President’s Message: Hope for the Holidays!

As we have all gone through a challenging year, hope is my message for the holidays.

Road trip to the USA

Last weekend, I took a day trip south to Washington state to pick up long overdue mail and a bit of Christmas shopping. At the mall, I found everyone wearing masks indoors and a few line ups for shops due to social distance rules. Restaurants were filled with families and there was a holiday vibe in the air. So, we have adapted and I am hoping to travel international in the new year.

ArriveCAN App

Upon my return, I spent ten minutes completing my ArriveCAN declaration which must be submitted before reaching the border. Load your travel and vaccination documents onto the app before you depart which will save you time upon returning. Border officials will verify if you have submitted your ArriveCAN declaration upon arrival, failure to submit can result in fines and/or a 14 day quarantine. If you do not have the app, you can also file your declaration directly online. Plus, they are now distributing COVID-19 home test kits at random and have stopped testing at the border. As our elected offices are short on details for travellers, this has been my experience.

BCATW Membership

I would like to take this moment to thank all of you that have renewed your BCATW membership. Your faith in BCATW’s future is greatly appreciated and I look forward to hosting our next Educational workshop webinar on “Pitching to Editors” in January.

Stay safe and I look forward to connecting with you all next year.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Hanukkah!

Edward Quan

President, BCATW

Travel Special! Bestway offers 2022 departures exploring Middle East

 Bestway Tours & Safaris has just released 2022 departures and prices for their unique Arab Sheikdoms tour, which explores five countries in the Middle East.

This 15-day cultural journey provides a rare glimpse into Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and all of the emirates in the United Arab Emirates.

What’s more, if travellers book on a 2022 departure of this tour as a party of two before December 31, 2021, the second person will receive 25% off the tour price!

See full details of the tour here.