Manic Monday | This one is for US ...FOR ALL OF US!

Congratulations to all of us as we are thrilled to announce that our Association and region has been recognized with another major international award this year. At the 25th Annual World Travel Awards which took place on Saturday, September 22nd in Montego Bay, Jamaica the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association was this year’s recipient of North America's Responsible Tourism Award.

As a region, we have for some time been setting new benchmarks and taking on some very serious tourism topics. Topics that are also being discussed and considered worldwide as it relates to the responsible promotion, development, and growth of tourism for today, and more importantly, for the future.

To all of the many groups that are helping to set this vital course such as our Communities and DMO partners, First Nations Communities, Tourism Industry Stakeholders, Provincial Government Ministries, Destination BC, ITBC,  Destination Canada and numerous Corporate Partners and Sponsors.... we owe you a huge debt of gratitude for your support, leadership, vision, and efforts.

Without question, collectively we are a long way from being where we want to be economically, socially, environmentally, and culturally.  But the World is taking notice for our collective and collaborative efforts and, as a result, our region and Province are being noticed for our focus on the important challenges and issues of sustainability.

As I have noted previously, our Certification as a Biosphere Sustainable Tourism Destination by the Responsible Tourism Institute with its connection to the UN World Tourism Organization and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council was an important step in publicly acknowledging the commitment we are making as a region to these areas of Destination Development and Management.

This one is for US....ALL OF US...

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO