Thompson Okanagan Tourism Newsletter | February 9, 2024

Highlights of this newsletter include:

Grants and resources
Share your insights on climate resiliency, accessibility inclusion in the workplace, and bats well-being
Report on Canada visitation for November 2023
Black History Month
Save BC Restaurants campaign
Heritage Week events
And more...

Featured News

BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative- Kalamalka Lake in Vernon-1

Register for BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI)

BC's tourism industry can apply for sustainability adaptation planning support and micro-grants from Destination BC.

Applications for planning support are open until February 23.
Applications for micro-grants up to $15,000 are open until March 8.

New Grant and Mentorship Program to "Spark" Innovative Tourism Ideas Along Rainforest to Rockies Iconic Route | Apply by March 1

Want to learn more about the Rainforest to Rockies "Spark" Program and how to get $3,000 for your tourism idea? Register for the virtual Info Session on February 22 at 3 PM.

Call for insights to support SFU study on advancing tourism resilience through big data and smart destination practices

TOTA is seeking tourism business owners and operators to share knowledge and insights in the study From panic to planning: Advancing tourism resilience through big data and smart destination practices by participating in a short one-on-one interview in February to April 2024.

To schedule an interview, please contact Scott Peters at Scott_Peters@SFU.ca or +1-778-878-2557

Province continues support for fairs, festivals, events

Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund grants | Apply by February 25

BC-based events can apply for one-time grants, up to about 20% of the total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000 per event.

Industry Resources

Free digital marketing training for BC Tourism Businesses

Registration is open for the next Tourism Digital Academy intake, beginning March 19. In this free, 8-week online Digital Marketing Program for tourism businesses, participants learn practical, actionable guidance through video recordings, live sessions, one-on-one coaching, and audits.

There's also a self-guided version, if you prefer to complete a condensed version at your own pace.

Learn more and apply:

Black History Month Resources & Toolkit

Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities. People are invited to learn more about Black Canadian communities, and how they continue to help shape Canada.

In the Thompson Okanagan region, discover Black-owned businesses through the following listings:

BC Marketplace (Not listed? Create a free profile)
Downtown Kelowna

If you know of other community listings, blog posts, or other resources, please share with News@TOTABC.com so we can help spread the word.

WorkSafeBC inspections and free consultations with go2HR

In 2024, WorkSafeBC Planned Inspectional Initiatives will promote the effective management of workplace risks through inspections. For tourism and hospitality, musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention and psychological health and safety are likely topics for discussion.

go2HR’s team of experts can offer advice on preparing or following a workplace inspection, managing MSIs, workplace psychological health and safety, and much more. For support, request a free consultation.

Outdoor Recreation Council of BC fundraising sources & grant directory

Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) created a list of resources that can help businesses, non-profits, and communities access funding for recreation and outdoor projects. They also developed a Grant Directory spreadsheet aimed at sourcing funding opportunities primarily for recreation and outdoor initiatives, with over 80 funding sources.

Canada Overnight arrivals at a glance november 2023

November 2023 overnight arrivals to Canada

Canada welcomed 995,000 overnight visitors in November 2023 – a 19% increase over November 2022, bringing November arrivals up to 91% of pre-pandemic levels.

Destination Canada produces regular data, market intelligence, and industry analysis to help businesses market to international travellers and grow Canada’s tourism industry.

View more Destination Canada reports →

Get Involved

Survey on workplace disability inclusion & awareness practices

As part of the Belong project, Tourism HR Canada is conducting a survey to understand how operators currently engage with HR practices aimed at broadening the pool of potential employees. This input will help develop tools and training for tourism operators looking to untapped pools of talent to meet recruitment needs.

Survey to understand bat well-being around awnings & window shades

Got Bats? BC Community Bat Project is conducting a survey in response to reports about bats being squished in power awnings and exterior window shades connected to some businesses and residences.

There have been 30 reports from the Okanagan, and it is reported that bats seeking cooler environments during increasingly warmer weather are seeking shelter in these awnings and window shades.

Learn more and complete survey

BCRFA, Restaurants Canada launch “Save BC Restaurants” campaign, call for policy change to help struggling sector

The new campaign, ‘Save BC Restaurants’, is aimed at raising awareness of the challenges facing BC restaurants and foodservice vendors.

Tourism Kamloops recruiting CEO

Tourism Kamloops is on the hunt for a new CEO, someone who is a passionate leader to champion and drive the visitor economy in Kamloops - to be a spokesperson for this vibrant community.

View Job Posting →.

Attend Heritage Week events

Heritage Week will be celebrated across Canada Feb 19 – 24, 2024, with local heritage-related activities throughout the week. Industry members are invited to join the events to learn more about the rich heritage of the region.

For example, the Central Okanagan Heritage Society coordinates the activities of a dozen Kelowna organizations, creating an exciting schedule of events to share the history of the area.

Marketing

Ski the Thompson Okanagan Press Release

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is encouraging people to plan a visit to a Thompson Okanagan ski resorts to experience the wonders of winter by sharing a roundup of information with media. The press release is designed to raise awareness of ski resorts, passes, and activities in the Thompson Okanagan, inspiring them to plan a trip.