OTTAWA, Oct. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Airbnb activity at the current levels has not generated an economically meaningful increase in rents across Canada’s major cities, according to new research from The Conference Board of Canada in collaboration with Airbnb. The study is the first of its kind to use actual Airbnb booking data rather than information scraped from the webpage, and the first to focus on the effect of Airbnb activity on rents in the Canadian market.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in rents across Canadian cities since 2016, as well as an increase in Airbnb activity,” stated Tony Bonen, Director, Economic Research at The Conference Board of Canada. “However, contrary to the common narratives around Airbnb listings, of the 30 per cent increase in rents observed in our sample of neighbourhoods, at most less than 1 percentage point can be attributed to increased Airbnb activity.”

The Conference Board of Canada found that despite having a significant effect on the number of active high-use Airbnbs, regulations restricting short-term rentals to a host’s principal residence haven’t led to lower rents in the areas they were implemented.

Additionally, the research found that areas that implemented principal residence restrictions tended to have higher rents, suggesting these cities may have been motivated to introduce restrictions to address broader affordability concerns.

The research focused on high-use, or full-time Airbnb listings between 2016 and 2022 across 330 neighbourhoods in 19 of the largest cities across Canada. These properties were chosen as they’re more likely to increase pressure on rents by lowering long-term rental market supply, as opposed to listings that are a host’s principal place of residence and only available occasionally. The Conference Board of Canada found that the number of high-use Airbnbs relative to the number of households in a given neighbourhood is generally low, though it does vary both within and between cities in our sample.

Vancouver, B.C. – October 11th, 2023 – Coast Hotels Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of APA Hotel Canada, Inc. and one of North America’s fastest-growing and one of Canada’s largest hotel brands, today announced that Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, British Columbia, unveiled its plans for guest room renovations, set to begin in December this year with an estimated completion in the spring of 2024. These renovations will offer guests an elevated Refreshingly Local™ experience with a focus on comfort, intuitively designed rooms and suites, and unparalleled service.

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Victoria Outer Harbour, Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA has long been a beacon of coastal hospitality. The upcoming guest room renovations represent a significant investment in both style and comfort, further solidifying the hotel's position as a premier destination for leisure and business travelers alike.

"We are thrilled to be embarking on this renovation project," said Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA General Manager, Marc Portelance. "We aim to provide our guests with an even more exceptional experience when they stay with us, from the moment they arrive until the time they depart. These new renovations will allow us to do just that."

The guest room renovation project will include updates to every room and suite, including new furnishings, bedding, fixtures, and full bathroom renovations. The design incorporates a unique coastal feel with contemporary lines and silhouettes that lend a relaxed elegance to the breezy simplicity of shore life. The redesigned open-concept space will also incorporate nature’s palette with a bit of drama and mood. Dark chocolates and caramel, the colors of earth, wood, and stone, will emulate a relaxing and warm feeling.

"We are proud to bring best-in-class accommodation to the residents of Victoria, Vancouver Island, and indeed the world”, says Jin Sasaki, President & CEO of Coast Hotels. “We can’t wait to reveal our beautifully renovated guest rooms and to offer those who have experienced the charm of Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA a fresh, elevated experience.”

The renovations are set to commence in December 2023 and will be completed in phases to minimize any disruptions to guests. During this time, the hotel will remain open, and guests can expect the same high level of service and comfort they have come to expect from Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA.

(OTTAWA, ON—October 6, 2023) Tourism HR Canada is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability by signing the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge. The organization will increase its sustainability performance each year, through to 2030, using an assessment based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria, and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Taking concrete, measurable actions to secure a vibrant future for our planet is not a choice; it’s a responsibility,” says Philip Mondor, president and CEO of Tourism HR Canada. “We have a duty to protect our environment and ensure that future generations can partake in tourism, whether as a traveller, a local, or a professional. We are honoured to join the dozens of likeminded businesses and destinations across Canada determined to make a positive change and weave sustainability into their day-to-day practices." 

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

A multi-billion-dollar industry in Canada, tourism is undergoing rapid change as it recovers from the impacts of the pandemic and responds to increasing climate uncertainty. A vital economic driver, the sector is a key employer for over two million Canadians, with 1 in 10 jobs across the country related to tourism. Responsible, meaningful action is needed to ensure tourism can be a force for good; the signatories of the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge believe that improving the social, cultural, environmental, and economic performance of the tourism industry is essential to the long-term health and wellbeing of this important sector of the economy.

Tourism HR Canada commits to measuring and improving its sustainability performance in the following ways:

►  Continuously adjust its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices to lower its carbon footprint and grow its social handprint

►  Develop and promote HR practices to build inclusive, diverse, equitable, accessible, leading (IDEAL) workplaces that support a globally competitive and sustainable industry

►  Provide sustainable National Occupation Standards and quality training to build a skilled, diverse, inclusive, and resilient workforce

►  Take the self-assessment and sustainability scorecard annually to measure its progress

“Tourism HR Canada looks forward to the opportunity to further its sustainable practices, and will provide annual updates of its progress under the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge,” adds Mondor. “We are particularly committed to action around six relevant SDGs: quality education; gender equality; decent work and economic growth; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; and responsible consumption and production. The resources available through the Pledge will support our work in these key areas.”

Developed in Canada by GreenStep, the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge was launched together with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada to help tourism businesses and destinations measure and improve their sustainability performance by creating a common framework and benchmark for the sector. The program offers a free online assessment and sustainability score, helping tourism businesses and destinations self-assess on a broad range of sustainability criteria. This creates a common framework and benchmark from which tourism businesses and destinations can create action plans to make ongoing improvements in the areas of economic, social, cultural, natural, and environmental sustainability.

VICTORIA, B.C. (October 5, 2023) –Fairmont Empress launches its Artist in Residence program, captivating guests with live art performances and showcasing the extraordinary talents of local artists in the Greater Victoria area. Artists using various mediums are set to display their work in the hotel’s mezzanine from October and into April 2024, providing a culturally enriching experience for all hotel visitors.

Each month, a distinguished local artist will demonstrate their artistic prowess on canvas through live painting sessions. Guests and the community will have the unique opportunity to witness the birth of a masterpiece as the artists create stunning works of art right before their eyes. The artists will share their creative process and inspirations, providing an intimate glimpse into the world of artistry.

“We are thrilled to support local artists and be a part of their creative journey,” said General Manager Dan McGowan. “This program provides our guests and the community an invaluable opportunity to engage with artists and learn about their discipline and artistic approach. We deeply appreciate the arts and wish to celebrate our local artists by providing a space for them to connect with our local community and those from abroad visiting our beautiful city. Each piece of art tells a story and encourages artistic exploration, inspiring all of us to explore our city through an artistic lens.”

On Saturday, November 18, nine local artists will come together for ‘Artistry at Afternoon Tea’, a special event hosted in the Palm Court where the artists will live paint during the Afternoon Tea service from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Participants can admire other unique pieces of work by the artists, which are available for purchase. Reservations for Afternoon Tea service can be made online. 

The artists in residence will be on-site three times per week during their monthly residency. Schedules will be posted online at the beginning of each month. Follow along on social media @FairmontEmpress for further details on the upcoming schedule and the artist's creative process along the way.

Meet the Artists by visiting their profiles online.