March CEO’s Message to Industry from Krista Bax

As I note the anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, and my first anniversary as CEO, there’s a lot to think back on. I’ve learned so much in the past year, adapting, adjusting and pivoting, just like you. I have deepened my understanding about this amazing industry and we’ve all learned about social distancing, the new normal, and lately variants of concern. This year also reminded us why it is so important that we work together. And I applaud that. But rather than reflect, I’d prefer to look ahead.

Problems are easy to find. Working to find solutions to solve a problem takes a bit more creativity and skill and I am proud of the results we continue to share with industry. And while our team works from home, they don’t work in isolation. The myriad of collaborations that our organization has been involved in the past 12 months has served our organization well. Growing and nurturing these partnerships is how we will continue to move forward in the months and years ahead.

The go2HR team have always worked to offer a broad range of tools to support tourism and hospitality business. And COVID-19 has only intensified our efforts. From COVID-19 safety plan assistance to developing new training tools to offering additional expertise to business’ and associations in the tourism and hospitality industry like our participation in the ITBC Labour Market research project, we are all working together towards solutions.

We saw that last week at the #MissionPossible BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference, a joint effort from TIABC and the BCHA that provided an amazing array of content, professional development and a path to recovery. TIABC and BCHA did a wonderful job. We were pleased to participate in this event and offer our expertise. Director of Industry Training Andrea Hinck moderated a panel on inclusion and diversity in the workplace. Director of Industry Health and Safety Arun Subramanian was part of a discussion on mental health and wellbeing for the tourism and hospitality sectors. The discussion centered on resources and training content in development to focus on this important issue. I gave a workshop with Phillip Mondor from THRC on labour strategy. Our latest initiative, a new online safety certificate program, one of the Tourism Task Force recommendations, was announced at the conference. We’re developing the curriculum as I write and will share details on this exciting project as it develops.

The BC Tourism and Hospitality LMI research project, now in its sector engagement phase, has been well received from our regional DMOs and I’m grateful for their assistance in bringing together key stakeholders to engage in critical discussions about how to define our industry that will guide our project’s research forward.

These collaborations within our industry knit together the fabric of our recovery. With the vaccine rollout continuing, the future seems just a bit brighter and I truly believe that the spirit of cooperation and community will carry our industry to better days.