Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC (AtBC) | AtBC is a non-profit, membership-based organization that is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Aboriginal tourism industry. AtBC offers training, marketing programs, and more for Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities who are operating or looking to start a tourism business.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) | The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a global leader in the marketing and development of Indigenous tourism experiences. ITAC’s members are Indigenous-owned and controlled businesses from every province and territory in the country.
BC Wilderness Tourism Association (BCWTA) | BCWTA is an organization of adventure tourism operators working to enhance the wilderness experience through advocacy, education, and involvement with public and private enterprise.
The Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) | TIABC is a not-for-profit industry association that advocates for the interests of British Columbia’s $15 billion visitor economy. TIABC works collaboratively with its members to ensure the best working environment for a competitive tourism industry. TIABC hosts a number of events and publishes a newsletter.
Tourism Association of Canada (TIAC) | TIAC is responsible for representing tourism interests at the national level, and its advocacy work involves promoting and supporting policies, programs and activities that will benefit the sector's growth and development. TIAC conducts a number of events as well as a Tourism Congress.
Destination Canada | A crown corporation, Destination Canada uses research to drive evidence-based marketing. Destination Canada provides research including data, industry analysis, and reports on market intelligence.
Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) | ACTA is a national member-based trade association that represents the retail travel sector of Canada’s tourism industry. ACTA advocates on behalf of members with governments, regulatory agencies, and travel suppliers in the best interests of the retail travel sector and consumers who benefit from the professional services provided by Members.
Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) | The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) is a non-profit organization, consisting of highly respected tour operators from across Canada as well as supporting members. CATO’s primary role is to inform government and other stakeholders of issues important to its members as well as advocate on their behalf.
Tourism HR Canada | Tourism HR Canada is a pan-Canadian organization with a mandate aimed at building a world-leading tourism workforce. It facilitates, coordinates, and enables human resource development activities that support a globally competitive and sustainable industry and foster the development of a dynamic and resilient workforce.
International Associations
The Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) | An international organization, the Canadian Chapter of TTRA is dedicated to individuals interested in advancing the quality and effectiveness of tourism research and marketing and fosters the value and use of research in the marketing, planning, and development of tourism in Canada.TTRA maintains an events page and coordinates an annual conference.
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) | WTTC’s goal is to maximise the inclusive and sustainable growth potential of the Travel & Tourism sector by partnering with governments, destinations, communities, and other stakeholders to drive economic development, create jobs, reduce poverty and foster peace, security, and understanding in our world. The Research page of WTTC includes insights and publications, economic impact reports and downloadable regional highlights of tourism’s contribution to GDP.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
British Columbia Magazine | A quarterly magazine that highlights British Columbia's natural diversity and many opportunities for travel and adventure.
Travelweek Magazine | Travelweek is Canada's weekly travel trade news source with travel news, jobs, travel industry events, and more.
Visitor's Choice | Visitors' Choice Magazines are published six times a year and are available at local airports, hotels, and travel outlets. They highlight tourism activities in Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland.
Condé Nast Traveler | Published monthly, Condé Nast Traveler’s motto is “Trust in Travel.” The publication provides enlightening content on a wide range of topics, including destinations, hotels, food and beverage, airlines as well as fashion, cars, digital and grooming.
Consultant & Other Websites
Indigenous Tourism BC Corporate | A non-profit, Stakeholder-based organization, Indigenous Tourism BC is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry. Through training, information resources, networking opportunities and marketing programs, Indigenous Tourism BC is an important resource for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in British Columbia who are operating or looking to start a tourism business.
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) | The UNWTO Elibrary is an online service from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with a broad coverage of tourism and related subject areas. The subject areas reflect all important themes moving the tourism sector and include, among others, ecotourism and sustainable development, tourism statistics, market research, innovation and new technologies and tourism policies. The UNWTO Elibrary contains books, journals and statistical reports by country and by indicator.
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Blogs, Podcasts & Discussion Forums
Blogs
Aboriginal Tourism BC Blog | Information on new destinations to visit and experience BC’s Aboriginal heritage.
Hello BC Blog | The official blog of Destination BC featuring travel tips, industry trends, and upcoming events from across the province.
Tourism Industry Association of Canada Media Centre | Updates on nation-wide issues of interest to the tourism industry.
Podcasts
Tourpreneur | Tourpreneur is designed to share tips and advice to help more tour business owners be successful. Sign up for their newsletter for industry insights.
The Future of Tourism | A series of candid conversations with industry leaders, luminaries and visionaries about the challenges and opportunities facing the travel and tourism industry today.
Talking Tourism | A go-to resource to learn the ins and outs of running a tourism business in today’s changing world.
Tourism Entrepreneur | An online community and media company dedicated to aspiring, new and established tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs.
Tourism Hub Podcast | Weekly podcast sharing insights an journeys of entrepreneurs and leaders in tourism.
Discussion Forums
Fodor's Travel Canada Forum | An active discussion forum where travelers share their experiences, tips, and recommendations for tourists across Canada.
TripAdvisor British Columbia Travel Forum | Travel industry professionals can connect here with customers to discuss details of British Columbia tourism.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.