Support for Tourism Companies in 2021
It is incredible to realize that we are almost through the first month of 2021 and, while we all dreamed the new year would miraculously end the battle with COVID-19, we also knew that wasn't possible. We are hopeful that in the next few months, life will start to resemble something more like normal and this is the beginning of the end of this pandemic.
Now is the time for making plans and preparations for that day in the future when tourism begins to reemerge and we begin to rebuild. The team at TOTA has been working on a number of initiatives to assist tourism operators in moving forward better and we hope you will take time to learn more about them.
Snowshoeing on the trestles in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park / The Great Trail of Canada.
Here is an overview of some TOTA programs available to support the tourism industry:
Tourism Skills Training Program
Coming up quickly this February 3 is the application deadline for TOTA's new live virtual Tourism Skills Training (TST) Program, developed to assist individuals to grow their employability whether they are unemployed, or working a casual, seasonal or part-time position. This fully funded training program starts February 8 and concludes on May 5. Seats are limited.
To learn more and apply, go to TOTABC.org/Training.
Tourism Resiliency Program
Our TOTA advisors continue to provide one-on-one support to businesses through the regional Tourism Resiliency Program. We will work with you to navigate the various supports offered by the provincial and federal governments.There are a wide variety of upcoming webinars and past recordings as well as other supports that our advisors can connect you with, including expert business mentorship, micro loans, and mental health support.
Learn more and register for free support at TOTABC.org/Resiliency.
Ideas Labs - Peer-to-Peer Learning for B.C. Tourism Businesses
The BC Tourism Resiliency Network has announced four new topics from January to March 2021. Each Ideas Lab kicks off with a short presentation by a BC-based tourism business, designed to ignite inspiring conversation during the facilitated discussion.
Andrea McFadden of the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm will kick start the Ideas Labs conversation on Building Back Better: Contributing to a Better Future for Tourism. Other topics include meetings & events, customer loyalty, and business model innovation for a sustainable future.
Learn more and register for these free sessions at TOTABC.org/directory/ideas-labs.
Biosphere Commitment Program & Eco Efficiency Assessments
A sustainable and resilient industry is our collective goal as we move forward better. TOTA is assisting tourism operators through the Biosphere Commitment Program and Eco Efficiency Assessments.
Learn more and register for a free assessment at TOTABC.org/eco-efficiency-program.
Strong Earth Youth Summit (SEYS) - TOTA Partnering to Host Virtual Event on April 29, 2021
Finally, we are very excited to work in collaboration with SunX Malta to host the first 2-day climate friendly youth travel summit that will take place virtually, starting in Canada on April 29. We will have more information when registration opens in the next few weeks.
Moving Forward Better
With eleven months to go before we welcome 2022, let's do everything we can to stay safe, healthy, keep COVID-19 numbers low, and prepare for the future.
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