Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Newsletter
Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter - December
As we reflect on 2021 and look forward to new opportunities in 2022, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association team sends you our warmest holiday greetings. We wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season and we thank you for your commitment to sustainable business practices and continuous improvement.
The past two years have brought many changes, challenges and learnings for tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region. As we move forward together, we continue to work with many partners to provide you with new opportunities, resources, and advocacy efforts to support the tourism industry.
Reflecting on the past year, TOTA team members shared messages of appreciation and gratitude:
"2021 has been a year of many challenges for tourism and the world as a whole. I am grateful for the dedicated tourism professionals that I have been privileged to work with to assist our industry and for the support of my family and friends. My wish this holiday season is that you have the opportunity to spend time with family or close friends and that their presence will bring you the comfort and strength to help move you through whatever lays ahead in the New Year."
- Ellen Walker-Matthews, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
"I am grateful for all the amazing tourism businesses in our region and their unwavering commitment to providing excellent products and services."
- Mike Overend, Director of Destination Development
"I appreciate how much everyone cares about one another and supports local stakeholders within the region. It's been so needed to get everyone through and will continue to be. We are so fortunate that the communities and businesses offer so many wonderful things to see and do throughout our vast region that we can enjoy supporting each other through local travel! "
- Kelly Galaski, Managing Director, Symphony Tourism Services
"I have been reminded of what the tourism industry and the people in the tourism industry are made of. I have gained a greater understanding of what is most important in our lives. I am honoured to be part of building back a stronger tourism industry."
- Jamie Bourne, Tourism Resiliency Program Advisor
"This year, once again, I am inspired by the resiliency of tourism professionals in the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry. I'm grateful for the dedication of tourism leaders, who continue to take on and overcome challenges for the benefit of our communities, now and in the future."
- Chelsea McGonigal, Communications Specialist / Board Liaison
"I am very grateful that even through this entire pandemic I have still had the ability to do and see the many great things the Thompson Okanagan has to offer. There are immense amounts of outdoor recreation that you are still able to do while keeping safe. "
- Chyan Lloyd, Financial Controller
"I appreciate how resilient everyone can be through the challenges."
- Alison Steward, Office Manager
"The Thompson Okanagan has proven to be a region of resilient tourism operators throughout the pandemic."
- Rob Grifone, Travel Trade & Media / Crisis Management Coordinator
"The Thompson Okanagan tourism industry is the heart of the economy, in one of the greatest industries in the world."
- Jeff Bourne, Tourism Inspiration Centre Ambassador
"I am grateful for the opportunity to work with our tourism stakeholders in the Thompson Okanagan region on their sustainable practices through the Biosphere Commitment Program."
- Kavan Vijayakumar, Event & Industry Relations Specialist
"I'm grateful to see how our team and other tourism stakeholders have been able to support one another through the rollercoaster of 2021."
- Amy Kneller, Sustainability Experience Coordinator
"I appreciate the grit and determination that Thompson Okanagan tourism stakeholders have demonstrated over the past year and their "never-give-up" attitude, despite facing numerous challenges."
- Kaitie Worobec, Director of Destination Stewardship
"I am grateful for those travellers who stopped in to see us at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre and knowing there were many local residents who supported the industry as best they could during a very challenging year! All of the travellers that we met were in good spirits and happy to be able to experience the region and support tourism businesses. "
- Barbara Bonnough, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre & TOTA Training Centre Manager
"I appreciate the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry's resiliency. We live in such a beautiful part of the province, and the pride of our region is apparent in the work that we do. As a newcomer to this industry, it is amazing to see everyone stand together to support each other."
- Donna Sellin, Senior Executive Assistant
"The Thompson Okanagan is a leader for tourism, with a wide range of sustainable tourism opportunities. I am grateful to be able to live in a community with so many wonderful people and businesses who are committed to sharing this beautiful place with others."
- Eve Layman, Destination Stewardship Coordinator
"I am grateful to work in an industry full of amazing people and am constantly in awe of our stakeholders, their resiliency, creativity, and compassion for one another."
- Shelby Campbell, Research Specialist, Symphony Tourism Services
"I'm grateful for the resiliency displayed by the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry over the course of this year. It's been a difficult year for most businesses but seeing the perseverance displayed by many stakeholders is inspiring."
- Darnel St. Pierre, Digital Marketing Coordinator
"Thank you to many of our stakeholders who have made accessibility a key priority - ensuring that full participation is possible for everyone to enjoy and experience what you have to offer. "
- Sonja Gaudet, Regional Access & Inclusion Liaison
"I love how so much of the industry is centered on the land and nature. From wineries, to parks, camping and cultural events, I really think it describes the people of the Thompson Okanagan and the goal towards sustainable tourism."
- Amber Rabe, Administrative Coordinator
"I appreciate the continuous resiliency the Thompson Okanagan Tourism industry never fails to show and am so grateful to be apart of this community."
- Jenna Labossiere, Consumer Communications Coordinator
Note: The TOTA office is closed from December 20, 2021 to January 4, 2022. If you require assistance, please email Recovery@TOTABC.com so we can provide support as soon as we return.
Image: Ever Present Giving
Tips for a Greener Holiday Season
This holiday season, we encourage you to make sustainable choices. Between late November and early January, household waste increases by more than 25%, from extra food waste (up to 40% of festive food is wasted), packaging and items that are thrown out and replaced with newer versions received as gifts.
Did you know Canadians send an estimated 540,000 tonnes of wrapping paper and gift bags to the landfill each holiday season? That is the equivalent of 100,000 elephants!
Here are some tips to minimize your environmental impact this holiday season:
Shop local to reduce your footprint and support the local economy.
Normalize regifting and second hand gifts.
Instead of buying things, give experiences such as spa services, restaurant gift certificates, or a local tourism experience.
Support causes your loved ones care about by donating to local charities or environmental organizations.
Reuse wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue paper, bubble wrap and boxes.
Choose local, seasonal vegetables and reduce or eliminate meat.
Package leftovers using reusable beeswax food wrap, stainless steel or glassware.
Opt for a real tree from a local tree farm or a potted tree.
Choose LED lights. They have a longer life span and use less energy, only about four watts per strand.
Send e-cards to save paper and postage.
Biosphere News
The 2021 Biosphere Award winners have been selected. Watch for the announcement of the three winning companies in January!
We are thrilled to welcome two new companies to the Biosphere Commitment Program: ERTCU Travel Group and Klippers Organic Acres! We look forward to supporting your sustainability journey in 2022 and beyond.