Manic Monday | How much of our region have you taken the time to explore?
From Osoyoos to Valemount; Christina Lake to Princeton and the more than 71,600 square kilometres in between; many of you have heard me say on more than one occasion that our region is the size of Ireland. Not only is this a true statement but the diversity of the geography and the product offering is far more than many countries around the world can boast.
During the month of May, the TOTA team is traveling around this immense region bringing our annual Roadshow this year themed "Driving Tourism Together Tour" to many of our communities and stakeholders. Already, the TOTA team has had the pleasure to present in Grand Forks, Keremeos, and Penticton to rooms filled with industry stakeholders with a passion of selling our region and offering quality experiences. See a video that captures highlights from our first three stops.
In the process of our trip across the region we also have had the opportunity to experience first hand a small sampling of the amazing touring product that lies within our regional boundaries. From the Wooden Spoon in Grand Forks to the Wood Fire Pizza Truck in Penticton to the Caves at Seven Stones Winery near Keremeos each experience is distinctly different and definitely remarkable.
We hope you will take the opportunity to join us as we continue our Road Show presentations over the next few weeks for an update on work the TOTA has accomplished with the support of Destination British Columbia, Destination Canada, and industry stakeholders in 2015/16 and our plans for 2016/17. Our partners, Telus, go2HR, and Green Step, will also be with us in a few locations to provide very informative and enlightening resources to assist you and your business to prosper.
We know along the way we are going to be experiencing a wealth of tourism treasures, some more well known than others, we hope that you too will be inspired to take time to explore all this great region has to offer.
Check our schedule and dates and if you have something you think we should not miss be sure to tweet or facebook us.
Let's work together to drive tourism and bring the region to new heights in 2016 and beyond!
A Few Highlights This Weeks News Centre
I must pause this week to recognize with great sadness the wildfires that are ripping through Northern BC and Alberta and in particular the city of Fort McMurray. We in the Thompson Okanagan are not strangers to the devastation of such events. While there is a sense of sheer helplessness we also recognize the tremendous need in these areas for for support from friends, neighbors and strangers both near and far. We have lived through the fear and anxiety of this unpredictable turn of nature and we know what it means to feel the compassion and assistance from other Canadians.
There are many relief efforts underway and we encourage you to do what you are able to provide assistance either through donations of food, clothing, supplies or cash donations via the online sites that can be accessed through CBC.
No donation is too small and every act of generosity helps mend broken spirits and build strength for what will surely be a very long road to recovery ahead.
Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO
