A Message From Our CEO
I find it difficult to believe that summer is nearly over as our team begins preparation for fall campaigns, AGMs and 2021 priorities.
While some businesses have flourished during our shortened summer season, the effects of Covid-19 continue to dramatically and adversely affect many in the tourism industry. Our research and surveys indicate that visitation in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is averaging approximately 30% down compared to last year. And while many operators were busy, they may only have been able to run at 50% capacity, and our business insolvency reports continue to sit at approximately 30%.
The Provincial and Federal support programs have been a help to some as we prepared for our summer season; however, support will be even more critical as the year continues and we head into a long winter. Despite the brief summer reprieve, the losses, for the most part, are far greater than the gains, and many are unable to find a way through.
CCCTA is continuing to provide information to the government on industry needs, highlighting your concerns, challenges and gaps that you have communicated to us directly.
Stay Strong,
Amy
In The News
NEW $2 million Arts Infrastructure Program
Arts and cultural organizations can apply for funding via the new $2 million Arts Infrastructure Program, administered by the BC Arts Council. Organizations are eligible for as much as $75,000 to improve arts and culture spaces, or $40,000 for special equipment to support programming. Applications are open from today until October 19, 2020.
More information is available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020TAC0045-001532
As always, please feel free to contact us with questions.
Welcoming Salman Azam as Assistant Deputy Minister for Tourism
A new Assistant Deputy Minister or “ADM” position has been created, specifically dedicated to tourism, within the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Join us in welcoming Mr. Salman Azam—we look forward to working with him to support BC’s vital tourism industry. ADM Claire Avison will now focus on the Arts and Culture portfolio, which has some exciting projects underway.
Civil Damages Protection for Tourism Operators
The BC Government has taken steps to protect people from legal proceedings for civil damages that result from transmission or exposure to COVID-19. This coverage can give comfort to people that they have protection from civil proceedings as BC restarts its economy and we collectively continue on the path towards recovery. The protection covers both paid and unpaid positions, and is available to businesses and non-profit services with a community benefit, such as community recreation or leisure activities. It is important to note, however, that the protection only exists if the person has followed all emergency and public health guidance, or reasonably believes that they have done so. For more information, please visit:
https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/Website/media/Shared/docs/about/covid/CivilLiability.pdf
What Are the Trends that Will Support a “New Normal” for Tourism?
Along with countless challenges brought on by COVID-19, the “New Normal” holds opportunities for businesses to adapt, thoughtfully bridge gaps and relay value in new ways. Last week’s BC Regional Tourism Secretariat webinar shared consumer trends and insights to help you navigate, to watch the recording click here: Consumer Trends Post COVID-19 Proudly supported by:
Save the Date October 26-27, 2020
While our world looks very different, our team remains committed to serving you! Working with key global partners we will be bringing your Annual Tourism Summit and AGMs to you in a new format to ensure that you have the opportunity to grow the tools your business needs to be successful in 2021. Watch for more details soon!
Tourism Stories of Resilience
The BC Tourism Resiliency Network has launched a series called “Stories of Resilience” to profile tourism businesses in British Columbia who, in the face of adversity due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, have been able to adapt and are on the road to recovery and long-term resiliency. It is our hope in sharing these stories that you see yourself, your sector or your community, and find a shared connection that may inspire you or encourage you to participate in the tourism resiliency program.
Check out our first profiles here.
Are you a tourism business in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region who needs help to adapt, recover and work towards long-term resiliency? Please register for support through the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Resiliency Program here.
Do you have a story of resilience to share? Please contact Kristi Denby at kristi@landwithoutlimits.com
Proudly supported by:
Pivot Your Learning
As part of our continued efforts to evolve our support to our Cariboo Chilcotin Coast industry and partners we are joining forces with the Tourism Café to host a series of Ideas Labs to increase our ability to hear from you on topics that matter.
We have heard that some people are ‘webinared out’ and so we are responding with something new and innovative. It’s called an Ideas Lab, and participation is by invitation only in this 45-minute, small group (maximum 15 people), online facilitated discussion. Each Ideas Lab will focus on ONE TOPIC to allow for a productive discussion, idea sharing and actionable outcomes.
Review the summary sheets from past sessions:
Welcome Signals
Pivoting to BC Markets
Upcoming Session:
Tuesday, Sept 22, 2020
2:00 pm PDT
Staying True to Your Brand Experience While Creatively Adapting to COVID Protocols.
Email: Kristi Denby at kristi@landwithoutlimits.com ASAP as it is first come first serve.
FREE TRAINING to support your business
You have access to 350+ hours of recorded tourism marketing courses, as well as access to live tourism marketing webinars every Thursday, thanks to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast partnership with eLearningU!
Some staff picks for great webinars from the archive to get started with are Social Media Planning: Build a Content Calendar for Next Week, Tips to Create Crazy, Phenomenal Videos – Yes You Can!, and Create, Curate and Newsjack Your Social Media Content.
Click here to start your Free training!
Stories of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast,
e-version!
The English e-version of the 2020 Stories of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast edition is now live on landwithoutlimits.com. This year’s edition explored our landscapes that have inspired generations of creatives, our abundance of outdoor activities, road tripping throughout the seasons and highlighted some elements of our diverse culture and history.
This edition will serve as a great asset in generating awareness of our numerous product offerings to the BC-resident market and generate referrals to your businesses.
If you would like to order print copies of the guide, click the link below to order!
Measuring Canadian Travel Patterns
The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast saw an 24% increase in visitation over British Columbia during Week 27 (August 3-9). Visitation to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast increased by 29% and British Columbia increased by 6% when comparing Week 26 (July 27-August 2) to Week 27 (August 3-9).