Manic Monday | Driving and Flying Regional Tourism Revenues
Access means everything to the Tourism Industry and it is certainly a critical component of "driving or flying" tourism revenues into the Thompson Okanagan.
On the ground, this means ensuring we continue to lobby for improved road systems through lane twinning, increased passing sections and the use of more electronic adjustable speed limit signage. We need stronger enforcement of existing policies and safety measures specifically the winter requirement for chains and/or approved winter tires on our mountain passes. And we must ensure that there is enhanced year round road maintenance and snow removal programs to keep our roads safe for our residents and visitors alike.
In the air, we have seen incredible improvement in connectivity and we must continue to work with our airline partners to increase the number of direct flights or seamless arrivals from major gateways both domestically and internationally. Through the tireless work of many of our stakeholders, DMO's and Airport partners in Penticton, Kamloops, and Kelowna we have seen the construction of new terminals and runways, technology and guest service enhancements and ever-increasing air access.
The Thompson Okanagan has been fortunate to have a partner in Air Canada who have been strong and supportive allies over decades. Their commitment to this region has been unwavering and their response to industry concerns, recommendations and suggestions have been met open minds and dialogue that have continued to lead to positive changes.
This past week a group of regional stakeholders made up of key industry leaders from the Okanagan Bucketlist with the additional support of YLW, Tourism Kelowna, and TOTA participated in hosting a luncheon for Air Canada Global Sales Representatives in Montreal further elevating our regional message and once helping to cement the Region as a key destination within the Air Canada World Wide Network.
Access changes everything and we applaud those that understand the importance of providing our residents and visitors with the best possible driving and flying experiences.
One last comment...
Last Friday marked the beginning of the Year of the Dog in the Chinese Lunar Calendar and in fact it is not just any dog but the "Earth Dog". The earth dog only comes around every 60 years so for many of us it is the first and possibly the last time for this particular lunar cycle.
What does this mean? Well, only the next 12 months will be able to tell for sure, but as dogs are generally known to be loyal, easy going and kind, perhaps we can all wish for more peace, better communication, collaboration and understanding in our world going forward.
It is with that hope that we extend our hearts to those in Florida that last week lost so much in yet another senseless shooting; we are all grieving. Your loss and your heartbreak break the hearts of us all.
Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO
