The risks and impacts of COVID-19 continue to evolve. The health and safety of everyone remains of utmost priority. Staying on top of the latest recommendations from health authorities is crucial.
For our hard-hit tourism sector, questions surround how to overcome the decline in business resulting from restrictions, how to safely navigate reopening (for customers and staff), and how to retain talent amidst uncertainty.
Below, we have gathered guidance and resources to help the tourism workforce. We continue to update the site with the latest advice and recommend bookmarking this page and checking back routinely.
Plan
- Review emergency and contingency plans
- Examine all policies regarding sick leave, working remotely, and caring for family members
- Assess workplace ventilation systems and hygiene practices
- Check HR policies around furloughing staff and layoffs, training, re-hiring, and vaccine requirements
- Collect resources from government health authorities, industry associations, and employment advisors
- Identify and fix any gaps, reflecting the latest adviceÂ
Educate
- Create a central information hub and update it regularly with everything from regional reopening guidance to changes to workplace processes
- Post flyers and/or send emails with resources from public health authorities
- Train staff on how to maintain physical distancing, safely use masks, and navigate changes to work routinesÂ
- Communicate work from home and leave policies
- Explain any changes to travel, meetings, and events policies
Provide
- Clear visual and written instructions on mask wearing, hand washing, cleaning the workplace, physical distancing, vaccination policy, etc.
- Masks (and other PPE, as advised)
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes
- Markings to establish physical distancing of at least 2 metres
- Time off to acquire vaccines and sick days as needed
Support
- Encourage anyone not feeling well to stay home
- If possible, be flexible with hours or offer the opportunity to work remotely
- Cross-train staff so more than one person can take on tasks
- Designate a point of contact for any questions or concerns (and make sure they are equipped for the role!)
- Provide alternatives for employees at increased risk, such working on tasks away from the public
- Offer mental health resources
- Seek feedback on how well policies and procedures are working and whether they are clearly understood by staff and customers/clients
National Health Authority Resources
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- COVID-19 Awareness Toolkit
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Awareness resources
- Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Canada
- How businesses and employees can stay safe while operating during COVID-19
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS): Pandemic (COVID-19) Tip Sheets
Mental Health Resources
As the sudden, unprecedented disruptions of the pandemic turn to ongoing uncertainty, job loss, lack of connection, and more, many of us feel anxious, worried, lonely, sad, and scared. Below is a list of national resources that can be of assistance in helping to manage the stress around the COVID-19 situation:
- Canadian Mental Health Association: COVID-19 and mental health
- Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Not 9 to 5
- Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645; 1-866-277-3553 (from Quebec)
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
- Native Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-877-209-1266
Provincial/Territorial Government and Health Authority Resources
- Alberta: COVID-19 information
- British Columbia: COVID-19 information
- Manitoba: COVID-19 information
- New Brunswick: COVID-19 information
- Newfoundland and Labrador: COVID-19 information
- Northwest Territories: COVID-19 information
- Nova Scotia: COVID-19 information
- Nunavut: COVID-19 information
- Ontario: COVID-19 information
- Prince Edward Island: COVID-19 information
- Quebec: COVID-19 information
- Saskatchewan: COVID-19 information
- Yukon: COVID-19 information
Industry Resources
- Tourism Workforce Recovery Toolkit: practical, no-cost tools and downloadable checklists
- Emerit: online training for tourism, hospitality, foodservice, culinary, and small businesses
- Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC)
- Hotel Association of Canada (HAC)
- Restaurants Canada
- Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
- Destination Canada
- Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)
- Event Safety Alliance (ESA) – Reopening Guide
- National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA)
- Global Association for the Attractions Industry (IAAPA)
- Retail Council of Canada (RCC)
- Safety and Emergency Preparedness for Tourism Operators (Destination BC)
- L’Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec (primarily in French)
- World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) – ‘Safe Travels’: Global Protocols & Stamp for the New Normal
- World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Business Resources
- Canada’s Regional Development Organizations
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- Government of Canada: Managing your business during COVID-19
- Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses
- Conference Board of Canada
- Resources for Small Businesses Affected by Coronavirus (Covid-19) (BC resource)
Federal Support for Businesses, Employers, and Entrepreneurs
The Government of Canada has established a range of support programs for businesses. These include:
The most current list of programs is found here.
Federal Support for Individuals and Employees
The Government of Canada has implemented a number of measures to assist individuals. Many of the deadlines have ended, however remain open to claim a past period.
For each applicable claim period, eligible employers can claim one of the following, whichever gives the highest amount:
- Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
- Hardest-Hit Businesses Recovery Program
- Canada Recovery Hiring Program
- Local Lockdown Program
Although these programs ended on May 7, 2022, businesses can apply for support up to 180 days after the end of the claim period for which they are applying.
The most current benefits are described here.
Travel Advice
- Government of Canada: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel advice
- Government of Canada: Travel health notices
- World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) travel advice