Subscribe to the weekly Tourism News Summary newsletter for relevant information on regulations, resources, and guidelines to help Thompson Okanagan tourism operators to build a resilient business.
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Web accessibility allows users of all abilities to understand, use and enjoy the internet. In this week’s Content Marketing Learning Series article, you’ll learn how employing simple interfaces with frictionless and alternative user pathways can improve the overall experience of your website.
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TOTA has several Tourism Resiliency Advisors within our team. Our diverse group of Program Advisors provide hands-on support to help tourism businesses access resources and opportunities to overcome the impact of the pandemic.
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On This Spot History App is offering free social media strategy support for museums in the form of a bi-weekly virtual drop-in. This is an opportunity for Thompson Okanagan museums to learn how to improve social media engagement, gain new followers, and build an online brand that attracts visitors to services.
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Destination BC is listing Travel Offers on HelloBC.com as a “hook” to encourage potential travellers to explore a variety of BC experiences, attractions, and accommodations. Research shows that offers play an important role in moving the consumer’s mindset from planning to purchasing and is also a great opportunity for businesses to feature new products or experiences, drive website traffic/bookings, and ultimately acquire new customers.
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The B.C. Ministry of Health has published new 'Guidance for Outside Dining Spaces.' This document provides information on ways businesses must comply with the Provincial Health Officer's Order on Food and Liquor Serving Premises, specifically the requirements for providing outside food or drink services.
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The B.C. Employer Training Grant program provides access to the skills training needed to adapt to the changing requirements of jobs and the labour market while encouraging employer involvement in the training of their employees. Training must result in a better job at the applicant’s company once training is completed.
The ETG is a cost-shared program. Reimbursement amounts vary between 60% and 100% depending on the training stream. Employers are eligible to receive up to $300,000 per fiscal year (April 1 – March 31).
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The Certificate of Recognition program (COR) is an occupational health and safety audit, certification and incentive program rewarding employers that go beyond the legal requirements of the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation by taking the “best practice” approach to implementing their injury prevention and injury management programs.
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go2HR’s new COVID-19 Workplace Assessment Tool provides tourism and hospitality employers with information and resources to assist in developing a robust COVID-19 Safety Plan. The tool includes five key steps to evaluate current set ups in relation to managing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, with suggestions on how to improve.
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List of key resources for starting a new tourism business in B.C.
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WorkSafe BC offers a resource database to support employers in completing the required daily health checks, including checklists, posters, and a self-assessment tool.
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The B.C. PST Rebate on Select Machinery and Equipment is a temporary provincial sales tax (PST) program to help corporations recover from the financial impacts of COVID-19.
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The B.C. increased employment incentive is a one-time refundable tax credit for employers. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2021. For each eligible employee, eligible remuneration must not exceed the maximum amount of $1,129.33 per week.
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DER3 offers free, one-to-one business and technical expertise for companies that want to better engage with the digital economy. When required, the program will also match businesses with regional service providers who can deliver contracted solutions. Application closed as of March 15, 2021.
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The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
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Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.
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Grants of $2,000 to $20,000 are available to hospitality, fitness, and accommodation businesses impacted by the March 31, 2021 Public Health Officer orders on gatherings and events and liquor and food serving premises, and the April 23, 2021 EPA order on travel.
Grants are available until June 4, 2021 or until funds are fully expended, whichever comes first. Apply as soon as possible.
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BSAFE is a new online training course created in partnership with tourism and hospitality stakeholders and go2HR, the tourism and hospitality industry health and safety authority. This complementary training provides staff with a strong foundation in COVID-19 health and safety protocols. BSAFE is set to become an industry standard: a recognizable indicator of the extent to which health and safety is a priority for BC’s tourism and hospitality employers.
The course is 60-90 minutes in duration, followed by a multiple-choice test to verify the learner’s knowledge.
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A Communications Toolkit is available to help accommodators and tourism operators to inform guests, staff, and stakeholders of the provincial travel restrictions.
Please review and share the toolkit, which includes key messaging, Q&A, and other resources to better-position industry to handle these restrictions.
The BC Government has made regulatory improvements under the Employment Standards Act to bring in job-protected leave for workers needing time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Full- and part-time workers can take time off to receive the vaccine, or take a dependent family member. The government is also exploring options to provide workers with paid leave while getting their vaccine.
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