Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter - September

Written By Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
 
 

Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is committed to becoming a world-renowned accessible destination and the goal is to promote “Access & Inclusion” in all aspects of community and tourism experiences, products, and services in the Thompson Okanagan region. This month, we want to focus on what you as a business can do to ensure accessibility is considered in your day to day operations.

Creating accessible spaces and environments allows equal opportunity and full inclusion for everyone - regardless of age, size, ability, culture, or gender - and it nurtures a sense of belonging and wellbeing for all. Inclusive and accessible experiences are an essential piece to living, working, playing, and travelling, with and alongside family and friends.

 
 

5 Tasks to Make Your Business More Accessible

  • Designate accessible parking spaces closest to the main entrance with clearly marked lines and upright post signage.

  • Automatic/low touch/no touch main entrance door OR an easy push/pull main entrance door.

  • Access to a spacious wheelchair accessible washroom with grab bars at the toilet

  • Lowered tasting bars options

  • Ensure hotel rooms are equipped with accessible comforts

If you would like to learn more about accessible tourism and if you are a Biosphere member inquire about an accessibility consultation - contact TOTA’s Regional Accessibility Specialist, Sonja at accesibility@totabc.com.

 
 

Tourism and its role in the Sustainable Development Goals

Tourism creates jobs, promotes local culture and products, works in the sustainable use and management of the environment, like marine resources, and improves measures to make tourism an inclusive experience for all. That is the spirit of our Sustainable Development Goals, a global call to action to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Discover more about how tourism is helping us to achieve these goals by 2030.

 
 

Foundations of Sustainable Tourism Training

The Foundations of Sustainable Tourism Training will be an annual required training for Biosphere Committed Members, each year the content and deliverables will change to continue to provide value.

We want to receive feedback on the Foundations of Sustainable Tourism Training, please complete the 2 minute survey below.

If you have any follow up questions, please contact biosphere@totabc.com.

News Highlights

A few Biosphere updates and highlights from this month:

Featured
Service Feature: Moccasin Trails Consulting
Moccasin Trails Consulting, Indigenous Tourism, Indigenous communities, Good Water, Le Séwllkwe, Elders, Youth, Future Generations, BN-09-2021, Featured, Service
Service Feature: Moccasin Trails Consulting
Moccasin Trails Consulting, Indigenous Tourism, Indigenous communities, Good Water, Le Séwllkwe, Elders, Youth, Future Generations, BN-09-2021, Featured, Service

Moccasin Trails Consulting works to support urban and rural economic development - specifically in Indigenous tourism, partnership building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations in B.C. Services include speaking engagements, tourism & economic development, training programs, corporate training, and workshops.

Moccasin Trails Consulting can support your organization towards working with and build positive relationships with Indigenous communities.

Moccasin Trails Consulting, Indigenous Tourism, Indigenous communities, Good Water, Le Séwllkwe, Elders, Youth, Future Generations, BN-09-2021, Featured, Service
Applications Open for Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism | Apply by 12:00 October 13, 2021
Sustainability, BN-09-2021, Biosphere, Decade of Action, Synergy Entreprises, BC Tourism Resiliency Network (BCRTN)
Applications Open for Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism | Apply by 12:00 October 13, 2021
Sustainability, BN-09-2021, Biosphere, Decade of Action, Synergy Entreprises, BC Tourism Resiliency Network (BCRTN)

The Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism through the UN Sustainable Development Goals is a virtual capacity-building program to support businesses across B.C. to create a Sustainable Development Goal Strategy and Decade of Action Plan. Learn how to align the SDGs with your existing sustainability efforts, set targets for the future, and drive meaningful results for your guests, company, and community.

Sustainability, BN-09-2021, Biosphere, Decade of Action, Synergy Entreprises, BC Tourism Resiliency Network (BCRTN)
World Tourism Day | September 27-28, 2021
BN-09-2021, Sustainability, Event, CREST, UN Tourism
World Tourism Day | September 27-28, 2021
BN-09-2021, Sustainability, Event, CREST, UN Tourism

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has designated World Tourism Day 2021 as a day to focus on “Tourism for Inclusive Growth.” This is an opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person.

CREST is partnering with Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency to host the fifth annual World Tourism Day Forum. This pay-what-you-can virtual event focused on helping key sectors bridge the disconnect between the goals they are warned must be met when it comes to mitigating the climate crisis and the action steps they need to take.

BN-09-2021, Sustainability, Event, CREST, UN Tourism
Accessibility Projects Grant 2021 - Deadline: October 2, 2021
Non-Profit, BN-09-2021
Accessibility Projects Grant 2021 - Deadline: October 2, 2021
Non-Profit, BN-09-2021

Disability Alliance BC announced a Call for Proposals for projects that promote greater accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities in BC communities. Funding of $10,000 to $40,000 per project will be disbursed to a maximum of $450,000 for BC-based not-for-profit organizations that operate primarily for community benefit and whose services are open to the public and not restricted to the organization’s membership. Proposals are due by October 2, 2021.

Non-Profit, BN-09-2021
Tourism Kelowna Participates in 10 Million Acts of Kindness Movement
Tourism Kelowna, BN-09-2021
Tourism Kelowna Participates in 10 Million Acts of Kindness Movement
Tourism Kelowna, BN-09-2021

After a difficult year, Tourism Kelowna wanted to spread a little joy among the amazing people that make up the industry and personally thank them for the great service they provide by participating in the 10 Million Acts of Kindness initiative. Launched in Kelowna in the summer of 2021, this social movement project was aimed at inspiring kindness within the community and beyond. Over 10 days in September, the Tourism Kelowna team hand-delivered over 100 hundred gift bags to front-line staff of Tourism Kelowna stakeholders. The gift bags included a thank you note, local products, Love for Kelowna stickers, and a card that not only explained the initiative but also encouraged them to pay it forward with their own act of kindness.

Tourism Kelowna, BN-09-2021
 
 
 
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
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