Thompson Okanagan Tourism Newsletter | January 11, 2024
Updates, webinars, events, opportunities to get involved, resources, and research to support Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals.
Message from the CEO
Greetings Chelsea,
And so we begin a new year… 2024… and as always it promises both opportunities and challenges for the tourism and hospitality industry. While the prospect of recovery and growth is enticing, it is imperative that we confront the pressing issue of climate change and its undeniable impact on our sector. The need for adaptation, resiliency, and sustainability has never been more urgent.
Tourism and hospitality have always been catalysts for economic growth, cultural exchange, and community development. As we venture into this new year, it is crucial that we recognize the responsibility we bear in shaping a future that is not only prosperous but also sustainable for generations to come.
The challenges posed by climate change demand we rethink our business models and tourism experiences. To navigate the new normal, we must embrace innovative thinking, foster strong partnerships, and engage in collaborative efforts that transcend industry boundaries. Only through collective action can we hope to create resilient and sustainable tourism practices.
As stakeholders in the Thompson Okanagan tourism region, you are the pioneers and visionaries of our industry. It is your commitment and foresight that will determine who thrives in the face of change. By adopting eco-friendly practices, incorporating sustainable technologies, and promoting responsible tourism, we can collectively reduce our environmental footprint.
TOTA is here to support you in this journey towards a sustainable future. We are committed to providing resources, facilitating knowledge-sharing platforms, and fostering collaborations that empower our stakeholders and partners to adapt and innovate. In the coming months, we will launch initiatives aimed at equipping our members with the tools and knowledge needed to implement sustainable practices. Workshops, webinars, and collaborative projects will be organized to facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices. Additionally, we will actively seek partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to environmental stewardship.
Let us not only embrace the challenges that 2024 brings but also transform them into opportunities for positive change. Together, we can build a tourism and hospitality sector that not only survives but thrives in the face of adversity.
Thank you for your dedication to our industry and the collective pursuit of a sustainable and resilient future.
The TOTA Marketing team has launched a new campaign, Stay a While, inviting visitors to go deeper and explore the Thompson Okanagan's most enriching experiences.
The campaign is focused on extending visitor stays - whether that be an extra hour or additional days - to discover the many experiences unique to the Thompson Okanagan.
Harshit Srivastava is TOTA's dedicated Energy Analyst, collaborating closely with FortisBC to introduce energy efficiency solutions to the tourism industry.
Learn more about Harshit’s professional background and his work delivering opportunities that lead to cost savings and a reduction in carbon footprints.
TOTA is offering free food waste prevention training by BetterTable.ca for Thompson Okanagan food preparation professionals to reduce costs. This online certificate program is a cost-saving opportunity, with actionable tips and industry best practices for managers and kitchen staff to reduce food waste. The online program is available on demand for a limited time.
go2HR has released a new course to help employers and individuals get started and thoughtfully move forward on the journey in the world of EDI. This course provides foundational knowledge and explores concepts such as positionality, intersectionality, types of bias, microaggressions, microinsults, microassaults, and much more.
Learn about the BCHA's advocacy work in their recent report and in a virtual session on January 17 at 1 PM PT. Advocacy topics include workforce initiatives, short-term rentals, employee housing, immigration adjustments, and the MRDT Tri-Party Agreement.
⭐ TIABC Voice of Tourism Podcast Recordings - hear from provincial industry leaders, such as:
The CleanBC Plastics Action Fund is accepting applications to support innovative plastic waste reduction projects across the province promoting the development of a circular economy in BC.
Applications will be accepted until December 2024, or until all funds are subscribed.
A new regulation is being developed to revamp the BC Disaster Financial Assistance program through extended public engagement. People, communities and small businesses are asked to share their experiences and provide feedback to help inform new policies by January 31.
The Province is revamping its approach to emergencies to ensure people and communities are receiving the supports they need. A part of this work involves updating the Emergency Support Services (ESS) program to better meet the needs of people requiring support when they are evacuated from their home due to an emergency.
The Province is seeking feedback from evacuees, front-line workers, volunteers, families, and businesses about how ESS could be improved. The public survey will be open until February 9.
With the CEBA repayment deadline due this month, Restaurants Canada is seeking support on behalf of its members and sector. According to the organization, 1 in 5 hardworking restaurant operations say they will need to close some, if not all, of their locations.
The Tourism AI Network (TAIN) is collecting BC tourism industry perspectives, to share at TIABC's Industry Conference in March. Share your thoughts to support their work to support the tourism industry.
In Memoriam Tribute
Did you experience the pain of losing a cherished colleague and industry friend? The Tourism Industry Association of BC is creating an In Memoriam Tribute to share at the BC Tourism Industry Conference on March 6-7 for those who have passed in 2023, as a way to collectively honour their memory.
Destination BC has launched the first in a series of new place brands, called Iconics. These compelling routes and places that span British Columbia will inspire more travellers to visit more places in the province, throughout the year.
The first of the Iconics is Rainforest to Rockies, a journey from Vancouver on the Pacific Coast to the Canadian Rockies through several routes, to various communities, including destinations in the Thompson Okanagan.
The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) has awarded funding to support projects that will help build and diversify the economy. Congratulations to the recipients - we look forward to seeing these projects come to life. Thompson Okanagan projects include:
Trails to The Boundary Society - Social Enterprise Opportunities for Rural Economic Development
Merritt & District Chamber of Commerce - 3-year Strategic & Tactical Plan
Big White Mountain Chamber of Commerce - Business Walk and Shop Local Program
Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce - Grand Forks Ambassador Program
Kelowna Chamber of Commerce - Southern Interior Regional Economic Summit II
Okanagan Circular Society - Community Solar Initiative
Regional District Okanagan Similkameen - Naramata Community Revitalization Plan
Westbank First Nation and Okanagan Indian Band - Connected Communities Campaign
Salmon Arm Folk Music Society - Strategic Planning Roots and Blues
Salmon Arm & District Chamber of Commerce - Strategic Vision
Shuswap Economic Development Society - Shuswap Economic Development Office & Workhub
Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw – Little Shuswap Lake Band - Business Park Recovery & Expansion
Kamloops Food Policy Council - Strengthening the Kamloops Regional Food Supply Chain
Tourism Kelowna’s destination development journey started in 2019, culminating with the release of the Tourism Destination Development Plan (TDDP) at the end of 2022. Tourism Kelowna was recognized with a Meaningful Tourism Award for the plan. Learn how Kelowna's Tourism Destination Development Plan came together, and what was accomplished in 2023.
Effective December 20, businesses cannot give out, manufacture, or import for sale plastic-based checkout bags, cutlery and straws under federal laws across the country.
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