Thompson Okanagan Tourism Newsletter | July 18, 2025
BC Cabinet Update
The BC government announced a cabinet shuffle on July 17, 2025. TOTA would like to thank Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert for his leadership and contributions as Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport, and warmly welcome Minister Anne Kang to the role. With her extensive experience across multiple ministries, we look forward to working with Minister Kang to continue strengthening tourism in the Thompson Okanagan and British Columbia.
New Routes, Bold Futures: Navigating Tourismās Transformation
Join TOTA on October 22 - 23, 2025, in Kelowna at the KF Centre for Excellence for the 2025 AGM & Summit. Last year's Summit was a sold-out event that brought together tourism industry professionals from around the region for two days to network, engage in industry-specific workshops, and learn from experts.
This year, we will explore the latest market trends, innovative transportation solutions, and new opportunities for growth and collaboration in the region and beyond.
Early bird registration is now open and will close on August 29, 2025.
TOTA News Centre
Find the Newsletters - TOTA Updates - Regional News - Events - Resources on the TOTA News Centre and our TOTA social channels.
Regional Research Snapshot
Every month, we bring you a bite-sized look at key trends shaping our industry, courtesy of the team at Symphony Tourism Services. This monthās snapshot explores the solid performance in the accommodation sector, revealing insights that can help guide your strategy.
Dive deeper into July's insights by downloading the full snapshot.
Symphony Tourism Services provides a unique blend of research, marketing, and consulting services for businesses, communities, destination management organizations, large and small, local and regional government, festivals & events, and more.
Regional Highlights
š£StartUP Entrepreneurial Skills Training Program
Community Futures North Okanagan is now accepting applications for the August 2025 cohort of its free StartUP Entrepreneurial Skills Training Program.
šOkanagan Gondola Breaks Ground
Ridge North America has begun construction on the Okanagan Gondola, a new all-ages tourism destination located between Kelowna and Vernon, offering panoramic views, immersive trails, and elevated dining.
š£Out For Business Mentorship Program
Applications for the 2025/26 Out For Business (OFB) mentorship program cohort are now open. This program supports young 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs across Canada.
šBC Rivers Day 2025
BC Rivers Day returns for its 45th annual celebration on Sunday, September 28, 2025, marking one of the provinceās largest community-driven environmental events.
šŗļø Booking.comās 2025 Sustainable Travel Report
Booking.comās 2025 Sustainable Travel Report reveals that more than half of global travelers now recognize the impact of tourism on local communities, not just the environment.
Do you know someone who would benefit from receiving updates about upcoming TOTA events and regional highlights? Encourage them to subscribe through our website.
In Case You Missed It: go2HR Webinar Recording Now Available!
Is your tourism or hospitality team ready for the next crisis?
From forest fires to heatwaves, BCās tourism and hospitality sector faces growing challenges, and your people are at the heart of your response.
Catch the recording of the recent go2HR webinar: āImplementing a People-Centred Approach to Crisis Preparedness & Responseā
This insightful session explores how to:
Prioritize employee well-being before, during, and after a crisis
Communicate clearly and compassionately under pressure
Build a resilient, psychologically safe workplace culture
Youāll also get access to downloadable resources, including presentation slides and a summary to help you take action right away.
Have you followed the Thompson Okanagan social accounts? Tag #ThompsonOkanagan to have your photos featured in our upcoming content.
