8th annual Impact Conference, hosted by Destination Greater Victoria, Synergy Enterprises, tartanbond, and Starrboard Enterprises attracted close to 300 delegates from throughout North America and other countries including Norway and Australia. The event wrapped up on Wednesday.

29/01/2025

🎣 BC Tourism Industry Conference Speaker Highlight

Meet Owen Bird, Executive Director of the Sport Fishing Institute of BC.

Born and raised in BC, Owen grew up fishing along Vancouver Island’s east coast and has explored many incredible locations, including Haida Gwaii and the central and north coasts.

The Sport Fishing Institute of BC represents over 300,000 tidal water sport fishery participants, working to promote sustainable opportunities for the recreational sector and boost sport fishing tourism in BC.

🔗 Learn more about the conference: https://bit.ly/2HAiPWT

27/01/2025

🎤 BC Tourism Industry Conference Speaker Highlight

✨ Bridgitte Anderson: President & CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

Bridgitte is the first woman to lead the Board of Trade in its 138-year history. Under her leadership, she’s championed initiatives like the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council, Canada’s first ESG Microcredential Program, and the Engaged Leadership Program.

With a career spanning journalism and public relations, Bridgitte led communications during the 2010 Winter Olympics and advised on crisis and stakeholder relations.

She currently serves as Chair of the Canadian Global Cities Council and on boards like Invest Vancouver and FIFA26. Recognized for her leadership, Bridgitte was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal and named to BIV’s Power 50 List in 2023 and 2024.

🔗 Learn more about the conference: https://bit.ly/2HAiPWT

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27/01/2025

What aspect of AI in tourism excites you the most? 🤔�

Dive into this and more as Peter Pilarski, Founder of the Tourism AI Network and Walt Judas tackle how technology is shaping the future of tourism on TIABC’s Voice of Tourism podcast.�

🎧 Tune in now: https://tiabc.ca/tiabcs-voice-of-tourism-podcast-episode-32-peter-pilarski/

25/01/2025

TIABC CEO Walt Judas joined member and BCHA Director David McKenzie (owner of Pemberton Valley Lodge) at the first-ever Save Our Streets Forum in Vancouver. Some 150 leaders and advocates representing communities, businesses, service organizations, citizens and government met to discuss and present solutions to the problem of crime, vandalism and violence across the province.

A more integrated relationship between the justice and health systems, as well as identifying a political leader willing to take on the critical issue of public safety as a main priority, were among the many recommendations advanced during the forum. The Save Our Streets Coalition includes TIABC and many of its members who are concerned about the impact of crime in local communities, as well as the effect on tourism businesses and visitors.

24/01/2025

On this episode of TIABC's Voice of Tourism podcast, Walt Judas welcomes Peter Pilarski, the visionary behind the Tourism AI Network.

Together, they explore Peter’s fascinating journey in the tourism industry, the transformative potential of AI, and actionable strategies for businesses to thrive in a competitive market through innovation.

🎧 Don’t miss it: https://tiabc.ca/tiabcs-voice-of-tourism-podcast-episode-32-peter-pilarski/

23/01/2025

🌟 Meet Our New Member: Sea to Sky Gondola!

Perched 885m above sea level, the Sea To Sky Gondola offers breathtaking views of Howe Sound’s ocean and mountain landscapes, serving as a gateway to year-round adventure.

🚡 Take a 10-minute scenic gondola ride to the stunning Summit Lodge, where you can explore:
✨ Accessible walking trails & interpretive loops
✨ A picturesque suspension bridge
✨ Alpine hiking trails
✨ Spectacular viewing platforms overlooking turquoise waters and iconic peaks

🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3E4IPtU

22/01/2025

📣 Are you attending WORTH Association's 2025 Leadership Summit?

Held on the week of International Women’s Day, the WORTH Leadership Summit is for anyone dedicated to uplifting women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality—regardless of gender. Whether you’re a manager, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, the Summit offers valuable insights and connections to fuel your growth.

Connect with like-minded peers, gain practical insights, and help foster a more inclusive leadership pipeline. Proceeds support WORTH Association’s initiatives, including scholarships, professional development, and low-barrier opportunities, ensuring lasting impact beyond the event.

📅 March 11, 2025
📍 Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, BC
🎟 Click here to register at the early bird rate and learn more about the Summit: https://bit.ly/40uXNRD

Ready, set, network! The WORTH Leadership Summit is set to be an action-packed day with British Columbia’s most influential women in Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality. 📅 Tuesday, March 11th, 2025📍 Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, British Columbia Choose your registration option below! $419 Earl...