Limiting liability is a key concern for any business owner or operator; but for those operating adventure tourism activities – be it land or sea – the issue becomes even more significant.

Five years after the attacks of September 11, the BC tourism industry stills looks back and shudders at the event and its aftermath. Aside from the tragic loss of thousands of lives, the attack on the twin towers resulted in an almost immediate, worldwide shut down of the tourism industry. Many borders, airline services and international travel plans were cancelled or closed. The economic repercussions of these events are still being felt today. Air security taxes and regulations, the restructuring of many tourism businesses, as well as a looming deadline for the implementation of US passport travel requirements, are just a few of the industry’s legacies left by 9/11.

Despite the announcements of insurance companies' record high profits, insurance premiums for tourism operations continue to remain high across the country. However, an industry led tourism insurance program headed by the Council of Tourism Associations of BC (COTA) is entering new territory in business risk management and insurance coverage.

With Stats Canada pointing to noticeable decline in US visitors in 2005 and the preparation for the implementation of new US passport requirements, the industry is buzzing about the potential impact of American passport regulations on tourism in BC. These concerns seem to be justified. In a report released in 2005, the Conference Board of Canada estimated that the new passport requirements will result in a Canadian gross shortfall in international export (tourism) receipts of $1.7 billion dollars between 2005 - 2008. For an industry finally recovering from SARS and 9/11, these figures stirup concern among many operators who are already fighting in an increasingly competitive international market against high fuel costs and a high Canadian dollar.

The Government of British Columbia on Tuesday released its Budget 2006. The budget had fewer dramatic announcements for tourism compared with Budget 2005, but nonetheless outlined some new initiatives to benefit the B.C. tourism industry.

On January 31 Premier Gordon Campbell unveiled the provincial government’s Gateway Program Definition Report, which outlined the province’s ambitious $3 billion plan to reduce congestion in the Lower Mainland’s transportation corridors.

Following legislation signed by President George Bush in December of 2004, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security are considering a plan to ensure that all individuals have a passport or some other form of secure documentation if traveling by air or sea by January of 2007, or by land by January of 2008.

The Council of Tourism Associations (COTA) and Adventure Insurance Agency are now providing the widest range of coverage across Canada for businesses that offer nature-based tourism activities. The national launch of the COTA Insurance and Risk Management Program builds on the success it is having in British Columbia where subscribers are saving up to 25% on their insurance.

Despite the buzz around getting the 2010 Games, and tourism being a key contributor to British Columbia’s current and future economic growth, it seems today’s young people are not overly interested in considering a career in tourism. Results from a recent Omnibus survey conducted with B.C. residents have found that only 16% of teens and 22% of young adults would consider a career in tourism. The survey, conducted by the Mustel Group on behalf of go2, the British Columbia tourism industry's human resources association, has not delivered encouraging news to an industry that is already having employee recruitment and retention challenges.

The tourism industry is facing unprecidented labour shortages and the burden is on the operators to seek out solutions. With the 2010 Games approaching, labour demands are only going to increase. Without a prepared industry and a ready workforce, tourism products will suffer. So why is it so hard to find experienced and qualified people? At the root of the problem, there's a demographic shift that will result in significant skilled labour shortages in the next 10 years. For tourism, an industry that has always relied heavily on youth, this could pose a serious challenge. However, age isn't the only challenge facing the industry's workforce today. The tourism industry has a stigma attached to it that the jobs are low pay and entry-level. Industry needs to work together to ensure a positive workplace environment with a labour pool aware of the opportunities in tourism.

The days of entering the US with a driver's license or a birth certificate are quickly drawing to a close. According to the departments of state and homeland security in the U.S., new measures of secure identification on borders will be required as part of its Western Hemisphere Security Initiative. By January 1,2008 all Canadian citizens entering the US and returning Americans will need to show their passport or equivalent secure entry documents. Secure entry documents apply to not only passports, but in response to the emerging popularity and demand for fast recognition procedures such as NEXUS, FAST, and Mexico Laser Cards.

After more than five years of discussions and research by the Canadian Tourism Commission, the Canadian Government and other interested parties, the Chinese government has begun negotiations for Canada Approved Destination Status (ADS).